5 Cool Things in Hamilton's International Village

The Jet Cafe is in a part of downtown Hamilton called the International Village. Now, there are a lot of cool little nooks in Hamilton like, yes, James North, Locke Street, Westdale, etc. But the International Village has character and so many little details that sock you in the face with Hamilton-ness.

Let's take a little tour. The International Village is bordered by Main St. E. and King William St., from Mary St. to West Ave. In the heart is King Street East, home of the Jet.

Across the street from the Jet, there's a new gift store called the Mystery Cube. What I find most mysterious is the giant stuffed bear that disappears and reappears in the front window every day. 

A little farther down the street is a new variety store called Munchee's. I love their unpretentious sandwich board out front touting hot coffee, smokes, bread, milk, and smiles - all the basics.

A block away is the awesome Ferguson Station, a defunct train station that acts as the perfect little urban space for events. The fence around the station is lined with children's art. This one is definitely the best. A demented campsite, awesome.

Generally, I don't enjoy graffiti. I think most of these guys deserve a giant spanking for ruining people's property. But where else but Hamilton would you see a proclamation of love for one's city written in spray paint?