Exploring my own back yard in Stratford, Ontario

Just over a week ago my friend Reid was in the area. We had agreed to meet for lunch in the “festival city” properly know as Stratford, Ontario. In my many years, I have been to Stratford on several occasions and passed through it many more times on my way to Lake Huron destinations. I have photographed a wedding or two there, and stolled the banks of the Avon River and Lake Victoria. Despite living less than an hour’s drive away I have never ventured into the theatres the city is so famous for. Even more surprising I have never walked through their downtown core. That is until a week ago.

I decided to go early and have a walkabout in the core area.

If you are not familiar with the area a map would be helpful. Streets seem to go off in odd directions. 

Noticeable effort has been made to preserve the heritage of the area and to follow a theme. This was more prominent in selcected areas. It woud be nice if it was a little more wide spread. 

Store front of Blowes Cards and office supply stores on Wellington Street in Stratford, 

On Albert Street, houses have been converted into businesses.

The Armoury stands on the corner of Waterloo and Albert Streets.

I need to do a return trip when I can spend more time to explore some of the shops. Being a tourist destination I think you have to expect you are going to pay a little more for your purchases. On the other hand, you may find items you just wouldn’t locate in a more traditional setting. I did wonder into the MacLeod’s Scottish Shop where I thought it best that I hide my wallet and credit card. The quality merchanbdise was oh so very tempting. Maybe another time.

Even oif you’re not into the theatre and Shakespeare in particular, the downtown of Stratford is a delightful way to spend a day.