Perfect Fall Weekend: Kingston Edition

Pile on the layers and warm up the cider because all signs point to autumn! Being the first official weekend of the season, it's the perfect moment to watch the leaves change, indulge in seasonal treats or cozy up on the couch, there are plenty of options to choose from. The city of Kingston truly came alive this past weekend as you saw folks exploring the local scene and enjoying the wonderful sunny weather we had. Though there was a slight breeze in the air, it was also the perfect opportunity to pull out my quilted vest out of the closet!

Chilifest

The weekend started out with a traditional homemade brunch with my foodie partner-in-crime before I headed off to the annual Chilifest event in downtown Kingston! It featured local restauranteurs and chefs showing off their skills and competing in some friendly rivalry. Obviously as a foodie I simply had to attend but the best part was being invited as a judge this year. Boy was it a tough role but well worth all the chilly sampling as a winner was chosen (stay tuned!) and I was joined by the lovely Jessica of Explore YGK.

After tasting oodles and oodles of unique chillis, I had to walk it off by strolling through the farmers' market located just a block up the street. There was chatter, music and laughs to be heard as well as smiles to be seen by vendors and visitors a like. This was the first time in a few weeks that I had ventured downtown on the weekend - for my own sanity I usually stay clear of busy crowds and simply unwind at home or go on road trips to neighbouring cities.

Also the farmers' market is filled with insta moments!

What better way to pass some time than visiting a local art gallery? Kingston is filled with hidden gems and has several rotating exhibits all of which are quite unique in their own way. The Union Gallery is one of many and this season, a different setting took over the space. Emily Jan, a Montréal-based artist and writer, created a life-sized tablescape depicting the 17th century Dutch still-life painting. If you want something untraditional yet traditional, this is your cup of tea. I found it rather intriguing and unexpected especially when you get up close (you'll just have to go visit!).

After popping by Queen's University campus (also my alma mater!) I headed down the road to the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning - a community art space that holds Juniper Cafe and its waterfront patio (seriously best breakfast sandwiches in town!). With the foodie stuff aside, it is also home to the Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre - the main gallery presented an exhibition of works by Hyang Cho. Though quite minimalistic at first glance with neutral colours, it was fascinating to see the interplay between language and how it's explored in sound, installation, text and works on paper. 

The weekend ended on a high note when I attended an afternoon tea party at the lovely Toast & Jam in support of breast cancer where I was joined with fabulous company - Jessica of Explore YGK and Melissa of Improbable Escapes. The event pulled inspiration from Downtown Abbey with ladies dressed in their Sunday best as well as sweet and savoury dining options waiting to be devoured. How pretty are these cakes?