Stratford is a city alive with culture and character. Visitors
to this charming Victorian city will have their senses regaled by its many
offerings. Discover culinary gems in the city’s restaurants, cafés, local
food markets and downtown stores. See why Stratford is renowned worldwide as
one of North America’s great arts centres by visiting the galleries,
museums, artisan studios and theatres. Riverside parks, garden strolls and
historic walking tours are perfect ways to take in all that Stratford has to
offer. Heritage B&Bs, boutique inns and hotels welcome guests year round.
Stroll through the Shakespearian
Gardens and Millennium Park in downtown Stratford, and keep an eye out
for the Bronze
Stars on the city’s sidewalks celebrating some of the most famous
names in Canadian – and more importantly – Stratford’s
theatre history. Maps, podcasts and audio guides are available for download
at www.visitstratford.ca
Stratford’s downtown is an Ontario Heritage Conservation District, filled
with some of the finest conserved 19th century homes, churches,
commercial and civic buildings, examples of which include City Hall, Stratford’s
Public Library, the Court House, and more. Stratford’s downtown
offers unique accommodations, dining, and shopping experiences in significant
heritage
buildings. A nice diversion for theatre-goers is the Stratford
Festival’s Costume Warehouse that allows visitors to try on costumes
from its vast collection. The Perth County Historical Foundation recently brought
a Brooks steam car back to the town in which it was manufactured in 1926. The
car is on permanent display at the Stratford
Perth County Museum. The Stratford-Perth
Archives is open to the public year round, and provides information on
genealogy, architecture, house history and local history to patrons. Self-guided
walking tours are available about Stratford’s Avondale Cemetery, the
historic downtown, significant landmarks, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
The unique streetscape of Stratford’s Heritage District is lined with
world-class boutiques, bookstores, home décor stores and cozy café’s – perfect
for a ‘girls’ weekend’ shopping trip or that quiet weekend
away. The young at heart will love the selection of toys and one of a kind
items available in the downtown core, while foodies will appreciate the wide
variety of tea and coffee shops, chocolatiers, and artisanal cheeses. Browse
through the alternative eco-friendly gifts, housewares and clothing from around
the world, and also visit a local health food store that provides organic produce
and household items aimed to reduce our environmental impact on the earth.
Celebrate the holiday season amidst twinkling lights in the picturesque downtown.
While searching for that perfect present, be sure to say hello to Santa & Comet
at Memorial Gardens. For more information on events in the city centre, visit www.stratfordcitycentre.ca
While in Stratford, be sure to visit Factory 163, a former factory that has
been repurposed into a mixed-use facility geared towards the creative industries.
Factory 163 is home to the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, Gallery 96, INNERChamber,
and a host of artists, photographers, sculptors, designers and actors. Explore Gallery
Stratford’s art exhibitions or take part in one of their many events
in the community art studio. Culture Days – a nationwide collaborative
movement to spotlight the artistic and cultural aspects of our communities
- will take place all across Canada on September 30th-October 2nd.
A multitude of programs in various disciplines and in various locations will
be held throughout Perth County. Check www.perthartsconnect.ca for
updates.
Stratford is home to the Stratford Shakespeare
Festival, one of the world’s most renowned theatre companies. The
season runs from April to October, and features favourite musicals, Shakespeare,
familiar classics and some new works on four stages. Visit the Festival’s
Costume Warehouse and see the collection of costumes and props. Take a short
walk next door to Factory 163, a former factory
that has been repurposed into a mixed-use facility geared towards the creative
industries. Factory 163 is home to the Stratford
Symphony Orchestra, Gallery
96, INNERChamber, and a host
of artists, photographers, sculptors, designers and actors. Stratford Summer Music welcomes
musicians from around the world in July and August, while the Stratford Symphony
Orchestra hosts regular concerts. New for 2011 - Stratford’s Springworks Indie
Theatre and Arts Festivalwill take place May 10-15th,
and will feature new and used works, both raw and refined, including music,
theatre, dance and visual art by established and emerging artists alike.
For
more information about
Stratford visit the following
pages:
