Semi-hip Montreal for return visitors
 

We are a couple of thirtysomething New Yorkers who have been to Montreal at least 10 times in the past 10 years. We're trying to find some less obvious ,but fun, things to do on a weekend later this summer.<BR><BR>We generally don't spend much time at Vieux Port anymore unless there's something special we're going to see (last year it was the Mosaiculture floral/Topiary exhibit. This year, we will have already missed Cirque du Soleil). We have enjoyed various summer festivals, and this year plan to attend many performances of the Francofolies (loved it last year!) Previous years we've gone to the Jazz festival and the Just for Laughs festival.<BR><BR>Are there any must see museum exhibits or new museums? Have been to and enjoyed the Canadian Centre for Architecture and will probably go again, but think we'll skip Musee des Beaux Arts this year)<BR><BR>New neighborhoods to explore? How far up St Laurent should we go (past Schwartz's, for example)to find other interesting areas to shop and eat?<BR><BR>We like casual restaurants, prefer to spend less than $30 CDN per person-- always return to Schwartz's and Chu Chai vegetarian Thai and are open to almost all cuisine types. Not that interested in the restaurants on Prince Arthur St. as we want to try something new.<BR>and a little more "grown up"(???)<BR><BR>(But, we're not necesarily looking for "THE LATEST" thing in bistros or bars -we're not the Prada-clad hipsters tha some people seem to think all New Yorkers are :)<BR><BR>We thank you in advance for any great ideas you might have for us. We're looking forward to yet another fabulous vacation in Montreal!

Hi Janine<BR><BR>I'll tell you...I lived in this city for 5 years and am just now moving back to the city (am going to sign on a duplex soon). I just discovered how much I like the Snowdon area of the city (near l'Oratoire St. Joseph) where I'll be moving. Some of the side streets are simply a delight to explore by foot, just to see all the gorgeous houses.<BR><BR>Yes, there are places of interest on St. Laurent of interest north of Schwartz's. You may want to check out Mont Royal Ave., with all its thrift stores and restaurants. Get off at Mt. Royal metro and have a ball. Laurier has many dining/shopping options; or check out the vibe on rues Fairmount, St. Viateur and Bernard in the Mile-End district. In these areas, there are some great places to eat: Rumi for Turkish, Brodino's is good for soup and sandwich and Open Da Night has some really FANTASTIC Italian coffee. <BR><BR>I discover new restaurants all the time in Montreal. Just this trip, I went to Obento, a small, reasonably-priced sushi place near Guy/Concordia metro. Best tempura I've ever had...I loved it and I'm not typically a big fan of tempura. <BR><BR>Do a search under my name; I have a zillion entries under Montreal and restaurants. <BR><BR>Have a ball! DAN

I agree with Dan. You should explore the "Plateau". Mont-Royal, St-Denis, Laurier and all the little side streets are quite fun.

There are so many interesting neighborhoods! The Jean Talon area is quite interesting, with it's Italian section and Lebanese section. Of course there is Duluth St. with all it's byob restaurants. The very northern edge of the city is also fun, with hiking trails along the river, and some untouristy shopping areas.

Here are a few other nice neighborhoods:<BR><BR>Outremont:<BR>Centered on Bernard St., Outremont's commercial district is quite nice. Many good restaurants (Try La Moulerie for mussels) and interesting shops. Lovely parks and homes on the residential side streets. Metro: Outremont<BR><BR>Notre-Dame-de-Gr&acirc;ce:<BR>Centered on Monkland St. Many good restaurants: La Taverne Monkland (international fusion), Ye Old Orchard (British pub), Le Maistre (French). Nice residential side streets. Metro: Villa-Maria<BR><BR>Saint-Henri:<BR>This district is a mixed bag, but many hail it at the next "Plateau". Condos & lofts are springing up around the Lachine Canal and Atwater Market, which in itself is worth a visit. "Les douceurs du march&eacute;" is an interesting gourmet grocery store. Several good cheese shops and a "Premi&egrave;re Moisson" bakery, which makes excellent bread & pastries. Good restaurants on Notre-Dame St, near Laporte St.: Le Sans Menu (French), Le Va-et-Vient (salads & light fare) and Taverne Magnan (St-Partick & Charlevoix, for excellent roastbeef & steaks). Many antique shops on Notre-Dame St., east of Atwater.<BR>Metro: Lionel-Groulx<BR><BR>

Here are a few other nice neighborhoods:<BR><BR>Outremont:<BR>Centered on Bernard St., Outremont's commercial district is quite nice. Many good restaurants (Try La Moulerie for mussels) and interesting shops. Lovely parks and homes on the residential side streets. Metro: Outremont<BR><BR>Notre-Dame-de-Gr&acirc;ce:<BR>Centered on Monkland St. Many good restaurants: La Taverne Monkland (international fusion), Ye Old Orchard (British pub), Le Maistre (French). Nice residential side streets. Metro: Villa-Maria<BR><BR>Saint-Henri:<BR>This district is a mixed bag, but many hail it at the next "Plateau". Condos & lofts are springing up around the Lachine Canal and Atwater Market, which in itself is worth a visit. "Les douceurs du march&eacute;" is an interesting gourmet grocery store. Several good cheese shops and a "Premi&egrave;re Moisson" bakery, which makes excellent bread & pastries. Good restaurants on Notre-Dame St, near Laporte St.: Le Sans Menu (French), Le Va-et-Vient (salads & light fare) and Taverne Magnan (St-Patrick & Charlevoix, for excellent roastbeef & steaks). Many antique shops on Notre-Dame St., east of Atwater.<BR>Metro: Lionel-Groulx<BR><BR>