Solo Travel with Renee
Taking a mini trip close to home can recharge your batteries and provides a great learning curve for fledgling solo travelers. Some of my best travel experiences have been a short jaunt away from my home in London, Ontario. I’m a firm believer in spreading holiday dollars around your own turf and giving a boost to local businesses. In the next three editions of Solo Travel with Renee I am going to cover my favourite mini trip destinations; Stratford, Hamilton and Toronto.
My first choice when I need to get away from it all is Stratford, Ontario, home of the Festival Theatre and all things Shakespeare. This world-renowned venue began in 1953 and attracts theatre lovers from every corner of the globe. I prefer to look beyond the glitter and get to know the real city and the people who live and work there. Here are some examples of where the true flavor and spirit of Stratford takes center stage:
- Stratford Farmer’s Market is an explosion of bounty from local farmers and artisans. https://www.stratfordagriculturalsociety.com
- SIRKEL Foods is right across from City Hall. Gorge on sublime sandwiches on homemade bread, salads and scrumptious scratch desserts served in a fast-paced upscale deli ambiance. Be sure to try the Dreamwich! https://sirkelfoodsstratford.com
- The Red Rabbit serves up traditional comfort dishes with a twist in a relaxed Bistro setting. Locally sourced ingredients are a main feature. https://www.redrabbitresto.com
- Ken’s French Fries, a Stratford institution located at 1093 Ontario Street near the Festival Mall. If you love fries, these are the ultimate. Lately there has been a trend to order Ken’s Fries for wedding receptions!
- Shopping along Ontario and Downie Streets is a must do. I can’t list all the incredible shops along this route but be sure to browse in Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar, Gallery Indigena, Tiny Things, Chocolate Barr’s, The Wardrobe and Fanfares Bookshop.
- If you spend the night be sure to get breakfast at Features Restaurant. Located at 159 Ontario Street this restaurant offers generous plates and the fluffiest pancakes I have ever eaten. Go early, it’s very popular with locals. https://featuresstratford.com
- Attend The Annual Garlic Festival. All Hail the Mighty Bulb! Very fun. https://stratfordgarlicfestival.com
- Stop in at Balzacs, located at 149 Ontario Street, for the most incredible aromatic coffee and a bohemian atmosphere, an excellent variety of baked goods and packaged coffees to buy for home. http://www.balzacs.com
- Stratford Chef’s School has launched many world-class chefs. It hosts events, classes and special dinners open to the public. Why not attend one of their workshops and stay overnight? https://stratfordchef.com
- Stratford Art in the Park along the banks of the Thames on Lakeside Drive in the spring and summer months. Discover the next Picasso and find that perfect painting at a bargain price. Very relaxing to do on a Sunday (after brunch at Features, of course). http://artintheparkstratford.ca
- And don’t miss out on Slow Food Sunday Market at the Marketplace Square in the center of town which features a small but carefully crafted selection of breads, cheeses, organic vegetables, excellent local coffees and tasty pastries. Pick up perfect for items for your picnic basket. This event moves indoors in winter
Fall and winter is an excellent time to go behind the theater curtain and explore all Stratford has to offer. The gardens and parks revel in autumn splendor and Christmas is purely magical. In the off-season there are great hotel and B&B deals, less traffic and more parking. Diminished wait lines make it easier to get inside any of Stratford’s magnificent eateries.
Stratford is a perfect destination for the solo traveler. It is very safe and welcoming and there is always something to do or explore. The eager staff at Stratford Tourism (https://visitstratford.ca/) will help you map out a fabulous weekend. Nestled besides the Thames River, Stratford is the perfect place to pamper yourself with excellent food and drink, shop to the max, or simply unwind with a stroll along the idyllic Thames River to keep the iconic swans company.