#TIFF24: OFFICIAL MR. WILL WONG PARTNERS FOR 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | FESTIVAL PREVIEW

We are so excited at all the possibilities the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival might hold. This is after all our first full-capacity TIFF in some time and some huge A-Listers and exciting emerging names will be here! We’ve seen all the roadblocks these past few years and it feels so good to know that nothing is standing in our way this time. This will be the TIFF that we all deserve!

We are delighted to announce to return of some of our longtime partners and new ones this year. TIFF ’24 runs September 4-14, 2024. The Team (David Baldwin, Nicholas Porteous and Amanda Gilmore) and I are thrilled to bring you our best coverage yet! New this year for us will be one-minute immediate reactions to some of the Festival’s key titles!

Team Mr. Will round-up their most-anticipated films of TIFF ’24. In what will finally be the TIFF we all deserve after many setbacks these past few years, it almost is a little tough to choose from a pool of so many great films!

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)

1. THE SUBSTANCE
2. ANORA
3. MEGALOPOLIS
4. SATURDAY NIGHT
5. QUEER

TIFF ’24 is here and I am positively pumped for the 11 days of Cinema ahead of us. My top five must-sees are films I have not stopped thinking about since they were announced and can barely hide my excitement for finally being able to have them blasted into my eyeballs. Even looking past those titles, there is so much to see at this year’s Festival that even if they somehow miss the mark, I know there are dozens more that are going to outdo every single one of my expectations. This year’s crop of films is shaping up to be an all-timer, so get ready for the best time of the year. Fingers and toes crossed that the Scotiabank Escalator does not fail us!

NICHOLAS PORTEOUS (@PICOLAS)

1. MEGALOPOLIS
2. FRIENDSHIP
3. THE LIFE OF CHUCK
4. THE BRUTALIST
5. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

I’m thrilled for TIFF ’24 to be my first as an accredited member of the press, because it offers a MASSIVE trove of potential cinematic goodness. If I had to narrow my list of most anticipated movies down to five, and I do, I would start by giving a shout out to Matthew Rankin‘s Universal Language. After experiencing his absolutely cuckoo bananas debut, Mackenzie King “biopic” The Twentieth Century in IMAX at TIFF ’19, I’m ready to see absolutely anything with his name on it. Next up, Andrew Deyoung‘s Friendship. I’m a fan of Deyoung‘s short-form collaborations with Kate Berlant and John Early (check out “555” on Vimeo). On top of that, I cannot resist the potentially explosive comic chemistry between Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. Although The Life of Chuck is another Stephen King adaptation from Mike Flanagan, it may represent a fun tonal departure for the two masters of terror, as Tom Hiddleston tumbles backwards through his life. The Brutalist is Brady Corbet‘s followup to his relatively unseen debut gem Vox Lux, which included one of Natalie Portman‘s best performances. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour period piece featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones as Laszlo and Erzsébet Toth, who escape the Holocaust to make their way in America. Finally, Megalopolis is a long, long, longgggg gestating project of Francis Ford Coppola that he financed with his own (roughly) $135 million. Though word of mouth isn’t exceptionally positive, it promises to be a singular and completely unrestrained vision from a legendary Filmmaker. You will not find big swings like this every year.

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

(in alphabetical order only)

ANORA
BABYGIRL
THE BRUTALIST
HERETIC
SATURDAY NIGHT

It’s already that time of year again! TIFFmas has arrived and this year packs a punch! After the strikes in Hollywood last year, TIFF just wasn’t the same. But this year, it will be in full swing and the films selected reflect it! There are so many names both behind and in front of the camera that’s making me anticipate a slew of great films. It’s been hard to narrow it down to only five. But below are my five most anticipated of this year’s Fest. I chose them because the talent involved and the stories being told are all unique from the next yet have gripped me since hearing about them!

MR. WILL (@mrwillwong)

1. ANORA
2. QUEER
3. SATURDAY NIGHT
4. NIGHTBITCH
5. BABYGIRL

We’ve already had the joy of seeing one of TIFF ’24‘s hottest tickets following all the buzz of its Palme d’Or victory at Cannes. ANORA is masterful storytelling, with a sublime breakthrough performance from its star Mikey Madison. Luca Guadagnino can do no wrong in my books, hence I am ecstatic that his latest, QUEER will be at the Festival. Addes bonus that it stars Daniel Craig. Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore SNL, so it should come as no shock I’m ecstatic Jason Reitman‘s telling of the late night staple gets its own origins story! And will this finally be Amy Adams‘ year? The six-time Oscar nominee is back after a hiatus with NIGHTBITCH, which has her convinced she is turning into a dog. Here for this. BABYGIRL received tons of praise in Venice, propelling it up my list with queen Nicole Kidman doing what she does best, embodying complex women and their intimate struggles.

Bookmark this link and check daily for exciting contests, reviews and star sightings!

Announcing Mr. Will Wong‘s official TIFF partners for TIFF ’24

We would like to thank your supporters and partners for the Festival this year! What a star-studded group!

HONDA CANADA – We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with our friends at HONDA CANADA, allowing us to travel in style this TIFF! We will be piloting the Passport Trail Sport – a gorgeous five-seater midsize SUV with an amazing combined fuel economy of 11.3 litres/100 km, running on a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 engine, at 280 horsepower. Fit for the fall, its seating is a black leather orange contrast!

STARBUCKS CANADA – Starbucks Canada have been there for us for several TIFFs and the Festival in a way for us has always been synonymous with their main character, a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte. But have you tried their Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, Baked Apple Croissant and endearing Raccoon Cake Pop? Readers and followers will get a chance to win some Gift Cards throughout the Festival. Be following our channels for more!

CP24 – For a 15th year in-a-row, we will be a subject matter expert on films and star sightings at TIFF. Stay tuned for our upcoming appearances on Southern Ontario’s most-widely watched news station! It streams worldwide for free on their website CP24.com. For now, we are appearing Labour Day in the 11 AM timeslot and Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the 8 AM timeslot!

NIKON CANADA – We are thrilled to be using the Nikon Z-30, a superb compact mirrorless camera with a range of lens options, made especially for creators, vloggers and streamers want. Crisp, clean 4K video will make our content pop more than ever! Can’t wait to show you our captures!

OEB BREAKFAST CO. – This is one of our favourite Brunch spots in the City and simply, our lives are better since they’ve come out east! Now with two locations in Toronto, their new partnership with TIFF as an official hospitality sponsor, also comes timed with new Fall menu items exclusive to Toronto for now, with additional cities to follow. More here.

MINAMI TORONTO – Situated right across from the excitement at TIFF Lightbox, this is a refined Japanese dining experience, chic and ambient for lunch or dinner. And their cocktails are sublime! You must try their world-famous Aburi (torched) Sushi and they just recently launched Sunday Afternoon AYCE Japanese BBQ. Book your tickets now here. Minami are an official TIFF Hospitality partner.

LITTLE SISTER – With two beautiful locations in Toronto – one within walking distance from all thr star-studded action on Portland St. – this very popular hotspot showcases a marriage of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine, with a phenomenal drink list. Dishes are made with authentic, imported herbs and spices. The perfect spot for an intimate dinner or casual drinks. More here.

SANDBANKS WINERY – Located in scenic Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Winery are a huge success story having launched in 2003 – just as I was a sorta newbie at TIFF – and very quickly have propelled to the upper echelon of Canadian wineries with offerings now readily available at LCBOs, a part of the ARTERRA Wines family. More here.

ETIKET – Everyone has different beauty needs and Etiket‘s goal is to provide everyone with a personalized, educational and friendly experience offering results oriented skin care and treatment services, niche fragrances, and luxury beauty products. In addition to an oustanding selection of products, Spa services also are available at their Toronto The Well location, now open. Etiket will be keeping our face fresh throughout the Festival and helping curating an olfactory experience for us.

UNIQLO CANADA – Not only are we a huge fan of Uniqlo‘s style, comfort and quality, this is our first TIFF collaborating with the globally-adored Japanese clothier. Fall is our favourite season and we cannot wait to wear some pieces from their latest collection at some of our appearances and snaps with the stars! Their round quilted shoulder bag is touted as the must-have accessory of the season! It stores everything!

Now for the even more exciting stuff! Keeping with our annual tradition, one lucky follower will be getting our amazing TIFF ’24 Survival Pack which includes:

-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-$50 Gift Card to OEB Breakfast Co.
-$100 Gift Card to MINAMI Toronto
-$100 Gift Card to LITTLE SISTER Portland St.
-3 bottles of Sandbanks Winery wines
-1 Uniqlo Quilted Shoulder Bag

Value: $400 CAN

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL WONG on Facebook, X or IG! Tag a friend in the comments you’ll share some of your goodies with! Enter as many times as you wish! Let’s blow this up! Winner must be available to meet in the Greater Toronto area.

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Happy TIFF!  We are so grateful for the support of the Team, our partners and you. Couldn’t do it with YOU!

Mr. Will

#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA CIVIC 4D TOURING

Always a pleasure getting to test drive a Civic, which continues to be one of the country’s best-selling cars for good reason! We got to try out the 2024 Honda Civic 4D Touring, which true to brand, is heavy on value and economy, yet very much a sophisticated, attractive-looking Sedan.

Powered by a 1.5-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder, engine, the Civic 4D Touring operates at 180 horsepower, with exceptional fuel economy tallying in at 7.6 litres/100 km in the city and 6.1 liters/100 km on the highway.

The 2024 Civic 4D Touring is packed with elevated features and functions, including an 8-way power adjustment for the Driver; seats leather-trimmed and heated. Navigation is at the touch of your fingertips with a large 9″ touchscreen display and an updated array of options to stay connected, including: Google Automotive Services (GAS) – Google Built-In, Amazon Alexa Built-In, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Sound is refined with BOSE® Premium Sound System with 12 speakers including subwoofer. You also get HD Radio and Drivers also are protected by speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC).

Honda is mindful of the need to stay charged, and we love that back and front passengers get charging ports for their devices, and there also is a wireless charger on the frontside. This, and automatic climate control with air-filtration system – temperature customizable between Driver and Passenger.

Aesthetic details service purpose, including LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights and a one-touch power moonroof. Never underestimate the power of an ambient drive! It does wonders for the spirit.

The Civic 4D Touring comes with an easy to view 10.2″ colour TFT full digital driver meter display. It is highly-intuitive with its theft-deterrent security system, parking sensors, a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines – all this and a Maintenance Minder™ system. Who doesn’t love proximity key entry system and a pushbutton start? You can walk away with peace of mind, with its walkaway door lock function, keeping your care safe and secured always – even when you forget to lock!

Active Safety has always been a priority with Honda. This Civic includes a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist and a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control – very much needed for a Toronto range of climates.

Passive Safety gives reassurance and the Civic 4D Touring includes: Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Driver’s and front passenger’s advanced front airbags (SRS), Driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags (SRS), Driver’s and front passenger’s front side airbags, Rear outboard passengers’ side airbags and Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. Loved ones are protected with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Lower Anchors (second-row outboard), Tether Anchors (second-row all), Seat belt reminder for all seating positions, Childproof rear door locks, plus Rear Seat Reminder. Loved ones and goods never get left behind.

We had a very star-studded adventure in the 2024 Honda Civic 4D Sport. Relive the thrills!

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The 2024 Honda Civic 4D Sport starts at $36,466 CAN. More here.

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA CIVIC SPORT

It was all about catching-up with family and fun in our test drive with the 2024 Honda Civic Sport in a classic Crystal Black Pearl. There are reasons why the Civic continues to be one of the Top Ten-selling cars in Canada. It offers exceptional value and all the essentials you need for your daily drives and whatever occasions life throws your way. What that hatchback, you know you’ve got that bit of extra cargo space for one!

The 2024 Honda Civic Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Port Injection, DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder, 158 horsepower engine, giving you added value and idle-stop, ECON mode button and Eco Assist. All starting with the push of a button to start. The Civic is great for the wallet and the world we live in. Overall, you get 7.59 L/100km with the Civic Sport.

The Civic Sport comes with Black Combi seats (synthetic leather/fabric) and the front seats are heated, with a steering wheel that is wrapped in leather and also heated when needed. Menu, settings and entertainment are controlled by a 7″ colour touchscreen and the Civic Sport comes with an AM/FM audio system with 8 speakers (navigated by actual push buttons). It’s enabled for Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, plus Apple CarPlay®/ Android Auto™ helping you stay connected while on the road, and also letting you sync to your favourite playlists and podcasts on your phone.

It was a real scorcher during our test drive, and we cannot state enough the importance of having a dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system. I need that A/C cranked-up, however others in the car might be a bit more sensitive to that. It is moonroof season and that one touch power moonroof is perfect for those drives after sunset in the Summer!

Active and Passive Safety Features with the 2024 Honda Civic Sport include: Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (HS), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®) (HS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system (HS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) (HS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system (HS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (HS), Traffic Sign Recognition, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD),Vehicle Stability Assist* (VSA®) with Traction Control Advanced Compatibility Engineering™, (ACE™) body structure, Airbag system (front), Side airbags, Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Hill Start Assist and LED daytime running lights. That’s a lot of safety for your dollar.

We cannot state enough the convenience of driving with a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, whether you’re just reversing out of a parking spot or navigating parallel parking, this is a must-have.

The 2024 Honda Civic Sport starts at $32,716.00 CAN. More here. 2025 models are now available.

More on our Test Drive here:

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA ACCORD TOURING HYBRID

The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid continues to be everything we need in a car, so when we had the chance to test drive it – in our fave colour Urban Grey Pearl nonetheless – we knew we’d be in great hands! We’ve driven a number of SUVs in the Honda family of late, so this was a refreshing reminder of this midsize Sedan’s great versatility and agility.

It was a week of celebration with parties, Pride and Canada Day giving us the perfect reason to drive around town in style!

The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC with dual variable timing control (VTC) 4-cylinder engine, running at a combined total 204 horsepower, including Eco-Assist for maximum fuel efficiency. In terms of Fuel Economy, you get 5.0/5.7/5.3 L/100 km (city/highway/combined) and an array of options with ECON, Normal, Sport and Individual mode drive toggle. We will say this, we’ve driven many Honda vehicles, but this gives you the most mileage on the least gas. It was jawdropping seeing little we paid for gas and how much we got out of a tank.

Aesthtically, the Accord Touring Hybrid boasts a beautiful uniform look with body-coloured door handles, folding door mirrors, heated power door mirrors that are body-coloured, with reverse gear tilt-down (passenger side). We love that one-touch power moonroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers – this is the only build in the 2024 Accord series that has this. Believe us, we got plenty use of both with this erratic hot/humid and wet Toronto Summer.

The Accord Touring Hybrid sits a tad lower, but seating is comfortable. The Driver’s seat comes with 8-way power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support, while the front passenger’s seat has 4-way power adjustment. We appreciate its dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system because while we love it cool and breezy, our passengers don’t always feel the same. Getting into the car is easy with proximity key entry, and walking away is easy as well with a walk-away door lock. We did report some issues opening the trunk altogether during our test drive, but the Accord Touring Hybrid does feature assisted opening trunk.

The Accord Touring Hybrid has the largest display of all in the series – a gorgeous 12.3-inch colour touchscreen display. For you Audiophiles, you are gifted a BOSE® Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, with the most options in connectivity yet: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In and HondaLink. We can never have enough charging options and here we get a wireless charger in the front, plus a front USB charging port with data connectivity, a rear USB charging port and Wi-Fi tethering.

We depend a lot on that multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines as we do drive downtown, parallel park and park in underground lots often. The Accord Touring Hybrid‘s camera has a fisheye-like view which gives you even more visibility than ever.

We also have nothing by praise for the ease of navigating with the MAPS option on the menu. Simply input your destination and START! No more struggling to glance over at your phone screen to see where you’re going.

If you live in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed an increasing focus on speed limit enforcement around schools. The Accord Touring Hybrid with its traffic sign recognition feature, has been updated to display a school zone icon to alert you, which is super-handy not only to keep the kids safe, but also because fines have increased. This is telling of Honda‘s commitment to looking after its Drivers and their interests. We did also notice some speed limit discrepancies between the display and actual road signage on occasion as well, so this might be something still to iron-out.

I appreciate the Maintenance Minder, a big selling feature for me and also the Accord Touring Hybrid‘s P235/40 R19 96V All-Season Tires and 19″ aluminum-alloy wheels. It also comes ready with a Tire Repair Kit. Anyone who’s ever experienced a flat knows the value of this.

Did you know the Honda Accord once again has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI)? You’ll see exactly why in 2024 the Accord received this a fourth time.

For Active Safety and Driver Assisted technologies, you get 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Auto high beam headlights; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Hill Start Assist; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS); Blind Spot Information (BSI) system; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control; and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system.

Passive Safety features in the Accord Touring Hybrid include: 3-point front seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Childproof rear door locks; Front knee airbags (SRS); Rear side airbags; HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent™ side airbags; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

In today’s climate, every ounce of assurance helps. The Accord Touring Hybrid is protected by an Immobilizer theft-deterrent system (Stolen Vehicle Locator/Remote Immobilizer) and also Find My Car/Vehicle Locator.

The 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid nails all the marks for us, other than a couple very minor glitches, and still is the car for us! It starts at $46,961.50 CAN. More here.

Join us on our adventures in the 2024 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid:

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA PASSPORT BLACK EDITION

Victoria Day usually signals the transition of Spring to Summer for us, and while we’ve seen our share of rain these past couple months, I believe we’ve made it through! We had the joy of spending this wonderful long weekend with friends and family and so thrilled to have had the 2024 Honda Passport Black Edition there for us to craft these beautiful memories!

At the heart of the 2024 Honda Passport Black Edition is a powerful 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 engine, with 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. It boasts 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) with Shift-by-Wire (SBW) and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. With this much power, it benefits from Eco Assist and an ECON mode, with further value and efficiency from its idling stop system. In terms of Fuel Economy, this stalwart offers 12.5/9.8/11.3 (L/100 km) City/Hwy/Combined on Regular fuel.

One of the Passport Black Editions biggest selling points also is its biggest selling feature. It is oh so spacious, with plenty of cargo to boot for your hauls and journey. It can be a fine balance choosing between utility and luxury, but the Passport Black Edition literally is both!

It comes with several refined features including seats that are leather-trimmed, 10-way power adjustment for the Driver’s seat, whil the front passenger gets 4-way. Seats have a heated option as well. Marvel in some glorious sound with its 540-watt Premium audio system, brought to life by 10 speakers including subwoofer, connecting easily via an 8″ display whether you use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. We admit we are a bit disappointed when there isn’t a wireless charging option for our phone, but the Passport Black Edition does not disappoint. There is an abundance of charging ports, front and back and we love that the Driver’s arm rest has a spacious storage component to pack away essentials for the drive.

Simply said, the Passport Black Edition is stunning. We love its one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, and we must mention the aesthetics of having gorgeous ambient lighting in red in our night drives, matching red-black contrast of its seating.

Honda wows with its level of care for its passengers, including dual-zone climate control too. I for one like the temperature low, which some of my passengers don’t get.

Other enhancements here are auto-sensing wipers front and back, perfect for rain and a lot of rain we have seen of late! The Passport Black Edition comes with striking 20″ aluminum-alloy wheels, Berlina Black. Above this, it includes side mirrors in Gloss Black, heated, with integrated turn signal indicators and memory-linked with reverse gear tilt-down, auto-dimming and power-folding. This is perfect for parking in tight spots in the City. The addition of roof rails makes it sporty and stylish.

Safety is a priority as always with Honda. Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines make reversing and parallel parking easy. Additional active and passive safety features it comes armed with include:

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system, LED headlights with auto-on/off (Low beam), Auto high beam headlights, HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Intelligent Traction Management System ( Snow/Sand/Mud), Advanced front airbags, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control.

Some highlights from our Test Drive:

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The 2024 Honda Passport Black Edition starts at $56,076.00 CAN. More here.

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA CR-V SPORT

We had a whirlwind past few weeks and prior to our trip to New York, we got to test drive the amazing 2024 Honda CR-V Sport in an elegant crystal black. This latest offering in the spacious Compact Recreational Vehicle family continues its family’s legacy of versatility and reliability. After a bit of a slow winter, events have picked-up around the City and as always we have a hard time saying “no”! The CR-V Sport was a trusty chariot, up for every challenge!

Powered by a 1.5 litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 -lb.ft. of torque, the CR-V Sport is none short on power. Honda has the market cornered, understanding that Canadian drivers have the need for three essential driving modes: Normal, Econ and Snow.

We’re big on Fuel Economy, especially when gas prices are … let’s just say it, exhorbitant! But a quick visit across the Border really proved how this might be something specific to us more in Canada! The CR-V Sport is value-focused offering a 9.1/7.6/8.4 L/100 KM (City/Hwy/Combined) fuel economy, giving us a ton of run for our money.

The CR-V Sport is intuitive and mindful of the passenger experience too. Our passengers appreciate its dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, plus seat warmers. For those cooler months, the Driver benefits from a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel as well.

Navigating the vehicle’s features is simple with its 7-inch colour touchscreen audio with 6 speakers is simple. While other trims of the CR-V Sport feature more elaborate bells and whistles, the Sport is functional and more than adequate for your daily drives. Driver and passenger have USB charging ports, though we do find ourselves missing the wireless charging plate that othr CR-V trims have.

Its Driver’s seat comes with 8-way power adjustment including 2-way power lumbar support and you’ll be pleased to know that you get proximity entry for those of you like me who are always fumbling for keys. Above this, it quickly locks as well within moments of stepping out of the car, an added protection in this era we’re living in.

The CR-V Sport isn’t just about function, it comes with some beautiful flourishes including 18″ aluminum-alloy wheels, black, rear privacy-tinted glass – which is perfect for our star, miss beanie. Also we love its one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, which we finally can use now that we are experiencing some warmer weather! It also has front and back windshield wipers – the latter a must for visibility in rainy, slushy weather.

True to Honda form, this SUV is loaded with Driver-Assist Safety Technology including: Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS^®), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control. You can drive worry-free knowing Honda always has your back. We don’t remember life before having Honda’s multi-angle rearview cameras guiding us as we reverse and park.

Passive Safety features include coverage from all the angles: Advanced front airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system and SmartVent™ side airbags.

This is perfect for those of you looking for value and reliability with a heavy dash of style.

Click here for more. The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport begins at $44,211 CAN.

Some highlights from our Test Drive:

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 HONDA HR-V EX-L NAVI

We rang-in the Year of the Dragon the right way! Not that there ever is a wrong way with a Honda! It was an amazing way to celebrate some unseasonably warm weather by getting out and having some adventures! We got to know the 2024 Honda HR-V EX-L NAVI, the latest rendition of the subcompact SUV, in a striking Urban Gray Pearl.

Powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Port Injection, DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, we get 158 horsepower, an Eco Assist™ system, Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™ and a three-mode drive system (Normal, Econ, Snow). Sadly, with the weather being so co-operative we never got to utilize the latter! Oh well!

The HR-V EX-L NAVI at first glance is elevated by its attention to detail. Intermittent rear window wiper/washer, black grille, body coloured handles, tinted privacy in back and one touch moonroof, tell you that this is more than a regular ride. It’s enhanced by several nice-to-haves which make your daily drive that much more effortless, adding a helping hand so that you can focus on your tasks at hand whether it be driving safely or heading-off to your destination. Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, Maintainance Minder, Proximity key entry system with pushbutton start and Walkaway doorlocks all are there to support you.

This SUV is versatile for your everday, no matter how big your hauls are with a cargo volume – rear seats up/down at 691/1559. Perfect for Costco, or just picking up some groceries.

Though we have been a bit spoiled with others in the Honda and Acura families, the HR-V EX-L NAVI includes a driver’s seat with a more than acceptable 6-way manual adjustment (including height adjustment), front passenger’s seat with 4-way manual adjustment, heated front seats and steering wheel. The subcompact SUV is geared towards delivering utility and value, while doing it with a bit of flare.

Fuel Economy cannot be beat with this Real Time AWD, tallying at 9.4/7.8/8.7 (City/Hwy/Combined), costing $60 to fill a tank with gas at a price of $1.50/L.

The SUV is loaded with convenience, in addition to comfort. It includes an AM/FM audio system with 8 speakers; 9″ touchscreen; speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC); wireless charging option; plus 3 USB ports in the front row. It also includes automatic dual-zone climate control with air-filtration system, though back row passengers don’t have the extra bells and whistles.

In terms of safety, the Honda HR-V EX-L is loaded with features including 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Brake Assist; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Hill Descent Control; Hill Start Assist; LED daytime running lights; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control.

Above this, you get important Driver Assist technologies too like Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; blind spot information; traffic sign recognition; and auto high beam.

Passive safety features are abundant as well like front and outboard rear 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent™ side airbags; childproof locks and more.

The 2024 Honda HR-V starts at an exceptional value of $40,044 CAN.

Some highlights from our test drive, including some festive Lunar New Year celebrations, friends, food tastings and star sightings!

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2023 HONDA ACCORD EX

Time and again, the Honda Accord has proven to be a favourite of mine. It balances sophistication, practicality and performance so beautifully, a perfect pairing for an annual Summer tradition of mine, the Queen’s Plate. With King Charles’ coronation recently, the most historic horse race in North America was re-branded the King’s Plate this year. This marks the first time the race has been run under the name since 1951. The affair is a $1 million race, restricted to three-year-old horses foaled in Canada, but for some it is a celebration of fashion, with guests donning their very best for a fabulous reason to party!

The race was won this year by PARAMOUNT PRINCE, who is co-owned by Michael Langlois and Hollywood giant Gary Barber, who flew in for a very successful day which saw him win another feature race on the card, the Soaring Free Stakes, with GOLD CANARY. Jockey Patrick Husbands piloted to score, defeating stablemate ELYSIAN FIELD, a filly going up against the boys. Like the flashy and speedy Radiant Red Metallic 2023 Honda Accord EX I test drove for the day, Paramount Prince also is what you call “red” in colour, being of chestnut colouring just like Secretariat. In fact, that legend’s nickname was “Big Red”!

Interest in Horse Racing is peaking once again and there’s proof in numbers. Not only did the King’s Plate sell-out completely, wagering also hit record numbers with $18.1 million bet that day alone!

I initially was given the opportunity to test drive the 2023 Honda Accord EX a couple weeks back for a road trip. After experiencing an “emissions system problem” message (below), I had brought it into Formula Honda in Scarborough, who were amazing to give it a look and a system reset and it turned out everything was fine. When experiencing this error, the car will cap at a certain speed with a reduction in power, and it directs you to visit a dealer. This admittedly was concerning but after a check-through by trusted hands, I was assured the car was as good as new! The error message never resurfaced. Giving it a second go, I was thrilled how true to form it is with what I love about Accords. Sleek, fuel effiicient and just all-around a car I would want to drive every day!

Going over specifications, the Accord EX is powered by a 1.5-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It operates at 192 @ 6000 rpm horsepower, has idle stop and Eco Assist, which are a better alternative for both the environment and the wallet. Running on Regular Unleaded fuel (also with capless fuelling) it will have you second-guessing if it’s even on because it is so quiet! If you’re looking to save a bit on gas, this is your car with a Highway, City and Combined Fuel Economy of 8.6/6.4/7.3L per 100 km.

Because looks do matter when it comes to cars, the Accord EX comes with small subtle flourishes that elevate it. It has body-coloured door handles, heated power door mirrors (which fold) and a shark fin antenna. The EX is blessed with a one-touch power moonroof including a tilt feature. Proximity Entry makes it super-easy for you and we are all for no more fumbling for keys!

Honda has a way of understanding the passenger experience so well and the EX‘s dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, gets it just right. While I like it freezing cold, my Mom for example doesn’t, and that’s fine because you can have it both ways with the EX! Everybody wins.

The Driver has much flexibility with with 8-way power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support. The front passenger’s seat gets 4-way manual adjustment. There’s an adjustment for everyone’s comfort levels and mobility.

The marriage of phone and car is a sacred union, whether we are navigating Google Maps, streaming Spotify and receiving urgent messages on the EX’s 7″ touchscreen display. Connecting was a cinch with HandsFreeLink™-bilingual Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone interface. The EX is powered by a Bose 8-speaker Audio System, perfect for Audiophiles. Above this, the EX has steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control, audio, telephone, Driver Information Interface) for ease of navigating while you’re busy driving.

Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines are the new norm, making parking or reversing so easy and eliminating anxieties about this. What was life actually like before cars had cameras?

The EX is packed with Active Safety features including 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Auto high beam; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); Blind Spot Information (BSI) system; Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; Traffic Jam Assist; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Traffic sign recognition (HS); and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control. All needed for those months we get great and not-so-predictable weather!

Passive Safety also is a focal point. 3-point front seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure reducing shock and impact in the event of a collision; Childproof rear door locks i-SRS airbag system (front); Front knee airbags; Rear side airbags; HondaLink™ Assist; Automatic Emergency Response System; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; and SmartVent™ side airbags are there to protect you and your loved ones. Also, the EX comes with a Security System and Find My Car/Vehicle Locator features for added piece of mind.

In all, a real gem, reinforcing why exactly test-driving the Accord is always a joy. The 2023 Honda Accord EX starts at $31,000 CAN.

Our King’s Plate experience highlights:

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The 2023 Honda Accord EX starts at $31,000 CAN.

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#PRODUCTWATCH: 2023 HONDA HR-V EX-L

Honda HR-Vs and Road Trips. Name me a better pairing! We haven’t really been able to have much of a Summer admittedly. All we’ve done is grieve and ignore Spam Calls on our phone it felt like. So this was our last hurrah before being inundated with what looks to be a busy Fall ahead.

For our road trip to Saratoga, we actually were planning originally for a Sedan, but as it turned out, the 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L was just meant to be our partner. And everything was so much better because of it. Whether it be its outstanding fuel economy, spaciousness or just the sheer feeling of security and comfort it gave me and my passengers, it really isn’t tough finding reasons to love about it! So many amazing memories created in this SUV for all reasons and seasons!

The HR-V EX-L is powered 16-Valve DOHC VTEC® engine and operating with 158 @ 6500 rpm horsepower, it commands the road with a great presence. Others certainly take notice when you pull-up in an HR-V. It comes with among others, an ECON Mode and its fuel economy tallies-in at 9.4 L/100km highway and 7.8 L/100km in the city. It runs on Regular Unleaded fuel and it all begins with a push-button start. Venturing to the U.S., it was a huge treat seeing their comparably lower fuel prices. I just couldn’t stop filling-up every chance I got!

We are all about the entertainment options as these comprise a big part of our daily drives. The HR-V is at the tip of your fingers with a 7-Inch Driver Information Interface Screen. While it already comes with a litany of charging port options for driver and passenger, its Wireless Phone Charger (Qi-Compatible) makes things easier, although a vertical phone placement while charging would make it a bit easier, especially for navigation purposes since the HR-V doesn’t have the Google Maps feature enabled yet on its menu options. We are a fan of its 180-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers and the ease of connectnig via Bluetooth.

We love its user sensibilities, equipped with an Automatic Climate Control System and the Driver’s Seat comes with 8-way power adjustment. Though it doesn’t have seat coolers which would be handy in the Summer, it certainly does have heated seating which will be a real MVP in the coming cooler months. Things like Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock make life just that little bit easier, getting rid of that additionl worry should you forgot to lock your doors.

The HR-V is concerned with the passenger experience as much as it is the Driver. It comes with second-row reading lights and of course, many USB ports because we all love to stay connected. Seating is very cozy and beanie can vouch for this as she napped comfortably at the back the whole drive! And how cute we’d get Rear Seat Reminder alerts that she was in the back every time we were about to get out of the HR-V!

Style and details are important as well and the HR-V comes with a rear roofline spoiler. It has a distinctive fin-type roof-mounted antenna, plus body-colured door handles. The HR-V we test drove was in Crystal Black Pearl and its rear privacy glass, helped elevate its appearance with an elegant black-on-black. It also comes with a spectacular moonroof and proudly shows off its 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with shark-gray inserts.

We don’t remember what it was like to drive without the convenience of a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.… and we’re not about to walk down memory lane! Dynamic Guidelines on the camera make parallel parking and reversing much less daunting a task!

In terms of Active Safety features, the HR-V is armed with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Forward Collision Warning (FCW); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and more. The Honda Sensing® feature enables Drivers to detect and take action to avoid situations such as one-car accidents, collisions, pedestrian injuries, and missed road signs.  We appreciate Traffic Jam Assist, its Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor and its Traffic Sign Recognition System, which was super-handy travelling on roads and highways we weren’t too familiar with on our trip.

Passive Safety features here are abundant also, including Enhanced Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure – a design that uses a network of front frame structures to absorb and deflect the energy from a frontal collision. The Driver and Front Passenger are protected by: Front Side Airbags, Advanced Front Airbags (SRS); Knee Airbags (SRS), Advanced Front Airbags (SRS); Rear Outboard Passenger’s Side Airbags; plus Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor. Honda is pulling-out all the stops to protect us and it is exemplary.

We had the most spectacular adventure in the 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L. A reel of highlights!

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So many awesome memories made!

While it might not have some of the bells and whistles that are available in some of the newer Sedans from Honda, the HR-V had us feeling secure and protected on our drives and for this reason alone we would be willing to make that compromise!

The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L starts at $39,263.10 CAN.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TRAVEL: TRAVELLING TO SARATOGA? BOOKING.COM MAKES IT EASY

It’s been a major case of summertime blues for me. The year started pretty great, with the world finally opening up again to a semblance of what it was. Mask regulations were lifted and events are now back at full capacity. But for me personally, there have been a lot of losses of late. I lost my Dad after several bouts with his health over the past year, and some friends and heroes whom I look up to have passed as well in recent months. I was desperately in need of a recharge. While vacations don’t solve all our problems, sometimes that’s all we need to bring us that bit of light when our shine has been diminished.

Saratoga Springs, New York (nicknamed “The Spa”) has always been a happy place for me. Located in upstate New York, the city is just about seven hours from Toronto, proudly sporting its official slogan upon arrival, “Health, History and Horses”. Not to be confused with Sarasota, because many friends think I’m off to Florida when I say I’m going to this beautiful summer treasure!

Water from these Springs have diverse characteristics, healing properties and a distinct flavour. Saratoga Springs water is said to have magic healing powers that help with skin ailments, assist with digestion, and more.

It is no mystery how much I love horses and every summer for a 40-day meet, among the very best in Horse Racing congregate at charming Saratoga Race Course to enjoy the sport at its highest level. The meet draws people from all over. The venue, donning its distinctive red and white stripe motif throughout, recalls traditions of yesteryear, but with modern amenities and flourishes that have connected its spirit to a new generation of attendees who either grew up like me around the sport, or just want to come out showing off their summer’s best hats and fascinators. Once the meet ends, the city with a population of just under 30,000, goes back to its regular pace as a trendy college town. Saratoga Springs is a destination of incredible taste, refinement and sophistication that somehow manages to always feel fresh.

BOOKING.COM makes it easy – and on short notice!

Because the demand is great to be in Saratoga Springs between late July to early September, finding accommodations can be pricey and difficult. BOOKING.COM makes it super easy to filter a search on their user-friendly website and App (iPhone, iPad and Android-ready). The latter is used by over 100 million monthly active users globally. You can filter your search with the options you really want from their pool of 28 million reported listings with 30 different types of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a villa, treehouse, cottage, or a boutique hotel, Booking.com truly has it all, everywhere. 

If, like me, you are known to travel on little notice, this can limit your options. BOOKING.COM made finding accommodations rather simple, narrowing down properties within a close driving distance to Saratoga Springs. Trust me, hotels here fill up months in advance, and sometimes I really don’t know if I’ll be travelling till much later than that. You’ll be relieved to know that on Booking.com, there often is an option for full refund before a particular date because the unavoidable happens!

I landed upon the stunning Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York, a scenic 25 minute drive away from my ultimate destination. Not only is proximity important. I come with a very specific set of requirements. When choosing a place to stay, I rely on reviews from actual people who have stayed at the property. BOOKING.COM has more than 283 million verified reviews from real guests who have stayed at each accommodation and booked through them. Based on this, I was able to filter my search to properties with a minimum “8.5” rating and up. The Desmond Hotel hit the mark.

Above this, I don’t travel without my beloved dog beanie and while searching “pet-friendly” accommodations, this requirement eliminated some wonderful establishments from consideration for me. On the flipside, it also paired me with a place that welcomed us and those who like mindedly don’t exclude our furry loved ones from our trips.

Travelling sustainably is also super important to me nowadays and with BOOKING.COM’s search filters, I was able to see that The Desmond is a “Level 1” Travel Sustainable Property. This means that they have implemented some impactful sustainability practices. Another thing we love about BOOKING.COM is that you can also look for properties with a “Travel Proud” badge, showing their commitment to understand and help overcome the challenges LGBTQ+ travellers face. We support businesses that support inclusivity and diversity.

If accessibility options are important to you, BOOKING.COM has filters for disabled guests, the ability to look for places that offer electric vehicle charging stations, and many more details that people might need at their accommodation.

THE DESMOND

While this hotel at first glance doesn’t appear to be particularly towering in the classic sense of a hotel, it is rather expansive horizontally. Each of its three floors are packed with rooms. There are in fact, 323 guest rooms, plus a litany of conference rooms, a 24/7 fitness facility, a restaurant (Mr. D’s – named after founder John K. Desmond, Jr.) and a beautiful indoor courtyard with greenery and a pond that is home to beautiful Koi fish. Though we drove in in an amazing 2023 Honda HRV supplied by Honda Canada, the hotel is literally right beside the Albany Airport and they offer shuttles to the airport for those who need it. The hotel lobby also features a monitor display showing upcoming departure times, a mindful added touch for those travellers flying.

Rooms bestow an elegant, thoughtful decor and here I had the pleasure of staying in a Double Queen Guest Room that could host four people easily. This was one of the best sleeps I’ve had in quite some time, with curtains that shut-out the light completely. beanie can vouch for this – she hogged the bed! In an effort to be eco-conscious, room refreshing can be done by request. We’re of the mindset that we don’t wash our towels and sheets daily at home, and wouldn’t expect the same on vacation at a hotel. There is an abundance of USB charging ports which is important, Wi-Fi, a large desk, an HDTV and temperature controls which I took advantage of.

Many hotels talk about being “pet-friendly”, but are they really? The Desmond has a grassy outdoor courtyard where dogs can stretch their legs and do their business, complete with thoughtful bag dispenser stations and bins ready as well. This means a lot, alleviating the stress of having to go far in an area we weren’t too familiar with. Parking is also free.

Attractions

BOOKING.COM has an ATTRACTIONS feature that offers users access to things to do in over 1,200 cities with over 39,000 curated bookable attractions and experiences, like tours, museums, activities, theme parks, rentals, and more. Though we know Saratoga Springs quite well, we know there is never a shortage of places to shop along their Broadway District, including delightful apparel shops or Saratoga Marketplace with numerous quality products from local retailers. If you love big box U.S. stores too like me, you’ll be pleased to know that there are super-sized versions of these in Saratoga Springs. And while you’re doing all this, why not take your furry loved one for a Spa Day of their own in “The Spa”?

Much of the action in this city centers around spectacular Saratoga Race Course in the summer. Last year alone, 1,075,586 fans visited over the span of their 40-day meet, enjoying horse racing at its highest level. The track is the world’s oldest major sports facility, having opened in 1863, and has seen legends gallop over its turf and dirt surfaces. The Oklahoma Training Track is open in the morning to the public to come see their favourite athletes train, with free parking during those hours. All of this is also a short walk away from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which opened in 1950 to commemorate those people and horses who have made a significant impact on the sport.

The meet at Saratoga Race Course includes marquee races which ultimately are precursors to deciding which athletes are crowned champions in North America at the Eclipse Awards at the culmination of the 2023 season. Important races include the Travers, Alabama, Test, Ballerina and the Whitney Stakes, all of which we were there for. The latter is a Grade I race valued at $1 million, named in honour of the influential Whitney family whom for generations had a huge impact on Saratoga, and this year was won by the striking gray horse WHITE ABARRIO ridden by unstoppable North American leading jockey, Irad Ortiz, Jr., for owners C Two Racing Stable & Antonio Pagnano and trainer Richard E. Dutrow Jr.

The heavy favourite going into the race was CODY’S WISH, owned by industry leaders Godolphin LLC and trained by iconic Bill Mott. The horse is named after a boy named Cody Dorman, who is living with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and saw his fateful “Make-a-Wish” come true when the horse took to the boy right away. This horse has gone on to win close to $2.5 million and is widely regarded as one of the best horses in training.

The Card on Whitney Stakes day was stacked with stars and gave us the honour of seeing top three-year-old filly PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS, who won the Grade I Test Stakes. Just this past May, she won the prestigious $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks, the female companion race to the Kentucky Derby..

Last but not least, one of my favourite parts of Saratoga Springs is Beekman Street, a mecca of art, culture and food. Galleries, pubs, shops and restaurants line this charming and low key residential district if you want that downtown vibe minus all the traffic and congestion.

A full Album of photos taken at Saratoga Race Course here.

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Dining

Saratoga Springs is a place of taste. Having been a few times over the years, my favourites align with those of locals. Hattie’s for Fried Chicken. Sweet Mimi’s Cafe for brunch and pastries – the Cinammon bread was recommended to me by owner Jeanette and I’m sold! The hotspots on weekends can see hour-long queues, so get there early and they offer free coffee for those in the queue. Uncommon Grounds makes a truly perfect bouncy Bagel, so we get why there are 30-minute queues. The Love & Lox is a hit. Historic Adelphi Hotel (also available as a property on BOOKING.COM) has been providing visitors top tier accommodations since 1877 and it houses some great spots to dine, like Salt & Char, plus a dog-friendly patio at Morrissey’s Lounge with its trendy menu spanning Asian, Italian and classic American. The Local Pub and Teahouse serves comforting pub fare and is very popular with locals. Their tender, melty Short Rib over mashed potatoes is perfection. Taverna Novo also provides an intimate and special experience if you love Italian. The latter two are on Beekman Street.

The food options at Saratoga Race Course are also great. They have their own Shake Shack and you absolutely must get the exclusive “Sloppy Track” milkshake. The track also has a branch of aforementioned Hattie’s, plus bars like the Easy Goer and Fourstardave, named after iconic racehorses who made their mark locally.Though we wish we got to spend more time in Albany, we were wowed by breakfast at trendy The Scene. This cafe has cocktails and coffee on its menu, plus several brunch options. Thoroughly enjoyed my Scenewich and Cinnamon Toast Latte set against an aesthetically-pleasing backdrop.

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Niagara… Because why not?

With it being a seven hour drive to Saratoga Springs, it’s important to take proper breaks along the way. We chose Hilton Garden Inn which is also available via BOOKING.COM and rated a strong 8.6 as calculated by user reviews. This hotel is just minutes from the Falls and equally close to wineries in the region. In addition, it boasts a remarkable Level 3 Travel Sustainable badge, a distinction reserved only for those accommodations that have made large investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices. They are also pet-friendly, with grassy areas for your pet to go and thoughtful bag dispensers for your convenience. Did I mention that beanie got a welcome bag upon arrival? It’s honestly the little touches that make you want to share your experience with others! You’re literally across the road from the Outlet Collection at Niagara, or you can save up for cross-border shopping seeing that you’re only minutes from the U.S. All this, plus free parking!

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Our drive to Saratoga saw new revamped Applegreen Service Stations, which were actually quite amazing, giving us reasons to stop and recharge, and making that drive bearable! Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera, Popeyes, Shake Shacks and more, plus a chance to fill up on some reasonably priced fuel. America is so spoiled!

BOOKING.COM made it easy to plan this unforgettable trip. And they aren’t just for booking a place to stay. BOOKING.COM offers flights, car rentals, taxis, activities, all of which can be organized into one place – the BOOKING.COM app or website. No more rifling through different confirmation emails from different companies – keep your itinerary streamlined and simple. 

And with BOOKING.COM’s Rewards & Wallet feature, you can apply earned cash value to selected flight bookings, selected property bookings, any car rental bookings, any attraction bookings, any taxi bookings, and any insurance that you add to your trip through Booking.com.

Summer’s almost over. Isn’t it time you took a moment to recharge?

Grab a seat and join us on our journey to Saratoga Springs. A Reel of Highlights:

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