Toronto’s Street Art Scene

Parts of downtown Toronto, such as the Queen Street West area, are awash with exciting street art. These creations can be found at the condos that border the well known nexus of graffiti and street art, Graffiti Alley (aka Rush Lane). I got the low-down on the scene, thanks to Tour Guys Canada. 

This work was created by Toronto natives Nick Sweetman, Poser and others in the Montreal-based artist collective called En Masse.

The vivid boar in this work that’s found along Graffiti Alley (aka Rush Lane) was created by Nick Sweetman.

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A Toronto Sculpture Garden in an Unexpected Location

At the Max Tanenbaum Sculpture Garden, some two dozen colorful pieces of art bedeck a terrace outside a hospital in Toronto. Created by William Lishman, each one reflects a vibrant, active human, something that’s inspirational for all.

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The Scenic Toronto Islands

Bicycling the Toronto Islands (with Toronto Bicycle Tours) in the off-season couldn’t be more idyllic. This scenic chain is a short ferry ride from downtown and is car-free. 

Among the many discoveries I made: 19th century St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. The stained glass, visible also from the exterior, is quite impressive. Interestingly, it was moved to this current scenic location without anything breaking!

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Off-Season Travels in Spring Lake, New Jersey

Spring Lake, New Jersey is a mere two hours by train from New York City. Yet, no matter how many times I visit in the off-season and no matter the weather, I always notice something new in the nature-scape that calms the soul.

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Wanderings in Lisbon - Part 5

In Lisbon’s Amoreiras neighborhood, this 18th century aqueduct with its immense stone arches is part of the Water Museum in Lisbon. It treats visitors not only to a deep cistern in a cavernous, vaulted space, but also art exhibitions.

In the city’s water-centric Parque da Nacoes neighborhood, this tile wall is a contemporary riff on traditional Portuguese azulejos.

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Lisbon’s Valverde Hotel - Part 2

 Lisbon’s 5-star Valverde Hotel is a sanctuary of peace and serenity, though it’s smack in the middle of buzzing Avenida da Liberdade. Their outdoor heated pool looks down on a verdant courtyard garden, a perfect place to curl up with a book and a glass of wine.

Exploring the art-bedecked and meticulously adorned public spaces, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of elegance.

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A New Luxe Property on a Wee Caribbean Island

 If you told anyone you were headed to St. Eustatius, you might be met with quizzical looks. After all, this small Caribbean island that’s a short flight from St. Maarten, isn’t all that well known . Well, in fact, the only group that seems to be tuned into this island and its treasures are divers who delight in the pristine protected waters, the uncrowded dive sites and the underwater thrills to be discovered. Now, visitors can treat themselves to the recently opened luxury Golden Rock Resort that’s perfect for the whole family. The property is blanketed with colorful blooms, a pair of pools and a lagoon are perfect for cooling off, and the accommodations are varied enough to fit all needs. Check out my latest article for ForbesLife on this resort. 

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Wanderings In Lisbon - Part 4.

In Lisbon’s Parque da Nacoes neighborhood that stretches along the Tagus River, it’s no surprise that most all the attractions are focused around water. I was especially enamored with the myriad volcano towers that erupt every few minutes, gushing water up, out, and into shallow pools.

The waterfront views couldn’t be more enchanting.

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Wanderings in Lisbon - Part 3

This giant, whimsical sculpture of an Iberian lynx, an endangered species, was created by Bordalo II. It soars above a pavement in the Parque de Nacoes neighborhood in Lisbon. The artist used objects found in junkyards, including computer parts, reflecting his sensibilities on materialism and consumerism.

This is probably one of the coolest coworking spaces around. Village Underground Lisbon (VULX), a nexus of creativity, culture and art, consists of stacked shipping containers and even a pair of double-decker buses. It’s down the street from the ever popular LX Factory.

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