![](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-2.jpg?fit=637%2C960&ssl=1)
I always like to make birthdays special – it’s important to Treat Yo Self! I’ve incorporated the spirit of I Heart Hamilton into each celebration since I started the blog in 2011. There was my Silver Jubilee in 2012 which I celebrated with an acoustic show at The Casbah and drinks at Baltimore House. The following year, I booked a show at The Casbah with some of my favourite local musicians and had the proceeds go to a local food bank.
Last year I started a new tradition, the birthday tour! Being your resident local tourist, it just made sense to spend the day venturing around to some of my favourite spots in the city. Since I never did blog about it – here’s a recap of last year’s adventures as I gear up for tomorrow’s birthday tour.
![Ottawa Street](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-7.png?resize=607%2C608)
The day began in the east end, on Ottawa Street. I knew I had to start with one of my favourites – waffles at Cannon Coffee. It’s the best spot. Right away you’re greeted with friendly faces and I always run into someone I know. After a good brunch, it was a nice stroll along the street, popping in and out of antique shops. From there, it was into the grittier side of Hamilton as we drove through the industrial sector.
![Cannon Coffee](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bd14-1.jpg?resize=640%2C788)
![Ottawa Street. Taken with disposable camera.](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014.jpg?resize=640%2C424)
![Antique Avenue on Ottawa Street](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-6.png?resize=610%2C610)
![Industrial sector in the east end. Taken with disposable camera.](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-5.jpg?resize=640%2C425)
From one end of the city to the other, the tour continued on to Dundas. I love taking days to spend time in one particular BIA or neighbourhood and just explore, going in and out of shops. With spring here now (let’s hope!), I can’t wait to hit the streets and explore more on foot.
Stops included Detour Cafe for another local brew before some more birthday treats. It’s a sweet dream over at Beanermunky Chocolate and I picked out one of their festive Crispy Pops. We also did some more antiquing and hopped around into different shops.
![Downtown Dundas](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-2.jpg?resize=637%2C960)
![Detour](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bd14-2.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
![Beanermunky Chocolate](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bd2014-3.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
![Treat from Beanermunky Chocolate](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-13.png?resize=605%2C610)
![Treats from Beanermunky Chocolate](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bd14-5.jpg?resize=506%2C900)
In the evening, it was in another direction entirely – down to the Waterfront. It’s one of my very favourite spots in the city. I always feel so peaceful there by the water – walking around, reading, or just taking time to pause and reflect. It’s one of my happy places.
It was the best way to end the tour before having a cozy night in with pizza – and cake, of course! I’m looking forward to seeing where this year’s birthday tour takes me.
![Waterfront. Taken with disposable camera.](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bday2014-3.jpg?resize=640%2C425)
![Waterfront. Taken with disposable camera.](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/disposable-water0.jpg?resize=640%2C424)
![Waterfront](https://i0.wp.com/ihearthamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bd14-4.jpg?resize=640%2C360)