kingston

Kingston Christmas Gift Guide: For the Sporty Type

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

‘Tis the season to hit the stores for all sorts of gifts – whether it be for kids, friends, colleagues or bosses – we’re all searching for the perfect present. Thoughtful but not trying and affordable but not cheap. What better way to celebrate Kingston’s wonderful local businesses than by allowing them help you finish your holiday shopping.

I’ve picked a few of my favourite places in town and listed them under categories for Christmas shopping inspiration.

Check back every day this week for more local gift ideas!

This edition is for the sporty type in your life, sure you can get them a gift card to Lululemon or an UnderArmour t-shirt but why not contribute to their fitness regime or give them an experience? Continue reading →

Bread 101 at Riva Restaurant

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 2 Comments

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This week I was pleasantly surprised with the most thoughtful birthday treat by two very close friends. They told me to set aside my Tuesday night with no details of the plans.

After work we drive east on the 401 get off at Joyceville and continue on Highway 2. I have absolutely no clue where we are headed until I see the “Welcome to Gananoque” sign. Then I think, “Riva?” Riva is one of Gananoque’s greatest foodie attractions – I’ve heard amazing things! Continue reading →

Fuel Up

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 3 Comments

When I get into a good workout routine, I automatically shift into health mode. “No, I don’t want that egg mcmuffin. I’d rather sip on a kale smoothie” I convince myself.

Well, recently one Sunday morning after spin class  I have a hankering for some real nutrients and I am starving. I remember walking by a smoothie spot just a week before and I am curious. As I stroll up Princess street I spy the sign, “Fuel.” “Fitting name, that’s exactly what I need!” I think. I walk into the very sleek looking locally-owned juice/smoothie bar and I am greeted by a very friendly face. Continue reading →

Have You Tried Sally’s Roti Shop?

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 1 Comment

Curry. Delicious curry. When I moved from Toronto friends would inquire, “How are you going to get your curry fix?” I’ll admit that I was a little concerned as Kingston has quite a few Thai/Cambodian restaurants and a couple of Indian restaurants that offer fantastic curry dishes but one of my favourite types of curry dishes is in the west-indian category. Specifically, the Trinidadian kind – roti. Continue reading →

Why Bella Bistro’s Burgers are the Best

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 5 Comments

Screen shot 2015-11-01 at 1.49.00 PM
Bella Bistro. This understated, west-end restaurant found on the corner of Collins Bay and Bath road is one of the most unassuming, down-to-earth spaces I’ve ever eaten in but the food is beyond delicious and thoughtfully prepared. If you’re going to use that old motto your mother taught you, “don’t judge a book by its cover” Use it here. Bella Bistro keeps it simple in the decor department and goes above and beyond when it comes to food preparation. When you think about it, that’s the way it should be, right? Continue reading →

15 TIPS TO SURVIVE QUEEN’S HOMECOMING

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Queen’s Homecoming. It means different things to different Kingstonians. Some roll their eyes at the chaos that is about to ensue, others can’t wait to cheer from the stands Saturday afternoon.

For the freshmen who have just settled into student life, the words “Queen’s Homecoming” mean lots of anticipation for what to expect from  the weekend that has made headlines around the world. Who remembers the infamous flipped car? Continue reading →

Bayview Farm Restaurant Feels Like Home With Five Star Service

~ keepupwithkingston ~ 3 Comments

Turn off one of Kingston’s busiest roads and onto a dirt path framed beautifully by large trees, pass a well-manicured house and you’ll see a turquoise exterior topped with the words “Bayview Farm Restaurant.” At first, it feels as if you’re visiting a friend’s country home – expecting a golden retriever named Duke to race towards you. But the restaurant sign is a reminder that you’ve made a dinner reservation and you’re here to enjoy a five-star meal prepared by skilled chefs and served by them, too. Continue reading →

How Do You Like Dem Apples? My Trip to Waddell

~ keepupwithkingston ~ Leave a comment

Crisp mornings, layered clothing and pumpkin-flavoured everything – Fall is in the air! Although it doesn’t officially begin until September 23, it only feels natural to start the new season with a trip to the apple orchard.

Friends and I head north on a cool – but sunny – Sunday morning towards Wadell Apples off Hwy 15. Their orchard has quite a few visitors when we arrive in the early afternoon but there’s enough space that it doesn’t feel crowded. After a quick rundown of the types of available apples – MacIntosh, Lobo and a few Redcourt – we are handed a bag that generally holds ten pounds of apples and we’re on our way. They only have bags, so if you prefer a basket – bring your own. Continue reading →