From puppy yoga to delicious, affordable eats, discover wellness escapes in Hamilton as the semester winds down and exams approach
As the end of the semester approaches and stress levels rise, it's important to take a step back and recharge. The City of Hamilton features a variety of relaxing spots that can help you break free from the hectic school bubble.
Whether you’re looking for physical activity, creative expression or simply a peaceful escape, the city has something for everyone. Here are some suggestions to help you unwind as the semester comes to a close.
Unwind with a one-of-a-kind experience at Studio 35’s weekly puppy yoga classes. By booking in advance on their website for $50 per person, you’ll get a one-hour session with puppies roaming freely around the room. After 35 minutes of yoga, enjoy 25 minutes of cuddling, playing and snapping pictures with the puppies. As the class wraps up, guests are offered an ice cream treat.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at Joie Day Spa, where you can indulge in services ranging from massage therapy to facials. While the services are on the pricier end for students compared to other activities, the experience could be worth it for a self-care day. You can book your appointment in advance through their website or by phone to ensure a relaxing and personalized visit.
Tap into your creativity at the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s monthly paint nights and open studio events. These free, drop-in sessions offer a space to explore your artistic side with plenty of supplies and guidance from talented artist educators. Whether you’re creating something new or seeking inspiration, it’s a welcoming environment to express yourself.
Two programs you can check out are QUARTZ: Queer Art Hang and the Youth Arts Collective Drop-in Open Studio.
For a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine, head to Ellis Kitchen. As a Jamaican myself, I know how challenging it can be to find good Jamaican restaurants without having to leave Hamilton. After trying several places in the city, I can vouch for the flavourful, comforting dishes they serve, making it the perfect spot for anyone craving home-style Jamaican food.
The variety of food offered is great as well—from jerk chicken to patties to mackerel, this spot offers a genuine taste of the island.
If you’re craving birria tacos, look no further than Amigos Tex-Mex. This spot serves up tasty Tex-Mex dishes, including birria tacos, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Open late until 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s a great place to satisfy your cravings and enjoy flavourful food and great service.
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the school season is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Whether you’re looking to unwind with some puppy yoga, indulge in a spa day or enjoy a delicious meal, these spots in Hamilton offer the perfect escape to recharge.
So, take some time for yourself and explore local gems to destress and refresh before exams begin.
We glorify our youth – young at heart, young money, only the good die young. It is something we take for granted and, like most things in life, it doesn’t last forever. Eventually, we must all trade in our pimple cream for pills and our cellphones for cellulite. None of us really want to get old but most of us have to.
I know I never wanted to get old. I thought there was no dignity in old age (I’ve read The Stone Angel) and so I was reluctant when, for one of my courses, I had to go volunteer at a nursing home in downtown Hamilton. Like clockwork, every Thursday morning I would peel myself off my bed, down a cup of coffee and sprint to the city bus stop (I was usually late). In all honesty, I thought the volunteer experience would be tedious but it has been transformative. You see, while I’m there, I get to play the piano for one of the coolest people I know. I, Kristen Salena, get to jam with a retired opera singer who has travelled the world. Her soprano makes Mariah Carey sound like Louis Armstrong. Her rendition of “Moon River” is sublime. And even though she is a fantastic musician, she is an even better person. While I’m in no rush, I’m actually looking forward to getting old.
You never know which gems you’ll find in Hamilton and I think that’s why I love it here. Musicians, artists, actors and writers are everywhere. Creativity is everywhere. Humanity is everywhere. So peel yourself off your bed, down a cup of coffee and sprint to the city bus stop because you’re probably late.
Kristen Salena
Through John Terpstra’s Falling into Place arises the theme of our course. We talk about “space” and “place”, and what it means to us. How do we turn a space into our place? Where do we fit in the community? Or our own skin? In time, we find ourselves falling into place with each other. We joke, we laugh, we listen to each other’s stories, and we grow closer. In spite of the difference in age, ethnicity, background, and opinion, we have formed a steady, unique bond between an otherwise unlikely community. I must admit I didn’t expect the level of creativity, intelligence and personality embedded in this strange and lovely array of people. I wasn’t prepared for the raw emotions, passions, and the eagerness to speak and to engage.
There’s Peggy-Anne, with her eager readiness to express her thoughts. She recently discovered that it’s ok to take up space. We listen to Johnny, a Columbian refugee, as he recounts the story of his family fleeing the place he once called home. Lina, with a voice so soft yet so determined, spoke poetically about the local farmer’s market and her daughter’s recent struggle with cancer. Jeremy, with his sweet disposition, quiet intelligence and articulate speech, spoke about his unwillingness to let his mental illness control his life.
As students, we have become sheltered in our university life. We fundraise here and join a club there and we think ourselves involved in the community. Once in a while, we meet people, and we are reminded that life exists beyond our GPA and reference letters. I entered the course to support others, but came to realize just how much support I could draw from this wonderful community.
Karen Wang, Graphics Editor
