All in, Al Fresco – Week 2
By Melody Pereira
Welcome back to All in, Al Fresco! My name is Melody (she/her) and I am the Downtown District’s Marketing Assistant Summer Student for 2021. Follow along with me each week for updates as we dive into the details of all the exciting things that will be happening at our hugely successful summer event – Al Fresco.
Al Fresco is back for its second year this summer until August and we are so excited for all the fun to be had. Al Fresco means “done or eaten in the open air” and this signature event is designed so that visitors can enjoy the summer rays while supporting the downtown business and promoting community!
So, get ready to come do it Al Fresco in the District with me!
Live Music Is Back!
Our classic Music in the Air Fridays are back starting this Friday, July 2! Our Downtown Businesses are excited to be hosting live musicians and singers to kick off the weekend and enjoy some tunes in the open air. Hop over to The 116 Bistro if you want to be the singer yourself – their karaoke nights will be resumed as well as open mic events starting tonight! Head over to their Facebook page to check out all the details on their upcoming events. Be sure to also check in with Gourmet Diem, Capers, and Sans Souci social media to see who is playing and where. Great menus, great drinks, and great entertainment!
Sizing Up Patio Groups
Now introducing bigger table sizes at our outdoor patios! In accordance with recent government changes, we are now serving tables of up to 6 people rather than the previous 4 patron limit. Grab your gang and head on down to one of our picturesque patios! Not sure which one to choose? Not a worry – head over to our Downtown Patios page for all the details to help you make your decision and find some delicious bites to eat!
Time for Pampering!
Time to finally cut those quarantine locks and maybe add a little colour to your look – We are so excited that the salons are finally OPEN! All services which allow for face masks are now permitted so book your appointments now! Pamper yourself – you deserve it!
New Week, New Game!
Time to play! Join us Thursdays and Fridays from 3-5 pm in the street closure for some great family fun. This week we are adding a new game to our roster – GIANT JENGA! Thanks to Scalliwag Toys, we are excited to premiere our new game and enjoy some fun in the sun. Let’s see if you have what it takes to win and keep that tower from toppling down to the ground. See you there!
T-Shirt Time!
Come one, come all and get ready to rep the downtown district this summer in style! Our brand-new t-shirts for Al Fresco 2021 were designed by local artist Katrien Reed. Katrien’s design showcases our mighty Moira River ahead of the historic Belleville downtown building scene – you do not want to miss this. Made from a lightweight, soft fabric in a vibrant Heathered Mint colour – they are the perfect summer tee! Step up your style game for only $20 and own this shirt today and engage in the Downtown District’s summer history. The Marketplace is all stocked and ready for you to grab one for yourself or for the whole family!
REMINDER: Tête-à-tête Thursday
Ready, set, WIN. Head downtown today and snap a photo in one of our beautiful tête-à-tête chairs and post it to social media tagging @downtownbelleville for your chance to win one of our sweet new collectible shirts – see above. Hungry? Grab some takeout from a local restaurant and include it in the picture for double the chances to win! Winners are announced every Friday.
Join the Breakfast Club
Early bird gets the worm! Join up bright and early Saturday morning and join the breakfast club. Start your weekend off right at one of our local businesses:
Quinte Corner Cafe opens at 8am
The Brake Room opens at 8am
Gourmet Diem opens at 9am
L’auberge de France opens at 9am
Sans Souci opens at 9am
The 116 Bistro opens at 9am
Crêpe Escape opens at 9am
Quinte Corner Cafe
199 Front Street
Baked goods, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and more. Quinte Corner Café is ready and looking forward to serving you from the corner! Quinte corner has fresh treats and drink options to spice up your day and cater to all your daily sweet tooth needs. Drop by in the morning starting at 7:30 am for your caffeine fix and enjoy one of many breakfast sandwiches or avocado toast. At lunchtime grab your co-worker and meet up in the afternoon sun with some gourmet grilled cheese and a delicious smoothie! Trying out a fresh new diet this year? They’ve got countless keto and vegan options ranging from peppermint Nanaimo bars to peanut butter cookies. Have a specific allergy? Vast nut-free and gluten-free options are also available. Treat yourself!
Gems of Wellness
381 Front Street
This downtown health and wellness boutique is a true GEM! Gems of Wellness carries only the highest quality vitamins, supplements, and minerals as well as pure essential oils, healing crystals, and custom-made lava bead bracelets. Emphasizing collaboration and communication with customers for supplement selection to help various ailments, the staff at Gems of Wellness are ready to work with YOU. Get started and up your wellness with a free non-invasive body assessment to analyze the body and its needs through electrodermal activity. And that’s not all! Gems of Wellness also provides unique health and wellness services including weight-management plans, Reiki, foot reflexology, and Indian head massage – this is your sign to prioritize yourself and learn what your body truly needs this summer!
