TRIP TO TORONTO. WHAT TO DO...

Granite Brewery on Eglinton Ave East. A great micro brewery.

The big tower is the CN Tower. It's a must see for a first timer.

Remember, Toronto is Canada's largest city so the opportunity to see top notch live music is abundant. I live in Rochester NY so for me to see a big name in Toronto is easier than going to NYC or Boston. I've spent a lifetime going to Toronto for very short trips. It's a beautiful clean city unlike anything you'll see in most of the U.S.

Comedy. Canadians are some of the funniest people on the planet and unlike say English humor, people from the U.S. get it. See if you can catch a show at Second City.

Good quality food is everywhere. I used to go to this seafood joint called The Filet of Soul. Not sure if its still around. To be honest, I would ask your concierge about dining. That sort of thing changes constantly in big cities. I've never had a bad meal anywhere in Canada. If its packed the food is good. One thing they do in Canada which is more of a tactic you would see at the Campo Di Fiore or Little Italy in New York is they come out on the sidewalk and try to lure you in for a meal. The best places don't need to do this, regardless of pricing.

If you haven't spent much time in Canada, you should try and find a good joint for Poutine. This is fresh cut fries with fresh cheese curds covered in a poultry gravy. It's really good and I've read recently that there's restaurants in Toronto that are kicking it up a bit with fancy ingredients.

There's a ton of great museums. If you have the time check one out. Again ask your concierge. I believe the Art Gallerynof Toronto is remodeling.

Check out China Town.

Go shopping at Eaton Centre.

Spend time asking questions. People are friendly. If your daughter is in school there, it's in your best interest to get to know the city. It's a great one I can assure you.

This is going to piss some people off but Canadians are not in love with the U.S. Remember this. They hate our outlook on gun laws and health care and cannot understand it at all. They basically think we're stupid on issues like this. If you lean towards the right On US politics keep it to yourself.

I think any of us from the U.S. who have visited Toronto can agree its a wonderful city. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Montreal and Kingston you will not be disappointed. I hope to some day visit Qeubec City as well as the Western Provinces. Great Country. Enjoy yourself. A close friend of mine went to school at the Trevis Institute of the Recording Arts. It was a lot of fun to visit way back when.

"Toronto eh . Known to us Canuiks as the butt hole of Canada ."

Then why's it the largest city? I'll say that I enjoy Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal better bit it seems like the people living in Toronto enjoy it. What about Niagara Falls? Now there's a hole. The only place worse is the American side. That's the arm pit if the universe.

Essential. There's a ton of pubs and restaurants in Kingston, all in the old town by the water. There's also some great small venues for live music down there. I actually saw Dan Akroyd at a small blues bar on Princess Street one summer. If you stay in the old town, you won't have to drive anywhere. If you like fish n chips try The Pilot House. My favorite fine dining is Casa Domenico. Chez Piggy is great for lunch. Kingston Brewery, Tir Nan Og, and The Toucan are great places to have a beer and hang out with the locals. Morrisons is a good place for a traditional breakfast or try Pan Chanco Bakery for a more creative breakfast or lunch.