The second play that we saw was “Grapes of Wrath” at Avon Theatre which is from one of my favourite authors, John Steinbeck. Experience was again overwhelming and amazing. Again world class stagecraft was on display. Imagine, in one of the scenes a full actual river was on the stage in which characters even dove in. This city is offering some 12 plays this year spread over four theatres and would be on till the end of October.
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| Shakespearean Gardens in Stratford, Ontario |
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Costume warehouse for theatre |
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Stratford Summer Music |
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| City Hall, the architectural pleasure |
StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Glorious sunshine of the summer and the beautiful lush green landscapes surrounding the Avon River welcomed us at Stratford, Ontario.
All of us are familiar with Mary Poppins and her journey to a beautiful dreamland when she pops and goes inside a painting with some children. It was the same experience arriving at Stratford which is one of the most beautiful parts of Ontario, nay, the world. I felt as if I also popped into the painting of Stratford.
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“Unofficial ambassadors of Stratford” the Swans on Avon river |
Arts and theatre have always been my intense passions but after reaching there I realised that this city offered much more than just the theatre which was my prime focus for coming here.
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| Tango Cafe & Grill |
My first destination was the sprawling Shakespearean Gardens on the river side with beautiful flower beds and gazebos. A bust of Shakespeare in the centre of the garden gives it a distinctive character. From here we walked to the famous ‘Festival Theatre” to watch the “Merry Wives of Windsor” by Shakespeare. The walk along the river side was most relaxing with feeding the the “unofficial ambassadors of Stratford” the Swans and also the ducks. The feed is available at the information centre of Stratford tourism. Information centre is located right on the corner of the river with all the readily available information about Stratford and its activities.
"Merry Wives of Windsor" was a phenomenal experience not only from the point of view of acting, scripting and direction but also for its unique stage and stagecraft. “Festival Theatre” happens to be the largest and the oldest one and is built up in the style of an amphitheatre. Later, on a guided tour of the theatre, of its back stage and the stagecraft, our guide Kathy told us that no single seat in the theatre is a bad seat and the experience is great from every corner of the theatre. Is it not something very special?
A guided tour to the Costume warehouse was indeed a bonus. This gave us an insight and knowledge of one of the largest collections of props and costumes in North America, which are being catalogued now and are stored here.
City was also full of musical evenings in the gardens and on the riverside making our stay even more enjoyable.
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Another forth coming high light of Stratford is in September 24 & 25, 2011, which is the award winning 4th annual “Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival 2011”. It would be just an ideal time to visit Stratford during this time. The festival includes a two-day outdoor Farmers and Artisans’ Market, Concerts in the park, an old-fashion Pork Roast, a Beer and Wine Pavilion, Children’s Area, Perth County BBQ’s, Stratford Chefs School Learning Centre, BBQ Blues and Brews on Saturday night, followed by the Savour Stratford Tasting on Sunday. It all happens in Stratford’s historic downtown shopping and garden district.
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| The Church Restaurant |
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Stratford also offers many exotic eating joints catering to every taste and palate. There are two South Asian restaurants, Raja and Taj in down town offering South Asian Cuisine. I had memorable breakfast at Tango Cafe and Foster’s Inn. Foster’s Inn is also a exquisite place to stay and is located right in the heart of down town area and has about nine rooms . My dinner at The Church Restaurant was a unique experience. This restaurant has a huge capacity and also holds shows in the night. Another place that I would love to recommend for dining is “The Parlour”. The helpings are generous and sumptuous. It is one of the oldest in Stratford in a historical building and a favourite of both the visitors and the residents. Ambiance is out of a western saloon which is extremely pleasing. It also is a 2010 winner for overall design for best western hotel in North America. It is an excellent place to stay as well. Another place I could recommend for dinner is Bijou, the culinary jem of Stratford which is inspired by the neighbourhood bistros of France.
I stayed at Festival Inn. Although it is little away from down town on Ontario Street but the rooms were very comfortable, convenient and stylish. The place had many amenities. I enjoyed a morning swim and dry sauna every day during my stay there before l left for down town for my sightseeing and theatres trips.
Victorian architecture in Stratford of some of the buildings is very fascinating specially the city hall and the Court House. These are visible from far as soon as you enter the city.
There is a chocolate trail in downtown area for all to enjoy and savour the tastes of locally made Chocolate Martini and Chocolate, Mint bath salts and much more. It has been a huge hit, especially with women!
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Every Sunday in front of the City hall ‘Slow Food Perth Country Market’ puts up their stalls for the promotion of locally made food and related items. I had a chance of meeting one of the well known potters Chris Lass of Wild Pottery here. She had showcased some fascinating pieces of pottery which were practical for day to day use as well.
Another thrilling part of this visit was meeting with one of the well known poets of Canada, Charles Mountford and his photographer wife Ruth Mountford and also knowing them personally. The couple lives in Stratford for past 30 years since the time they fell in love with this lovely city for its beauty. Since then this talented couple has contributed a lot to the art and cultural scene of Stratford in many ways.
It seems to me Stratford will become a regular destination for me every year from now on. This is for the revival and nurturing of my spirits. Also I would love to explore this city even more. It is just about 90 minutes away from Toronto by car. Who knows one day I may want to shift here with my bag and baggage and make it my home forever.
http://www.visitstratford.ca
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