Through the Local Lens - Being #stthomasproud

St. Thomas pride is everywhere. You can feel it at community events, see it on display as you drive through the city, and even explore its presence on social media!
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​In fact, Instagram is currently home to over 24,000 posts marked with the #stthomasproud hashtag, and another 1,900 posts with the #explorerailwaycity hashtag. These searchable (and also follow-able!) hashtags help represent the beautiful city we get to call home. Next time you decide to show your St. Thomas pride on social media, add one of these hashtags to your photos so other people get to see just how great St. Thomas is!

We are excited to introduce you to a few locals with a flair for capturing their St. Thomas pride through photography and truly embody what it means be #stthomasproud.

@lauraknottphotography

What’s your favourite place to photograph in St. Thomas and why?
I don’t really have a favourite place to photograph. I tend to look for the beauty in each place I go, something that speaks to me. I like to have a connection to the photos I take, whether it is a landscape, an object, a person, an animal or otherwise.

What makes you St. Thomas proud?
I was born and raised in St. Thomas. Living in this town has made me appreciate small town living. No matter where I go, or what road I take, St. Thomas will always be home.

If you had to describe St. Thomas/ the community here in three words, which would you use?
Friendly, Historic, Charming
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What local businesses do you love and why?
I really love the Horton's Farmer's Market. I like that it brings several local businesses together all in one place. You are always greeted by friendly people who just want to say hello and give you a friendly smile. I also have to say the same thing about  Vesta Shop. I always thought it was just a store for expectant mothers, but when you walk in the doors you are quickly surprised that it is so much more!

Do you have any summer plans in St. Thomas?
I don’t have any big summer plans at the moment, but I actually prefer fall in St. Thomas anyway. There are so many trails to walk and explore in the lovely cool weather. I also really love the fall colours and this town really comes alive with all its beauty.

Do you have a hometown hero? Who is it and why?
Rachel McAdams. She is proof that just because you are from a small town, doesn't mean you can't have big dreams and make them come true. She is a true role model and I look up to her a lot.

@livelife_adventure

What’s your favourite place to photograph in St. Thomas and why?
We love exploring along the different trails in and around St Thomas such as the cycling trails and Elgin Hiking trail. The views are stunning, so many beautiful wildflowers and makes for a really fun backdrop for our family to explore and make memories.

What makes you St. Thomas proud?
We have lived here for 3 years now and we are so proud of our city and the immense growth that we’re seeing. We love attending as many community events as possible. There is always a wonderful community atmosphere. It’s an exciting time for the city.

If you had to describe St. Thomas/ the community here in three words, which would you use?
Welcoming, generous, and fun-loving.

Is there anything you love doing in St. Thomas that you can’t do anywhere else?
We love the unique parks and trails about St. Thomas.

What local businesses do you love and why?
Where do we start? We love shopping local and supporting local businesses. In the summer we love supporting the local farms and have thoroughly enjoyed having a farm share from Orchard Hill Farm. We love visiting Horton Farmers’ Market and Ohtera to support local businesses and artists. We have enjoyed many fabulous meals from Salt and Pepper Meals. Vesta and Myrtle are wonderful stores and we love the personable service and products they stock. Shout out to our friends at Tapa Creative and the exciting ‘Atrium’ collaborative work space. We love Streamliners, Bella Jacks, Spicer’s, Briwood......ok, now we're hungry!

What’s your favourite memory in St. Thomas?
As internationals we have friends and family visiting from all over the world. We love to show them around town and give them the opportunity of exploring St Thomas, eating great food, meeting wonderful people and hearing stories from this incredible part of Canada.

Do you have any summer plans in St. Thomas?
We are visiting our family in Ireland for the first part of the summer but we are so excited to get back to St Thomas for the remainder of the summer! We purchased an app that marks out all the hiking trails in the proximity and so we plan to explore the many hiking trails in and around our city. We also love to meet other families in the different parks in the city for a picnic every Sunday.

Do you have a  favourite annual event? Why is it your favorite
We loved the Arts Crawl! It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the whole of downtown. We had only planned to call in at two stops- we had to keep going though! So much variety of talented artists and a wonderful community atmosphere.

Have you heard of anything new and exciting coming to St. Thomas that you’re looking forward to?
We are very excited for the Outdoor Rec Complex currently being constructed. What a wonderful addition to the city!

Do you have a hometown hero? Who is it and why?
City Manager Wendell Graves is our hometown hero. We love his vision for development, strategic growth and community. He has managed the St Thomas Executive Team with creative and dynamic leadership and helped move our great city into even greater things. As St Thomas Police Chaplain I should also mention the incredible women and men who serve in our police force. We are so fortunate to have such a great team serving St Thomas with passion and integrity.

@lesligriesbach

What’s your favourite place to photograph in St. Thomas and why?
My favorite spots to photograph would be the various trails/parks. There is something magical and peaceful in being in the woods and wondering a trail, they are pretty easy to navigate and walk and there is always so much wildlife and flora to see. I also see some of the most amazing sunset colors on Lake Margaret! Like WOW!

What makes you St. Thomas proud?
I love that we are a small town but not so small that there is nothing here. This town is bursting with so many events and activities...I love it!

If you had to describe St. Thomas/ the community here in three words, which would you use?
Beautiful, charming, home

What local businesses do you love and why?
I am in love with Briwood and Canadale...to find great things that are local is huge for me and the selection at both those places are awesome! Huge fan of The Bistro too!!! great food and staff

What’s your favourite memory in St. Thomas?
Discovering Pinafore Park and Lake Margaret.. it is like having my own summer oasis in my backyard! Who needs a vacation when I have that!

Do you have any summer plans in St. Thomas?
I plan to hike more of the trails and conversation areas and explore the shops downtown. I signed up for a watercolor class at Laing Studios! Excited for that!

Do you have a  favourite annual event? Why is it your favourite?
I love  when Thomas the Train comes..it's great seeing the little kids so excited for something!