A Day on the Drive

You already know that Little Italy (aka The Drive) is hip and trendy. But did you know this ‘hood, in particular the few blocks along Commercial Drive just north of 1st Avenue, is also very family-friendly? So next time you’re in the area, don’t just drive by. Stop and check out some of its hot spots.

Shop
Park your car near the corner of Grant and Commercial then walk a few blocks north and check out some great stores en route. We love Kalena’s, which carries hard-to-find, beautiful Italian shoes for kids and adults alike, Room For 2 Maternity & Baby, a well-stocked maternity and newborn store on The Drive since 1985, Dandelion Kids, a great children’s clothing, toy, and accessory store which has been a resident for seven years now, and the brand new Dilly Dally. 

Dilly Dally, the creation of husband and wife team Tyler Quantz and Claire Hutchings, is a beautiful new store that specializes in hard to find European toys and books, with a focus on inspiring imaginative play. As a bonus, they have a great play area for kids at the back of the store, complete with an art station, so that you can browse in peace (at least temporarily).

Eat
For a snack or a meal, Little Nest (corner of Charles and Commercial) is the best family-friendly option, or head back towards the car for a stop at Gelateria Dolce Amore for some yummy homemade gelato cones, truffles or cakes (they even have sugar-free options). You can also grab a coffee there, if you don’t think your brood can make the three-block walk south to Continental Coffee, the neighbourhood’s long-standing coffee institution. 

Play
When it’s play time, head to Victoria Park (between Grant and Kitchener on Victoria Drive). It was recently redeveloped, and boasts some great playground features, a large sandbox (complete with trucks and toys) lots of picnic tables and green space to run around. Mark your calendars for spring, 2011 when Grandview Park (corner of Charles and Commercial) is being reopened, because when this playground and water park is complete, it is sure to quickly become a hot spot. 

So don’t drive by, drive on to The Drive.

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