October 5th - one day only - receive a one hour facial for $50. Regular price is $90. Well worth a visit!

 So - 2 days, 4 plays, 4 excellent meals!!

We are 4 people and we have found a wonderful place to stay called the Stratford Whitehouse. What draws us back every year is the wonderful deck over the main entrance portico. Each couple has our own suite with a  kitchen, and we share this magical outdoor space for morning coffee, to debrief from plays, enjoy a glass of wine or play a little cards.  There are many excellent B&B’s in Stratford, and www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com has all the listings. Trip advisor is a good place to go for customer ratings.

 We saw Kiss me Kate, Peter Pan, Evita and the Tempest. All outstanding!! Dangerous Liasons is also highly recommended. This really is a superb season - it ends October 30th.

Restaurants: Stratford is famous as a wonderful dining city. We have done quite a bit of research at great personal sacrifice and make the following suggestions.

Bijou - open for dinner only (lunch Friday through Sunday) - a little tough to find, it is tucked in behind another building - but well worth searching out. Tiny, perfect place.

Rene’s Bistro - also dinner only and an easy walk to the Avon Theatre, and you will need the walk after an extraordinary meal.

Keystone Alley  - we have only been for lunch, but it is also open for dinner. Right around the corner from the Avon. Book outside - it really is an alley, and it is charming and delicious.

Pazzo Pizzeria - The best Pizza in Stratford. We have only eaten in the “cellar” and loved it for lunch. Upstairs and outside look very appealing, and we would try them in the future.

Annex Room Cafe & Lounge - We had a problem with our service. The food was OK, but I would go to one of the other recommendations before I would go back here.

We have also been to Bentley’s - comfortable pubby place - OK but not special. We also made the drive to Woolfy’s at Wildwood, and while it was a good experience, it is pretty far, and there are equally excellent restaurants in town.

We have eaten at The Church and found it overpriced, but good.  The Old Prune is one we have not tried yet, but it is on our radar for sure. Down the Street is recommended, especially post theatre, but we are usually done by then ….after lunch; a play; dinner; a play….. getting home and taking our shoes off always seems like the best idea

 Parking - Street parking is available near the Avon. You can probably park to eat and then walk to the Theatre. At the Festival Theatre there is a large parking lot by the river which you can prebook at a discount on line. There is quite a bit of free parking above the theatre if you want to take your chances. There are also parking passes available from the Stratford Tourism office for municipal parking lots.

Some day we are going to picnic along the Avon. But then again, being served has its merits!

There are some other attractive opportunities, but I know Hilton Head is a favourite.

Or how about a week in a Gold Crown studio in New Orleans at the beginning of February for US$485???

Travelzoo subscribers will receive a steep discount of up to 40% on single day admission tickets to Canada’s Wonderland. Play any day of the week for $31.99, if tickets are purchased by August 9.

$49  Tickets in the 4th ring to ‘South Pacific’ in Toronto save $50. Call 1-416-644-3665 and quote “PACIFICTZ”. Prices include all taxes and service charges. Book by August 7th

Lots available: from Surfside Beach just south of Myrtle - lovely place, to Fairmont Hot Springs in Alberta, to Vegas baby, or Florida, including Destin, Panama City, St Augustine and, of course Disney country. Or maybe Smugglers’ Notch appeals to you. We can even get some 2 bedroom units for the same price!!

So, if you are planning a trip this fall email me or call my cell and we can see what we can do.

But hurry ! It leaves for Broadway August 1st.

From Auberge du Pommier to Zucca Trattoria don’t miss this opportunity!! Lunches from $15 to $25 and dinners from $25 to $45.

Bon appetit