If you are planning on making a midtown trip to Casa Loma (a historic castle and museum, and popular tourist destination), why not plan to go on a Saturday and first check out The Stop’s Farmers’ Market at Artscape Wychwood Barns? This charming farmers’ market runs year-round every Saturday morning and features the wares of local farmers, bakeries, restaurants and other artisans. Grab a coffee and a decadent freshly-baked good (or perhaps a steaming plate of Tibetan momos, or locally-grown fruit…), and meander through the space with all the locals before you continue on your way.

You might be interested to know that Artscape Wychwood Barns is formerly a yard for TTC streetcars (you’ll see the streetcar tracks leading into the building off Wychwood Ave), and now operates as an arts and culture hub, home to numerous NGOs, community gardens, theatre programming and more.

After you’re done at the market, I highly recommend you make a point of wandering through Wychwood Park (get there by walking down Wychwood Ave. towards Davenport Rd). It is a gated community that has been designated a heritage district, with beautiful homes (both old and modern) nestled amongst arching trees and peaceful winding roads. A quiet pond awaits at the bottom. It almost has a Shire-like feel (yes, like Lord of the Rings). Immediately to your left upon entering from the north end, look out for the large rock with a brass plaque that will give you some historical background on the area.