The Lure of Leaside
For all of life’s essentials, there is a great selection within walking distance, making errands easy. Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall’s Banks, LCBO, Valu-Mart, Metro, Whole Foods, the Beer Store and more are all located here. Support local farmers through your neighbourhood butcher Cumbraes.
There are tons of restaurants, cafes and bistros lining Bayview Avenue- very handy for date night or to meet up with friends on a whim. Check out BoMou Artisanal Bakery or Rahier Patisserie, where you can indulge in pastry with your morning coffee, have a decadent dessert, or pick up something special for your dinner party tonight. Your brunch spot could be Eggstatic that offers an artisan breakfast experience. And then there is McSorley’s Saloon & Grill , self-described as “Your run-of-the-mill neighbourhood, family, sports, patio, trivia, big screen TV, magic show, newspaper, live-music, video games, pinball, darts, lollypops, and peanuts wonderful saloon & grill restaurant type place”. Stop by Hollywood Gelato for a scoop. Your wing night destination is just up the road at Duff’s Famous Wings. Most neighbourhood eateries are offering takeout, delivery or curbside pickup while under COVID-19 restrictions. You can still dine “out” but stay “in”.
There are some truly unique retailers along Bayview that are well worth a visit- either in store, or from the comfort of your own home, browsing online. Sample beautiful scarves and accessories at the Butter Studio. Build your wardrobe in the most fashionable way at Cornflower Blue. Cigar aficionados should check out the Smokin’ Cigar Shop. Furnish your home at Boo Boo and Lefty. Pick up all of the necessities for your furry friends at Paws and Claws. Get your fresh cut flowers at The Flower Patch.
One of the many life lessons that we’ve learned during this pandemic is the importance of community and in that wonderfully fulfilling reciprocal relationship with our neighbours. It just makes your life better when you know that you can lean on your neighbours and that sense of community when challenges come your way.
As we adjust to life under this pandemic, we can still support local business, with an eye ahead to when we’ll all be able to get back to business as usual- which will mean the opportunity to frequent those unique neighbourhood shops and restaurants that make Leaside so desirable. Even if restrictions mean that you can’t shop in person, shop online or over the phone with your local retailers and take advantage of shipping or curbside pickup. Gift certificates are a wonderful way to support these businesses both today and in the future (and make great holiday gifts!).
Don’t forget that your opinion matters- not only to local businesses, but as a way of supporting them to draw new customers seeking positive experiences. When you’ve had a great experience, make sure to share on social media- and especially with Google Reviews.
A community innately remains a community because of the fabric that binds it together- no matter what is going on around it. All the more reason to shop local in Leaside!