It’s becoming more and more difficult to find a free weekend day where I can do anything my heart desires, a day with no agenda. But when a completely open day does pop up on my calendar, it almost always involves a trip to nearby Eastern Market.
It’s a place both functional and frivolous, a choose-your-own adventure. We always find a few much-needed grocery items, as well as a few we didn’t even know we needed. I love the bustle of the market and the smell of fresh fruit as I walk down the crowded aisles.
If you see this olive stand, ask for a taste of the jalapeño stuffed olives – so good.
But even more than shopping, I really just love walking around and taking in the sights. It seems like I discover something new every time I visit.
It’s always fun to pull up a chair outside Port City Java and do some people watching, or listen to the street musicians performing. There are almost always a few ridiculously cute puppies to swoon over as well.
And of course, the best thing to do in Eastern Market is eat. On a recent visit, we grabbed delicious lumpia rolls from a Laotian food stand.
If it gets too hot, there are dozens of restaurants within a stone’s throw of the market, and also down the way on Barracks Row. Some of my favorites include:
- EatBar for unusual wines and charcuterie (and the fried green tomatoes are kickass)
- Barrel for elevated comfort food
- Beuchert’s Saloon for a delicious breakfast or innovative snacks at the bar
- Pineapple and Pearls for coffee, pastries and mouth-watering sandwiches (or a an epic $250 dinner if you’re so inclined)
- Pacifico Cantina for laid-back patio drinks
- Lavagna for classic, fresh pasta dishes
Weekends in Eastern Market are some of my favorites, and I can’t wait to get back for more food adventures.
Where is your favorite place to go on a free weekend day?
Toronto has a ton of interesting attractions and weekend festivals throughout the Summer. It would be hard for me to choose one, but the “Taste of the Danforth” is by far our most popular weekend food festival. Located in the heart of Greektown, the Taste of the Danforth occurs the second weekend of August every year and draws more than a million people annually. Something for you to look into if you ever make it up to the Great White North for a weekend getaway!
That sounds excellent! Thought I think for the Great White North, I’d need more than a weekend 🙂 It’s definitely on the list!