Browse all kinds of business and specialty shops on this vibrant Hamilton street
Despite growing up in Hamilton, I have yet to explore all the unique streets that the city is known for. Recently, I spent the day along Locke Street South exploring the local businesses and eateries. The street was busy and vibrant with many students, families, and local residents doing the same. I left the experience feeling more connected with the local community, and I hope to return for their upcoming Hamilton Day event on Nov. 4 and the Magic of Locke event on Nov. 17. - Nov 18.
Here are a few of the places I visited that left me with a great impression.
Enjoy breakfast or coffee at Democracy on Locke
Located in the heart of Locke Street South, Democracy on Locke is a vegan cafe with gourmet coffee and tea, baked goods and plenty of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The industrial-style interior and natural overhead lighting creates a wonderful atmosphere to study or enjoy a slow morning. The staff let me know their most popular breakfast and brunch items include the toasted chocolate chip pancakes and cauliflower wings. The breakfast menu is offered Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 11 AM, and the brunch menu is available every weekend from at 9 AM to 3 PM.
Search for new books at Epic Books
Epic Books is an independent bookstore on Locke Street South offering a curated selection of books. This bookstore is relatively small, but it features a well-organized selection of books, including an impressive selection of classics and Canadian books. Speak with the friendly and knowledgeable staff for recommendations and staff picks, or for assistance placing a special order on an out-of-stock title. Epic Books also holds different monthly events in collaboration with local libraries to highlight Canadian authors. Their next event is on November 6th and features Mohawk writer and editor, Alicia Elliot, at the Hamilton Public Library Central location. Elliot is a local author who has received nominations and awards for her essays and novel, A Mind Spread Out on The Ground.
Browse for gifts at The Local Life on Locke
The Local Life is a gift shop offering all kinds of local or handmade products with locations in Hamilton and Vineland. It took me a while to browse all the shop’s aesthetic displays, each stocked with all kinds of goods. The spacious shop features a unique selection of mugs, Hamilton merch, jewelry, kitchen accessories, candles, bath products, and children’s clothing and toys. Many of the products are made locally in Hamilton, such as Small Batch Soaps, Dawson’s Hot Sauce, and Craving Candles.
Get creative at Play with Clay Hamilton
Play with Clay is a favourite for many local residents and university students. This studio is open for drop-in clay building, drop-in pottery painting, adult pottery classes and one-on-one lessons throughout the week. The studio offers a large selection of mugs, plates, vases, pottery animals and more for drop-in painting. The pieces of pottery range from $15-$40, and the prices include the cost of painting and firing. Once you’re finished, the staff will fire your pottery, which will be ready for pick up one week later. This is a fun activity for all ages and skill levels.
Joshua Patel
Discover Your City
December is just around the corner and along with the festivities of the month comes the word that most students dread – exams.
Exams are a stressful time for most students (if not all) as we all work tirelessly to ensure that our semester ends off on the right note. During this busy exam period, it’s important to take a break or get some fresh air to relieve some of that stress.
Hamilton offers many great experiences that are definitely worth checking out and could also provide an alternative study location if you’re looking for a change of environment.
If you’re looking for café’s and restaurants away from campus, downtown Hamilton has plenty to meet your needs. Locke Street full of restaurants, cafes and clothing shops is a great first stop for students, easily accessible through the HSR. The Jet Café and Detour Café (both on King Street) as well as James Street’s Mulberry Street Coffeehouse are just a few more options outside the McMaster University ‘bubble’ that could offer you an alternative study location as well as help you explore the City at the same time.
Weather-permitted, Hamilton also has a number of parks that could add some beautiful scenery to your study experience. Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park, the Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail and Hamilton Beach Recreational Trail are a few scenic options in the City to help you get some fresh air and enjoy the view of the harbour, whether you’re looking to take a break or just study outdoors.
While libraries on campus get busy there are a number of public libraries off-campus that could meet your needs. The Westdale public library and Hamilton’s Central generic viagra cost Library (near Jackson Square) are two options that have great study places and academic resources that you could utilize while exploring the City at the same time.
Hamilton has something to offer for everyone and during the upcoming month, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore the City! Good luck McMaster!
