Just minutes from the stages
of Stratford, you can wander off the beaten path to find the treasures
of St
Marys. Visit a small town shop or countryside inn, explore unique
limestone architecture, take a plunge in the Quarries—Canada’s
largest freshwater swimming pool, or refresh with a beverage at an
old-fashioned ice cream parlour. Experience the flavour of the local heritage
at
the St.
Marys Museum or Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum or
by attending one of the many yearly festivals. When the snow flies, trade
your hiking
boots for skis and snowshoes, and the beautiful trails can be enjoyed
all year long. Brighten up those dark winter nights with a drive around
the
award-winning light display at Milt Dunnell Park. There are free guided
walking tours during the summer and free horse-drawn wagon rides mid-November
through December.
Recreation and Activities
At Pyramid Recreation Centre, you can make a splash in the wheelchair
accessible four-lane, 25-metre saltwater pool designed to provide a fun,
interactive environment for family entertainment. An on-deck dry sauna,
a seven-person whirlpool and a shallow leisure pool rounds out the indoor
aquatics experience. An outdoor children’s splash pad and green
space provide hours of enjoyment during the summer months. Additional
aquatics fun is available at the Quarry, Canada’s largest outdoor
freshwater swimming pool. The Lind Sportsplex, situated next to the Quarry,
offers curling in the winter and shuffleboard during the summer with
the Ontario Singles Shuffleboard Tournament taking place each June. Tennis
courts are nearby as well as access to the Grand Trunk Trail. Stroll
along the peaceful Riverview walkway, over the Water Street steel bridge,
through Milt Dunnell Field to the easily accessible local route up to
the Sarnia Bridge—the view is breathtaking! St. Marys has abundant
parkland with playground equipment for all ages and abilities.
Shopping and Treasures
Specialty shops stocked with handmade candles, handcrafted treasures,
home decor, craft supplies, designer floral bouquets, men’s and
ladies’ fashions, delicious treats and more are a shopper’s
delight. The Downtown Merchants Christmas Open House is scheduled for
November 28. Get ready for Christmas while enjoying the beautifully decorated
downtown core, where you’ll find friendly, small-town service and
unique gifts. A short drive from St. Marys, Sebringville stores offer
garden supplies, furniture, a village market, antiques and great Canadian
music.
Natural Attractions and Architecture
The Thames River carves its way through the countryside before flowing
beneath the stone viaduct known as the Sarnia Bridge and then tumbling
over the little falls in the centre of the historic town of St. Marys.
Once a CNR line, the Grand Trunk Trail is now a community walking path,
offering stunning vistas from the trestle railway bridge. There are two
former limestone quarries that filled with water in the 1930s; one has
been rehabilitated into Canada’s largest natural outdoor swimming
pool. That limestone can be seen in the town’s impressive architecture.
There are over one hundred original stone buildings still standing in
St. Marys. In July, the St. Marys Horticultural Society presents a self-guided
tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in St. Marys. Perth South’s
Wildwood Conservation Area has 1,400 hectares of land and a large reservoir
that attracts over 150,000 visitors each year. The park was created when
the Wildwood Dam and Reservoir was completed in 1965.
Music and Theatre
The St. Marys Community Players have produced 34 years of entertaining
comedies, dramas and musicals. Their spring performance is “Perfect
Wedding,” with “A Bench in the Sun” taking the Town
Hall auditorium stage in the fall. Be entertained during the St. Marys
Storytelling Festival “Once Upon A Thames” in June and at
a Pipe Band Tattoo featuring invited bands that perform as the sun sets
over the Thames River. Plan to attend a concert by the acclaimed St.
Marys Children’s Choir and Festival Youth Singers.
Fabulous Food
Dining options are varied and delectable in this little town. Visit
the fine dining establishments for exquisite cuisine inspired by locally
grown ingredients while charming restaurants, diners and cafes serve
up hearty portions of tasty homemade favourites. Venture off the main
street and past the historic St. Marys Library to discover decadent desserts
that will delight your taste buds at Mollet’s Designer Desserts.
The St. Marys Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturdays May through
October across from the Canadian Tire parking lot. Perth South is brimming
with farm-gate sales offering seasonal produce, maple products, meats,
cheeses, home baking and more. The largest operation, McCully’s
Hill Farm, is located just east of St. Marys on a sprawling property
used for agricultural education and fun.
Arts & Crafts
A new downtown art salon located in the historic St. Marys Opera House
showcases the works of various local artists. Across the street, a trendy
new coffee house also displays local artwork. Mark the Piecemakers Quilt
Show on your calendar for April, and view the impressive display of beautiful
quilts, wall hangings and quilted articles. Crafters will find a bounty
of arts, crafts and sewing supplies in local shops.
Festivals and Fairs
Children will enjoy the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beautiful grounds
of the Westover Inn. Visit the St. Marys Museum on May 24 when they celebrate
Queen Victoria’s birthday with Victorian treats and activities
for the whole family. Watch as baseball greats Roberto Alomar, Paul Quantrill,
Clark Griffith and Allan Roth are inducted into the Canadian Baseball
Hall of Fame & Museum in June. Another local favourite event in June
is the St. Marys Storytelling Festival “Once Upon A Thames.” July
is a busy month featuring Canada Day festivities at Cadzow Park, the
15th Annual Stonetown Heritage Festival, Kin Summerfest, and special
this year—the 2010 Homecoming celebrations. In August, invite your
teddy to join you for the Annual Teddy Bear Reunion. Participate in an
afternoon of holiday fellowship and festive fun at the St. Marys Museum’s
Christmas Open House in December or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around
Veteran’s Circle at Milt Dunnell Field. In Perth South, McCully’s
Hill Farm hosts seasonal, agriculturally based, family events throughout
the year including the Maple Syrup Festival, S.P.L.A.T. Fest in August,
and Harvest Festival Weekends. Don’t miss the Kirkton Fall Fair
in September featuring children’s rides, demolition derby and fun
for the whole family. For a complete list of festivals and events please
visit www.townofstmarys.com.
Heritage
Free walking tours during the summer chronicle the architectural history
of the aptly nicknamed “Stonetown.” Every year, the town’s
history is celebrated through various activities and events including
the Stonetown Heritage Festival the second weekend in July. Timothy Eaton,
founder of the Eaton’s department store chain, opened a bakery
business in the small Perth South village of Kirkton before briefly operating
a store in St. Marys (now Village Craft and Candle). He then purchased
a dry-goods and haberdashery business in Toronto, which became the cornerstone
for his future empire. Eaton’s artefacts are still on display in
the building that once housed the Kirkton bakery. Other famous locals
include Canada's ninth prime minister, Arthur Meighen, and world renowned
violinist, Nora Clench. Visit the St. Marys Museum and Archives for more
history on the area.
For more information about St. Marys visit the following
pages:
