By: Eva Bowering, FW Writer

Queen East was by far one of my favourite
neighborhoods to discover upon moving to
Toronto, and luckily it was just around the corner
from where I am living now.

Leslieville has so much to offer in comparison to
other areas. What is great about Queen East is
not only how comfortable the atmosphere is but
it is as if you stumbled into a very rare corner of
Toronto that has managed to flourish in such an
interesting way. Queen East has combined the
taste of the Danforth with a mix of trendy Queen
West, and still manages to stand out on its own.

I had the great opportunity to discover
an eclectic variation of shops and restaurants.
Queen East is well known now for their amazing
antique and vintage shops, but beyond that,

The Purple Purl
1162 Queen St. E.
The Purple Purl is a cafe/knitting
studio located right on the edge of Jones
and Queen East. The Purple Purl offers
a variety of knitting classes that would
be an ideal past time for the upcoming
winter. Especially if you are keen on
making your own gifts for Christmas
versus buying. The Purple Purl gives you
the chance to learn the knitting craft in
a comfortable easy-going atmosphere,
while enjoying your favourite cuppa.
Whether you’re a beginner knitter or a
pro, The Purple Purl can cater to you in
some shape or form by offering a wide
selection of yarn, including exclusive lines
and exotic spun fibers.

Beaches Cinema
1651 Queen St. East
While we’re on the subject of film,
Beaches Cinema has to be my favourite
place to go see a new movie on the big
screen. I’ve been to just about every
cinema in the city, and this one is just
lucky enough to be in my neighborhood.
Beaches Cinema is entirely different in
comparison to others because the layout
is simple and yet charmingly charismatic.
It isn’t over priced, there have never been
giant lineups and they have the best snack
bar (with the best selection of snacks) that
I have seen anywhere else. Not only that,
but you can play checkers if you arrive too
early to your show or even listen to a live
jazz band on particular nights through out
the week. This in itself sums it up to being
one of the best cinemas in the city.

The Film Buff
1380 Queen St. East
The Film Buff isn’t your usual video
store, and although you can find your
typical mainstream flicks it mainly caters
to those who have a strong interest in
film. Unlike a vast majority of chains
in every neighborhood, The Film Buff
manages to separate itself due to its
interesting atmosphere (including a cafe/
ice cream/dessert bar). It very much gives
off an independent feel, but is a little
more welcoming and much less bland
then your local Blockbuster. Asking for
recommendations is also a great idea, and
may open you up to a whole other realm
of film watching. Over all, one of the best
video stores to be found here in Toronto.

Six Shooter Records
1118 Queen St. E.
Six Shooter Records is not your run of
the mill record shop. Six Shooter offers a
strict selection of Canadian indie musicians,
as well as a interesting mix of hand made
jewellery, painted cowboy boots, books,
and gift cards. Six Shooters is entirely
different than any other record store I’ve
been in, as it has it’s niche and it sticks to
it. Meaning, Canadian artists in general. It
sticks with it’s over all Canadian musical
roots, but also focuses on Canadian artists
of all kinds. It’s interesting, and unique
and whether or not you’re an avid music
collector or audiophile, you’d still be able
to stop by and perhaps pick up a gift for a
variety of occasions.