Antiquing in Bard Town Shakespeare, a mere 5-minute drive away from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival , has plenty of boutique-style uniques and antique shops to attract the festivalgoer between plays. Shakespeare is often referred to as one of the Antiques Capitals of Ontario. Shakespeare's shops show off the tastes of professional dealers. This quaint, enchanting hamlet is predominantly antique shops. You simply need to find a parking spot and hop from door to door for Shakespeare's predominantly high-end shopping.
Jonny's Antiques is the most upscale of the mostly upscale shops in Shakespeare. Jonny's is run by appraisers James Bisback and Jonny Kalish who have been in the business for 45 years. Their eye-popping collection includes furniture, glass and porcelain, ranging from depression glass tumblers to a Canadian pine painted corner cupboard. The grey Room (by appointment only), houses one of the largest collections of early glass and porcelain in Canada. Their stunning countryside collection is in the basement. 10 Shakespeare Street, tel: 519-625-8307. Open 10-5, 7 days a week.
Glen Manor Galleries
Specializing in antique silver, glass, china, furniture and paintings, Glen Manor Galleries has a vast array of brass light fixtures and silverware. Glen Manor Galleries also has a big selection of furniture,-the styles featured are quite formal. Collections include 18th and 19th century furniture, English & North American silver, paintings, glass. 19 & 21 Huron Rd., Shakespeare. Carl Booth and Brian Campbell 519-625-8921, 519-625-8920.
Land and Ross Antiques
Over 5,000 square feet of refinished and custom-designed furniture, antiques and accessories. Beautiful farm furniture handpicked in the region can be found at Land & Ross. They've been around for 25 years and in addition to carrying one of the best antique furniture collections, they also do quite convincing reproductions. 29 Huron Road; tel: 519-625-8070 www.landandross.com
Shakespeare Antique Centre
Land & Ross also run the Shakespeare Antique Centre which houses dealers from around the area. Canadian pressed glass, majolica, art glass, depression and cornflower glass, nostalgia, furniture, clocks, art deco, jewelry, painted Canadian furniture, artwood, and more. The shop is not cheap but it is full of treasures. There's period dishware, furniture, early cameras and clocks from early Ontario homes and from dealers who scope the world. The 20-odd dealers have very different specialties and tastes, which gives the centre a kind of art-gallery feel. 2 Fraser St., Shakespeare 1-877-303-0335 www.landandross.com