Even more hipness hits Ossington by way of Toronto’s own Philip Sparks, who has opened his first retail space after five years on the fashion scene. The former garage is now a bright and airy showcase for Sparks’ dandy ensembles and accessories for men and women. Open daily. 162 Ossington Ave., 647-348-1827.

By SHANNON KELLY Virgin Atlantic announced last week that it will join a few other pioneers (Air France, for one) in becoming one of the first airlines to allow cell-phone usage in flight. Travel Web site Skyscanner reported the results of a survey yesterday in which Britons opposed this development to the tune of nine [...]

By Hilary Darrah Community farmers’ markets have sprouted up all over town. For visitors, a casual stroll through a market is a great way to get a slice of local life, and you may even dig up a special souvenir that you just wouldn’t find anywhere else. City Market Downtown on 104th Street You’ll find [...]

Fashionistas on a budget go The Clothes Secret to get outfitted from head to toe. This hidden gem is a family-owned consignment shop that’s been in business for 20 years. (With brand names such as Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Liz Claiborne, and 7 For All Mankind, it’s easy to understand why!) The key? The owners [...]

By CRAIG MOY Toronto-trained chef Crymble manages the culinary operations of two restaurants, a bar, a poolside café and room service at The Rosseau, crafting continental and Italian-influenced menus for the resort’s discerning guests. LOCAL BOUNTY A rooftop herb garden supplies some subtle flavours and aromas for summer offerings—basil is particularly favoured for pizzas and [...]

MARCH 3 TO SEPTEMBER 8 This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which pitted American forces against British colonial troops. Toronto, then known as York, was the site of fevered combat as the war continued in 1813—the Battle of York saw the Americans capture our sylvan settlement and subsequently put it to [...]

You might remember him from the much-missed rock band The White Stripes, and more recently from The Raconteurs or The Dead Weather, but chances are if you’re a music fan, you know Jack White. It’s taken the guitarist, producer and nine-time Grammy winner 15 years to record a solo album. He sings tracks from his [...]

By CANDICE WALSH Did you know you don’t have to be a student to get the same discounts students get? Or that there are more upscale alternatives to CouchSurfing? We asked Canadian travel bloggers for their absolute best tips for finding cheap lodging while on the road and they dished on how to get deals [...]

Canadians, apparently, love beach vacations more than the average traveller: 45 per cent of Canadians said the beach was their preferred vacation destination in a recent Expedia survey, compared with 33 per cent of travellers around the globe who chose the beach as their favourite place to get away. Canadians spend an average of two [...]

By CRAIG MOY A longtime proponent of the Savour Muskoka culinary initiative, Deerhurst Resort executive chef Rory Golden is committed to filling his menu with seasonal ingredients found close to home. In summer he also highlights the power of the barbecue with lots of grilled meats and vegetables—even grilled desserts. LOCAL BOUNTY You’ve heard of [...]