6 Shops to Explore in Montreal
6 Shops to Explore in Montreal One of my favourite ways to shop is by looking for items that feel special, thoughtful, and different from what you’ll find at home. Montréal has such an incredible maker community, and the gifts that come out of the city are often artisanal, sustainably produced, and designed to last — which is exactly what I look for when shopping for gifts. From beauty and home to food and accessories, it’s a great place for inspiration when you’re trying to move beyond last-minute, big-box gifts. Many of the local brands ship nationwide, which makes it easy to support Canadian businesses and check everyone off your list without leaving home — especially during the busy holiday season. And for those who value experiences over things, Montréal delivers too — with dining, wellness, and cultural attractions that can be bundled and gifted through Passeport MTL, creating truly memorable moments. Le Cartel For someone who needs fresh, unique pieces to update their wardrobe, Le Cartel is the best place to shop. A diverse selection of talented artists make their art accessible by blending it with fashion, resulting in stylish streetwear.A fashion partner of Osheaga Musical and Arts Festival since 2018, Le Cartel features bold colours and designs in a range of shirts, sweaters, pants, jackets, and accessories — including toques for the chilly Canadian winter months. Everything is silk-screened in Montreal, and the artists are celebrated for their creative work, making a shopping experience that helps the local art community thrive. Les Filles FattoushThe delicious taste of Syria is available in Montreal at Les Filles Fattoush. This women-owned business benefits more than just your tastebuds – it employs refugee Syrian women, offering them a way to transition into Canadian life while maintaining deep ties to their culture. The resulting food is authentic and steeped in history. You can browse the store at the Jean-Talon Market for spreads, spices, sauces, and desserts, or get a recipe book to try your hand at Syrian dishes. Purchase a ready-to-eat meal at the store, or order online to have it delivered to your door. Excellent food makes for great gifting. Domaine des 15 lotsYou can’t get much more Canadian than maple, which is Domaine des 15 lots’ specialty. They have a tasty assortment of maples syrups, but that’s not all: maple butter, maple cream fudge, maple syrup jelly, and pastries (made with maple sugar) is a glimpse into
A Teen-Approved Miami Escape: Art, Action and FIFA Thrills
By Rosalind Stefanac If you’re hunting for a getaway that blends sunshine, culture, adrenaline and teen-approved fun, Miami is having its moment. Beyond its vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic beaches, the recently renovated Freedom Tower now houses a new FIFA-themed exhibition just in time for World Cup fever—and a definite score for families with soccer-obsessed kids like mine. And that’s just the beginning! Here are some suggestions for what to do with your teen in Miami, including notable food stops and family-friendly places to stay along the way. Kick off at the Freedom Tower’s FIFA exhibit Soccer fans will find themselves awe-struck by this museum-meets-experience dedicated to the history and impact of the world’s most popular sport. Teens and tweens can trace the sport from its origins to modern-day legends (including Lionel Messi, of course), interact with digital installations, and take in all the jerseys, trophies and artifacts from World Cup history. That the exhibit is housed in the Freedom Tower, which underwent a massive renovation and reopened for its centennial this year, is a big bonus. The Tower has long been a symbol of hope for Cuban refugees and immigrants who passed through its doors during the 1960s and ’70s. Inside, multimedia installations honour this history through moving photographs and audio recordings of Cuban families recounting their often-treacherous journeys to freedom. (Go early to avoid crowds and to give your teen enough time in the interactive zones. You’ll leave energized for a full day of exploring.) Explore Miami’s Most Colourful Neighbourhoods Photo by Miami Culinary Tours Once you’ve kicked things off downtown, head for some of Miami’s most interesting neighbourhoods beyond the beach. Wynwood Wynwood is the ultimate street-art playground—an open-air museum where massive murals by world-renowned graffiti and urban artists tower above indie boutiques, cafés and ice-cream shops. We tucked in for a delicious meal at Dunkaroo Jamaican Kitchen, where everything was made fresh and the vibe felt like we’d made a pit stop in the Caribbean itself. Little Haiti & Little Havana We also enjoyed exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little Haiti and Little Havana. In the latter, we joined a walking tour with Miami Culinary Tours, led by our guide Mirka Roch Harris who wove engaging historical details into every food stop. Along the way, we sampled a delicious lineup of sweet and savoury bites—including an authentic Cuban sandwich I’m still dreaming about. We capped it off at Domino Park, a beloved Little Havana gathering spot where senior locals gather
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City By Rosalind Stefanac Home to country legends and modern music mavens, Nashville is one of those eternally vibrant cities that will leave you singing, regardless of your musical tastes. Not only is Music City—as it’s known world-wide—the ultimate interactive music lesson for you and your teen, it’s filled with interesting landmarks, funky neighbourhoods to explore and delicious southern fare (bring on the fried chicken!). Here’s a look at why Nashville is a real treat for adults and teens alike. WHAT TO DO Nashville’s museums are among the best we’ve visited across North America. We started at the Country Museum Hall of Fame, a 350,000 square-foot mecca of artifacts and information related to country music displayed in exhibits that kept our attention throughout. For Swifties, the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center has song-writing stations where you can draw inspiration from Taylor’s own process to write lyrics and create melodies. There is also a Taylor Swift replica tour bus where visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road, with audio and video clips of Taylor discussing her touring experiences. For another enlightening experience, check out the National Museum of African American Music where you and your teen can learn and listen to music spanning multiple decades and genres, from Duke Ellington to Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. Upon entering, we each got a wristband we could scan at various exhibits to create our own personalized music journey to download and review later. There are numerous interactive stations here where we tried instruments, recorded music and made beats. Video clips and tutorials explain the art of music production in an engaging way that teens will relate to. For a change of pace, try a workshop at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops. It has been operating since 1879 and creates show posters for major entertainers. We got a hands-on demonstration on the print-making process (they even mix their ink by hand), and made our own souvenir prints to take home. WHERE TO GO No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a live performance. Started as a radio broadcast in 1925, the Opry is now an entertainment phenomenon featuring weekly performances by music legends and new artists alike. On top of seeing some amazing performers, we booked a behind-the-scenes tour for a chance to explore the backstage dressing rooms and “artist’s
Finding Japan—and other cool things—in San Francisco
Finding Japan—and other cool things—in San Francisco by Rosalind Stefanac Whether it’s the anime films now readily accessible on streaming services like Netflix, or the uber-cool street fashion made popular by celebrities this side of the world, Japanese culture is an ongoing interest for my teenage son these days. So, when I got an opportunity to visit a Japanese-inspired neighbourhood in San Francisco, California, we could visit over a long weekend instead of trekking across the world, I knew I had to check it out. Best of all, we discovered so many other cool teen and tween-appropriate sites and activities in this dynamic and culturally diverse city. Here are some highlights. Where to stay Japantown in San Francisco is one of the oldest and only still thriving Japanese neighbourhoods in the US. We stayed at boutique Hotel Kabuki which is ideally situated for exploring the scene by foot. It’s also right beside the Japan Center, a shopping complex bustling with Japanese food stands and retail shops for teens and tweens to explore. The area hosts many festivals throughout the year too, including the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in May (which we got to check out) and the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August. From Japantown it’s easy access to Chinatown—the first and largest in North America—which features delicious eats and a bustling Friday night market that happens throughout the year. What to doPark yourself at the parks: An abundantly lush green city with a temperate climate rarely rising above 24C or below 7C, San Francisco has 3,400 acres of city parks ideal for exploring by foot or bike. We started at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park which includes the on-theme and Instagram-worthy Japanese Tea Gardens. But we especially enjoyed the Sales Force Park in the middle of downtown San Fran. This 5.4-acre, plant-filled rooftop oasis is located 70 feet up above the Grand Hall and is a perfect place to escape the city hustle. There’s even a venue up top for live music and children’s activities throughout the day. While downtown, you’ll likely catch site of one of San Fran’s self-driving cars too, which have been operating commercially since last year. On our way to check out the infamous Golden Gate Bridge, we stopped in at Presidio, a former military post-turned-national park site that blew us away. It features the Tunnel Tops, a 14-acre space located over and around the tunnelled city parkway that leads to the bridge. There is
Door County Packs Fun for the Family
Door County Packs Fun for the Family by Rosalind Stefanac We’d never heard of Wisconsin’s Door County — a stretch of coastal towns on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. But after only a few days of hiking, biking and eating our way through this scenic spot in the Midwest, Door County has earned a top spot on our list of favourite family destinations in the U.S. Here are four reasons why we’ll be going back the very first chance we get. It's good for a week or a long weekendOnce you fly into Green Bay, driving the 70-mile stretch from the southern part of the peninsula to its northern tip takes a little more than an hour, but there are days of biking and hiking trails, beaches and bluffs to explore—along with shops, museums and good eats. The area has more than 300 miles of shoreline with limestone bluffs and beaches, along with five state and 19 county parks. Be sure to take your teens and tweens on a guided tour at Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin’s oldest non-profit nature reserve. This relaxed two-hour tour really is suitable for all ages, and our engaging guide made sure we caught all of the fascinating nature elements along the way. Between June to October, you can apply to spend a week in the lighthouse on the property too! You can take a ride across Death’s DoorDoor County was named after the sometimes treacherous water passage that lies off the peninsulas’ tip where Lake Michigan and Green Bay meet, aptly named Porte Des Morts or Death’s Door. Provided the weather accommodates, take the 30-minute ferry to cross this scenic passage from Northport Pier to Washington Island, the largest of the County’s outlying islands. There you can take a dip at Schoolhouse Beach made up entirely of smooth, white pebbles. Or take a stroll through the fields of Fragrant Isle with more than 30,000 lavender plants. There is even a café and gift store with all kinds of lavender-infused products, including fragrant cookies and lattes. From here, take a short ferry ride to Rock Island to tour Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest in Wisconsin. This pedestrian-only state park has 10 miles of hiking trails. It also has an impressive boathouse completed in 1929 that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just be sure to pack your drinks and snacks as few options are available on
Orlando for Teens and Tweens
Orlando for Teens and Tweens: Where to sleep, shop and play for a memorable adventure By Catalina Margulis From outlet malls with your tween’s favourite labels to the latest Disney World rides that even your jaded teen will love, Orlando is a family favourite for kids of all ages. Where to Play With four kids ranging from 7 to 15, it’s hard enough getting everyone to agree on the same pizza to order on a Sunday night, never mind travelling together. But this mama be damned if she was going to let democrazy get in the way of ticking off Disney World on her family vacation bucket list. Here’s how I kept everyone happy. Disney World Number one on our list, hello, was obviously Disney World. But turns out I had little to fear because there are plenty of new rides geared toward teens that will have even the most experienced 15-year-old guffawing with the pure joy of being hurtled 360 degrees through the dark on one of the largest fully enclosed coasters in the world that is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Another must for your new driver is the new Tron Lightcycle/Run, where they can ride their very own Lightcylce on this roller coaster track, which is one of the fastest at any Disney park in the world. Younger ones will love Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a 4D experience that has you scurrying through the kitchens of Paris. If they’re not averse to creepy-crawly things, It’s Tough To Be A Bug is an immersive 3D film and live show that offers real-life thrills. Moana fans will want to check out the new water attraction that walks kids through the water experience. It’s located right next to the Finding Nemo-themed ride (both to be found at Epcot). Here, your youngest can take a trip under the sea to visit Nemo and friends. For your little princess, a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom is a must, where she’ll be treated to her very own princess makeover, with a costume, hair, makeup, and tote bag to go. The ultimate souvenir? Star Wars fans can assemble their custom robot at the Droid Depot, like my tween twins did. Parents, download the Disney Genie App to access Lightning Lane fast passes and dining reservations to make the most of your day. And be sure to stick around for the fireworks shows on any given night. They’re spectacular, indeed! The Magic Kingdom
New York Christmas: 5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic with Your Teen
5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic in NYC with Your Teen by Rachel Naud Picture this: you and your teen stepping into a winter wonderland right in the heart of New York City — it's the start of a holiday adventure like no other. As a parent, you're on a mission to make this trip not just enjoyable but downright unforgettable for both you and your teen. The key is to craft an experience that resonates with them, creating moments they'll look back on with a smile. Here are 5 places to create an unforgettable family holiday at the Big Apple. See the Tree: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Behold the splendour of NYC's cherished Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Lit daily from 5PM to midnight, this magnificent tree comes to life during its grand lighting ceremony on November 29th, setting the stage for festive joy. On Christmas Day, its radiance brightens the city for a whole 24 hours, and the magic lingers until January 13th at 10PM. The tree is adorned with 50,000 multi-coloured LED lights and crowned by a spectacular three-dimensional 900-pound Swarovski star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. When to Experience the Magic:Daily from 5AM to midnight until January 13 at 10PM. View the live national broadcast “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC, on November 29th, 8PM EST. Stay in Style: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue Selecting the right accommodation can set the tone for your entire trip. NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, nestled on the historic Madison Avenue, offers more than just a place to rest. This 100-year-old red brick building not only encapsulates the essence of New York's advertising legacy but also boasts modern luxury with a serious Mad Men vibe. Awarded the title of Luxury Travel Advisor's 2022 "Most Instagrammable Hotel" in North America, the hotel blends avant-garde design with a prime location, placing you within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. Before you and your teen begin your day exploring, fuel up at Serafina Restaurant with its elaborate European-style breakfast buffet, complete with freshly baked pastries, meats, cheeses and fresh eggs made to order. In the evening, this is the place for delicious pasta and pizza, with portions to please any hungry teen. Afterwards, sit at the MAD Bar & Lounge and sip on a cocktail themed from the 50s and 60s while your teen instagrams his
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids By Rosalind Stefanac With a population of only four million, Croatia may be relatively tiny compared to other countries, but it packs a punch as a vacation destination. Situated in southeastern Europe, Croatia has gained popularity as a tourist hotspot for excellent reasons. Whether it's exploring Roman ruins, hiking alongside waterfalls, or plunging into its crystal-clear, azure sea, Croatia offers enough natural beauty and kid-friendly activities to keep the whole brood engaged. Our first visit to Croatia took place when my sons were little. Upon returning as teenagers, they relished the opportunity to do some exploring on their own while we savoured the breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the reasons why Croatia stands out as a top choice for family travel: Swimming in the Adriatic Sea Croatia boasts an extensive coastline along the stunning Adriatic Sea. This body of water is renowned for its calm currents and warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for activities like swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Sailing is a popular pastime, or you can opt to rent a motorboat and explore the local islands yourself. We joined an all-day fishing boat excursion where the boys were able to jump off the rails and swim and snorkel at their leisure. The crew even prepared a fresh fish lunch using their catch of the day. While on the northern coast's island of Mali Losinj, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Just be sure to pack water shoes (or buy them there) as stone beaches are the norm throughout Croatia. Island hopping Although Croatia often touts itself as the "land of 1,000 islands," it actually boasts 1,244 islands, islets, and rock formations, of which 48 are inhabited, and one has a heart-shaped configuration (my personal favourite!). The island of Cres is the largest and well worth exploring, but be sure to add Kornati National Park to your list, too. This cluster of 89 uninhabited islands, islets, reefs (and cliffs) are perfect for exploring on a day trip. This is island hopping at its best. Hiking through waterfalls and mountains Croatia offers a multitude of hiking and biking trails of all levels. Near the capital city of Zagreb, you'll discover numerous marked hiking trails leading up to the Sljeme peak on Medvenica mountain, which stands at 1,035 meters above sea level. We also ventured to Krka National Park on the coast, renowned
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas By Rosalind Stefanac With its lush forests, natural springs and ideal mountain biking/hiking terrain, Arkansas is one of those gems in the southern United States that’s still untapped, especially for Canadians. Aptly dubbed the “Natural State,” it features the perfect backdrop for a medley of outdoor activities to keep teens and tweens entertained. Plus, with some of the coolest art exhibits, hotels, restaurants and retail therapy, staying indoors won’t be dissuaded either! Here’s why Arkansas should be on your radar when planning your next family vacation to the U.S. The OzarksOzark, the popular TV crime series themed around a family of drug smugglers, may have put this region of the U.S. in the spotlight of late, but in reality, the Ozarks in Arkansas provide a serene setting for hiking, biking, swimming and boating. In Eureka Springs, we took advantage of more than 25 miles of trails in Lake Leatherwood City Park for a guided hike, followed by a canoe ride on the 85-acre, cold spring-fed lake formed by hand-cut, native limestone dams. We loved seeing all the diverse lake wildlife up close, including herons, wild turkeys, bald eagles and catfish. Cabins and campsites are available for rent here too. For mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts, there is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville. With 300 acres of beautifully maintained trails (and amenities), it’s open until 11 pm and free for daily visits. Try your hand at scaling The Rise, then take a break at the open-air Airship café for a healthy smoothie or ice cream. Haunted nightsWhile in Eureka Springs, dare to stay at least one night in the Crescent Hotel & Spa, which provides stellar views of the Ozark mountains. Built in 1886, it has been beautifully updated while retaining its historic charm—but is also purported to be one of the country’s most haunted hotels. We took a tour that ended in the spooky basement and heard chilling tales about the hotel’s earlier iteration as a medical institute providing questionable cancer treatments. Kids will enjoy staff stories of many ghost sightings throughout the hotel over the years. Cool art exhibits Arkansas has a rich art scene with mostly free exhibits geared to all ages. We started outdoors in the capital city of Little Rock at the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, which features 90 works of art set against landscapes in Riverfront Park on the banks of the Arkansas River. The
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure by InBetween Magazine Whether you’re travelling, camping, cottaging or staying close to home, one thing is always certain—summer is short! To make the most out of the season, we rounded up some of our favourite products to get you through the year’s hottest season. For a Buzz-Free CampingSummer is short, and if you want to make the most of the season outdoors, whether it's camping, cottaging, or simply enjoying your backyard or patio, there's one thing you definitely don't want: mosquitos! That's why whenever you spend time outside this summer, it's always a good idea to have a Thermacell nearby. Thermacell provides powerful mosquito protection that keeps those pesky insects away before they have a chance to bite you. No need for deet or messy lotions or sprays! You'll absolutely love the new Thermacell Mosquito Repeller & Glow Light E-Series Rechargeable EL55. It not only emits a gentle glow, perfect for those cozy patio nights, but it also provides reliable mosquito protection. Plus, the built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to nine hours! You can easily find it at Canadian Tire. To Stay Cool and CleanWe all want to look and feel our best this summer, and that includes the men in our lives. These Schick razors not only give them a smooth shave to put their best face forward but also inspire them to explore new activities and embrace the season! However, it's disheartening to learn from a recent survey conducted by Schick that 8 in 10 Canadian men have missed out on pursuing their passions, with two-thirds attributing it to a lack of financial resources. To make it easier for men to experience their personal interests, Schick has launched the Schick Pursue Your Passions Contest this summer. With a chance to win one of four $5,000 cash prizes each week in June, men can finally embrace their passions. For more details, head over to Schick's Instagram page at @schickcanada, and you can find these fantastic razors at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart. For Teen-Friendly Summer GatheringsIf you find yourself with a teen son and your home is always a revolving door of friends and activities during the summer, you know the challenge of feeding a large crowd quickly and affordably. Luckily, there are delicious options like cauliflower crust pizza, the new buffalo chicken poutine, or the Fixed-Rate Pizza that cater to everyone's tastes because everyone