Maple Syrup thrives in a cold climate just as we Canadians have thrived in the cold. This makes maple syrup something we hold dearly to our hearts as part of our Canadian heritage.

​Extracted from trees in which the beginning starch is converted into sugar from the rising sap, maple syrup enjoys a unique harvesting process. As late Winter and early Spring approaches, the harvesting of maple syrup poses opportunity for activities and festivals!

Check out our Maple Syrup Guide below to help you navigate this delicious time of year!

​Title photo courtesy of Palmer's Maple Syrup

The Fritter Shop
The Fritter Shop brings a fresh flavour to what dessert can be, with all of their fritters made fresh daily using ingredients from Ontario suppliers. Today we look at their maple pecan fritter, it has a delicious maple filling with real pecans mixed with their homemade custard and wrapped in handcrafted dough. Dusted in a white fine sugar. Look for the triangle shape!

The Fritter Shop suggests you pair their maple pecan fritter and with a warm cup of your favourite hot cocoa or latte! The snuggle is real.

Spicer's Bakery
This bakery has a ton of history, going back to its origins in 1950s Aylmer when Dave Spicer opened the first location. Over the years customers have come to expect great quality baked goods and donuts. Today, Spicer's has 3 locations, in Aylmer, St. Thomas and Lambeth.

Their commitment to quality is evident in all their baked goods, but today we are focusing on the Maple Bacon Donut and Maple Dip Donut. These two delectable treats are sure to impress! We are particularly fond of the maple bacon combo of sweet and salty!

​Photo from The Fritter Shop

Not only do we have syrup, but we have other maple inspired products for you to buy here in St. Thomas!

• Briwood Farm Market: Palmer's Maple Syrup - Sugar Candies - Maple Suckers - Living Alive Granola Maple Walnut
• Berry Hill: Palmer's Maple Syrup - Maple Syrup production supplies 
• Streamliners Espresso Bar - Maple Butter
• Picard's Peanuts - Maple Caramel Corn

Palmer’s Maple Syrup Festival
This annual festival is hosted on location at 34308 Lake Line, Port Stanley and runs every weekend in March and Wednesday of March Break. The event details include a woods excursion, pioneer storyteller, log-sawing, leaf branding, face painting, pancake and waffles breakfast and all things Maple Syrup! Truly an informative event surrounding our Canadian heritage and the many sectors of Maple Syrup harvesting.

A day spent at the Palmer Maple Syrup Festival will surely make you a come back next year! If you have any further questions regarding Palmer’s Maple Syrup Festival feel free to contact the festival creators at (519) 769-0007.

Springwater Maple Syrup Festival
This years festival offers many fun activities for all! Enjoy wagon rides through the Springwater Forest. Tour the old-fashioned sugar shanty for demonstrations on maple syrup production. Buy some maple products. Even dine at the pancake house, operated by local community organizations.

Springwater Conservation is located at 8079 Springwater Road and the Festival is held every weekend March 2nd until the 24th. 

​Photo from Springwater Conservation

Maple Bock - Railway City Brewing
Maple Bock includes notes of molasses and dark maple syrup as well as dark fruit such as raisin and fig. On the palate, plum and toffee are foremost with a hint of chocolate. Like a good lager, Maple Bock is highly drinkable and impeccably clean with a crisp finish. It has a hint of sweetness with a minimal hop profile and produces a creamy mocha head that is dense in texture with little lacing.

AVAILABLE: FEBRUARY - MARCH Style: Doppelbock | Body: Medium/Full | Aroma: Molasses, dark maple syrup, dark fruit (i.e. raisin & fig) | Taste: Plum, toffee, hint of chocolate & sweetness, minimal hop profile, crisp finish ABV: 5.8% - IBU: 30

Maple Wine - Quai Du Vin Estate Winery
The Maple Wine is made from locally sourced, partially evaporated maple sap and slowly fermented over several months to preserve the golden colour, natural sweet aromas and flavours.

The Wolverine - Streamliners Espresso Bar
The Wolverine is the latest Streamliner cappuccino based drink (two shots of espresso), spiced with whole cinnamon, and sweetened with Rodgers Maple Syrup! Did you know all of their espresso based drinks are named after Streamliners? And Streamliners are aluminum clad locomotives that ran through the CASO Station in the 1930s and 1940s!

​Photo from Streamliners Espresso Bar

ARTS & CULTURE
March 2  | Romantic Designs Art Class | Romantic Designs Studio
March 2 | YWCA International Women's Day | ​St. Thomas Seniors Centre
March 2 | Patrick Thibert Wrap Party | St. Thomas Elgin Public Arts Centre
March 3 | Paint Nite | Railway City Brewing
March 7 | EBRC International Women's Day |  St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre
March 9  | Romantic Designs Art Class | Romantic Designs Studio
March 16 | Art Walk In | The Nook
March 19 | Paint Nite | Upper Deck
March 20 | Spring Equinox Gathering | ​Wildflowers Farm
March 21 | Paint Nite | Railway City Brewing
March 23  | Romantic Designs Art Class | Romantic Designs Studio
March 29 | Dancing with the Stars| ​CASO Station
March 30 | Improv Night Season 2 Episode 3 | Rail City Bistro
March 30  | Romantic Designs Art Class | Romantic Designs Studio
March 31 | Paint Nite | Railway City Brewing

LIFESTYLE
March 3 | CASO Bridal Show |  CASO Station
March 3 | Public Skate | Joe Thornton Community Centre
March 5 | What's My Style | The Atrium
March 5 | Euchre Club | St. John's Anglican
March 6 | Brewery Boot Camp | Railway City Brewing
March 12 | Euchre Club | St. John's Anglican
March 16 | Shamrock Shuffle | Central United Church
March 17 | Public Skate | Joe Thornton Community Centre
March 19 | Euchre Club | St. John's Anglican
March 21 | A Walk in Her Shoes: Stories of Resiliency | Princess Ave Playhouse
March 24 | Public Skate | Joe Thornton Community Centre
March 26 | Euchre Club | St. John's Anglican
March 29 | St. Thomas Home Show | Joe Thornton Community Centre
March 30 | St. Thomas Home Show | Joe Thornton Community Centre
March 31 | St. Thomas Home Show | Joe Thornton Community Centre

MUSIC
March 2 | Live Music with Karen Emeny | Railway City Brewing
March 8 | Open Mic Night| ​Streamliners Espresso Bar
March 9 | Black Suit Devil | Railway City Brewing
March 17 | Sunday Afternoon Concert Series |  Central United Church
March 23 | Live Music with Ray Holden | Railway City Brewing
March 30 | Suds Songs and Stories - Songwriter Showcase | Railway City Brewing

​MARCH BREAK
March 9-17 | Maple Syrup Festival | Springwater Conservation Area
March 11-15 | March Break Theatre Camp | Rail City Theatre
March 11-15 | March Break Art Camp | ​Romantic Designs
March 11-15 | March Break Workshops | ​St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre
March 11-15 | Horse Camp | Full Circle Ranch
March 11-15 | Kid's Week | Family Flowers
March 11-14 | Inventor Day Camp | STEAM Centre

ST. PATRICK'S DAY
March 9 | Ceilidh in the Castle | Inverlorne House
March 15 | The Sheridan Band | ​Knights of Columbus
March 16 | St. Patrick's Day Party | ​Railway City Brewing 
March 17 | Beer Brunch | ​Railway City Brewing 

FAMILY
March 5 | Family Game Night | St. Thomas Public Library
March 2-3 | Maple Syrup Festival | Springwater Conservation Area
March 11 | Lego Club |  St. Thomas Public Library
March 14 | Pi Day | STEAM Centre
March 23-24 | Maple Syrup Festival | Springwater Conservation Area
March 18 | Lego Club |  St. Thomas Public Library
March 25 | Lego Club |  St. Thomas Public Library
March 30-31 | Maple Syrup Festival | Springwater Conservation Area

FOOD
March 1 | Pasta Friday Pop-up | Railway City Brewing
March 8 | Pasta Friday Pop-up | Railway City Brewing
March 9 | Steak & Craft Beer Night | Knights of Columbus
March 15 | Pasta Friday Pop-up | Railway City Brewing
March 29 | Pasta Friday Pop-up | Railway City Brewing

SHOPPING
March 21 | Night Market | CASO Station

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. ​
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.