By Anne Levenston
The Rathnelly area is one of the friendliest of midtown neighbourhoods. West off Avenue Road just north of Dupont this leafy quiet residential pocket is best known for its bi-annual Rathnelly Day street celebration. Personally I have been helping run the festival for almost 20 years and it has give me much enjoyment. “This is an event that is planned for and anticipated by all the family.” The streets are closed off and the day begins with a pancake breakfast in the park, children’s games all morning, garden tours, treasure hunt, pet show, and cocktail parties leading up to the much anticipated street dinner and dance. Tables are laid all the way up Rathnelly Avenue. Barbeques are hauled out of back yards and the DJ starts the music.
Rathnelly has been home to such luminaries as filmaker David Cronenburg and artist Michael Snow – those folk who need a peaceful retreat in the midst of the action. Once settled in this neighbourhood residents find it hard to leave, often moving around the corner or across the street as their need for a larger or smaller house arises.
Located in the area, Brown School with both French Immersion and English programs is one of the top elementary public schools in the city. Graduates often go on to nearby Upper Canada College, Bishop Strachan or York School among others.
Yorkville and Bloor St. are close by with all the best in shopping and dining out. Leading off to the west is the Nordheimer ravine a beautiful country in the city place to walk your dog or cross country ski on a snowy day.
Anne Levenston is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S.Ltd/Johnston & Daniel Division. Anne is a regular blogger with Muddy York. Anne’s website is located www.annelevenston.com
