Greg Lawson
3 things I love about the Stratford Area:
It's a great place to get away for the weekend, because it's far enough away that you feel you've gone somewhere interesting, but close enough that it doesn't take much time at all to get there. It's the only place where my buddies and I can have a guy's weekend, our wives can have a girl's weekend, and afterwards we can all have dinner together. Great golf!
3 Favorite local hidden treasures you shouldn't miss:
Stratford Pilsner Started in 2004, this crisp, amber pilsner is brewed in small batches from deep rock wells, and has bright flavours of apricot, spice, lemon, and floral undertones. The left over mash is actually given to the local farmers to use as nutritious feed for their animals! Tours are available by appointment at the Stratford Brewing Company itself, but its best to order it from local restaurant bars like Pazzo Ristorante, Bar and Pizzeria, Foster's Inn or Down the Street.
There's great bass fishing along the Maitland River into the town of Goderich by Lake Huron. Even closer is the Wildwood Conservation Area along the Thames River, which has over 480 campsites, 20km of hiking trails, boating, swimming, and excellent fishing. However you choose to spend the day there is a day well spent. You can purchase all your fishing gear at The Fishing Store.
St. Marys Golf & Country Club With its scenic views, rolling fairways, and small town hospitality, this course offers truly picturesque golf. It's an 18 hole championship layout with diverse terrain that is as challenging as it is beautiful. Closer to town is the Stratford Golf & Country Club. It's a mature 18 hole golf course along the Avon River that offers Glo Golf. Playing a best ball format on a specially designed night course, registrants are given glo balls, glo gear, and a flashlight. Dinner and a chance to win prizes are also available on occasion.
My perfect day spent in the Stratford Area:
I'd like to get up early, and head out to St. Marys Golf & Country Club with my friends for the morning. After getting in a few rounds, and lunch at the club, at Woolfy's at Wildwood, we could spend the rest of the afternoon at the Wildwood Conservation Area; hike to a good fishing spot, and relax for the rest the day. After dinner at any one of the local pubs, I'd want to challenge my mates to a round of Glo Golf at the Stratford Golf & Country Club night course. That, to me, would be a perfect day off.