If you happen to be looking for something to do on a hot summer day and don't have a lot of money (which is often the case for me, with 3 kids!), look no further than Stratford's parks.
What I love about driving to Stratford with the kids is not only the fact that it is a relatively short drive from New Hamburg, but there are many potential stops along the way. Keep in mind, many of these do require money, but not a lot. A couple of my favourites are The Pork Shoppe in Shakespeare and Shakespeare Pies. There are also some renowned antique stores in Shakespeare that many tourists frequent on or from their way to the Festival City. It doesn't hurt to look!
Now back to the parks...on a hot summer day, taking the kids to any one of Stratford's parks along the river is a great idea and here's why. First of all, there are plenty of old and beautiful trees around to provide lots of shade for the kids. After all, with all that running around, being in the sun the entire time will wear the kids out a little TOO quickly!
Many of the parks are close to refreshment like water,juice and of course, ice cream or popsicles! Yummy and not a bad bribe if you happen to need one...The playground equipment also tends to provide enough excitement for the kids to wear them out and that IS what we want as parents. The way I see it, the whole scenario is a win-win situation. An outing that uses up the kids' energy, makes them happy (and myself, I might add), and it's inexpensive...unless you need to bribe the kids A LOT...but that's another issue...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Stratford's Restaurants, Coffee Shops and Motels
Well, it's been almost a month since I've last posted! The time flies in the summer, especially trying to keep the kids busy. I have been keeping busy (no problem there) with writing some more articles for Suite 101. Lately, I have been focused on writing articles on Ontario travel, and more particularly, on the many restaurants, motels and coffee shops in Stratford.
I find it amazing the number of unique dining experiences there are awaiting people in Stratford! I grew up in this city, yet I couldn't tell you half the restaurants that exist there now. So I embarked on an article-writing mission to discover some of those and I have to say I was impressed. I found out that I went to high school with the owner of Rene's Bistro and that a lot of the smaller motels in Stratford are actually quite quaint and well looked-after (check out The Swan Motel and the As You Like It Motel).
I have also had the opportunity to check out Stratford's coffee shops, although I was familiar with all of those. I have spent some time at Balzac's and I have to say I love the ambiance! I love my Timmy's, but for a night out with a friend, this is definitely a place to go that has some character!
You can check out my list of articles under Stratford Sites on this page and delve into Stratford's world of fine and casual dining, cafes and bistros as well as coffee shops and motels. I think you will be pleased with what is available...I am glad I live so close to Stratford!
I find it amazing the number of unique dining experiences there are awaiting people in Stratford! I grew up in this city, yet I couldn't tell you half the restaurants that exist there now. So I embarked on an article-writing mission to discover some of those and I have to say I was impressed. I found out that I went to high school with the owner of Rene's Bistro and that a lot of the smaller motels in Stratford are actually quite quaint and well looked-after (check out The Swan Motel and the As You Like It Motel).
I have also had the opportunity to check out Stratford's coffee shops, although I was familiar with all of those. I have spent some time at Balzac's and I have to say I love the ambiance! I love my Timmy's, but for a night out with a friend, this is definitely a place to go that has some character!
You can check out my list of articles under Stratford Sites on this page and delve into Stratford's world of fine and casual dining, cafes and bistros as well as coffee shops and motels. I think you will be pleased with what is available...I am glad I live so close to Stratford!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Canada Day celebrations
Well, it's that time of year...again. Time to celebrate living in one of the greatest nations in the world! While there are many celebrations going on July 1st across Canada, unfortunately, I can't be at all of them, but there are a couple worth mentioning.
Stratford is hosting its 10th annual festivities for Canada Day on July 1st. The celebration will take place the entire day and there will be something for everyone, especially for the kids. This is important, because if the kids aren't happy, neither are you! There will be free face painting, clowns, children's games and a lot of food. Also worth mentioning is the entertainment - Stephen Page, formerly of the Barenaked Ladies, will be taking part in the celebrations. Don't forget the fireworks!
New Hamburg (my new hometown) has phenomenal Canada Day celebrations and when I say there is something for everyone, there REALLY is. The festivities run all day into the evening. There will be the classic annual Rubber Duck race, games, sports, entertainment (for the kids, this includes Erick Traplin), a concert, demonstrations, a beer tent, loads of food and of course, the giant fireworks display. This is perhaps the best part of the whole day and when you watch the fireworks, it gives you a great sense of patriotism. Last year was our first year watching them and we only had to go down to the end of our street to see the entire display fully. For a small town, I must say this display is the best I have ever seen anywhere. Not only that, but it brings some of the neighbours out of their homes to mingle. What could be better for Canada Day than that?
Stratford is hosting its 10th annual festivities for Canada Day on July 1st. The celebration will take place the entire day and there will be something for everyone, especially for the kids. This is important, because if the kids aren't happy, neither are you! There will be free face painting, clowns, children's games and a lot of food. Also worth mentioning is the entertainment - Stephen Page, formerly of the Barenaked Ladies, will be taking part in the celebrations. Don't forget the fireworks!
New Hamburg (my new hometown) has phenomenal Canada Day celebrations and when I say there is something for everyone, there REALLY is. The festivities run all day into the evening. There will be the classic annual Rubber Duck race, games, sports, entertainment (for the kids, this includes Erick Traplin), a concert, demonstrations, a beer tent, loads of food and of course, the giant fireworks display. This is perhaps the best part of the whole day and when you watch the fireworks, it gives you a great sense of patriotism. Last year was our first year watching them and we only had to go down to the end of our street to see the entire display fully. For a small town, I must say this display is the best I have ever seen anywhere. Not only that, but it brings some of the neighbours out of their homes to mingle. What could be better for Canada Day than that?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Plays at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Being from Stratford, Ontario, I feel it necessary to mention a few of the plays currently being shown at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and its affiliated theatres. People often ask me if I go to see any of the plays or if I frequent the Festival because I come from Stratford and currently live nearby. The answer is "no". Not for lack of wanting to, however, but with 3 kids and hardly any time on my hands, I don't get much of a chance! That, and, it doesn't hold the same appeal for me as for someone who lives far away. If you lived in Toronto, how often would you visit the CN Tower? Anyhow, here is some information about 3 of the plays showing at the Festival...
The Tempest is showing June 11, 2010 to September 12th. Christopher Plummer plays the role of Prospero, a man marooned on an island with his daughter, Miranda, allowing him to work on his magic. He is able to raise a storm at sea, thereby putting within his grasp his enemies who robbed him of his dukedom. The play analyzes the desire for revenge as well as the demand for love and whether or not man can create a brave new world.
Evita, playing from May 28th to October 30th, is a story about Eva Duarte, who overcomes poverty in rural Argentina to become the first mistress and then the popular wife of President Juan Peron. This is a modern musical detailing how a woman helped shaped history. There are a variety of latin, jazz and rock rhythms throughout the show that has won many awards for best musical. Evita is broadly suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that there is mature content and some use of strong language.
Peter Pan, showing June 12th to October 31st will interest adults as well as children. Peter Pan flies in through a nursery window to take Wendy, Michael and John away to a magical land with fairies, mermaids and warrior maidens. It is here that Peter Pan must face his arch enemy, Captain Hook. The play is suitable for those 4 and up.
Of course, there are more plays for the 2010 season at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, but I will only cover so many today...stay tuned to hear about more!
The Tempest is showing June 11, 2010 to September 12th. Christopher Plummer plays the role of Prospero, a man marooned on an island with his daughter, Miranda, allowing him to work on his magic. He is able to raise a storm at sea, thereby putting within his grasp his enemies who robbed him of his dukedom. The play analyzes the desire for revenge as well as the demand for love and whether or not man can create a brave new world.
Evita, playing from May 28th to October 30th, is a story about Eva Duarte, who overcomes poverty in rural Argentina to become the first mistress and then the popular wife of President Juan Peron. This is a modern musical detailing how a woman helped shaped history. There are a variety of latin, jazz and rock rhythms throughout the show that has won many awards for best musical. Evita is broadly suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that there is mature content and some use of strong language.
Peter Pan, showing June 12th to October 31st will interest adults as well as children. Peter Pan flies in through a nursery window to take Wendy, Michael and John away to a magical land with fairies, mermaids and warrior maidens. It is here that Peter Pan must face his arch enemy, Captain Hook. The play is suitable for those 4 and up.
Of course, there are more plays for the 2010 season at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, but I will only cover so many today...stay tuned to hear about more!
Monday, June 7, 2010
More upcoming Stratford and Area events
In addition to the events I have already listed, there are a few more worth noting for this upcoming week or so. On Monday, June 14th, the Alzheimer's Society Annual Golf Tournament will be taking place at the Stratford Country Club. This a large fundraiser for the Stratford chapter of the Alzheimer's Society, so feel free to donate in any way you can...enter a team, donate a prize, donate cash or sponsor a hole! The cost is $125 for non-members and $105 for Country Club members. Lunch will begin at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm is the shot gun start time! For more information, please contact (519) 271-1910 or mevans@wightman.ca.
The Milverton Dodge Rodeo will take place this year from June 18th - June 20th. The festivities will begin Friday with a rodeo parade and family video dance party. Don't miss Jason Gerber,the 2009 CMT Karaoke star! Saturday, there will be a farmers market and sidewalk sales. Of course, there will be live rodeo action all weekend long! The rodeo dance will take place Saturday night beginning at 9 pm.
Last, but definitely not least, a benefit dance for Mike Bitton will take place on Saturday, June 19th at the Listowel Memorial Arena starting at 8 pm. The Listowel native has spent a lot of time in an American hospital after being hit by a vehicle riding his bike. 3 local acts will perform for the dance - ZAMM, Moneyshot and Jim 'n' Tonic. Donations are accepted.
The Milverton Dodge Rodeo will take place this year from June 18th - June 20th. The festivities will begin Friday with a rodeo parade and family video dance party. Don't miss Jason Gerber,the 2009 CMT Karaoke star! Saturday, there will be a farmers market and sidewalk sales. Of course, there will be live rodeo action all weekend long! The rodeo dance will take place Saturday night beginning at 9 pm.
Last, but definitely not least, a benefit dance for Mike Bitton will take place on Saturday, June 19th at the Listowel Memorial Arena starting at 8 pm. The Listowel native has spent a lot of time in an American hospital after being hit by a vehicle riding his bike. 3 local acts will perform for the dance - ZAMM, Moneyshot and Jim 'n' Tonic. Donations are accepted.
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