Neve Sommers
3 things I love about the Stratford Area:
It's so pretty! There are no box stores; there are a lot of great shops that you can't get in Toronto, because they're family owned boutiques, so when I go home everyone asks "where did you get that?"–I like that. It's a very easy going getaway for me and my friends to make a special weekend together.
3 Favorite local hidden treasures you shouldn't miss:
Alexandra Day Spa We all take turns with this one; our day pretty much revolves around it, our green tea facials with natural botanical properties or body detox using marine salts. It's very calming, especially as we shop about town and experience a really good quality facial or manicure, and then wait at Sputnik for my friends.
The Amulet This was a great find for us, because everything here is unique and beautiful. It was established by a mother and daughter team, who together, make their own creative and artistic hand crafted jewelry with gem stones and either gold filled or silver wire. There is no soldering or casting involved, and there are some really distinguished and affordable items to choose from.
The Barkery! A Healthy Bakery for Dogs There are so many select boutiques that I like, but if I came home without anything for my puppy, I would be in trouble-and this place is so cute; you have to check it out! It's an all natural bakery and boutique for dogs, with original "human grade" treats made without sugar, salt, or artificial additives. Specialties include "poochie sushi", "muttinis", "doggie ice cream", and doggie birthday cakes.
My perfect day spent in the Stratford Area:
Well first of all, just getting out of the city with my friends and into the clean, fresh air of the country makes this a perfect day. For me, I would like to have a green tea facial at Alexandra Day Spa and depending on their availability, its always fun to have two of us go in at the same time. Throw in a manicure, and a detox and then I don't really care about the rest of the day. There are a lot of great restaurants and patios to sit and have a glass of wine and a light lunch. Now: shopping! Bradshaws has an incredible selection of gifts and product lines for home décor or body care. Their kitchen department is apparently one of the best in all of Canada. The Touchmark Shop carries one of the largest selections of Canadian jewelry-sterling silver, Baltic amber, and semi-precious stone; as well as a unique and exotic assortment of shawls. There is also Olde Unionville Jewelers where you can get custom designs, repairs, or pearl and bead restringing, all made on the premises. Other favourites include Bloomers, Simply Lovely, and so many others that line Ontario Street and beyond. We could spend the whole afternoon navigating one block, but we have to stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. They make the most sinfully delicious caramel apples, and you have to at least take one bite-its their signature sweet. At the end of our day of shopping we could celebrate our acquisitions over dinner at any of the delicious fine dining spots around town. On our last trip we went to The Sunroom, for the best stir-fry in town. It was sophisticated, comfortable, and the perfect place to toast a perfect day.