Marissa and I enjoying coffee and dessert on the Patio at Cafe Buffon in Stratford, Ontario PC: @lilalavereau.ca
Green, amber and red maple leaves danced in the wind like pompoms, welcoming us as we made our way to Stratford. Autumn had just begun in Ontario and, although a bit grey, the fall foliage had already begun to reveal itself, lining the highway with vibrant colours that made you remember why road trips in the fall can be so wonderful.
It had been over a decade since I had been to Stratford, Ontario and although I had no plans this time around to see a play at their world renowned Stratford Festival, I was excited to experience the city with fresh eyes. Not only had a lot changed about the city, but a lot had changed about me in the last 10 years. New interests and appreciations for things like good food, art and culture, heritage homes and boutique business you can’t find anywhere else, occupied my agenda and I was ready and eager to make the most of my time in Stratford.
Marissa standing outside The River Merchant Inn in Stratford, Ontario
ACCOMMODATIONS IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
During our time in Stratford we stayed at a lovely boutique accommodation located on the quiet, historical, York Street just steps from the Avon River. Known for being a great part of town to enjoy a morning stroll or afternoon picnic, The River Merchant Inn & Spa features two spacious 2 bedroom suites decorated in musical memorabilia that celebrate Stratford’s rich musical history. The building itself was once home to the Heintzman Pipe & Piano Company before transitioning into a music store and school where famed local musicians including Justin Bieber and Richard Manuel of The Band would frequent.
The Heintzman Music Suite we stayed in featured soaring 10-foot loft style ceilings, a full kitchen, a large dining area, and a living space that offered an additional sofa bed. An abundance of natural light filled the suite and for those arriving by car with plans to stay awhile, free WiFi and parking are also included! I quickly came to realize that the River Merchant Inn & Spa is the perfect place to stay for small groups of visitors coming to Stratford that wish to be right in the heart of downtown, conveniently located and within walking distance to almost everything.
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THINGS TO DO IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Once settled, my friend Marissa and I gathered ourselves for a full day of exploring and headed out to one of Ontario’s longest operating public art galleries, Gallery Stratford.
Gallery Stratford
Located a short 10 minute drive from downtown Stratford, Gallery Stratford was founded in 1967 and occupies a beautiful heritage Victorian building surrounded by gardens and greenery. The gallery itself is one of the region’s leading art galleries and features mostly contemporary exhibits from local, national, and international visual artists. With exhibits changing every three months and free admission (donations welcomed in lieu of admission fees) there is always something new and interesting to see at Gallery Stratford. Conveniently open 7 days a week with onsite free parking, Gallery Stratford is a ‘must see’ for visiting art lovers.
During our visit, Marissa and I were really taken aback by the diverse art work on display at the gallery, especially Jay Soule's ‘Honest Injun’ exhibition which shared unsettling facts about our shared Indigenous and Canadian history. Although some of the artwork felt provocative and even triggering, it showed the gallery’s commitment to amplifying truth, and support for reconciliation and justice for Canada’s First Nations community. It made our visit more memorable and engaging than we ever could have imagined.
Before dropping off our car to spend the rest of the day taking in the city by foot, my friend Marissa was kind enough to entertain my desire to drive around and admire the many Victorian homes scattered around downtown Stratford. Having recently bought a Victorian home in Toronto, I have become a big fan of heritage homes in recently years and knew prior to visiting that Stratford would be a great place to admire some beautiful and well conserved properties. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed! If you are interested in historical homes as much as I am, some of the best streets to take in Stratford’s beautiful Victorian properties include Church Street, Douglas Street, John Street and Norman Street. Only later did I realize that many of these streets are conveniently located within walking distance from our accommodations and centered around Stratford's Shakespearean Gardens, one of five prizewinning gardens located along the Avon River that I also recommend taking a stroll through during your visit.
Speaking of Stratford heritage, Marissa and I also made sure to check out the ‘Steps to Stardom: Justin Bieber’ exhibit on display at the Stratford Perth Museum, located a 10 minute drive out of town. Although small, the not-for-profit museum does shed light on Stratford’s rich cultural heritage and history, as well as highlights Justin humble beginnings busking on the streets of Stratford all the way to stardom. It was eye opening to learn more about where he started and gave me a new level of appreciation for his monstrous career, work ethic, and determination at such a young age, not to mention his philanthropic pursuits along the way. I love Justin Bieber’s music and found the exhibit to humanize him as a boy from Stratford who loved performing which was incredibly heartwarming. I obviously couldn’t leave without getting a picture of me with a life size JB cutout! In addition to the Justin Bieber exhibit, the museum also features a couple other exhibits which change regularly. Admission is $7 and parking is free!
Finally got a photo with Justin Bieber at the Stratford Perth Museum! My life is complete!
BARS & RESTAURANTS IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Lunch and cocktails at Cafe Bouffon in Stratford, Ontario
Feeling famished, Marissa and I dropped off our car and headed straight to Café B0uffon, a classic neighbourhood French Café a stones throw from our accommodations that offers a casual day time menu, full dinner service, and weekend brunch. The interior of this restaurant is stunning with large banquet seating, ornate mirrors, beautiful large bouquets scattered everywhere, and classic damask wallpaper. Outside they have a small patio with round tables, French bistro chairs and views of the small parquet next-door. The food is equally as delicious as the restaurant’s interior and I highly recommend getting their Marseille Mussels steamed in warm broth of Pernod, fennel, candied garlic, leek and chervil! It was light, filling and great for warming you up on a fall day. Additionally, Café Bouffon also makes great cocktails and coffees too so no matter your desired pleasure, stopping by to grab a drink and snap a pic is definitely a good idea.
If you aren’t in the mood for French cuisine, another great restaurant to check out while in Stratford is Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall. Located downstairs from the Mercer Hotel, their renown Izakaya inspired menu offers delicious large plates for everyone’s unique palette and taste. In addition to having a great selection of casual fare, the restaurant also features Stratford's largest craft beer menu. Marissa and I grabbed dinner here later that evening and both agreed that the Korean BBQ glazed crispy chicken rice bowl with sesame, broccoli, pickled ginger, kimchee, aioli and herbs, was the best dish we ate in Stratford. This dish paired with one of their craft beers was *chef’s kiss*! Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall also has a great front patio that was quite packed by the time we left so if you are interested in sitting outside, go early.
My Korean BBQ glazed crispy chicken from Mercer’s Kitchen & Beer Hall
Hot on the scene, Pretty Good Pizza is a casual restaurant in downtown Stratford, about a 5 minute walk from our accommodation, that offers delicious 16-inch hand tossed pies. Available both by the slice and whole, Pretty Good Pizza would be my ideal place to go if I wanted to grab a quick bite or was looking for some delicious takeout. Located on Wellington Street, a hop, skip and a jump from Stratford’s Avon Theatre, you can easily run there between shows for a quick bite. Marissa and I did enjoy a couple pies from here before leaving Stratford and loved their Cheezer pizza with red sauce, dry mozzarella, fior di latte, basil, and Parmesan!
After lunch at Cafe Bouffon Marissa told me about Stratford’s Chocolate Trail. Little did I know that Stratford is actually home to some of the world most famous confectioners and bakers. To celebrate this amazing honour, the city offers a self-guided tour that introduces visitors to local chocolatiers and invites them to sample decadent treats at each. Available year round, vouchers and trail maps can be purchased from the Destination Stratford office on 47 Downie Street; Bradshaws on 129 Ontario Street; Small-Mart on 119 Ontario Street; and Werk Shop on 111 Ontario Street. Six vouchers will cost you $33.90 (including HST) and can be used at participating businesses located on the accompanying map. Each voucher entitles you to a unique and chocolatey treat at each stop, and by the time Marissa and I finished doing the trail, we were high on delicious chocolatey goodness with lots to spare. I ended up bringing the remaining chocolates home to my fiancé who was very happy to receive such delectable gifts from Stratford and had no problem helping me polish them off.
Similarly to the Chocolate Trail, Stratford also has a vibrant history of being pork and ale producers! Thanks to the Bacon & Ale Trail, visitors can indulge in local microbreweries and craft beer forward businesses in a similar fashion to the self guided Chocolate Trail. Available year round, 5 vouchers for The Bacon & Ale Trail costs $33.90 (including HST) and can be purchased from the same locations listed above for The Chocolate Trail.
Grabbed a flight of craft beers from Black Swan Brewing Company while in Stratford, Ontario
After a few hours of sampling local chocolatiers and wandering in and out of shops, Marissa and I decided to hit up a local microbrewery (and one of the stops on the Bacon & Ale Trail) in downtown Stratford called Black Swan Brewing Company. Located close to the Avon Theatre, Black Swan Brewing Company offers flavour forward, high quality craft beers that can be enjoyed inside in their front of house tasting room or outside on their dog friendly front patio. Marissa and I enjoyed a flight of their craft beers on the patio which was packed with people. Clearly it isn’t just a popular spot for visitors but a favourite among locals as well.
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Later that evening, after our dinner at Mercer’s Kitchen & Beer Hall, Marissa and I walked down the street to The Relic Lobby Bar to grab a nightcap before heading back to our accommodations for the night. This friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar showcases its Cuban influences through both its cocktail menu and interior design, and features a large patio out front with a few additional tables inside. Open until midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday, the cocktails were delectable. We even made a friend at the bar and got the inside scoop on local hot spots as well as where the best vintage store is (learn more about this below)!
In the morning and in desperate need for coffee, Marissa took me to her favourite cafe in Stratford, Edison’s Cafe. Located just downstairs and on the other side of the building from our accommodation, Edison’s Café is a whole food cafe that features light brunch bites, gluten free treats and delicious coffee. As you probably guessed, the cafe is named Edison after inventor Thomas Edison who used to live in Stratford in 1863, and although small, does have a relaxing ambiance and cool atmosphere.
A recommendation from the new local friend we made at The Relic Lobby Bar, Bru Garden is apparently a fun food truck experience that combines the outdoors with cocktails, comfort food and picnic tables - think beer garden, but for cocktails! On our second day in town, Marissa and I did walk over to Bru Garden’s to check it out but unfortunately it was closed for the season. The place did look like it would be fun and intimate though so I thought I’d mention it as it does come highly recommended by a local and is 100% on my to-do list for the next time I do a road trip to Stratford. Fingers crossed for next summer! Apparently their smash burgers are incredible!
SHOPPING IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Stratford has so many great boutiques you wont find anywhere else!
Before leaving Stratford, Marissa and I made sure to visit La Osa, the vintage store that came highly recommended by our new local friend. Located on Ontario Street between The Relic Lobby Bar and Edison Cafe, La Osa did not disappoint! I found this amazing vintage trench coat while browsing the racks which I instantly fell in love with as soon as I put it on and stepped in front of the mirror! It had amazing shoulder pads, was so on trend and just what I had been looking for. Of course, I couldn’t leave Stratford without it and have since received numerous queries from friends as to where I got it. Needless to say, if you’re in Stratford you have to hit up this vintage goldmine!
Another boutique that I fell in love with while exploring was a new home good store called Dale & Company. Located at 17 Market Place, the owner shared her story with us and walked us through her curated collection of home goods. Many of the items she showed us were selected from a number of local and international artisans, and made from natural materials. There were so many little things in this store that I wanted for my new house but alas, I must wait until after my renovations before purchasing more home goods! However, I do recommend you go and see what’s new when you visit as I’m sure you’ll have a hard time leaving Stratford empty handed!
Find a curated collection of home goods and Dale & Company
So there you have it, my list of recommendations for your next trip to Stratford! Marissa and I very much enjoyed our quick road trip this fall and can’t wait to return again soon. You can bet next time we will probably opt in to stay an additional night so we can explore more of the surrounding area and all that it has to offer! Until then, safe travels!
A big thank you to Visit Stratford for hosting us and sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!
MAP OF STRATFORD, ONTARIO
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COCKTAILS AND GASTRONOMY IN TAMPA
Although you may never of suspected it Tampa has a booming Gastronomy scene. In the last 10 years there has been a lot of development to revitalize downtown Tampa, especially along the Riverwalk, which made its premiere about 2 years ago. Now Tampa has seen a huge growth in their food and entertainment industry with new farm to table restaurants, cocktail bars and upscale dinning experiencing popping up everywhere. With all those options where would one start, you may ask…
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1. ANISE GLOBAL GASTROBAR - 777 N. Ashley Drive Tampa, FL
Anise is one of downtown Tampa’s trendiest cocktail bars and restaurants. What once started off as a food truck selling Asian-style stinky buns, Anise has become a young professional hotspot for lunch and after work drinks. With killer cocktails and an expanded menu (which still includes those delicious sticky buns they got their start with) the restaurant is always busy for weekend brunch, dinner and lunch during the week. The comfy lounge chairs outside on the patio also make Anise a great place for people-watching as the sun goes down and downtown’s lights along the Riverwalk come up.
2 FLY BAR & RESTAURANT - 202 N. Franklin St. Tampa, FL
This craft cocktail bar pioneered Tampa’s downtown bar scene. 10 years ago when there was nothing going on in downtown Tampa, Fly Bar was the first bar to open its doors and soon after became a legendary hot spot for craft cocktails and live music. What once was a destination bar is now see as the pioneer to Tampa’s downtown revitalization and started the boom of bars and restaurants opening up in the area. With a great global inspired Tapas menu and their rooftop patio/bar weekends at fly get packed with college students and young professionals often pouring out onto the sidewalk patio. Arrive before 9PM Thur – Sat to ensure you can get in without waiting in line.
3. ULELE - 1810 N. Highland Avenue Tampa, FL
This once public water pump house, situated on the banks of the Hillsborough River and at the North end of the Riverwalk features a menu inspired by Tampa Bay’s early native and Spanish explorers. With seasonal seafood options and a large selection of offerings (including their very own award wining craft beer) Ulele is an absolute local favourite! The restaurant also features a great outdoor patio and beer garden making it a great place to enjoy the sunset or to grab a drink after you bike down the Riverwalk.
4. HOTEL BAR – 200 N Tampa St Tampa, FL
Tampa’s newest cocktail bar is the sister bar to downtown’s legendary Fly Bar (remember #2?) When the owners opened Hotel Bar 2 months ago they were looking to reinvent hotel cocktails in a modern cocktail bar setting. With a swanky atmosphere, cool music and late night bites (serving food until 2AM) Friday night at Hotel Bar is the place to be.
5. OXFORD EXCHANGE - 420 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL
The Oxford Exchange offers one of the most historic settings in Tampa. Located near the University of Tampa this once upon a time horse stable was redeveloped into what is now the Oxford Exchanged. Inspired by the architecture of the building and English interior design the owners decided to use the space to combine a restaurant, coffee bar, bookstore and home décor shop. Now the Oxford Exchange is a popular place for locals and tourists to pass time drink coffee, eating in their courtyard and perusing through their masterfully selected boutique and bookstore features. Not to mention it’s a great place to snap some photographs!
6. EDISON FOOD + DRINK LAB - 912 West Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL
The Edison is one of the most innovative restaurants in Tampa. Chef Jeannie Pierola creates every dish with the intention to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a kitchen. With the help of liquid nitrogen and other unusual cooking techniques her dishes make this restaurant rise to the top when it comes to Tampa’s gastronomy scene. With strong cocktails, an excellent wine list and classic workingman's beer on tap it’s the perfect place to make yourself right at home.
7. BERN’S STEAK HOUSE – 1208 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL
Bern’s Steak House is truly a Tampa staple. Known for having the largest private wine collection in the world, Bern’s draws every politician, well to do businessmen and movie star that passes through Tampa. Their reputation as the finest steak house in Tampa holds true and many locals will easily put this restaurant on their top 10 list. From their dry ages stakes to their dessert room Bern’s Steak House is a destination within itself and is always packed which is why I recommend making a reservation well in advance.
8. FRANKLIN MANOR - 912 North Franklin Street Tampa, FL
Franklin Manor is downtown Tampa’s newest venue. With a large outdoor patio featuring a stage for nightly live performances Franklin Manors adds a whole new dimension to the food and entertainment in downtown Tampa. Often filled with young professionals Fraklin Manor is the place to see and be “scene”. Hand crafted cocktails, vibrant live music, delicious bar bites and Taco Tuesday specials (try the oyster taco – it is a delight!!!) this is a place you want to be on a night out.
9. EDGE - 1207 S. Howard Ave Tampa, FL
The Edge cocktail bar located on the roof of the Epicurean Hotel is completely open to the public. With a view of Tampa’s posh Hyde Park neighbourhood the Edge cocktail bar tends to draw a more affluent crowd that has no qualms paying $11 for a drink. Offering small snacks and drinking accompaniments the Edge rooftop is a place you would go for a pre dinner cocktail or a delicious night cap.
10. HAVEN - 2208 W. Morrison Ave Tampa, FL
Located just down the street from the Epicurean Hotel, Haven is the sleek contemporary sister restaurant to the famous Bern’s Steak House (remember #7). Having just opened in 2015 Haven is one of the most popular restaurants in Tampa. With an always-delicious modern Mediterranean dinner menu that changes seasonally Haven’s menu focuses on charcuterie, a large selection of cheese (more than 60 types), and a variety of meat options. This upscale date night spot also features an extensive bar selection and is famous for its 300 varieties of bourbon and 40 different wines by the glass. They also have a $2 oyster and $4 cocktail happy hour from 5-7PM Monday to Saturday!
11. CIRO’S SPEAKEASY & SUPPER CLUB – 2109 Bayshore Boulevard Tampa, FL
Although Ben Afflicts 1920 blockbuster Live By Night was based on Tampa Bay in the 1920s – this speakeasy is the real deal. At Ciro’s Speakeasy you can really get a feel for what it was like during prohibition thanks to their intimate setting, private cocktail booths and well crafter cocktails. This small cocktail bar fills up fast on weekends with a capacity of only 70 patrons so make sure to call ahead for a reservation or you may find yourself left out in the cold, sugar. This small cocktail bar is also password protected and it changes nightly so check their website for info.
12. DATZ – 2616 S. MacDill Tampa, FL
If a gluttnous boozy breakfast/brunch is what you are after this place is perfect. A very popular spot among locals, Datz is always busy for brunch on weekends. This south Tampa gastropub smokes all of the meat in house and bakes all of their bread nextdoor at their bakery Dough. The family friendly restaurant doesn’t take reservations on weekends however you can go on their website and get on their waitlist via a text app. Make sure to try their monkey bread and eggs barbacoa (a gluten free option), two dishes they are absolutly famous for. Also if you need a little hair of the dog they have many local craft beers on tap and make amazing bloody marys!
13. COLUMBIA - 801 Old Water St Tampa, FL
Columbia is Florida’s oldest Spanish restaurant! Located in the heart of Ybor City (Tampa Bat’s historic Latin Quarter). Columbia brother restaurant to Ulele (remember #3) has been around since 1905. This family run restaurant expanded over the years from a bar and sandwich shop to a restaurant that now spans the entire block and seats 1,700 people. Columbia, like Bern’s is a major attraction in Tampa Bay and draws politicians, movie stars and big businessman that are passing through. With great menu offerings (like their famous salad and paella) there is no wrong choice. Want a little entertainment with your dinner? Columbia has a flamenco show six nights a week! Olé!!