The season of crimson leaves, cozy sweaters and cups of tea is finally upon us. And what better way to make the most of chilly-but-not-too-cold weather than with a fall roadtrip. We’ve passed the heat of summer so there’s no need to crank your car’s AC, but we’re also a few months away (hopefully) from the roads being slick with snow and ice. With excellent driving conditions and views of changing leaves, what more could you ask for to make the perfect road trip? How about a destination that comes alive in the fall – and is less than a two-hour drive from the city.
Say Stratford, Ontario and the first thing that comes to mind is probably the theatre (or Justin Bieber) but this happening town is also a hotspot for both culinary and cultural adventures.
Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with a cooking class at the Stratford Chefs School. The workshops range from helping you brush up on your cooking skills to learning all-new techniques like how to cook with cannabis.
If you’d rather sit back and let someone else handle the making of your meal, there’s a self-guided tour that combines two of our favourite things: beer and bacon. On the Bacon and Ale Trail, sip and snack your way through five of Stratford’s restaurants and retail spots offering craft brews or bacon-themed eats. Stratford is also home to a chocolate trail, a number of distilleries that offer tours and workshops like foraging for wild edibles or truffle making.
After chowing down, rent a bike and work off those calories by cycling along Stratford’s roads or rail trails. Or go on an art studio walk, a theatrical ghost walk or just explore the neighbouring communities and take in the fall scenery.
Stratford is known for its theatre, so you’d be remiss not to see a show while you’re there. This fall, catch performances of Billy Elliot or Little Shop of Horrors during the Stratford Festival. Looking for a spectacle of a more casual kind? Stop in at one of the local pubs for live music.
To start planning your trip and for more information, head to visitstratford.ca
