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It’s the final stretch for Riverside Local Love! Running until Feb. 26, 2025, the Riverside BIA is inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

The campaign includes a series of videos, blogs (this is the last one!), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review. The grand draw will be on Wednesday, Feb. 26 so enter now!

Spring may be just around the corner, but we have a few more weeks left of these freezing temps. For the fourth and final blog of our Riverside Local Love campaign, here are five ways you can stay warm in the neighbourhood this winter:

Photo credit: Eastbound Run Crew

Sweat It Out

With the weather, staying active in the winter can be a bit challenging. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun alternatives to home workouts in Riverside. You can go running with the Eastbound Run Crew, sign up for a spin class at Rise Cycle, or do HIIT at La Femme Strong.

Photo credit: BlessedLove 

The Soup-erior Choice

If there’s one good thing about the cold, if that a comforting bowl of soup is always a good idea. You can’t go wrong with Isaan Der’s selection of curries or the popular curry noodle dish called Khao Soi. On Wednesdays, BlessedLove makes a mean red pea soup.

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Fashionably Warm

Cop a new jacket from one of the cool vintage clothing stores in Riverside. You’ll find a great collection of secondhand garments from Second Voyage and Good Juice Box. Ran’s Closet has some pretty cool brand new pieces from Korea as well.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Coffee is Calling

Nothing beats the warmth of a freshly made cup of coffee. Why stop at just one cup though? Go cafe hopping in the neighbourhood and discover the unique drinks each coffee shop has to offer, from Isle of Coffee’s Maple Tahini Latte to Lemon Lily’s Tiramisu Latte.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Do Not Disturb

Check in at The Broadview Hotel for the weekend, get cozy in one of the hotel’s posh bedrooms and order room service. You can also watch the sunset at The Rooftop where there are space heaters and blankets provided.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t forget to drop by and snap a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre. It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — make sure to tag @riverside_bia so we can see your posts. Follow us on Instagram for updates on exciting programming in the neighbourhood like Riverside Local Love!

Riverside Local Love is now in its third week! Running until Feb. 26, 2025, the Riverside BIA is inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

The campaign includes a series of videos, blogs (we’re releasing one every week), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review and enter now!

Don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day yet? In our third blog for Riverside Local Love, we’ve got ideas on how you can spend the most romantic time of the year in the neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Friends for Keeps

There’s plenty of fun activities to do with the whole gang in Riverside: a DIY cafe crawl for the coffee lovers, live DJ night at Prohibition Social House for those who like to party, or a group mani-pedi sesh at Sassy Doll Studio for something more laidback and relaxing. 

Photo credit: Slayer Burger

A Family Affair

Isaan Der’s delicious Thai dishes and their generous portions are great for sharing with the fam. White Lily Diner has a stellar brunch menu for something more familiar. If you’re looking for something fun, Slayer Burger has a line-up of creative burgers like the Pandemonium!

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Perfect Pairs

Take your significant other on a special night (or day) out in Riverside. You can grab brunch at Bonjour Brioche, dinner at ēst Restaurant or a nightcap at The Broadview Hotel’s The Rooftop, which has a breathtaking view of the city.

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic and Wellness

Solo Flight

If you plan on going solo on the 14th, treat yourself to a little retail therapy and go on a self-guided vintage crawl. Consider also signing up for Oma’s Love Yourself Event for a fun evening of all things self-care, while giving back to local charity Nellie’s Shelter. It’ll make you feel good, all around!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Canine Companion

Go on a date with your cutest, most loyal Valentine. Stop by Dark Horse Espresso Bar or Dirty Pawz Dog Wash and grab a bag of treats for your furry best friend. Depending on the weather, you can also go on a leisurely stroll at Joel Weeks Park.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, you can also show your support for Riverside Local Love by snapping a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre. It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — don’t forget to tag @riverside_bia so we can see your posts. Follow us on Instagram for updates on fun events in the neighbourhood!

In case you missed our first post, the Riverside BIA has a campaign called Riverside Local Love running until Feb. 26, 2025, inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

Riverside Local Love includes a series of videos, blogs (we’re releasing one every week), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review and enter now!

Our second blog is for the coffee lovers out there. Are you ready to go cafe hopping with us? Here’s the line-up of coffee shops in Riverside for you to check out:

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

Address: 806 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

For those who like their coffee on the sweet side, Jimmy’s Very Own — a vanilla latte with a caramel swirl — is a must-try. They’ve also got a shelf stocked with cute Jimmy’s Coffee merch, from tote bags and toques to mugs and tumblers, that you can purchase as souvenirs.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

You can always count on Dark Horse’s seasonal drinks to be creative. This season, they have the Ube-bae Latte and Snickerdoodle Latte, to name a few. They’ve got a wide assortment of pastries and sandwiches too if you’re feeling peckish or just want something savoury.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

Address: 745 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Switch up your usual coffee order with something unexpected like Isle of Coffee’s Tahini Maple Latte. Pair it with one or two of their signature madeleines, which come in a range of flavours, from chocolate to truffle honey. Did we mention that they have sleek, minimalist interiors too?

Photo credit: Ohh Tea/Lemon Lily Tea

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

Address: 747 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Although known for their teas, Lemon Lily also serves fun espresso-based concoctions such as the Tiramisu Latte. They have a selection of drinks for matcha lovers as well. You can even take home bags of their tea and coffee blends so you can recreate them at home. They also have an ongoing winter special in-store!

While you’re in the neighbourhood, you can also show your support for Riverside Local Love by snapping a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre (771 Queen St E). It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — don’t forget to tag @riverside_bia in your posts. Join our community on Instagram so you’re always updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

The Riverside BIA is starting the year right with our first initiative: Riverside Local Love, a campaign inviting everyone to show their local love through actions: shop, dine, use local services, or leave a Google Review.

Running from Jan. 27 to Feb. 26, 2025 – our campaign features incredible weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250 to $500 – grab your proof of purchase or snapshot your Google Review and enter now!! 

The campaign also includes a series of videos, blogs (first one right here!) and a big surprise…read till the end to check it out!!

For our first blog we’re focusing on tips for exploring the Riverside neighbourhood- your way! In this charming neighbourhood in Toronto’s East End, you’ll find a diverse community of local businesses. When we say there’s something for everyone, we mean it–whether you love starting the day with a delicious brunch or dancing ‘til the wee hours on a Friday night. 

Here’s a few of many ways you can spend time in Riverside according to your interests:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Fashionistas

Are you on the hunt for your next fashion find? You might just find it in one of Riverside’s cool vintage shops. You can explore them at a glance with our Riverside Vintage Crawl map below and go check them out.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Coffeeholics

Grab your friends and go coffee shop hopping in the neighbourhood. It’s a nice way to not only enjoy the specialty drinks on the menu, but also appreciate the ambiance each place has. Some options include Isle of Coffee, Jimmy’s Coffee and Dark Horse Espresso Bar.

Photo credit: Isaan Der – Thai Kitchen & Bar

Foodies

You (and your appetite) are in for a treat because Riverside is home to a wide variety of cuisines so be sure to come hungry. Start the day with brunch at Bonjour Brioche, and then Thai for early dinner at Isaan Der. Make a stop at Blackbird Baking Co. for freshly baked goods. 

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Fitness and Wellness Buffs

Staying active and well in the winter can be a challenge, especially for those who can’t do home workouts. Sign up for a class instead! You have Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (Tip: they have their Love Yourself Event Feb 15), La Femme Strong for strength training (women only gym) and Rise Cycle for indoor cycling.

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Night Owls

If you’re the type who prefers to be out and about after sundown, Riverside has plenty of activities to do. Check out DJ nights at Prohibition Social House, go to an event at The Opera House or enjoy half-price bottles at Chez Nous for something more lowkey, just to name a few of the options.

Ok now onto that surprise we mentioned…

We have a BIG Riverside Local Love photo op right outside of the Queen Garden Centre (775 Queen E). You can’t miss it and its there until Feb 26th. Make sure to tag @riverside_bia in your posts — we’d love to see your photos. Give us a follow too if you haven’t yet so you don’t miss any updates on our community programming!