Is everyone ready for it? The long interminable months before Spring really shines on Ontario's Southwest? Before Spring, and flowers, and smells, and festivals, and all those lovely things return, we thought we'd help you get through. 

One global trend we've noted is to attempt a new craft, or push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new. Thankfully there are plenty of options in St. Thomas for you to partake in during this seasonal transition. Below find our list of featured activities that will work well to brighten up these dreary days!

1. TOUR A LOCAL MUSEUM

It's time to start exploring. We are very fortunate here in St. Thomas and Elgin County to have a wide variety of museums catering to all sorts of different interests!

The History Buff: the Elgin County Heritage Centre - The Elgin County Railway Museum - Elgin Military Museum
The Nostalgic: Gay Lea Dairy Museum - Dowler Karn Museum
The Architect: CASO Station

2. RESEARCH YOUR GENEALOGY

Before signing up for an Ancestry membership, visit our local archives to see what you can find about your roots. The Elgin County Archives is a great resource, with much of their collection online. However, to go really deep pay them a visit. You never know what you'll learn!

And don't forget the St. Thomas Public Library. They allow free use of Ancestry at the library, and also have an amazing collection of local history items!

3. TAKE AN ART CLASS

We have plenty of local options for you to get those creative juices flowing! Check out Romantic Designs for their classes, including their March Break camp. Our own Public Art Centre has many offerings, as well as a March Break camp. Laing Studios offers classes in everything from photography, to animation, to painting. 

4. GET MOVING!

We all know that things can get a bit stationary in the Winter. Here are a few options that you may not have considered to get you out of that comfort zone!

Martial Arts:  Brasa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, located downtown at 491 Talbot,  and offers everything from kickboxing to jiu jitsu for kids and adults.
Boxing: Check out Championship City if you want to learn how to box. They offer classes for kids 7-11 as well as everyone 12 years and up. They even offer 2 free classes during the week in case you want to try it out!

Kids getting restless? Bouncing off the walls? Have them take out all that excess energy at Rail City Recreation! The rec is open 7 days per week, and kids can enjoy laser tag, an indoor playground, an arcade, and Nerf wars! Is there an age limit on these activities? Cause they sound good to us!

The St. Thomas Stars are currently in the playoff hunt. Tickets are only $12 for an adult and $5 for a child (kids 5 and under are free), and it's a guaranteed good time all around! Their special "Fill the Rink" event is also coming up February 15 against the Komoka Kings and is always an exciting event. So what are you waiting for? 

 THE TALENT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND. 

Yes, it will. Have you seen our artists? Most hail from St. Thomas and Elgin County. Some have moved here over the years. The truth is, we have a diverse mix of talents here in our backyard! From potters to painters, from metal artists to musicians. Young. Old. Everyone in between. We guarantee you will find something that speaks to you. 

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTIST!

This should come as a no-brainer, but our local artists thrive with your support. They own studios, are parts of guilds, or are starting out in the scary world of establishing themselves as artist. They all need YOU to support them. Take a class at a studio, try a workshop, buy a piece, big or small. Tired of that Starry Night poster still hanging on the wall? Local art is something you will cherish forever.

ART SPEAKS WITHOUT WORDS.

Have you ever looked at a clock or a curtain on the wall and become moved to tears? Art speaks, and it says something different to everyone. There is no right or wrong. You may feel joy, anger, sadness, awe. Or maybe a pretty picture simply makes you happy. Maybe you change your mind over time. That's ok too. Art speaks to us, and when you experience it first hand during the Crawl it's a voice that you will not forget.

ONE OF ST. THOMAS' FAVOURITE EVENTS!

Did you know that the Arts Crawl was voted St. Thomas' favourite event in the 2018 Spirit Awards? Well, you do now! It comes as no surprise to us, as this event is a celebration of creativity and a love of everything local. There is opportunity during the Crawl to interact with certain works, artists, and spaces and explore your inner creativity. Will it be your favourite event of 2019? We're counting on it!

IT MAY INSPIRE THE ARTIST IN YOU!

Each year we hear countless tales of Crawlers becoming inspired by what they see and trying their hand at creation. Children return home and attempt to recreate their favourite experience. We even have children artists, like young Zayden Ward, who has been a Crawl artist for a few years now. He invented a way of painting called Universe Wars, and now he's looking for the next big thing. What will you look to do next?

BUILDS A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.

One thing we love about the Crawl is that our entire community comes together. Our venues fill up with life and energy, friends meet up with friends, and Crawlers get to see a side of our community they may have never experienced before. Have you been to the Railway Museum? What about our own Public Art Centre? Both are Crawl venues, but there are other ways to experience these spaces year round. The Crawl is just a drop in the bucket for what these spaces have to offer.

YOU BECOME AN ART CRAWLER.

May the games begin! You have your passport in hand. On it - 15 unique venues. But you only need 10 for prizes. Yet there is great satisfaction in crawling to all 15. What is one to do? You have now become a Crawler. Look around you at the hoards clutching their passports and know that you are a part of something. Become a veteran Crawler, map your route, park the car in the most strategic location, and get your Crawl on!

BECAUSE ART MAKES LIFE BETTER!

Studies show that both creating and observing art can reduce cortisol, the "stress hormone".  In fact, a study by neurobiologist Semir Zeki found looking at a work of art can have the same psychological effect as the experience of romantic love. Isn't that incredible? And here you are at the Arts Crawl surrounded by art in all shapes and sizes! It's no wonder we see mega-watt smiles during one of the ickiest times of the year -  known in scientific circles as "Farch" ;)

Forget Waterworks and Pinafore! We are so over them! Ok - we're really not. We LOVE LOVE LOVE these parks! But don't they get all the love? In that spirit, we dug a little deeper to find some UNIQUE winter activities to try in St. Thomas this year. Check out our list of the top 5, and try one, or all, to help ease those winter blues.

Art has been part of my life; as long as I can remember. Being an only child there was lots of time for creativity. My family is really creative, they were always making something and making things just felt like part of everyday. There was easy access to all kinds of materials whether it be paper, paint, wood, tools, sewing materials… you name it, I would make something with it.
 
In middle school (Homedale) and high school (CECI,) visual art became a big focus for me.  I always loved making art but this is where I had a chance to develop more technical skill and start to explore the ideas I wanted to express in my art.  I then went on to the Visual Arts program and Western University and completed an Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.  Starting as a volunteer in high school, then working at the St. Thomas – Elgin Public Art Centre has been a big motivator because it really exposes you to art and artists in our area, I don’t think I would have ever realized the scope of our art scene, heritage and community without being there.

​I always feel inspired by looking at art, whether it be visiting an art gallery to see an exhibition, looking in books, sharing with other artists in the community or checking out art on Instagram. Seeing other artist being productive makes me feel like I need to get to work.  Artists are amazing resources from telling you how they go about making something, a new medium/tool and they are a great source of motivation.  Sometimes you just need to talk out an idea. Artist friends are generous and constantly help one another out. 
 
My family, partner, friends and local artists are my biggest inspirations. Being an artist is not always the easiest path and some of what you make and do may seem odd to some, so support and encouragement has been very key for me. I feel lucky and inspired when you see people come out for shows, take an interest in what you do, ask questions and let you show up with crazy things to work on, leave out strange things to dry in the middle of the night that could be startling but they don’t even bat an eye.   

​I like to be working on several works at the same time, often using multiple mediums.  I am not one to use a sketch book and save the idea for later.  I have an idea and I start on it immediately. Making art and many other things is constant in my spare time; I can’t sit still and just relax with a good book. I also like lots of sounds when I work - it could be music, watching a movie, people over. Art requires long hours so sound, lots of light and coffee keep me energized. 
 
As you can imagine I have a lot of materials on hand at all times, the spare room is my art supply room but materials often live all over our place.  Sometimes a medium itself can be the inspiration for new work, you may look at a material and that’s your starting point. I learn so much from constantly making, lots of how-to research, trial and error and switching back and forth between different mediums.  

​I did experience a lot of creative blocks just out of university.  I got too bogged down by the reasoning behind the art and I would not just get started.  Once I just started to produce art and got out of my own head it really helped.  Not everything you make will be for an exhibition and you won’t have to defend it in front of your peers and professors. Just keep making, you don’t have to show it to anyone, just keep active. Often my best ideas come from ‘mistakes’, you are forced to come up with a creative solution and develop new ideas.

​My work can be found at Gathered in Sparta, at the St. Thomas – Elgin Public Art Centre gift shop and sometimes I get to be part of local Exhibitions, I was just in a group exhibition at a relatively new space, Jac’s House on Sunset here in St. Thomas.  I also love to take part in local Arts and Culture events like the Railway City Arts Crawl. I also post a lot of my work on Instagram @tippinkatelyn, people can message me if they are interested in something or get in touch for commissions. 

​I would grab a drink with Shary Boyle a living Canadian Artist. I have always been inspired by her work.  Boyle uses a huge variety of mediums and does not seem to be intimidated to try lots of new things. She has represented Canada in the Venice Biennale and participated in many collaborations. I would love to talk about her career and inspirations.    

I am a self taught oil painter and have been painting for over 20 years. I started painting after I left my position as a production coordinator in the film/tv industry and had moved up north of Port Perry, Ontario. I have painted every day since.

I find that there is an abundance of inspiration everywhere I look! Wherever I have lived, I found beauty and inspiration. You have to know how to look for it. I teach oil painting classes here in Port Stanley and I feel constantly inspired by the students in my classes. I also curate for the Art & Soul Cafe and the Windjammer Inn and the artists I meet while doing this are also inspiring.

I am in the creative process 24/7! From the time I wake up and sit at the easel with a cup of tea, then out for a walk looking at the beauty surrounding me. I usually have 3-4 paintings on the go at a time in varying degrees of completion. I will be working on one, then have an inspiration and yank out another canvas and go at it! I really don't have a process, I just go with the flow.

Never! If I feel even a little bit blocked I move my studio furniture around, everything has wheels on it for exactly this purpose.

I would love to sit down with Guy Goodwin or Robin Grindley, both known for their loose and joyful style of painting, and because they are interesting and make me laugh. I also enjoy Richard Clarendon and Peggi Kroll Roberts for their beautiful use of light and loose style of painting.

A connection. Either by creating their own narrative to my figurative paintings or an emotional connection to a place or person to a painting I have created.

​Tucked away in southwestern Ontario is the beautiful and small city of St. Thomas. Once a bustling hub with over 26 railways passing through it, the town continues to offer an abundant of recreational and economic opportunities.
 
Home to over 41 000 people, it’s a stunning place to visit and live. Its rich history and small town vibe play major roles in the city’s current industries and culture. On top of that, here are 5 more reasons why you should visit St. Thomas, Ontario (and see why it’s a great place to live).

​Don’t let the size of the place fool you. The residents in St. Thomas know how to have fun. And consequently, they know how to create one heck of a celebration - just check out their annual Canada Day Fireworks show. In addition, the city’s annual events include the Arts Crawl, the Great Lakes International Airshow, Light the Night, the Iron Horse Festival, Beerlesque, the Conductor’s Choice Culinary Tour, and the Santa Clause Parade.
 
In particular, the Iron Horse Festival is one of a kind. It’s even considered the greatest street festival in Elgin County. It involves various rides, street performers, food vendors, and more. The whole festival spans over 4 days in August. And it drives the funding for maintaining the old railway system (The railway system was built in 1872 and is a proud part of St. Thomas’s history). It’s definitely worth checking out.
 
The Railway City Arts Crawl further keeps the winter months alive in St. Thomas with a spectacular display of local artists set in various venues throughout St. Thomas creating on-site. You don't want to miss this unique event!

In addition, Beerlesque offers craft beer sampling, live music, food vendors, and more every May. The Conductor’s Choice Culinary Tour is also unique to the St. Thomas area - combining the area’s rich railway history with a culinary experience. All these events define the people and the city of St. Thomas, making it an exciting and enjoyable place to live.

​In a quick 30 minute drive to the north, you’ll find yourself in the greater London area. In other words, a visit to a big city is just a drive away!
 
Lake Erie is close to the south of St. Thomas - and it offers a variety of summer activities for the whole family. Beach day anyone? You won’t have to venture far. A short 20-minute drive and you’ll find yourself at Port Stanley Beach. It’s perfect for a day or afternoon adventure.

​Have you ever been up close and personal with the biggest elephant in the world? In St. Thomas, you can be - at least in the form of a giant memorial statue. Jumbo the Elephant was the biggest elephant of his time. He travelled around partaking in one of the biggest circus shows on earth. Unfortunately, Jumbo met his demise with an unfortunate bump with a locomotive in 1885.
 
The statue, erected in his honor, weighs 38 tons and stands at a whopping 4 metres. It was built in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death. And today, it continues to draw visitors from miles around.
 
For beer enthusiasts, the Railway City Brewing Co. doesn’t disappoint. Many of the craft beers are named after historical events - such as the Dead Elephant Ale. All beers are locally made and crafted. Get a tour of the place and grab a few souvenirs while you’re at it!
 
You can also hop on over to the Railway Museum or Elgin Military Museum to take a dive into the area’s historical past.

​The stunning Pinafore Park covers 90 acres. If you love the great outdoors, you’ll live in this place. It has gardens galore, beautiful green space, a wildlife sanctuary, and much more. Take the family for a picnic or a stroll through the park. Make it a weekly affair!
 
Waterworks Park is also located in St. Thomas. This park was the first publicly owned park in St. Thomas. It’s origins go back to the 1900s. 25 acres around the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) pumping station and water treatment plant was not needed for waterworks purposes. Consequently, the land was developed as a recreational spot for citizen use. Beautiful water gardens were developed in 1932 - which still exist to this day. Today, the park is further home to a splash park as well as trails that allow for cross-country skiing in the winter months.
 
The community centre and YMCA further offer opportunity for ice skating, swimming, running, and more.

With its rich railway history, individuals interested in the railway systems of North America won’t want to skip out on a visit to St. Thomas. Due to the city being a major junction for the railway in the 1800s, many buildings arose from this point in time and the city saw vast growth. St. Thomas wouldn’t be the city it is today without the railway system. It has even been called the ‘Railway Capital of Canada.’
 
St. Thomas is waiting for you! Plan your next weekend or week getaway in St. Thomas. Come explore the beautiful and quaint town, and all it has to offer.
​
 
Kurtis Forster is a real estate for Team Forster. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate. Their team focuses on London, St. Thomas, Dorchester & surrounding areas.

While you are exploring the shops, stop in to a local coffee shop to warm up and refuel.  If you are in a hurry take it to go, but if you have the time to enjoy an uninterrupted cup give yourself that gift! Try a locally roasted Las Chicas brew at Streamliners or wander to Why Not Cookies in the West End. 

St. Thomas is full of great places to grab a treat for yourself or someone else.  If you need to streamline your holiday party planning you can order sweets from many spots to bring a #tasteofstthomas home with you. Many stops are worth the drive to St. Thomas all on their own with treats like Ice Cream filled Donuts, International Award Winning Chocolates, unique sweets , and so many more!

Take a wander around town and check out all the lights! Drive into Pinafore Park and see what volunteers have done to Light the Night this holiday season or wander around your favourite neighbourhood. Pick up a walking tour map at the Railway City Tourism Office for some historic routes to get your started!

Take out takes on a whole new meaning when you can stop at Salt & Pepper Meals to pick up weeknight dinners for the family.  You can make sure everyone is getting FED (Fresh. Easy. Delicious) and make the most out of your time this extra busy season.

There is something about a cup of tea that just makes you want to slow down.  Pick up some new loose leaf or herbal blends by visiting infuZed tZ at Elgin Centre or take the drive out to Wildflowers Farm to pick up a blend that's right for you and take that moment to slow down and reflect on how well you are doing on your shopping list.

Drop in for a Yoga class at one of the studios around town and re-balance the hustle and bustle. Each studio offers something a little different and many have special series or events happening throughout the season.  Find the one that's right for you by visiting our Spas & Wellness page. 

Fill your home with the scents of the season and find the essentials that help to create a sense of calm amidst the business. Take a workshop and learn how to use oils for yourself or make some of your holiday gifts this year! If calm is what you need most go visit Steed and Company Lavender and stock up for all your relaxation needs.

Sometimes when the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful you just want to curl up with a book. Check one out at the St. Thomas Public Library, browse Coles at Elgin Centre, or peruse the used books at Books and Beats on Ross St.

Whatever the Christmas Season has in store for you, be sure to take the time to enjoy it. If you need some help relaxing our Spas and Wellness page might have some suggestions for you. Get a massage. Have someone help get you Holiday Party ready. Get your nails done. Amidst all the thoughtful gift shopping and holiday preparations, don't forget to give yourself the gift of self-care the Railway City way!

​

• ROTARY TOUR OF HOMES - @ Various around St. Thomas | Nov. 9 | 6pm-9pm | Nov. 10-11 | 10am-4pm
• CANADALE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE - @ Canadale | weekends in November | 8am-4pm
• PARADE OF POINSETTIAS - @ Family Flowers | Nov. 15-17 | 9am-5pm​​​
• OPTIMIST SANTA CLAUS PARADE - @ Downtown St. Thomas | Nov. 17 | 6pm-8pm
• WINTERSCAPING WREATH WORKSHOP - @ Wildflowers Farm | Nov. 18 & 24 | 11am-5pm
• WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP - @ The Nook | Nov. 18 | 2pm
• ​DICKENS DAY PARADE - @ Port Stanley | Nov. 30 | 7pm
• AYLMER SANTA CLAUS PARADE - @ Aylmer | Nov. 24 | 2pm​
• ​​SANTA TREATS TRAIN RIDE - @ Port Stanley Terminal Rail | Nov. 24 -25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9,15-16,22-23   | 11am-2:30pm
• GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP - @ The Nook | Dec. 7 | 6pm​​
• ST. THOMAS DOWNTOWN SANTA - @ Downtown St. Thomas | Dec. 8 | 10am-2pm

Get your holiday shopping well underway with one of the Christmas Markets happening in town!
​Weekends in November - Christmas at Canadale
November 17 - Horton Christmas Market
November 21 - CASO Night Market
December 2 - ECRM Christmas Market
December 12 - CASO Night Market