2008 Woodie Awards
Collegian abroad: say "bonjour" to bars, shopping in Montreal
By Solmaaz Yazdiha, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: Arts & Living
MONTREAL - It wasn't halfway through the summer before my sister called me up in need of a spontaneous vacation. With little money to spend, we decided a trip to Montreal would be cheap, while still chic.
Canada is an ideal trip for a college kid on a budget. Just a five-hour ride from Amherst, the high gas prices don't dent the wallet beyond repair, and the smooth ride through Vermont gives way to some beautiful sights.
Once in the city, you're greeted with a hodgepodge of restaurants, shops, and museums. With most everyone able to speak both French and English, it's a great opportunity to refresh a little bit of that high school French. Bonjour!
Rue St. Denis is one of the best streets for dining, with outdoor cafes and restaurants lined up like dominos. Bieres et Compagnie has over 100 beers to taste, many of them locally brewed. Rockaberry is another must-visit, and with a ridiculous selection of cream pies and cakes, it's sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. For an authentic French brunch, visit Brioche Lyonnaise for croissants and a steaming bowl of café-au-lait.
Rue Mont-Royal is another important street to stroll. Looking for a stiff drink and good company? Visit Billy Kuns, a bar where locals get loco. Besides the interesting sight of ostrich heads along the walls - some with funny hats - there is a large array of beers and liquors and plenty of friendly bartenders happy to chat.
For loud and rowdy nightlife, Rue Crescent is the road to take. Dozens of restaurants line the street with plenty of seating on decks and patios, including the Hard Rock Café of Montreal. What better place for tourists?
Rue St. Laurent is the street for shopping, home to some of the best vintage shops I have ever come across, with bargain prices. Eva B ranks high, with a separate area for costume repair and an in-house café as well.
Besides booze and food, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Musee des Beaux-Arts on Rue Sherbrooke, is an important stop. The permanent exhibit includes works from Van Gogh among many others. Until Sept. 28, the museum hosts an exhibit on Yves St. Laurent, spanning 40 years of fashion creation. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, donations accepted. Admission to the Yves St Laurent exhibit is $15 for adults, $7.50 for students.
For those looking to gamble, the Casino de Montreal is not one of the best. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it contains four restaurants, four bars and a cabaret. The down side is that alcoholic beverages are prohibited in playing areas.
Overall the visit is one worth making, with some really great food and interesting people to meet. Now, if only there was time for a vacation sometime soon.
Solmaaz Yazdiha can be reached at syazdiha@student.umass.edu.
Canada is an ideal trip for a college kid on a budget. Just a five-hour ride from Amherst, the high gas prices don't dent the wallet beyond repair, and the smooth ride through Vermont gives way to some beautiful sights.
Once in the city, you're greeted with a hodgepodge of restaurants, shops, and museums. With most everyone able to speak both French and English, it's a great opportunity to refresh a little bit of that high school French. Bonjour!
Rue St. Denis is one of the best streets for dining, with outdoor cafes and restaurants lined up like dominos. Bieres et Compagnie has over 100 beers to taste, many of them locally brewed. Rockaberry is another must-visit, and with a ridiculous selection of cream pies and cakes, it's sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. For an authentic French brunch, visit Brioche Lyonnaise for croissants and a steaming bowl of café-au-lait.
Rue Mont-Royal is another important street to stroll. Looking for a stiff drink and good company? Visit Billy Kuns, a bar where locals get loco. Besides the interesting sight of ostrich heads along the walls - some with funny hats - there is a large array of beers and liquors and plenty of friendly bartenders happy to chat.
For loud and rowdy nightlife, Rue Crescent is the road to take. Dozens of restaurants line the street with plenty of seating on decks and patios, including the Hard Rock Café of Montreal. What better place for tourists?
Rue St. Laurent is the street for shopping, home to some of the best vintage shops I have ever come across, with bargain prices. Eva B ranks high, with a separate area for costume repair and an in-house café as well.
Besides booze and food, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Musee des Beaux-Arts on Rue Sherbrooke, is an important stop. The permanent exhibit includes works from Van Gogh among many others. Until Sept. 28, the museum hosts an exhibit on Yves St. Laurent, spanning 40 years of fashion creation. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, donations accepted. Admission to the Yves St Laurent exhibit is $15 for adults, $7.50 for students.
For those looking to gamble, the Casino de Montreal is not one of the best. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it contains four restaurants, four bars and a cabaret. The down side is that alcoholic beverages are prohibited in playing areas.
Overall the visit is one worth making, with some really great food and interesting people to meet. Now, if only there was time for a vacation sometime soon.
Solmaaz Yazdiha can be reached at syazdiha@student.umass.edu.
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