As Queen’s students, we spend at least eight months out of the year calling the city of Kingston our home. Like any other college town, Kingston has a variety of places to hang out with friends and take a break from studying and assignments. But what if you are in the mood for something a little different, outside of the nightlife and club scene? Here are some great places throughout Kingston for you and your friends to check out that you may not already know of.
1. Antique Alley – 207B Wellington Street
If you love the experience of exploring an antiques store, then this is the perfect place! Antique Alley has a wide selection of items, from paintings, to furniture, memorabilia, and even vintage clothing and jewelry. While some of the items can be a bit expensive, there are plenty of deals to be found if you look hard enough! Taking a look around could even give you some new design and decor ideas. Be sure to take your time, as there is a lot to take in, and you may leave with a unique piece that will stand out!
2. The Screening Room – 120 Princess Street
For all of the film lovers out there, this one’s for you! With the claim of being the only movie theater in downtown Kingston, The Screening Room is the ideal place to gather your friends for movie night in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, without having to travel out to the Cineplex across town. This theater specializes in independent films, so people can have the opportunity to see films that are not typically shown in the bigger theaters. They also hold multiple film events throughout the year, so make sure to check their website regularly to see what they are showing!
3. Musiikki Cafe – 73 Brock Street
This cafe and bar is the perfect place for fans of live music in a laid-back setting. Musiikki hosts different performers from the local community every night, with an open mic night held every Tuesday. They even have an outdoor patio, which makes it a great place to spend time if you are in Kingston for the summer as well! With its smaller setting and welcoming crowd, it is a great place to sit down, have some drinks, and let any stress just fade away!
4. Improbable Escapes – 298 Bagot Street
Escape rooms can really bring groups of friends closer together, and Improbable Escapes has a variety of rooms that can both challenge and bring out the joy in people. They have six rooms, all with different themes, so there is truly something for everyone! If you and your friends are looking for a way help remedy the stress brought on by school, then an escape room can be a fun time and a way to bring out your inner child again!
These are just a few of Kingston’s hidden gems for you to explore! While the academics in university are incredibly important and time consuming, everyone should take a moment to go out and really get to know the community that they are spending so much of their time living in. Just remember to have fun, and do what feels good for you!