Escape from Wintertraz
By Anthony Peter
I try with my will of steel not to be too hard on winter, but most years as it approaches, I very quickly begin to feel that I’ve already had my fill of it. There is truth in the sentiment that a Canadian winter has its own many splendors; however, it can also sometimes leave us feeling like we’ve been locked away on an Alcatraz Island of cold, ice and desolation, without any possibility of parole. By now, most of us have accepted that the summer is gone and that there is no avoiding the long winter ahead, and even though lately it’s been more reminiscent of spring outside, we are wise Canadians and not so easily fooled, right? We know that, any day now, we are sure to awake to an icy white scene,* one that looks so beautiful- that is, until January or February, when suddenly that scene begins to leave a bad taste more like the same old mash and beans on a tray, and to feel like “lights out” at ten (or, in reality, lights out at five). But there may yet be hope. While it may not equate to a full-on prison break, I do have a few items for the winter to-do list that may just help you feel like you can escape (if even momentarily) from a little thing I refer to as Wintertraz.
So print away, and tuck this column into your ‘In case of winter lull emergency’ spot. And since you know I am an equal opportunity advisor, it’s important to note that all of these escape routes work for the dating, the married, the single, and the fresh-off-a-black-ice break-up.
?The White Outdoors: A few years ago, in the pit of my wintery dismay, I learned that if you can’t beat ’em, sometimes you should just join ’em, and that idea is what fuels “the white outdoors.” Considering the amount of snow we can often see, there is a bountiful supply of activities to help get you out (or push you) into winter’s prized possession. I’m talking about skating, snowboarding, downhill or cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, and, lest we forget, a good, old-fashioned snowball fight.
Some “Hot” Spots:
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West: Skating and seasonal events run all winter long here and are free and open to the public. Highlights include the Cavalcade of Lights (November 24th-December 31, 2007) with spectacular fireworks, lights, and special events; and Wild On Winter (WOW) (January 25th-February 7th, 2008) with live performances, music, and entertainment.
Young & Dundas Square: Amidst the heart of one of Toronto’s main shopping districts is another popular and central host-spot of events and performances.
Blue Mountain/Collingwood (www.bluemountain.ca): Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, shopping, cabins with fireplaces…
?The Themed Cocktail Party/Date: Who doesn’t love an evening of delicious food, drink, music, and the company of friends? Add to this equation a slick theme of your choice (person, place, culture, era, garment, colour, un-seasonal holiday, etc.) and you have yourself an evening that will indeed push “pause” on those winter blues. Generally, the toughest part is actually choosing a theme; however, with so many food and shopping venues in and around Toronto, once you do choose one, you’re sure to obtain anything you’ve got in mind. Set a budget (or opt for BYOL) and use whatever inspires you, and put your own spin on it. This idea isn’t really anything new, but a themed party is always an event that everyone involved can get into and enjoy. After all, if it ain’t broke… And if you plan a themed date instead, just imagine the impress effect your intimate surprise will have.
?The Winter Nightlife: While some of us can’t wait to get out there in the wintertime, others want nothing more than to follow in the pawsteps of bears and go into a deep MIA slumber. I’m all for cozy, lazy weekends, but we have to fight the urge to make this social hibernation the winter routine. Instead, remember that the heart of Toronto’s nightlife beats on. Everything from the lounges, clubs, bars, and restaurants all still crave and need our attention. I’ll never forget last year when, on my birthday in January, a friend took me out to dinner after the city had been hit by a huge snowstorm that same day. The quietness of the city that night while the snow fell lightly and we drank, caught up, and enjoyed a delicious meal indoors was truly incomparable. One highlight in this category is Winterlicious (January 25th-February 7th, 2008), a Toronto Restaurants Promotion offering incredible cuisine at special fixed prices. Speaking of good food…
?Date With Your Kitchen: I don’t watch it religiously, but I never pass up the opportunity to stay put on the Food Network if I happen across a new episode of one of my favorites. Today’s costly and busy living means that we should all be a little wiser and get (or at least try to get) a lot more intimate with our kitchens and our culinary abilities. And it’s not as intimidating as it may seem. Winter is one of the best times to play around with soul foods like chicken soup, stew, and minestra. The good news is that these are dishes you can fill the freezer with, and they are fairly failsafe in that they can’t really be messed up. There truly is no end to the amount of experimentation you can have in the kitchen, from cooking all the way to baking. I guarantee you the feeling you get from having your rooms enriched with the deep warm aromas will be a level of satisfaction and enjoyment that not even the Abominable Snowman could crush.
Note: The AP Food Network Favorites Are: Everyday Italian, Nigella Feasts, David Rocco, The Barefoot Contessa, and Good Deal with Dave Lieberman, which can all be found via www.foodtv.ca.
?The Simple Walk: Yes, it’s true that we walk every day, but there is a big difference between walking to get to work or to catch the subway train, and just simply walking because you want to. When you are walking with a destination in mind, that destination can often dominate your mindset and consequent experience. Instead, why not try bundling up one day and just walking in your area, or hitting Queen Street West or King Street East for nothing more than a coffee, hot chocolate or a browse through some eclectic shops? The winter walk can turn the sidewalk into a romantic date location, but alone or together, I think you’ll find that a simple walk for no other reason than to get out and actually absorb the season is a much different and more satisfying experience than the kind of daily walking most of us are used to.
?The Winter Getaway: If you can afford it and have some savings and vacation time banked up, then this option doesn’t get any simpler. Decide on the destination, the time of departure, and whether you’re flying solo, or with your significant other, or with a couple of friends: then pack those bags and reward yourself with a literal change of scenery and pace.
?‘Tis the Season: It wouldn’t be winter without the holidays, and all the things they entail, from parties, to tree lightings, to decorations, to shopping, to family, to New Year’s celebrating. Ensure that you make time for catching up with the people who provide you with the most warmth against the winter cold, and regardless of what you personally celebrate, use this time to reflect less on what you have not yet achieved, and more on what you already have.
*Editor’s note: That “any day,” of course, inevitably and (un)fortunately arrived in the interim between writing and publishing.