Discover
Your guide to uncovering hidden gems.
We take you on a journey of exploration and discovery! If you're a traveler or local looking for new and exciting spots to explore, then you're in the right place. Our blog is dedicated to sharing our love of Downtown Kingston and our passion for discovering hidden gems around.
We believe that Downtown Kingston is more than just visiting popular tourist destinations; it's about immersing yourself in the local culture, meeting new people, and discovering the unique and unexpected. That's why we're committed to exploring off-the-beaten-path spots and sharing our discoveries with you. Check out our most recent articles...
Year in Review: The New & Buzz-worthy Businesses from 2024
It’s that time of year. A time when we reflect on all of the changes and growths as we countdown to fresh starts in January. Time moves quickly but luckily we have notes on some of the new places that popped up in downtown Kingston in 2024.
- Tianna Edwards
The Roundstone and Fancy That: One Big Family for 50 Years
In the heart of downtown Kingston are two beloved retail stores celebrating 50 years of business, The Roundstone and Fancy That. The stores are run by the dynamic trio: sisters, Amanda, Alix, and their mother, Maria. This is a story about a family of three generations that never threw in the towel- not through two recessions, a global pandemic, or an ever-changing retail landscape.
- Faith Casselman
Unique Experiential Gift Ideas in Downtown Kingston: Less Clutter, More Memories!
Experiences are the ultimate gift! Less clutter, less waste and more memories. This is a gift list of experiences that can only take place in the heart of Downtown Kingston!
- Tianna Edwards
Fall in Love with Downtown Kingston: Date Night Ideas
Fall is here, and it’s serving all the cozy vibes - think gorgeous fall colours, pumpkin spice, warm drinks, and of course, the ultimate sweater weather. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect date night to enjoy with your boo this autumn in Downtown Kingston, you’re in luck!
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Meet mōrro Yoga and Pilates Owner Kristie Fountain
Starting November 1, mōrro yoga will officially expand into the space next door to it and offer Reformer Pilates! If you’re not familiar with mōrro yoga or Reformer Pilates, don’t worry, I caught up with owner Kristie Fountain to learn all about their exciting next steps.
- Tianna Edwards
Room with a View: Discover Kingston’s Waterfront Holiday Inn
Discover the ultimate getaway at Kingston Waterfront's Holiday Inn, where stunning lake views meet top-notch amenities. Explore why this vibrant destination is perfect for your next vacation!.
- Mariana Flores
Meet The Creative Force Behind Kingston’s Vibrant New Boutique, Lazy Daisies
Learn the story behind downtown's cutest new home accessories shop, Lazy Daisies, at 227 Princess street and meet the founder and owner, Josée Sabourin.
- Tianna Edwards
The Secret Garden Inn: 130 Years in the Making
Whether you're drawn to its Victorian-era charm, or the modern luxury seamlessly integrated into its historic setting, The Secret Garden Inn promises a stay as memorable as it is enchanting.
- Mariana Flores
Sustainable Summer Style: Kingston's Must-Visit Thrift Shops
Check out this curated list of thrift, vintage and consignment shops in the heart of downtown Kingston and experience the thrill of falling in love with a thrifted item that fits perfectly.
- Tianna Edwards
Emancipation Day Black Block Party in Downtown Kingston
The biggest event of the three days is the Emancipation Day Black Block Party! This event highlights Black-owned businesses, artists and creators through various activities. Depending on your interests, I’ve highlighted (by category) what you might be interested in checking out on August 3!
- Tianna Edwards
Celebrate Summer: 17 Things to do in July in Downtown Kingston
Summer is in full swing and there are endless ways to celebrate the sunny season in Downtown Kingston! Buskers, fireworks, festivals, live music, dancing, shopping and so much more are filling the streets of downtown this July!
- Sierra Saikaley
Your Guide to the Perfect Day on Kingston's Waterfront
Summer is here, and downtown Kingston's waterfront is calling your name! With endless activities and experiences waiting for you, let’s make the most of those long summer days.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Celebrate Summer: 17 Things to do in June in Downtown Kingston
From street festivals to outdoor live music and cultural tours, there are plenty of ways to celebrate summer downtown Kingston this June.
- Faith Casselman
Treat Mom Like a Queen: Spa, Brunch, and Floral Ideas for Mother’s Day
The countdown to Mother’s Day is on and Downtown Kingston is the perfect place to pamper mom in May! Whether it’s a special brunch, a spa visit, or flowers, here is a curated list of places downtown to make mom feel extra special this Mother’s Day.
- Tianna Edwards
Fashion for a Cause: How YGK Thrift & Almost Home Support Families
Discover the story of how the downtown thrift store, YGK Thrift supports the vital mission of Almost Home, a sanctuary for families whose children are receiving pediatric care in Kingston.
- Annalise Spratt
My Stay at the Frontenac Club
In downtown Kingston on the corner of William Street and King Street, you’ll discover a building that has been a bank, a boarding house, and an exclusive gentlemen's club that now stands as Kingston’s most distinctive boutique hotel, The Frontenac Club!
- Sierra Saikaley
Summer Vibes and Patio Delights: Discovering Downtown Kingston's Flavorful Hotspots!
The sun is shining and summer has officially arrived in Kingston! It's time to kick off the season by indulging in the warm weather and exploring the vibrant downtown patios. From breakfast to brunch, lunch to dinner, there's a wide array of amazing venues to enjoy drool-worthy food and refreshing drinks.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Downtown Kingston where Students are vibing!
Welcome to Kingston. We’re sharing all the coolest spots to hit up for a good time in downtown Kingston, whether you're looking for a chill brunch, a night out with friends, a cozy study session, or a fancy dinner. Let's dive into the must-visit places!
- Rosalyn Gambhir
A Staycation at Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront
Welcome to Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront – a four-star hotel where comfort meets hospitality in the heart of historic downtown Kingston! Join me on a little staycation of this gem, and let's see why it's the perfect destination for your next Kingston adventure.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
The Smith Hotel: Where History Meets Modern Luxury
If you’re looking for a unique and quintessential Kingston accommodation, The Smith Hotel is the spot for you. I had the pleasure of staying at the Smith recently and was absolutely delighted by the luxurious and thoughtfully curated space.
- Tianna Edwards
Exploring Downtown Kingston's Colourful Art Scene
Take a colourful journey through downtown Kingston’s diverse art scene, captivating galleries and studio spaces before the Art After Dark event on Friday, April 5th! If you’re visiting, or a local resident you’re sure to find something to browse or even add to your personal art collection.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Savour and Shop: The Perfect Day Downtown
Downtown Kingston is a Hallmark greeting card this time of year.
The large lit Christmas tree behind City Hall, framed by the picturesque old buildings, and cozy restaurants - photo opportunities everywhere you turn. If you’re not in the holiday spirit, one afternoon spent strolling downtown Kingston will absolutely put you in a festive mood. I’m going to take you through my perfect shopping day spent downtown for a little inspiration as we countdown to Dec 25th.
- Tianna Edwards
Your headingDowntown Kingston Gift Guide Under $40
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Don’t worry if the answer is no! This exhaustive list of gift ideas for under $40 is sure to help you check off your list with plenty of time before holiday chaos sets in. I did a combination of touring downtown, browsing online, and asking my instagram community for their tips to find items that are sure to impress!
- Tianna Edwards
This Entrepreneur is Curating Joy with ‘Happy Thoughts’
Welcome to the heart of downtown Kingston, where joy and creativity come together at Happy Thoughts! In this vibrant and charming shop, you'll find an assortment of quirky greeting cards, delightful books, puzzles, jewelry, a kid's section that sparks the imagination, and a variety of gifts that’ll simply make you smile and take you back to your childhood.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
10 Ways to Make Back to School More Sustainable
The back-to-school season isn't usually thought of as a consumer season, but it really has quite an impact. "Back to school" is an unwritten, traditional thing that our society takes part in, or at least I always have...
- Ange Buck
Birdgirl Arts: Where Creativity and Community Meet
As the season begins to change, it’s exciting to think of the summer days ahead spent on the patio sipping ice-cold sangrias. But we’re not there yet. The longer, sunnier days do make me crave a little more social time and need to spark my creativity, though!
- Tianna Edwards
The Lake Celebrates One Year of Making a Splash
“To create a welcoming space for you to find pleasure and delight, engage with a community and gain education that leaves you feeling more connected with yourself,” it’s no wonder there’s been such a warm reception.
- Tianna Edwards
Planning a Low Waste Celebration: removing the excess to find the joy
The Internet has really made us take a step back from the essentials, eh? Pinterest, advertising alongside the weather report, Instagram highlights and "look books" in our emails. Celebrations are one of the areas that get overcrowded with comparison fatigue, too much waste, and too much pressure to make things perfect that they can be well... less than meaningful and joyful, at the end of it all.
- Ange Buck
Roll into Action with BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar
Downtown Kingston is known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and a laid-back vibe that captures the essence of this beautiful city. Nestled within thiscommunity is BSE Skateboard Shop & Coffee Bar on Princess St, a gem that perfectly embodiesdowntownKingston's eclectic spirit,and a place where skateboarding andcoffee unite to build a vibrant hub.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Fall for Fashion with these Thrifty Autumn Picks
Searching for hidden gems and finding nostalgia in a pile of cozy sweaters. Shopping vintage and thrift finds is a beautiful eco-friendly way to reduce landfills and support the community. Now, it’s a perfect time to refresh the wardrobe.
- Tianna Edwards
8 Ideas for a Sustainable Autumn Season
This time of year is so fresh! The sunlight filters in its unique September way. It can be a little bit of a system shock to jump from the summertime to fall preparations, so we've included some living strategies and rituals alongside sustainability strategies.
- Ange Buck
Free Ways to Start Sustainable Living
With the rising cost of everything else and the need to conserve our finances where we can. Things have to change, but how? It doesn’t have to be as difficult as all of that - finding the magical “diamond” item to buy.
- Ange Buck
Find Cher-Mère at The Black Block Party
I sat down with the owner of Cher-Mère, Dr. Aba Mortley, to learn a little more about her journey as a downtown business owner (celebrating ten years this August!) and what the Black Block Party means to her as a community advocate and organizer.
- Tianna Edwards
The Mother of all Treat Days.
The countdown to Mother’s Day is on, as a rookie mom (my kids are four and one years old), I only have a few Mother’s Days under my belt but I have a few thoughts on how I would like to celebrate.
- Tianna Edwards
Behind the Screens: An Interview with KCFF's Executive Director
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is just around the corner! The largest festival in the world dedicated to Canadian Film kicks off on February 28 and runs to March 3. Founded in 2001, this festival is about more than cinema.
- Tianna Edwards
Blooming Beauty at LSP Designs Flower Studio
Welcome to downtown Kingston, where tucked away amidst the bustling streets lies a haven of blossoms, colours, and fragrances. Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to LSP Designs Flower Studio and its incredible owner, Leanne Parcher.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Spring into Self-Care: A Day of Pampering and Shopping in Downtown Kingston.
There are plenty of ways to indulge in a little self-care just that right here in downtown Kingston.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Our Family’s Journey to Bulk Food Shopping Success
Tackling food was always such a looming, overwhelming aspect to my sustainability journey. Food in itself is such a big, overwhelming category in the day-to-day of a parent of a couple little boys, working full time. Finding time to grocery shop, meal plan, meal prep, keep plastic away from food, eat mindfully, find things locally sourced, eat the rainbow, avoid allergens for others, pack lunches, clean up after meals, and stock the fridge generally makes me feel exhausted just thinking about it!
- Ange Buck
Spring Cleaning with Refillery Ingredients.
I’ve compiled all of the recipes for Harlowe Green’s refillery cleaners for anyone hoping to switch to DIY, refill, and leave the plastic and chemical-based detergents and solvents behind.
- Ange Buck
A Weekend Staycation for Your Tastebuds.
Let’s take your taste buds on an expedition to locally owned, drool-worthy restaurants and shops.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
For the Love of Kingston: Downtown date-night ideas
This starter pack of date-night activity pairings will inspire you and your partner to get planning.
- Ashley Newton
Let’s Shop, Eat & Drink in Vibrant Downtown Kingston.
Your next adventure is all about indulging in drool-worthy dishes and exploring the vibrant streets of downtown Kingston.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
Kingston Mainstays: Five of the city’s oldest downtown shops
These are some of the oldest shops in the city you should visit this season.
- Ashley Newton
New Winter Wellness Outdoor Experience: Stoked Sauna Co.
This gem of an oasis is the perfect wellness moment you need this season for your mind and body.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
The Frontenac Club.
Here's your exclusive look at the newly renovated historic Frontenac Club located in downtown Kingston.
- Rosalyn Gambhir
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