TORONTO HOME STORES

From fashion for you to wear, to fashion for your home, Toronto is fashion-forward when it comes to both. There are so many home-stores with a modern flair where you can find that "perfect piece" for your place. I've highlighted just a few to keep in mind the next time you jet set north of the border.

StyleGarage: 983 Queen Street West (416) 534-4343
StyleGarage is a modern furniture and accessories retailer. They can create original and custom pieces as well!
Quasi Modo: 789 Queen Street West (416) 703-8300
Many consider this a hidden gem in the Queen West section of the city. They sell funky modern furniture, lighting, ceiling fans, storage solutions, stools and accessories. They also have unique modern exterior items like mailboxes, door bells and house numbers.

Pavilion: 739 Queen Street West (416) 504-9859

If you are looking for contemporary style and design for your home or space, then Pavilion is just what you're looking for. This Toronto design staple features modern home accessories and furnishings, including beautiful metal and glass tables, lighting, linens, throw pillows and frames. You'll find many Asian design elements as well.

One Twenty Modern: 120 Ossington Avenue (416) 537-4400

Everything in this store is beautiful, with clean lines...think simple decor and living. You can find great lighting, furniture, and home accessories.

Haveli Home: 171 East Liberty Street (In Historic Liberty Village District) (416) 539-8055

At this store you will find a collection of new, re-claimed, re-cycled and vintage furniture from India. All of their textile coverings, pillows and cushions are handmade in India. You can also get antique doors, arches, and sculptural objects as well. I actually bought a beautiful silk-printed scarf at the store for my mom for under $8 U.S.

All along Ossington Street, you will find an abundance of Art Galleries! Pop your head in and you can usually chat it up with the artist and find a great piece that is original and something you can remember your trip by every time you stare at it on your wall at home!

AN OCTOBERFEST IN OCTOBER

Yes, we all know the real, true Octoberfest is held every year in Germany...and what an event it truly is! But, it's funny that it's called Octoberfest because it's usually held at the end of September, and finishes in early October. In fact, this year's festivities officially ended last Sunday! So, I did a little digging to find out where my New York jet setters could go for an Octoberfest celebration...in October...and closer to home than Germany...and I found something that I think sounds like a lot of fun!Circle-Line Sightseeing Cruise has an annual Octoberfest cruise that runs every weekend during the month of October! Basically, you hop on the boat from Pier 83 in Manhattan at 8:30am sharp and go for a 2-hour cruise up the Hudson River (enjoying beautiful scenery of fall foliage and views of the George Washington Bridge and other sites along the way) all the way up to Bear Mountain State Park. On the boat, you can buy all of the beer you want. Once you get to Bear Mountain State Park, the festivities really begin with German food, beer, and entertainment. You leave the park at 3:30pm for your 2-hour cruise back to Pier 83 which drops you off by 5:30pm. Ticket Prices are as follows: Adults ($49), Children ($30), and Senior Citizens ($40).