Stratford has outdoor plays slated for summer, a new riverside theatre and lots more to explore

“Stratford is a magical town,” says Canadian singer-actor Marcus Nance. A long-time mainstay of the famed Stratford Festival who previously performed on Broadway and in Toronto, he fell in love with the charming Ontario town’s natural beauty, kind-hearted community and thriving arts scene. In 2013, when Nance’s husband got a full-time job with the fest, the enamoured duo made the move and became all-season Stratford residents.

This coming summer, the Stratford Festival’s new draw will be a series of outdoor plays and cabarets, slated to run from late June to late September (health and safety protocols permitting). The town always hums with out-of-towners when the shows are on, but Nance appreciates the atmosphere year-round.

“Before I moved here, I only saw Stratford during the theatre season. I loved the vibrancy,” he says. “But I also enjoy the town when the tourists go home and it becomes quiet. It’s a very active, family-driven place.” Here, Nance shares some of his must-visit spots.

For the best coffee: Revel (37 Market Pl.)

“Revel is not just a coffee shop; it’s a meeting place,” Nance says. He loves the homey café for its ethically sourced beans, delicious pastries and always fascinating clientele — he never knows when he’ll wander over and find, say, a cellist playing Bach. “Anne Campion, the owner, is a wonderful woman, and to go to Revel and receive a smile from her is an incredible experience.”

For the dazzling new landmark: Tom Patterson Theatre (111 Lakeside Dr.)

The latest addition to Stratford’s festival scene, the Tom Patterson Theatre was set to open last year, before the pandemic hit. Designed by award-winning Toronto architect Siamak Hariri, the curved building, covered in shimmering glass, sits on the banks of the Avon River. “It’s stunning, and I’m positive it’s going to be a landmark for Stratford,” says Nance.

For window (or actual) shopping: Wills & Prior (22 Wellington St.)

“If I’m ever having a down day and need to be uplifted, I go to Wills & Prior, even if I’m not [planning on] buying anything,” the actor explains. Owned by wife-and-husband duo Sarah Smithers and David Gilhooly, the inviting shop offers a wide range of home goods, from chic linen napkins to statement lighting and Canadian art.

For the unforgettable fried chicken: The Red Rabbit (64 Wellington St.)

“The Red Rabbit is so unique and cool — I feel like I’m at a New York restaurant, and the staff always remembers your name,” Nance says. Don’t miss the crispy, buttermilk-brined fried chicken, which is also available for takeout at sister spot Pollo Morta (75 Wellington St.). “My mother is from the South, and I think she makes the best fried chicken in the world, but it might be beat by The Red Rabbit. It’s exquisite.”

For the eclectic souvenirs: Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar (84 Ontario St.)

When shopping for gifts, Nance loves popping into this boutique, a Stratford institution that’s been run by the same family for five generations. “You can find anything, from Justin Trudeau socks to dishware to beautiful scarves I like to give my mother-in-law.”

For the outdoor beauty: Avon River

“I keep using the word magical, but the Avon River really is magical,” Nance says. The serene area, including Tom Patterson Island, is the perfect hangout for our socially distant times, with nearby trails, picnic areas, paddleboat rentals and plenty of swan sightings. (The majestic birds have lived in the town since 1918.) “I go there to meditate, to exercise, to meet friends. It’s a great place to sit outdoors.”

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.