Stratford Getaway – featuring The Elm Hurst Inn

Depart Southgate, MI for Stratford, Ontario. You will have an independent lunch at one of the boutique restaurants in Downtown Stratford. Arrive at the Festival Theatre for a special production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Tickets will be in the A+ seating (best in the house!) You will have a choice between main floor and balcony seating.

Romeo & Juliet: When two young star-crossed lovers lock eyes across a crowded dance floor, their fate-and the fate of two rival families, the Capulets and Montagues-is sealed. The most celebrated romance of all time, Romeo and Juliet is a cautionary tale, timeless in its warning against insatiable revenge, blind hatred and familial pride. This production is a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare!

After the performance, we will head to Ingersoll for our overnight stay at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa. A southwestern Ontario landmark, the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa combines historic charm and scenic beauty with the modern amenities today’s travelers have come to expect from a premier boutique hotel. The Elm Hurst mansion was built in 1872 as the personal residence of James Harris and family. A fine example of the Gothic Revival style, it remained a stately family home for more than a century.

An exquisite dinner is planned this evening at the hotel with their renowned chef, Phillippe, who has worked in Michelin restaurants in France with Chef Guy Savoy. (D)

After an included breakfast, head back to Downtown Stratford for a visit to the Shakespearean Gardens. The gardens are beautiful and are prizewinning gardens. The Perth County Courthouse is surrounded by a pergola, as well as the oldest double-arch stone bridge in Ontario. The gardens have 60 varieties of herbs, flowers, and shrubs which are all Shakespeare's contemporaries and are mentioned in his plays. All these beautiful blooms are framed by thrift and boxwood with fragrant roses over the stone walls. Near the gardens, there is a river that flows to the east where you will find the beautiful cenotaph, which is an inspiring monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers. Guests are encouraged to sit on the benches of this beautiful oasis and think of those that have made sacrifices during times of war. You will have free time for shopping the many local stores of Stratford, including specialty shops and bakeries that are a part of Stratford’s chocolate trail. Lunch today is an exquisite afternoon high tea at Marcanda Tea Room before returning home. (B,L)