Toronto
Hey Christine, it just so happens that you live in the same area as my sister, Ruth, who lives on Crawford Street (College/Bathurst area). You're right -- over the last few years, that area has been become a happenin' place! Quite the nightlife and lotsa, lotsa restaurants and coffee bars.
I live in what's called the upper "Beaches", Kingston Road and Main, a not-so-happening street.
Debbie H, you might want to check out the "Beaches", Queen Street East, area which is just down the hill from me. The beaches (Lake Ontario) start at approx. Woodbine. Some interesting stores and great restaurants, plus you can take a leisurely walk on the boardwalk (if you don't mind baby strollers and large dogs -- the beaches neighbourhood has a really high concentration of Yuppies -- wish I were one (sigh!).
If you're into "trendy", try Queen Street West (starting at University and Queen), full of funky, "out there" shops plus lots of vintage clothing. Check out "Fashion Crimes and Misdemeanours" -- my favorite Goth clothing store. I swoon everytime I go in there -- beautiful embroidered and "antique" lace tops in every colour of the rainbow and beautiful, Victorian-looking jewellery. Wish Lestat would take me there again some time soon. Plus Queen Street West boast lots of wannabee artists (i.e. poor and struggling but lookin', like, real cool, worldly things don't matter, wouldn't be caught dead in a Walmart, man!, you like my new tongue ring, man?)
If you're into designer labels, try the Yorkville area (a block or two north of Yonge at Bay Street). Once again, the people drinking iced lattes at outdoor cafes in this area "wouldn't be caught dead in a Walmart", but, dahling, bite your tongue (rings or not), worldly things DO matter! "Are those Prada?" "No dear, unfortunately they're last season's Armani. Might as well just slit my wrists and die now". A sprinkling of movie/TV stars and celebrities, as well as the beautiful people who want to be the next big movie stars and celebrities, but have so far only made feminine hygiene commercials. A place to see and be seen. And needless to say, I LOVE IT! If you like to people-watch, and have fingernails as long as Joan Rivers' (If you can't say anything good about someone, come sit by me!) and can make a specialty coffee last for an hour or two, this is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night!
Garbage strike or not, Toronto's streets are ALWAYS clean (and green!). A few years ago, an American film crew was here to shoot a back alley scene and decided the alley looked too clean for "New York". So they dirtied it up by throwing litter around. Next day when they showed up to film, someone had cleaned up the garbage and the alley was spotless!
Toronto is also a safe city to walk around at night. Not that it's dangerous or anything, try to avoid Yonge Street, unless of course, you like a "Carnie" atmosphere. It's simply not attractive. Lots of party-hardy young people and a few winos. Not my cuppa!
Re Mama Mia tickets -- your best bet is to just show up on the night you want to see it and take your chances. People always cancel which leaves the theatre with empty seats. If you can't get in, King Street West, the theatre district, has tons and tons of great restaurants (Greek, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai -- you name it). Or you can go four blocks North to Queen Street West and check out the tongue rings.
Whatever . . . I'm sure you'll love Toronto!
Patricia (currently ring-free)
P.S. Sorry this message was so long. Maybe I'm an aspiring writer and should hang around Queen Street West more!
