Sweet Spring in Stratford

Nesting birds are singing and flowers are blooming — spring has finally arrived after a long and uncertain winter. As the buds began to stir, so did the Lifestyle Ladies!

Preparing for a midweek road trip to Stratford, we met with Chris Pinelli of Lexus of London. Given the times we’re in, he was especially proud to loan us a Canadian-made vehicle. The Lexus RX 350h, an eye-catching midsize SUV hybrid, is manufactured just up the 401 in Cambridge, in the first Lexus plant established outside Japan. Sliding into the leather saddles of our gleaming steed, we got a brief tutorial on the impressive safety and convenience features and set out in comfort and style.

Stratford is a joy to visit year-round, with its rich culture, charming boutiques and warm hospitality, but there is something especially magical about springtime. The summer crowds have yet to arrive, allowing for a more leisurely experience amid fragrant gardens and blossoming trees. Sunshine and gentle warmth make it the perfect season for strolls along the Avon, while the Stratford Festival entices with its newest theatrical productions, adding an extra touch of excitement to the city’s timeless charm.

The Stratford Festival is one of the last remaining repertory theatres in the world, offering audiences the rare chance to experience Shakespearean classics, contemporary dramas, and musicals all within a single visit. Ann Swerdfager, the Festival’s director of publicity, told us that since its founding in 1953 the festival has attracted over 30 million guests, becoming a cultural powerhouse and a key driver of the region’s economy. This year’s playbill presents stories of love and amity, hardship and war. The lineup includes Macbeth, Sense and Sensibility, Forgiveness, and Dangerous Liaisons, alongside musicals like Anne of Green Gables and Annie. May and June are the ideal time to experience the magic of newly opened productions, with preview pricing and special ticket options such as student, senior and pay-what-you-can performances.

Enhancing the theatrical experience, the Festival’s Meighen Forum offers thought-provoking discussions, workshops and performances that augment the mainstage productions, often providing insight and context. One such production, Dante’s Inferno: A Fusion of Text, Music and Thought, presented by DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) and commissioned by Stratford Festival, weaves together original music, spoken medieval Italian, and the story of Dante’s descent into hell. We can hardly wait to see it!

We met with vivacious April Murray from Destination Stratford over euro-style coffees at Brch & Wyn, an artisanal, plant-adorned café by day and trendy wine bar by night. She was a font of info on diverse activities such as culinary and historic walking tours, cycle routes, the Stratford Perth Museum and the Stratford “after dark” scene. Be sure to visit the Destination Stratford online or at the storefront at 47 Downie St. for tips when you’re in town.

The Stratford Perth Museum offers a deep dive into the region’s cultural heritage. Home of the exhibit Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom, visitors will also want to see To Thine Own Self, showcasing 50 years of non-traditional gender portrayals at the Stratford Festival. Highlights including Martha Henry’s Prospero and Amaka Umeh’s Hamlet. Before long, the Stratford Summer Music Festival will bring special performances to the museum and other picturesque venues throughout the town.

Stratford after dark offers lively venues and opportunities to hear live music into the night. Free community concerts in Market Square are presented every Friday evening starting May 23rd and the Stratford Live Music & Food event combines diverse musical performances with local fare from June 20 to 22. Wanting something more intimate? The Bunker Performance Lounge & Cafe offers craft beer, signature cocktails, and live music in a cozy setting. Watch for live performances at The Relic Lobby Bar, a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar. The Starlight Lounge, which features a retro motel lobby design, hosts live music on weekends.

The Bruce Hotel

The Bruce Hotel, a five-diamond boutique hotel, is a destination in itself. Within strolling distance of the Festival Theatre, it lends itself to being a luxurious thespian getaway. The Lifestyle Ladies were struck dumb, perhaps for the first time, by the exquisite appointment of our spacious room and the meticulous attention to design and detail. We were enchanted with the crystal chandelier, the panoramic windows overlooking the landscaped grounds, the silky soft sheets, and the sparkling water and butter tarts welcoming us “home.” I am sure we both looked, or at least felt, more beautiful after luxuriating in the uniquely tiled bath, feeling life’s stresses float away. Even an early morning start felt enjoyable, with silver service coffee graciously delivered to our room, preparing us for a delectable breakfast of a delicate Chevre Omelette and scrumptious Eggs Hemingway with house-smoked trout. We wish our stay could have been longer —the warm hospitality, the tranquility, the elegance! — at this Stratford jewel.

The Restaurant at The Bruce, with its warm and refined ambiance, was an equally pleasurable experience. Chef Nick Benninger, with the farm-to-table ethos of “eat your landscape,” showcases the finest ingredients from Perth County. Our dining journey began with an amuse-bouche of smoked trout with dill oil, lemon zest and alyssum flowers. This delight was followed by melt-in-the-mouth Scallop Crudo (verjus dressed scallop, pumpkin seed oil, smoked squash, pickled chilies) and delectable Foie (shaved foie torchon, summer sausage, apple butter on homemade sourdough) — triumphs of flavour and texture. Our mains of tender Steelhead Trout with ikura caviar, horseradish hollandaise and 12-Hour Braised Short Rib with potato pancake, charred and pickled shallots, and burnt leek powder were deeply satisfying. Curated wine pairings, emphasizing Niagara vineyards, perfectly complemented and enhanced each dish. The exceptional service was discreet, personable and informed, creating a flawless dining experience and an evening we will not forget.

 

More Dining

Stratford has a wide variety of venues that suit every taste and occasion — we visited several wonderful restaurants and can attest to that. Note: make evening dining reservations during theatre season. These venues are very popular.

The Stratford Chefs School is a not-for-profit career college dedicated to providing innovative hands-on training to aspiring chefs and culinary entrepreneurs. In May and June Open Kitchen has an exciting line up of public cooking classes, offering hands-on culinary training suitable even for non-cooks like me. In a collaborative venture, The Prune Restaurant, a renowned local fine-dining establishment, will operate from the school’s premises and patio during the summer months.

On Ontario Street we visited Stratford’s oldest cellar, now the newly renovated Pazzo Pizzeria. The setting is bright and comfortable and the friendly staff uphold high standards in both service and cuisine. We were not surprised to learn that Pazzo was a 2025 “Soup’s On” award winner — our velvety parsnip purée soup enhanced with oregano oil was otherworldly. To follow, a spicy thin-crust Italian Stallion Pizza, topped with prosciutto, Italian sausage, pancetta, spicy Calabrese, roasted garlic and fresh herbs, leapt off the plate! That’s our story, as it quickly disappeared.

The Livery Yard, a café housed in a historic livery stable, boasts large windows and a welcoming stone fireplace. As we savoured “Canadiano” coffees (ah, the times we’re in) and in-house baked treats, we agreed that the location, diagonally across from the Avon Theatre, is the perfect spot for people watching.

The Ashborne Café exudes a contemporary charm, offering a health-forward menu free from inflammatory grains, oils and refined sugars. Our lunch selections — Avocado Toast and Smoked Salmon Toast on house-made charcoal sourdough — were exceptional, bursting with vibrant, fresh flavours that left us satisfied and nourished.

We were excited to dine at Elizabeth. (that’s the name; the period is not misplaced) for the final meal of our road trip. Founded in July 2022 by chef Brian Clarke, Elizabeth. offers a high-quality and convivial neighbourhood dining experience. It was easy to see why this is a favourite with locals. The menu is seasonally driven and based on ingredient availability. In summer months, the vegetables are grown by Clarke and his florist wife in their garden, a personal touch that ensures quality and freshness. Chef Clarke builds community through dining, hosting “a dinner party every evening,” crafting dishes meant for sharing. During our inventive dinner, we shared the Crispy Deviled Eggs, succulent, crispy, creamy addictive parcels; Brussels Sprouts Caesar, a tasty remake of the classic Caesar salad; and Fried Chicken, crunchy and tender with just the right amount of spice. Crème Brûlée with Macerated Raspberry was the perfect finish. We will be back!
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Shopping

We visited several chic boutiques for retail therapy and happily saw that spring fashion was in full bloom. At Red Coral Fashion, a stylish destination for all physiques, my companion purchased a flattering blouse with energetic oranges and blues, showcasing spring colours. For the season, look for clothes with movement: flutter sleeve blouses, fabric cut on the bias, and plisse jackets and dresses that bounce as you walk! Danna Nicole aims to refresh spring wardrobes with classy and comfortable pieces designed to take clients from desk to drinks. From elegant sandals to diaphanous silk scarves, we saw many key pieces that would transform an outfit. Across the street, Grace the Boutique features airy linens and cottons for spring as well as hard to find bamboo underwear, both breathable and eco-friendly. Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Pop into MacLeods Scottish Shop for Harris Tweed purses, Guinness Hawaiian shirts, and even Scottish ballcaps designed for golfers, complete with a little pocket for lucky tees.

Since purchasing White-Balmer Shoes & Handbags in 2019, owner Karina Bogle has prioritized comfort without compromising style. As an independent Canadian retailer, she offers a personalized “sit and fit” experience, guided by knowledgeable staff. For the upcoming spring and summer seasons, Bogle showed us eye-catching metallics, pastels and lime green in their collection. She offers high quality footwear and accessories including unique handbags, wind-proof umbrellas and travel essentials.

At Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar shoppers will find items to bring springtime joy and beauty to their homes, such as Chirpy teapots, Kew Garden dinnerware, tapers in every colour and locally-made linen Puffin Hats. We loved the modern cuckoo clocks, made in Ontario, that serenaded us with realistic birdsong. For outdoor dining, pick up a Preston’s “wipe clean” tablecloth that has the elegance of fabric with convenient easy maintenance.

No trip to Stratford is complete without a visit to iconic Rhéo Thompson Candies, gracing Stratford since 1969 with myriad confections, including the delectable Mint Smoothie. We were excited to meet the new owner, Lindsay Mcleod, who purchased this beloved establishment early in 2025, leaving a career in dentistry. She honours the legacy of her forebears with delight, enthusiasm and a dedication to maintaining the high quality of the establishment. We did not leave empty handed!

York Street

Tucked on the west side of downtown by the RT Orr Dam, short little York Street is packed with character and charm.

Stepping into the fragrant The Painted Baker, we were swept to a simpler time when craft and quality were paramount. Milo Jones and father Rob engage the alchemy of artisanal breads and pastries, striving to offer authentic and healthful products, including sourcing stone ground flours. A few doors down, Buzz Stop is a captivating and eclectic shop offering gourmet coffees and teas, European dry goods and a connoisseur’s dream selection of cigars properly housed in four well-stocked humidors. Grab a cup of their gourmet joe to enjoy on the patio by the river, or stay in the shop for a lively conversation with owner Nancy Hotson.

The cozy ambiance of Distinctly Tea Stratford makes it easy to linger and peruse over 300 premium teas from around the world. We enjoyed talking to owner and tea sommelier Dianne Krampien, who is highly knowledgeable about her collection. Encouraging patrons to “try before you buy,” she brews each cup of tea to perfection with the correct water temperature and timing. Ask about her refreshing antioxidant- and mineral-rich iced tea blends, perfect for warmer weather.

We stepped into the lively and welcoming atmosphere of Dancing Waters Boutique and met owners Maggie Liu and Koi Thompson. They enthusiastically invited us to try the Dancing Water Dragon Bowl — a dragon-embossed brass bowl filled with water that ripples and dances when its handles are stroked. How?! Embracing Stratford’s rich cultural scene, Liu and Thompson aim to share both history and tradition through their carefully curated collection of Asian giftware. From intricate brassware and delicate porcelain to stunning jewellery and cloisonné ornaments, every piece in the shop tells a story. We were fascinated.

 

Last but not least

Feeling a tad weary, we found rejuvenation at Illume Wellness Spa, a certified green oasis specializing in organic services and eco-friendly practices. Founded by Elsa Fahraeus in 2019, Illume’s range of hands-on treatments is designed to refresh both body and mind, including facials, scalp therapies, reflexology and even a hair salon. We luxuriated in their Salt Room — Stratford’s first — enjoying a blissful halotherapy session aimed at promoting respiratory and skin health. We felt revitalized. Throughout our visit, Spa Manager Hanna Fahraeus and her knowledgeable staff made us feel welcome and pampered, enhancing
our experience.

Emphasizing clean beauty, Illume uses products sourced from nature, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and wellness. The spa also operates a recycle program for beauty products. Their Clean Beauty Market features items such as Eminence Organics skincare, sun care, and other clean beauty items. Fahraeus is guided by her clear vision, and it radiates throughout the beautiful and wholesome spa.

Somehow, we were not previously aware of Wild Hog Country Market, located a few minutes east of downtown Stratford. Established in 2021, this family-owned market artistically showcases fine local produce alongside gourmet imports, some of which are hard to find elsewhere. Drawing from the skill of three generations of butchers, the in-house butchery offers high-quality, locally sourced meats for its cuts, kebabs and all-meat GF sausages. Devin Bachert showed us the variety of garlic sausages, still made using his grandfather’s original recipes from the 1960s. Emphasizing mindful consumption, the market encourages patrons to “buy local, good quality, and only what we need.” Beyond groceries, Wild Hog offers unique giftware and a café serving gourmet coffees and teas, fresh smoothies, in-house baking and outstanding sandwiches and meals to go or eat in the comfortable seating areas.

We reminisced with gratitude as we glided home in our beautiful Lexus. The luxurious interior embraced us, with soft leather and a whisper-quiet cabin. The ride was smooth with easy handling, effortlessly gliding over bumps, soothing our transition back into our busy lives in London. Its grace, comfort and fuel economy made it the perfect vehicle for making a two-day road trip to Stratford feel like a satisfying holiday. •

Lois Quail and her companion were guests of Destination Stratford, The Bruce Hotel and Elizabeth., which did not review or approve this story.