This summer we've been fortunate enough to head to Montreal for a month. We picked this city so we could drive to it (no extra money spent on airfares), and we will stay in the same time zone. We found a Airbnb in a neighborhood outside of downtown that would let us stay for a month, and we were off to discover a new city.
We left early on Saturday morning in the hope of getting as far north as possible. Straight up the 77 to the 81 we drove around 11 hours all up and ended in Scranton, PA. Rain set in and we found a Panera Bread right near the Hilton and crashed for the night.
We got up naturally on Sunday and started our drive to Montreal. We continued up the 81 until we reached the Thousand Island area, where we came over a bridge to a beautiful waterway that served as the US/Canadian border. Border crossing was pretty quick, but there did seem to be a long line coming back. In Canada we stopped for lunch soon after at a Tim Hortons. Trying to get into the Canadian spirit as soon as possible. It was disappointing to say the least. Not sure we'd race back there again. An easy ride got us into Montreal at 4pm and a parking spot was available right outside our apartment. A really nice Airbnb. We're about 2 miles from downtown in a very cool neighborhood. Lots of restaurants and stores close by. Close to the bus and 15 minute walk to the train. This is going to be a good month.
Our hosts left a list of places to eat at and, after unpacking, we started with the closest - Drogheria Fine. This is literal hole in the wall that serves gnocchi. Nothing else! You get it in a Chinese container with some chopsticks and cheese. And it's $5. And there is a line all day every day. The food is amazing. As first timers we over ordered a serving each. In the future we may share one. To the left of the building is Kem Coba, an gelato store that, after one tasting, will become our second home in the next month. It is so delicious. While we didn't try it today, to the right of Drogheria Fine, is Fairmount Bagel. Again, it's all they serve, and it's been in business for over 100 years, and in this location for 75. I'm sure we'll be back - a lot.
AB&L, Drogheria Fine, Montreal, QC
We wandered around the neighborhood and did some grocery shopping just to be outside, after 2 long days of driving. Every second makes me love this place more and more. I really can't wait to see what the next month brings.
