I fell in love with Toronto. Like most people in Hamilton, living so close to T.O. I tended to dash down the QEW, see a specific show or go to a particular restaurant, then get out of town.

Not surprising, really. The car-clogged QEW makes you long for a quick getaway after a night in the big city. So why not stay over? Why not luxuriate? Why not make it a mini-holiday?

After all, living so close to this cultural behemoth we ought to take full advantage of the joys this monster metropolis offers.

That way we can spread our wings a little. First thing to do is get off that depressing downtown strip called Yonge Street. The city is far more than the ugly hodgepodge that clutters its main street.

It’s more, too, than the big commercial hits that grind on for months in its major theatres. Just steps off the path are some terrific shows waiting to be discovered. So here’s a plan of attack.

The first thing you need is a centrally located hotel luxurious enough to enjoy some pampering but easy on the pocketbook.

The Delta Chelsea, 33 Gerrard St. W., is a perfect base for theatre and restaurant exploration. Yes it’s downtown, but its smart location allows you the opportunity to explore.

The Chelsea has lovely rooms, many recently refurbished, to allow you a comfortable night’s sleep.

The June Jacobs products in the bathroom allow you to pamper your body. The ice bucket in your room (filled nightly) and those bedside chocolates allow for some shut-eye treats.

We Will Rock You . . . presents classic Queen at the fabulously restored Canon Theatre.

Add a friendly staff who just want you to have fun and you’re off to a great start.

With two pools, one reserved for adults only, a well-equipped gym and a couple of decent restaurants for breakfasts, you are well cared for.

Because it has an affiliation with most Toronto theatres The Chelsea allows you to book theatre tickets before you leave home. Just call the hotel’s telephone reservation system for information.

Need facts about tours and attractions? Just ask the ever-ready concierge in the Chelsea lobby, and you’re on your way to wherever you want to go. With an eclectic range of theatre attractions, Toronto will keep you entertained all summer.

The biggest noise is being made by the Mirvish hit We Will Rock You. This Dora Award-winning production at the fabulous old Canon Theatre (formerly the Pantages), 244 Victoria St., is a winner.

It’s classic Queen. A terrific cast of young performers belt out the Freddy Mercury hits. The story is rubbish, of course, but who cares? This isn’t about art it’s about entertainment.

By the time the ingratiating young cast here lets loose with the show’s infectious title tune, you’ll be bouncing in your seat.

Visually it’s a corker. Hunky guys and hot-as-summer gals strut their stuff in a two-hour tune fest that just doesn’t stop. Check your inhibitions at the door, and prepare for a terrific ride.

We Will Rock You continues to Sept. 30. Call 1-800-461-3333.

Planning to eat first? Try the Superior Restaurant, 253 Yonge St. There’s a great oyster bar and an eclectic menu here. It’s just steps from the Canon Theatre, so you won’t have to rush your meal. Call 1-416-263-0330.

Over at the Diesel Playhouse, 56 Blue Jays Way (just south of King St. W.) one hell of a blood-letting’s going on. This is a Monster Mash to end all horrific bloodbaths.

Evil Dead: The Musical is a real Toronto concoction. It began in the backroom of a snack bar called the Tranzac Club back in 2003, then moved on to Montreal and New York.

Based on the infamous Sam Raimi films, starring cult icon Bruce Campbell, Evil Dead: The Musical offers a campy, blood-spattered night of shtick.It’s all pretty silly. Deliberately cheesy, it offers a tongue-in-cheek look at horror that out-spoofs Rocky Horror.

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