Charming Little Stratford - MBGC Easter Getaway

MBG Places Ontario Series - March 29, 2024 - April 01, 2024

We had an instantaneous trip planned for the Easter holiday. There were no engineered to-do's and coordinated OOTDs, just satisfying curiosity on why Stratford remains consistent as one of Ontario's must-see destinations.

Without much preparation, we have essentials packed in our car. When I say essentials, I mean Coco and Cookie. No one is leaving two fat cats to do whatever their fat selves want.

Day 1: The drive. 

We loaded up Mazy's trunk with everything we needed for the weekend and set off for Stratford, brimming with excitement. The two-hour drive was filled with anticipation, and though we weren’t sure if our curiosity would be satisfied, the journey itself made the time well spent. No complaints!

The cats were particularly behaving, even the noisy Coco Ming. We enjoyed a pleasant drive to the Festival City, named after England’s Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Day 1: Arrival.

Our lodge for the two-night stay is the historic Parlour Inn, conveniently located near popular attractions, excellent restaurants, and a grocery mart. The hotel is chic, Shakespearean-inspired and tidy. The facade is beautiful in its antiquity: charming and familiar - nostalgic like those good old days.

The tour: City Hall, Perth County Court House, Market Square, Avon River, Shakespearean Garden, Balzac’s, Parlour Inn, Queen’s Inn

After checking in and settling our luggage in the rooms, we wasted no time exploring the charming little town. We first made sure the cats were comfortable in the hotel, fed, and that their litter was prepared. With everything just a stone’s throw away, we managed to complete our mini tour within a few hours. 

City Hall

The municipal government looks like a picture straight out of a postcard. It was marvelous in its vibrant hue, boastful in its importance and even more with its beauty.

Perth County Court House

The courthouse is no different, an eye candy, dreamy and castle-like - meant for balls and pleasantries. It doesn't look like a place where judicial functions are held :). 

The judgment that was reserved in the car earlier, is judgment rendered at this moment. The verdict shamed me for my lack of imagination, Stratford is more than what Trip advisor claimed it to be. Its true charm lay not merely in what could be seen but in how it felt, making it both homey and truly deserving of its place among Ontario’s most beautiful towns.

Market Square

We came at the wrong time, they say that the Market Square is where all the merry-making and fun takes place. On a good sunny day, the place transforms into a vibrant haven of food, events, and anything that makes your tummy and heart flutter. Oh, to be back one day, next time for sure when the sun is bright! 

Avon River

Strolling along the Avon River feels like stepping into the opening of a Jane Austen novel—a walk best shared with your own Mr. Darcy. I had mine by my side, along with Kitty.

Shakespearean Garden

A garden for Shakespeare. I love reading but admittedly, I haven't had my eyes and heart on Shakespeare. Still, I believe this garden serves as a fitting tribute—a place where seeds sprout, lives blossom, and eventually wither. It’s a garden that showcases the beauty of a flower for all to admire. Much like Shakespeare’s works, life itself is a stage, and what you gain depends on how you play your part.

 

Queen's Inn

A hotel that is a tribute to Queen Victoria - historic and majestic with that red terracotta color.

We concluded our first day feeling content and joyful, convinced that choosing Stratford as our Easter Holiday destination was truly the best decision.

Day 2: brunch and playing with cats at Alley Cat Cafe, hunting local art and handcrafted pieces, dining at Revival House - an old church turned restaurant.

We set out immediately to enjoy some fun with furry, warm felines. I've always dreamed of owning a cat café, and just a few blocks away from our hotel was one! Without hesitation, we made a reservation and enjoyed our brunch surrounded by cats!

If you're planning to go, it's best to make a reservation well ahead of time. We were fortunate that a last-minute cancellation allowed us to secure a spot. The food was good but that is not the first order of business. We came for the cats so we will talk about cats. The fluff balls were all energetic and playful. They love to play a lot, roll over, jump and run around. I found my friend in the form of a white cat sporting black ears and a tail.

Cat Cafe

A happy place of good food and even greater company. Oh the dashing, rolling, jumping, purring, chasing of fat, warm, happy cats! Heaven, heaven, and heaven! Since the place is always packed with cat enthusiasts - reservations are limited. An hour limit is all we got but an hour that counts the most. 

After spending an hour in cat heaven, we dashed out to nurse our heart break of not getting any of the fur balls in our pockets. We went to enjoy a walk hunting for arts and crafts that could cure our broken hearts. 

A local artisanal display of Stratford art.

Everything here is exquisite, from the quality to the price tag. I didn't purchase anything, but browsing the store was a delightful experience. We did manage to find some charming souvenirs in an unassuming spot nearby.

Most of our days were spent wandering around, moving from ice cream shops to coffee spots and art stores. By our second day, it was clear to me just how beautiful Stratford truly is. It's certainly a place worth revisiting—perhaps once or twice for each season!

Avon Theater

Stratford is famous for festivals and Shakespearean plays so it would be blasphemy to skip even taking a peek at one of its theaters. Although the theater was closed for the season, snapping a few photos couldn't hurt.

We had a special dinner planned for the evening, which turned out to be one of the standout moments of all our trips. It's also a personal dream of mine—to one day own an old chapel or church and transform it into a coffee shop.

Revival Church turned restaurant

The church-turned-restaurant is already a standout on its own, but the food truly steals the show. It's among the best we've ever tasted. An experience we highly recommend!

Day 3. Celebrating the resurrection of the Lord.

Celebrating life and all the little things- all gifts from our Lord who has died and lived for us. Easter is a celebration of life, renewed faith, and a testament to God's love. On this trip and today, we celebrate Jesus through good food and by exploring one of Ontario's beautiful destinations.

Breakfast at Cafe Features

 Perth Gallery Museum

We had a hearty breakfast at Cafe Features, a diner offering a classic brunch menu. The portions were generous, and the food was both delicious and satisfying. Afterward, we stopped by the Perth Gallery and Museum, but we didn't go inside since we couldn't leave the cats in the car. We wrapped up our Easter trip with full stomachs and happy hearts.

Stratford truly deserves all the praise it's getting on social media. What a delightful piece of history it is, a gem along the Avon River. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the opportunity to witness the beauty of both the grand and the humble places in this vast world.

 

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