Just when you thought there was no escape from winter, Stratford saves the day with cozy surprises. Insiders know it’s the best place for a hygge winter escape. Check out Brittlestar’s attempts to protect Stratford’s best kept secrets from a friend. #StratfordAlwaysOn
If you haven’t checked out Stratford’s culinary scene, now is the time to do it. Dig into delicious wood oven fired pizzas at the newest craft brewery, Jobsite. Explore new flavours at an Alpine cheese and wine pairing, followed by fondue at The Milky Whey Fine Cheese Shop. It’s always a great time for comfort food. Madelyn’s Diner offers a menu chock full of local farm-sourced meats and the world’s best butter tarts. On the flip side, Planet Diner has you covered with delicious plant-based dishes like “chick-un” burgers and mac ‘n cheeze that you want to return for again and again. Oh, and be sure to leave room for their fresh-baked donuts and amazing cashew ice cream. Hone your kitchen skills at the Stratford Chefs School Open Kitchen hands-on cooking classes, or reserve a seat for International Chef in Residence dinners inspired by Jenner Tomaska, Executive Chef, Next Restaurant in Chicago. Multi-course menus are planned, cooked and presented by student chefs during his week-long stay in Stratford.
The music scene is hot too. INNERChamber concerts celebrate classics in a funky restored factory setting once a month. Get ready for Bob Marley classics February 1st at Revival House. For a local treat, join in a Celtic Jam at Scran & Dram Scottish Pub and pop into Boar’s Head Pub or Molly Blooms Irish Pub for an Indy music treat.
It is important to stay hydrated during the winter. Stratford can help with that. Craft brews quench your thirst at Black Swan Brewing, Shakespeare Brewing and Jobsite where you can create custom flights. If your spirits need a lift, just buzz around the corner from Jobsite where Junction 56 Distillery offers tours and tastings every Saturday. Their Mint Smoothie liqueur is a popular Stratford choice hitting just the right notes of chocolate and mint. Brand new on the local craft beverage stage is Sobrii, the first non-alcoholic gin. A perfect alternative for the designated driver and health conscious guest, it is a sophisticated cocktail for the #soberconscious and available at the Junction.
Had enough of frantic shopping? You’ll love the personal service at Stratford’s retailers. You’ll probably meet the owner who will be welcoming you, sharing the stories behind the products, and inviting you back for spring finds.
To complete your wellness experience, you can work out muscle tension and lingering stress during a hot stone massage. Treat your dry winter skin to a revitalizing facial. Recline in the ‘salt of the earth’ room where the air is pure and pamper your feet and hands with hot wax treatments. Your body will thank you.
