To a quote a visitor whom, when asked why she liked shopping in Stratford so much, said, “Ooh, it’s because I like spending these pretty coloured bills!” Well, with all the silver and gold leaf and rainbow type, who wouldn’t like to keep them flowing?

Fall brings a whole new season of reasons to shop (as if you need a reason! Pshaw!). Intelligent shoppers—and pack rats—shop early for holiday gift-giving, and the nip in the air says “buy a new jacket, you fool, and a scarf, and a pashmina, maybe a grey wool cape, and a Burberry raincoat, what about boots?” Artists and artisans plunge into new pieces to restock their studios. And the theatre gift shops have been known to offer great prices as the season progresses.

For foodie shoppers, learn more about the Epicurean Trek.

For shoppers who like to take advantage of local festivals and sales, here a few to get you going:

  • Garlic Festival, September 15, Stratford Fairgrounds: fresh garlic, garlic braids, minced bottled garlic, garlic paste, garlic jam, garlic vinegar, garlic oil, hmmm…. What was the name of this festival?
     
  • Apple Festival 2007, September 15 and 16, Birtch Farms & Estate Winery: apples, apples baked in every dessert you can imagine, caramel apples, wine and new products tastings.
     
  • Feline Fair, September 16, Upper Kinsmen Hall: a fun cat show, and all things kitty at the vendors.
     
  • Expect the Extraordinary, September 16, Paul D. Fleck marquee: this is how shopping should always be—elegantly casual dress code, cocktails, silent and live auction on all kinds of goodies from the theatre’s props department. Call 519-272-0964 for admission information. Ahem! Count me in!
     
  • St. Mary’s Horticultural Society Plant Auction, October 3, St. Mary’s Royal Canadian Legion: it may take a little planning, but here’s how to take some of our lovely local flowers and houseplants home with you—an auction of plant material from the society’s members.

Here are a couple more links to get you started:


Visit our members


Shakespeare to the Shoreline


P’lovers
13 York St, Stratford
519.271.3883