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Savour Stratford

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Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival presented by GE Café July 19-20 in Stratford 

Stratford welcomes chefs From Coast to Coast to Coast for a distinctly Canadian culinary celebration. Meet some of the top young chefs from across Canada as more than 100 chefs, farmers, local producers, Ontario wineries, craft brewers and culinary personalities come together to celebrate the Stratford Chefs School’s 30th anniversary and share the joy of food.

Set in the heart of Stratford’s heritage garden district bordered by the Avon River, our award winning two day culinary festival has events for all – from gourmet tastings to children’s bug cooking demos, chef demos to sip, sample and savour surrounded by free music concerts, artisan markets and food stalls.  

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Here are some of the highlights: 

• Come enjoy a five-course lunch with chefs, Dale MacKay, owner of Ayden Kitchen, Saskatoon and Canada’s original Top Chef and Derek Dammann, owner of Maison Publique, Montreal at the GE Café Chefs Series (Saturday, July 19- limited capacity).

• Meet leading Canadian chefs on the Toronto Star Culinary Stage for two days of cooking demonstrations sharing their regional culinary character from sustainable west coast seafood to modern Aboriginal cuisine, nose-to-tail cooking and award-winning vegan dishes. 

• Savour and swing the night away at our Saturday night party Perth County Hoot presented by Mill Street Brewery. Savour Ontario craft brews and the rockabilly flavours from The Wicked Pickle food truck while dancing to the modern ‘celtibilly’ sound of the Steel City Rovers and rockin’ country rhythm of the River Junction Band.

• Rise early on Sunday for Women in Food Breakfast as Alison Fryer of the Cookbook Store moderates a panel of women in agriculture discussing issues and sharing their stories at The Church Restaurant. 

• The highlight of the festival is the Grand Tasting on Sunday afternoon set under an elegant tent in Stratford’s garden district. 30 top local chefs pair up with passionate producers to create an array of seasonal morsels, complimented by Ontario VQA wines, craft beers and spirits.

• JENN & Larry’s Emporium of Wonders is a feast for young gourmands with free action-packed culinary fun from bug cooking demos, The Farmer and That Smell puppet show, earth sundaes and veggies for dessert.

• Our Sunday Sunset Party presents the music of Trent Severn to cap a weekend of culinary celebrations starting at 8pm.

Join us in Stratford July 19-20 for a weekend of great food, great guests and great fun! For complete information and tickets please visit www.savourstratford.com. – just 90 minutes west of Toronto.

Stratford’s Salute to Spring

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Swan Parade Celebration April 5th & 6th

Take all the music, drama and celebration that is Stratford, then add a waddle and a few tail feathers to herald spring and you have the Parade of the Swans.

You’ll discover a quirky charm as you watch the feathery herd along their walk to the water — flat-footed silly swans, goosing each other along as they waddle and preen. Fun for the whole family!

Decorated topiary swans dot our heritage downtown. Visit several swans and vote for the people’s choice for a chance to win a $100 Stratford shopping spree. Watch for street entertainers along the way or board a horse-drawn carriage to take in the Victorian streetscape. Children will love to have their photos taken with BJ the Swan and stroll along the banks of the Avon on guided Swan Walks exploring their winter quarters and nesting sites.
On Sunday, family festivities begin at 12:00 noon along Lakeside Drive. Don’t miss the Freddy Fusion Science and Magic Show sure to rock you with cool science tricks and surprises. Watch chainsaw carving, lively music, entertaining puppets and colourful clowns while savouring tasty treats from food trucks and food stalls available until 3 pm.

When you hear the sound of the Stratford Police Pipes and Drums, it’s time for the Parade of Swans (2:00 sharp) with a bevy of swans rushing — really waddling and gaggling –— to the Avon River. It’s how we celebrate spring — swans, families and fun!

Come celebrate
spring in Stratford!
www.visitstratford.ca/swans

Stratford in February A Perfect Escape for Lovers

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Slip away to Stratford for a romantic escape with your special someone this February. Recently named one of Canada’s top 5 romantic destinations, you’ll want to turn off your smart phones, for just a short while, and indulge in some mid-winter romance in Stratford.  

Only 90 minutes west of Toronto, Stratford is a perfect place to nest for a few days in a heritage bed and breakfast, a boutique inn or full-service contemporary hotel where you can treat yourselves to a relaxing couple’s massage and some over-due pampering. Cuddle up next to the fireplace or in a cozy coffee house with your favourite brew and fresh baked pastries. 

Stratford is a favourite with foodies too. Embark on our fun Chocolate Trail visiting food shops and pubs to sample chocolate martinis, café mochas and hand-made truffles. Reserve a place at Savour Stratford Tastings and explore delicious new flavours and innovative pairings on Saturday afternoons. Top-up your culinary skills in a cooking and wine class with chefs Aaron and Bronwyn Linley at Stratford’s newest restaurant, The Restaurant at The Bruce. In the evening enjoy dinner crafted by students and inspired by renowned Canadian celebrity chefs at the exclusive Stratford Chefs School dinners. 

Stratford’s sparkling landscape is perfect for crisp walks along the Avon River, and through Stratford’s heritage district admiring the ornate 19th century buildings among dozens of interesting shops and restaurants. A treasure-trove of works by local artists and artisans, hard-to-find books and antiques are among the exciting finds. Discover elegant Victorian and Edwardian homes, many of which are now bed and breakfast inns, beautifully dusted in snow. 

Stratford also has great ways to work up an appetite for those delicious meals. Just a few minutes’ drive away is the protected wilderness of Wildwood Conservation Area with trails for hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and bird-watching. Bring your skates for a twirl under the stars, perfect for just the two of you. After an afternoon in the out-of-doors, stop into St. Marys and wander the charming 19th century limestone buildings, one of Ontario’s top 10 historic towns. 

So turn off the smartphone, find someone to take care of the kids for a day or two and unplug. It’s time to romance that special someone in charming Stratford.