 Join us on a culinary adventure! For the month of February 2021, we invite you to download your Global Flavours Passport and experience the world in St. Thomas. Have fun, show some local love, and make February a delectable month for the record books!
Today in the blog we thought we'd highlight some of the most popular cultural locales on the passport and how you can enjoy some authentic cuisine! Learn more about the event here: Global Flavours
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 Please use the content on this site responsibly. If our region is in a "red or grey zone" it should be used for inspiration and future planning only. Please stay home, stay safe, and limit contact with those outside your immediate household. For updates, please visit the Ontario COVID Resource center. FIND OUT MORE Has anyone ever heard the story of the cow, the buffalo and the storm?
Let's start with the cow. When a storm is brewing a cow can sense it coming in and will start to run in the opposite direction. As one would expect, the cow cannot possibly outrun the storm. What happens as they continue to run, is they end up running along with the storm. They have completely managed to maximize the pain, time and stress brought by that storm.  Many of us love to travel far and wide, exploring new places and thrilling at new experiences. There is value in that type of exploration and learning about different people & places. The flip side is when we spend our energy on this form of travel, we can be too drained or without the time to explore places closer to home.
In the new world we find ourselves in, exploring close to home reaps many many rewards!
 Public art has the power to enrich communities, create captivating spaces, challenge our ideas, provoke discussion or simply add beauty to our day. The “Track to the Future” Mural Project provides an opportunity for artists to create works of art within the downtown of the City of St. Thomas. We are seeking submissions from a variety of artists, with diverse experiences, backgrounds, styles and techniques that reflect our values of creativity, inclusiveness and beauty.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Expressions of interest to submit and create an original design for a mural on the side of the building at 633 Talbot Street and/or 803 Talbot Street. The designated theme for 633 Talbot is “apothecary” and for 803 Talbot "multicultural food". Designs for the mural should be original and modern while also respecting the history of both buildings. Artists applying to this project are encouraged to consider the context of the local area and the city as a whole. See the documents below for further information on how to apply. 
​​​Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore in the same way right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Music Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room or that are safe to do outside that help support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more.
DISCOVER MUSICAL HERITAGE
To start, we wanted to draw your attention to an amazing hidden gem music venue in St. Thomas - the Princess Avenue Playhouse. Due to Covid, they've had to cancel upcoming shows, but we are looking forward to the time when we can head back and enjoy acts like Joel Plaskett, Sloan, and the Mudmen!
Follow the Elgin Theatre Guild to stay tuned for when performances will return. FOLLOW LOCAL MUSICIANS
Follow the links to find some local musicians who are sharing live music! We can watch from our living rooms and support local at the same time.
MORE WAYS TO LOVE LOCAL!
There are some excellent local businesses and organizations that support the musical arts here in St. Thomas, and even during our Covid times, continue to do so:
THE STUCK AT HOME SONG
Our current Covid-times have allowed some musicians to embrace the circumstances and create some isolation inspired tunes! Check out this number from Dennis Kalichuk!
All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home
 Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Nature Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room or that are safe to do outside that help support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more. DISCOVER TRAILS Walking along the St. Thomas trails at Waterworks Park. Follow the trail networks and weave your way through St. Thomas! For a more rustic experience, head over to Dalewood Conservation Area and try out their reservoir loop trail. Or why not step onto The Great Trail and cross over the St. Thomas Elevated Park for some spectacular views? USEFUL RESOURCE Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Guide to Hiking during Covid-19 LEARN Wild ferns along the Elgin Hiking Trail Follow along with TimberNook Elgin as they youthfully explore our regional forests. TimberNook is an outdoor enrichment program that integrates free play, imagination and nature for all children. Even though their programs are on hold, you can follow along with some fun videos! ACTIVITY IDEA Serenity in the City at the forest by Lake Margaret and Pinafore. Ever heard of Forest Bathing? Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; anyone can participate! The idea is that when humans spend time in a natural setting, especially under the canopy of a forest, they experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit. So how do you do it? Follow a trail into the forest. Once you are completely surrounded by nature stop, close your eyes, and engage your senses. Notice the smell of the earth, the sound of the birds, and the air moving across your skin. As little as 5 minutes is all it takes to feel rejuvenated! Read more about Forest Bathing from Ontario Parks here. All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home.
 Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Arts Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room that help support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more. DISCOVER Follow along with the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre as they tour their collection, offer online tutorials and showcase art within the community! LEARN Romantic Designs Artist Studio is offering free painting tutorials on their YouTube page. Follow along and try something new! Also be sure to follow them on Facebook where they are showcasing how they are helping our community by making face masks.
ACTIVITY Find boxcar murals at the Elgin County Railway Museum Looking to get out and about safely and do a little exploring? Why not go on a mural hunt! There are historic murals downtown, contemporary murals on boxcars, and more! Next time you go for a walk or take a drive, why not see how many you can find? All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home.
 Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Food Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room that helps support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more. DISCOVER Follow along with Relish as they share some local food love and host events throughout the year featuring farm-to-table foodie fun! LEARN Streamliners Espresso Bar has some great tutorials on how to brew the best coffee from home! Some good news for those waiting on the perfect cuppa - they are open to serve us again safely as of May 1. LOCAL DRINK DELIVERY Get local beer and wine delivered right to your door! Follow the links below and be on your way: ACTIVITY Now is a great time to get out and forage! If this is something you'd like to learn more about, check out this handy list from the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance to get you started. ...psst! For all the food places still open and offering delivery/pickup/takeout check our Local Love page here.
All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home.
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