The section of Toronto known as the Distillery District has been transformed from a popular film location into a blockbuster attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Toronto enjoys the moniker "Hollywood North" and not just for its 31-year-old film festival. Many of the scenes from the movies "Chicago," "Cinderella Man" and the "X-Men" were shot in the city's Distillery District, a 13-acre site that was once home to the world's largest whiskey producer.

The area's 44 historic buildings represent the best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America and is the city's only historic district. It is enjoying a renaissance as a pedestrian- only, cultural, arts and entertainment complex.

A fun way to scoot around is on an ultra-modern Segue. Don't miss the Corkin Shopland Gallery, an impressive photo gallery for both its art and architecture. In a separate gallery called "Sport," one particular photo will thrill baseball fans, a rare Yankee clubhouse snapshot.

Inside the snug boutique Lileo, named for the astronomer Galileo, it's light show meets fashion show with funky frocks attracting a galaxy of stars like Kim Cattrall and Ryan Gosling.

To really get blown away, visit the Sandra Ainsley Gallery, featuring the creations of famed glass blower Dale Chihuly who also designed the glass sculpture at the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel. The SoHo Met is Toronto's only luxury boutique hotel. The chef is a culinary Galileo-who marries science with food-the art of molecular gastronomy.

For more info, it's www.thedistillerydistrict.com.

Rates at SoHo Met start around $209 per night, depending on the exchange rate. its www.metropolitan.com/soho.

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Here's a “D'Elia Deal” you don't want to miss if you stay at the SoHo Met on a weekend before the end of the year. Get a room upgrade plus a $20 gift card for Senses Bar and enter a drawing to win a two-night stay. Call 1-866-SoHoMet and ask for the "New Yorker" special.

For more “D’Elia Deals” and travel information, visit www.travelwithval.com.

- Valarie D’Elia