Angela Cooper
3 things I love about the Stratford Area:
It’s an arts enclave. Whether it is theatre or music, there are many artistic festivals to choose from. There are a variety of great places to shop that I couldn’t find at home.
3 Favorite local hidden treasures you shouldn't miss:
Alexandra Spa - One of Stratford's best day spas is a welcoming space where I feel totally relaxed once I step inside. My pedicure including paraffin make my feet feel heavenly.
Gallery Stratford Gallery Stratford has three galleries housed in the city's historic former pump house, just a five minute stroll, through an outdoor sculpture garden, from Stratford's Festival Theatre. The Permanent Collection includes over 1000 works of art, with the majority works on paper by Canadian artists: prints, drawings, and paintings. The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting the works on an ongoing basis throughout the year, as well as a rich programme of temporary national exhibitions.
Art in the Park Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, during June, July, August & September weather permitting, the works of over 50 regional artists present their works on the banks of the Avon River, along Lakeside Drive in Stratford. I love to spend the time viewing and speaking with the artists in the warm sunshine, it is so Stratford!
My perfect day spent in the Stratford Area:
I would start at the Stratford Farmers' Market to
sample organic foods, and delicious apple fritters dusted with cinnamon and
sugar; purchase some items to take back home; and people-watch this agora of
locals, tourists, and various artists casually mingling over fresh produce.
Then I would head downtown and sit at Coffee Culture with a
specialty coffee and freshly baked croissant before my appointment at Alexandra Spa.
There are so many different kinds of shops to browse downtown, and I do.
Chocolate Barr's offers a variety of delectable hand made
truffles, one made with red chili pepper, and caramels topped with course salt.
I can't resist the stunning jewelry by Canadian designers at Gallery Indigena. The gift shop also
has native handicrafts and clothing. As
you enter the gallery, magnificent hand carved sculptures from Canada's
Northwest coast are displayed in a cedar longhouse. I love to stock up on unique greeting cards from H.H. Delea's unique
selection. After an evening performance
at one of the four Stratford
Shakespeare Festival theatres the
two poles at which the artistic folk congregate are Othello's, and Foster's Inn. They are both teeming with
Festival actors, local artists, and the young and hip. During the Stratford Summer Music Festival there are cabarets at The Church Restaurant & Belfry that are quite entertaining and
attract a large crowd beginning at 11:30pm.