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London: Overlooked perhaps, but still a great city
© By Hans Tammemagi
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From the start London had rotten luck ... or did it? Picked by Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe as the capital of Upper Canada, its position was quickly usurped by Toronto. Ever since, London has been overshadowed by the Big Smoke just down the big highway. So when I came to visit recently, the slate was clean, after all, who knows anything about London?
As the taxi trundled toward the hotel, it struck me that cars could drive at
normal speed in the downtown core ... and find parking! I checked in and went for an exploratory stroll in the fresh, crisp air that contained not a hint of smog.
Every now and again a mural, a little park or an historic building would appear amongst the modern office structures like wildflowers brightening a meadow. I came upon Covent Garden Market, a reminder that London is the hub of southwestern Ontario and is surrounded by the best farm land in the province. Lured in by aromas of spicy soaps and candles, I sought tidbits amongst stalls laden with organic fruits and vegetables, creamy chocolates, fleshy meats, and flowers ablaze with reds, pinks and deep vermilions.
London, happily, is not a typical urban centre. Instead, the concrete cityscape is softened and made livable by the two meandering branches of the Thames River that - as Simcoe envisioned - bring numerous parks, green spaces and pathways into the city. Furthermore, the community has, for over a century, planted at least 1,000 trees annually, earning it the nickname "Forest City." A quiet message was seeping in: London has a lot going for it.
Hiking and biking paths abound, so I mounted up. Puffing, I dismounted at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
Wandering amongst
30 period buildings, gardens and an orchard, I thought I saw Simcoe amongst the guides in period costumes, who re-enact life as it was in the late 1800s. Then I strolled one of the many trails at the neighbouring Fanshawe Conservation Area, a 1200-hectare nature area that includes a large reservoir created by Fanshawe Dam, and is typical of the many nature areas that border the Thames. I promised to return in winter when the trails transform into groomed cross-country ski tracks.
A lover of history, I was delighted to learn that London is infused with museums of every ilk. The centrepiece, Museum London, sits on the banks of the Thames at the edge of the downtown core. With large arched windows, it houses not only a treasure trove of history but also a vibrant art gallery.
I particularly enjoyed a fascinating peek into yesteryear at the Museum's Eldon House. Built in 1834, it is the oldest surviving residence in London and housed four generations of the wealthy Harris family. Ghosts walk among the furnishings that include many treasures collected from far-away places. The tittering laughter of schoolchildren led me to the centre of their attention: a hollowed-out elephant's foot filled with umbrellas. Closing my eyes, I imagined the click-clack of croquet balls and ladies and gentlemen in white sipping tea in the garden.
My next stop was Banting House National Historic Site. A flame kindled by the late Queen Mother in 1989 - not to be extinguished until diabetes is cured - burns outside a modest house where Sir Frederick Banting practised medicine and in 1920 conceived the idea for insulin. There was nary a dry eye in our group as the curator described this remarkable and generous man - truly a giant - and read letters from thankful people whose lives were changed by his discovery.
Then I found another national historic site: the Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum, the oldest - and one of the best - military museums in the country. Located in historic Wolseley Barracks, it tells the story of the Royal Canadian Regiment, which parallels the story of Canada. Formed in 1883, this regiment has earned an astounding 57 battle honours while participating in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, two World Wars, the Korean War and numerous peacekeeping missions. Paintings, weapons and life-size dioramas of fighting scenes bring the Regiment's history alive and poignantly show the heavy price that freedom demands.
Next day, I discovered that London is very much a family city. On a scouting mission for my grandchildren (honest), I wandered through the Children's Museum, one of the first in Canada. Whenever no one was watching, I searched for dinosaur bones in the sand and pushed the controls of a rocket ship so it blasted off on a TV screen. How I wished that "adult" museums would take this hands-on approach! Next, my odyssey took me to Storybook Gardens, where I again re-lived my youth cavorting in the splash pad, Pirates Island, the Frog Pond, and Old MacDonald's Farm.
The end of day found me in Richmond Row, the "in" place to hang. Sounds of music and laughter bubbled onto the street from the numerous bars
and restaurants as I jostled with university students and a cheerful evening crowd. Dinner downed, I entered the Grand Theatre, a treasure that has operated since 1901 with a galaxy of stars such as W.C. Fields, Sarah Bernhardt, and Sir John Gielgud strutting the stage.
Too soon it was over. En route to the station, the taxi driver leaned over the seat. "I've travelled throughout Ontario," he jabbed with his thick finger, "and this is the best place to live. It's got everything." He confirmed what I had learned: Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe was a wise man.
Hans Tammemagi has written two travel books: Exploring Niagara - The Complete Guide to Niagara Falls & Vicinity and Exploring the Hill - A Guide to Canada's Parliament Past & Present. His work is often featured in Osprey and CANWEST papers.
Photo credits
Hans Tammemagi: Covent Garden Market
London Tourism: Bicycling, Richmond Row outdoor cafeacute;
If You Go
General Information and Accommodation: www.londontourism.ca
Activities and Sights
Museum London:
www.museumlondon.ca
Banting House:
www.diabetes.ca
Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum:
www.rcrmuseum.ca
Fanshawe Pioneer Village :
www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca
Grand Theatre:
www.grandtheatre.com
London Children's Museum :
www.londonchildrensmuseum
Storybook Gardens:
www.storybook.london.ca
What's happening, money, distance, time?
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Currency conversion: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
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Time zone converter: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/
Transportation, visas, health, maps and temperature
Airlines (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airlines
Embassies/Consulates (Embassy World): http://www.embassyworld.com/
Health precautions (WHO): http://www.who.int/ith/en/
Maps (Mapquest) U.S. & Canada: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp
Maps (Mapquest) World: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp?country=GB
Temperature (Temperature World): http://www.temperatureworld.com/
Crossing 'the pond' to shop in London, England?
Check out London, Ontario, first!
© By Ann Wallace
Spring had not yet sprung, but on this particular Saturday it was sunny and warm and many of the good folk of London, Ontario - residents and visitors alike - were out for a promenade along Richmond Street. I was in the visitor category and was in the mood for some shopping if I could find some appealing stores. I'd asked around and been told that shopping in this fine city falls into two distinct categories: if you are in need of an ironing board or a kettle or a plastic bucket you head downtown; but if you yearn for exotic flowers, a pretty frock, a stunning pair of stiletto shoes, a cool suit, a new piece of art or a unique gift for a loved one, you head slightly up-town on Richmond Street. And, as I was to discover, you may decide to linger longer than planned, for this boutique section of Richmond is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants.
It was, in fact, immense containers of flowers, out on the sidewalk, that first caught my attention. What a glorious sight
when Southern Ontario was still wrapped in the monochrome colours of late winter! I immediately made a left turn and parked my car in a municipal car park behind the florist called Daisies (located at 549 Richmond, with all the other establishments mentioned below located within the few blocks north) and went to appreciate them. Owner Dominic emerged from his store to help me, but I had to tell him that I was "just looking" as I was a visitor, staying in a hotel room and due to leave London on the morrow. "Well, please stay and enjoy them," he urged.
The sunshine and the surrounding shops encouraged me to explore further. In fact, in the very next store, signed Double Down and Heel Boy, a party seemed to be underway. I entered the Double Down entrance, where racks of trendy apparel were on display, and enquired what was going on. "We've long wanted to incorporate a shoe store into our space to complement our clothing lines," explained owner Kim Cassidy, "and today's opening day! Heel Boy has been established in Kingston, Toronto and Waterloo for many years, but it wasn't until we read that they had been voted the best shoe store in Toronto by Now Magazine that we decided we would invite them to be our partners. Have a glass of wine, help yourself to cheese, stay a while." Remembering my car nearby I regretfully declined the wine, but nibbled on some excellent cheese as I viewed the clothes and pretty summer sandals that were as uplifting as the flowers next door.
Soon, carrying a bag containing a fashionable new skirt with sandals to match, I set out to discover more on Richmond Street. What a fabulous selection of stores there are here: Saffron Road had a stunning window of women's clothes and inside a selection of good-quality items in up-to-the-minute styles that were nonetheless suitable for all ages. Other good clothing stores nearby include David Findlay, offering high-quality women's classics, funky Lolita and many more.
Between these tempting clothing stores were several shops offering unique home décor items - Quantum is one of these - and several specialty art and craft stores offering unique items, many of them crafted by local artists: paintings, ceramics, hand-blown glass, quilts and much more. What a pleasure it is to buy gifts from such an unusual selection at one's leisure. There's certainly no lack of lovely things on London's Richmond Street.
By now I had began to realize that this region of London is not only a fine shopping area, but home to many restaurants. Blue Ginger was my choice for an early dinner: cool décor and an innovative menu. My meal turned out to be so delicious that I wasn't surprised to learn that
the establishment has been awarded the prestigious Four Diamonds accolade from CAA. I chatted with the young servers here, all of whom were delighted to share with me the fact that Richmond Street, or 'The Row' as I learned it is called here, is home to many other good restaurants. They mentioned The Tasting Room, Garlics, Jambalaya and Barakat which, together, offer a culinary tour around many regions of the world. And then, of course, as befits a city that is home to a renowned university, there's a wide selection of bars and pubs from which to choose.
Discovering just some of what London has to offer was a wonderful surprise and I look forward to paying a return visit, when I'll be sure to head up to "Richmond Row" for some great shopping and food.
When you go ...
Plan your shopping/restaurant day in this trendy part of London by visiting
www.richmondrowlondon.com
where most of the area's merchants are listed (and some even offer money-saving coupons). Bon 'shopping' and bon appétit!
Ann Wallace is editor of The Travel Society Magazine
(www.thetravelsociety.com).
Photo credits
London Tourism: Flowers. Dining
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What to see in London on the Thames
© By Elle Andra-Warner
I first heard about London's Grand Theatre on a television show that speculated upon a mysterious, resident ghost reputed to be the former owner, Ambrose Small, a Toronto theatre tycoon. Apparently, rumours about his haunting the London theatre began almost as soon as he disappeared in 1919. Since then, many performing actors have reported seeing or hearing the ghostly visitations. (Talk about stage fright!) Whether one believes in such unearthly matters or not, it certainly sharpens the senses when in the building as you wonder if perhaps tonight, you just might encounter a vaporous entity.
Built by Colonel Whitney of Detroit and Ambrose Small, the Grand Theatre opened in 1901 and remains today as London's most popular cultural attraction, "a jewel in London's crown," a former London MP called it. Reminiscent of stately theatres in Europe, the elegant interior includes a proscenium arch, a 17th century stage design that creates a "window" around the scenery and actors, murals and exquisite cast plasterwork. The building underwent major reconstruction in 1978, and today, a contemporary facade houses the restored theatre. The Grand Theatre is recognized as a Canadian cultural leader in professional theatre, offering multiple productions each season.
Speaking of entertainment, remember Guy Lombardo and his band of renown, the Royal Canadians? Born in London June 19, 1902, Lombardo emerged as one of North America's most successful entertainers with 21 records reaching #1 on the hit charts. In 1984, the Guy Lombardo Music Centre was established in London to honour the musical legend and to house artifacts and memorabilia from the bandleader, including his famous speedboat and his ensemble. Boomers and Zoomers will particularly enjoy the nostalgic trip back to the big-band era.
Another intriguing visit is The Secrets of Radar Museum, opened during the summer of 2001. During the Second World War, because of high level secrecy, many service members could not speak of their war service until 50 years later, in 1991. This museum preserves the "experiences, stories and histories of the men and women who build, develop, operate, maintain and defend Canadian RADAR, here in Canada and abroad." I found particularly interesting the "Women in Radar" exhibit, highlighting the significant contribution of members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) while working in English coastal radar stations. There are many previously untold stories collected in this museum.
If a history buff like me, you will also enjoy the Lawson Prehistoric Iroquois Village, a site occupied by Neutral Iroquoians 500 years ago. The ancient village offers reconstructed palisades, earthwork and one longhouse (nine were excavated). It sits on the original site where approximately 2000 Neutral Iroquois lived around 1475-1500 AD in a semi-permanent village. It is the only Canadian archaeological site to be featured in the National Geographic Society's book, American's Ancient Cities. Two hectares in size, the site remains three-quarters undisturbed and covered by trees.
The Lawson Village site is Ontario's only archaeological site, one of three in Canada that is officially listed on the Canadian Register of
Historical Places. It is also Canada's only pre-historic archaeological site with ongoing excavation and reconstruction open to the public.
Adjacent to the village, is the Museum of Ontario Archaeology dedicated to the study, display and interpretation of humans in Southwestern Ontario. The permanent exhibition, "The 11,000 years of History of Occupation of Southwestern Ontario" visually presents the changes through artifacts (over 2.5 million in the museum) and colourful murals.
With a population over 300,000, London has developed a modern urban environment that includes one of Canada's top 10 research universities, the University of Western Ontario and famous beer maker, Labatt Brewery. However, it refers to itself as the Forest City as
 when the city was established in 1793, the land was heavily forested.
Finding "wilderness" today inside urban London remains relatively easy. There are extensive forests, green spaces and over 200 parks
including the 140 hectares Springbank Park, home to the whimsical Storybook Gardens with its enchanted castle and forest. And you sense the feel of "wilderness" while biking along extensive river-hugging bike paths that stretch for kilometres along both the north and south branches of the Thames River. Both beautiful and practical, one city resident advised, "It is the equivalent of a fast cross-city cycling route for people to travel east-west and into the city's north end and as far as old south in the south end. On the bikeways one can traverse the city quite efficiently."
There are many parallels between this London on the Thames with its grand namesake in England. Each is a vibrant, exciting city that offer a myriad of attractions that range from the historical, cultural and family-fun whimsical to soft adventure and outdoor activities.
I didn't yet mention the fabulous shopping, cuisine, country markets, art galleries, sports, and more. Perhaps it's best that you visit London and see for yourself.
Elle Andra-Warner is an author, journalist and photographer based in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Photo credits
London Tourism
Ontario Archives
If you go
Ambrose Small: www.biographi.ca/EN/ShowBio.asp?BioId=41831.
Grand Theatre: www.grandtheatre.com
Guy Lombardo Music Centre: www.guylombardomusic.com/museum.html
Labatt Brewery of Canada: www.labatt.com
Museum of Ontario Archaeology & Lawson Prehistoric Iroquoian Village:
www.uwo.ca/museum
Secrets of the Radar Museum: www.secretsofradar.com
Storybook Gardens: www.storybook.london.ca
Tourism London: www.londontourism.ca
University of Western Ontario: www.uwo.ca
What's happening, money, distance, time?
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Tree carvings add to London's reputation as green "Forest City"
© By Hans Tammemagi
Wood chips rained down like hail from high above. Armed with a chainsaw, Robbin Wenzoski stood on scaffolding, cutting at a large dead maple tree. A master carver whose work has received national recognition, Wenzoski spent four weeks transforming the tree into a sculpture that told the Western Fair story, complete with agricultural animals and birds, a clown and a Ferris wheel.
Wenzoski's work is part of an innovative program started in London, Ontario, in 2006. Instead of putting large trees that have reached the end of their life through the wood chipper, they are being transformed into beautiful pieces of art. Wenzoski has turned dead trees into a crusader knight in full battle armour, a blue jay beside a waterfall and much more.
"Some cities have decorated their streets with murals, but we wanted to try something unique, something that would make people talk" said Marty Rice, a London Tourism manager. Smiling, he added, "And it's worked."
London enjoys many identities. It's a city of museums and history, starting from when Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe selected it as the capital of Upper Canada (sadly, its position was usurped by Toronto.) It's a university city with the ebullience of youth, sports, pubs and lively nightclubs. Culture thrives, centered on the Grand Theatre, which has operated since 1901 with a galaxy of stars such as W. C. Fields, Sarah Bernhardt and Sir John Gielgud strutting about the stage. And Covent Garden Market and the annual Western Fair are reminders that London, surrounded by rich farm land, is the agricultural hub of southwestern Ontario.
But the reason I love London is its greenery. The cityscape is softened by two meandering branches of the Thames River that provide a
richness of green spaces seldom found in other urban centres. You can hike or bike from one end of the city to the other through a network of trails and parks, never once having to battle with traffic. Parks abound including Fanshawe Pioneer Village where you can wander amongst 30 historic buildings of the late 1800s, while chatting with guides in period costumes. London boasts many natural places throughout the city that are open year around including Kilally Meadows, Meadowlily Woods, Medway Valley Heritage Forest, Warbler Woods and Westminster Ponds. Sifton Bog is a particularly intriguing place. An environmentally sensitive area, it is Canada's most southerly large acid bog and contains trees, plants and wildlife usually found much further north.
The tree-carving project demonstrates London's love of trees and is enhancing its reputation as the "Forest City". Three carvers are creating sculptures that, instead of being confined to an art gallery, are right out on public streets. I strolled the downtown core and gazed in admiration at an eagle, a hand holding a globe and a castle turret. Twelve carvings are complete and eight more are planned for this year. Additional carvings will follow and a brochure describing this arboreal art walk is in the works. There's nothing like an alfresco art gallery!
Neil Cox, one of the carvers, explained that about 95% of the carving is done with chainsaws ranging in size from large blocking saws to delicate carving saws. (It's not surprising that chain saw manufacturer Stihl of Canada is a sponsor of the project.) Detailed finishing work is accomplished with chisels and power rotary tools. The artwork is usually painted or stained and then coated with automotive polyurethane enamel to preserve the wood against the weather.
"Designing the sculpture is the hardest part," Cox explained. "It needs to fit the history and style of its location and we need to get the approval of city officials as well as the people who will live next to it." For example, Shining Brightly, an inspirational sculpture, is located next to St. Leonard's Youth Centre.
"Each carving is a magical adventure," said Wenzoski. He described how passers-by comment or honk, but are always supportive. "People love these carvings," he said. Once, a blind lady asked to "see" the sculpture that he was working on. She ran her hands methodically over the carving, recognized the parts and was excited by its beauty. "London is full of great, friendly people," said Wenzoski," and encounters like that are priceless."
Hans Tammemagi has written six books including: Exploring Niagara - The Complete Guide to Niagara Falls & Vicinity and Exploring the Hill - A Guide to Canada's Parliament Past & Present. He is the environment columnist for the Vancouver Sun and his articles appear in newspapers and magazines across Canada.
Photo credits
Hans Tammemagi: sculptures
London Tourism: Bicycling in autumn
If you go
General information on London and for updates on the tree-carving project:
www.londontourism.ca
Hiking in and around London:
www.thamesvalleytrail.org
For London's hiking and biking paths:
http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Transportation/bikepage.htm
Environmentally Sensitive Areas:
www.thamesriver.on.ca/Wetlands_and_Natural_Areas/ESAs.htm
Activities and Sights
Museum London www.museumlondon.ca
Banting House: www.diabetes.ca
Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum: www.rcrmuseum.ca
Fanshawe Pioneer Village www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca
Grand Theatre www.grandtheatre.com
London Children's Museum www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca
Storybook Gardens: www.storybook.london.ca
What's happening, money, distance, time?
Media Guide: http://www.abyznewslinks.com/
Currency conversion: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Distance calculator: http://www.indo.com/distance/
Time zone converter: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/
Transportation, visas, health, maps and temperature
Airlines (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airlines
Embassies/Consulates (Embassy World): http://www.embassyworld.com/
Health precautions (WHO): http://www.who.int/ith/en/
Maps (Mapquest) U.S. & Canada: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp
Maps (Mapquest) World: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp?country=GB
Temperature (Temperature World): http://www.temperatureworld.com/
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Step into History at London's Fanshawe Pioneer Village
© By Ann Wallace
The city of London, Ontario is thriving, modern and peaceful; however, each summer, groups of armed men assemble, boats carry others, and, guns at the ready, stealthily, they make their way down the Thames River. There are loud gunfire exchanges; the smell of gunpowder hangs ominously in the air and many fall to the ground, mortally wounded.
Despite the bloodshed, it's great fun because this is the annual re-enactment of a typical War of 1812 battle, staged at wonderful Fanshawe Pioneer Village in the north-east corner of London. One of the largest 1812 re-enactments in south-western Ontario, it attracts 400 acting soldiers and families, craftspeople and merchants involved in the business of war at the beginning of the 19th century. It attracts myriad visitors from locals enjoying a fine day out to serious historians from afar, ensuring that these battles and skirmishes are conducted correctly. The costumes are accurate and resplendent, the flags correct, the weapons genuine. The only thing inauthentic is the fact that the 'dead' soldiers arise and join in the merriment!
The re-enactors arrive from Canada and the United States, keen to meet and greet in friendship to keep history alive. They gather and camp for the weekend in a large field adjacent to the Village. Visitors wander about and talk to the soldiers and officers, their wives and children. They peer into the tents and cooking pots and pat the regimental dog. Everyone is fashioned in period dress with no anachronisms allowed: zippers, sneakers, plastic bags.
In the Village, merchants and craftspeople: the lace-maker and the wool-dyer, the carpenter and the potter, the gunsmith and the weaver demonstrate and sell their wares.
At the appointed hour, soldiers gather on the beach to greet the enemy, approaching from down river. A battle ensues and combatants tumble while spectators happily applaud. Later, there's the strident sound of drums and bugles, and everyone rushes to the site of the next battle out on an open field.
Of course, re-enactment weekend is not the only time to visit Fanshawe Pioneer Village with its period buildings and costumed interpreters, a 'living museum,' located in the rustic Fanshawe Conservation Area. The Village is open from Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving in October and for special events during Christmas holidays. The oldest buildings are the Elgie Log House, a typical settlers' log home, and Peel House, the childhood home of artist Paul Peel. Of course, there's a church, farm buildings with animals, a blacksmith, school and much more. Every building is accessible, and visitors are greeted by costumed interpreters, delighted to share their skills and stories. In addition, there's a safe beach, lots of open space for picnics and a lovely hiking trail alongside the river.
Every season provides a wide variety of special events. In spring, the Queen's May birthday is celebrated; there's a 'Spring on the Farm' weekend; United Empire Loyalists Day is observed as well as the first of the season's Vintage Baseball game. Summer brings a Pioneer Survivor Day Camp, Treasure Hunts, Lantern Mystery Tours, more baseball and the 'The Fanshawe Frolic' - a popular Victorian dance weekend. Fall is a favourite time of year as the scenery changes into its most splendid outfit and the Village welcomes 'The Invasion of Upper Canada' re-enactors, a 'Fall on the Farm' week-end and haunted hayrides.
Shopping and lunching are catered to at Fanshawe. The Denfield General Store dates from 1877, when it served as a general store and post office for the community of nearby Denfield. A fine example of balloon-frame construction, it served its community with every essential item for life at the time from sewing needs to musical instruments. Today's visitor can see and purchase old fashioned children's toys and candy, a variety of hand-crafted articles and period reproductions together with a good selection of history books. The Pioneer Village Café specializes in the period baking along with tempting homemade soups, sandwiches and salads. Visitors eat in the rustic building or outside on the deck that overlooks the town square.
A visit to Fanshawe Pioneer Village offers a wonderful day out for the entire family. Children learn much of life in early Canada and for older folk, time spent here is a nostalgic immersion into a simpler yet not always peaceful time.
Ann Wallace is editor of The Travel Society Magazine
www.thetravelsociety.com.
Photo credits
Ann Wallace
If you go
Details at www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca
What's happening, money, distance, time?
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Yukking it up in London
© By Geoff Dale
Yuk Yuks has been tickling London's collective funny bone for years inside and outside its Southwestern Ontario boundaries. Now the Forest
City's favourite entertainment night spot is casting an even wider net that includes connections with New York-based TV legend David Letterman.
The club boasts a storied history as London's comedy getaway for both locals and tourists eager for sidesplitting humour. It's also an integral member of the world's largest chain of comedy clubs and Canada's national stand-up comedy chain launched 32 years ago by Mark Breslin.
"Over the years London has seen some great comics like Jerry Seinfeld, Gilbert Gottfried, Bobcat Goldthwait, the late Sam Kinison, Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal) and even Danny Bonaduce," says Connie Whiteway, affable co-owner of the club with husband Barry for the past year and a half.
"Last fall we were thrilled to hook up with Letterman's talent coordinator/scout for the Late Night show, Eddie Brill, with the goal of introducing new Canadian talent to the New York market. We attracted about 12 acts that night and they're now looking very seriously at a handful of these comics."
With the success of that venture, the Whiteways are busy gearing up for the second annual outing likely sometime in October. Meanwhile, the club ideally situated at the corner of York and Wellington Streets, has been drawing big laughs on a regular basis with its innovative New Faces of Comedy night and a host of shows that have introduced crowds to a diverse collection of Canadian talent.
While Connie cautions the humour is of the uncensored variety, she says Yuk Yuks nonetheless appeals to a wide demographic - drawing devoted fans from 15-years-old to those well into their 80's. She says that's proof positive that everyone loves a good laugh. What the crowd gets are fast-paced Fridays and Saturdays during the summer and an additional Thursday show in the fall.
The club is comfortably laid out with chairs and tables in a spacious downstairs surrounding centre stage and a second level to accommodate its overflow audiences. Whatever the seating arrangement, fans get an unobstructed bird's eye of the comics' antics.
While the rapid-fire comic entertainment is Yuk Yuks' main draw, audiences can also munch on snacks like popcorn or pizza, sip at their favourite drink while having their aforementioned funny bones tickled. On any given night - residents and tourists - hungry to cap off a hard week's work with a laugh-filled night - are treated to solid top notch monologues from some of the best comic talent in the country.
During one New Faces of Comedy outing, popular comedian/emcee Paul Smith warmed the crowd up with a sizzling opening set featuring a non-stop barrage of improv, keen observational wit, one-liners and zingers that had tables on both floors rocking with laughter. Locals and visitors were also treated to an impressive lineup with bright new faces like London's own Rob Browning and Doug Nagy from Welland.
"London is one of the top Yuk Yuks around," said Barry. "Last year's showcase of potential talent for Letterman's Late Show demonstrated just how good comedy is in this country. We're eager for this year's event."
As well as the warm reception from audiences over the past year and a half, Connie says the community as a whole has welcomed them with open arms. "I know some people who run a business don't always move into the community but we did," she adds. "It's been a great experience becoming part of the local scene, so living and working in London has been fantastic."
"London is a great spot for a comedy club and we've been delighted to introduce to our crowds Canadian comics - new and established - who are making their names in clubs, television, film and other venues throughout the comedy network."
Geoff Dale is a freelance writer/photographer based in Woodstock, Ontario. In addition to writing for several publications including The London Free Press, the Sentinel-Review, Better Farming and the Transcontinental Media chain of newspapers in Newfoundland, he also critiques plays at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for the Internet-based London Now. He has also written two books on the 50th anniversary of CAW Local 636 and the 100th anniversary of Execulink.
Photo credits
Geoff Dale
Of course, nightly entertainment in London doesn't stop there. Consider a sparkling and diverse lineup that includes:
~ World class dining and entertainment at The Honest Lawyer.
~ Vogue Saturdays with Retro Dance Trax at Downtown's Kathy Brown's.
~ The Mongolian Grill's relaxed and adventurous surroundings.
~ The sounds of exciting local bands at The Embassy.
~ Original live music featured at Call The Office.
~ Barking Frog's fine wines, exquisite food and relaxed atmosphere.
~ Nightly fun at Molly Bloom's Irish Pub.
~ Hip-hop to dance and R&B and much much more at the Thorny Devil.
~ Great musical times at GTs London.
~ From Elvis to beer memorabilia - the eclectic attractions of Joe Kool's.
~ DJ Kaos spinning Top 40 hits and club anthems on weekends at Jim Bob Ray's.
~ The Club Mansion's spectacular 12,000 square foot lounge.
~ VIP treatment and the inviting atmosphere of the popular 29 Park.
Check these and other night life attractions at:
http://toronto.beforelastcall.com/nightclubs-london-129-29_park.html
http://www.yukyuks.com/location.aspx?LocationID=7
http://www.mollyblooms.ca/entertainment.asp?location=london
http://www.jimbobrays.com/
http://toronto.beforelastcall.com/nightclubs-london-188-thorny_devil_robinson_hall.html
http://www.partytown.ca/cowboys/
http://www.honestlawyer.ca/home.html
http://www.downtownkathybrowns.ca/home.html
What's happening, money, distance, time?
Media Guide: http://www.abyznewslinks.com/
Currency conversion: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Distance calculator: http://www.indo.com/distance/
Time zone converter: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/
Transportation, visas, health, maps and temperature
Airlines (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airlines
Embassies/Consulates (Embassy World): http://www.embassyworld.com/
Health precautions (WHO): http://www.who.int/ith/en/
Maps (Mapquest) U.S. & Canada: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp
Maps (Mapquest) World: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp?country=GB
Temperature (Temperature World): http://www.temperatureworld.com/
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London: not your average city!
© By Mike Keenan
Some think that it's average, two and a half stars out of five, as if one could compare it to a movie review. Nestled in southwestern Ontario on the Québec City-Windsor Corridor, London does represent an ideal test market in which to introduce commercial products. Equidistant from Toronto and Detroit, the population of 457,720 supposedly embodies myriad demographics of a prototypical Canadian city. However, I assure you: London is far from average!
Inside the ornate Grand Theatre, one of Canada oldest dating back to 1901
with a unique proscenium arch and Victorian architecture, I'm captivated by Québec contemporary dramatist Michel Tremblay. Intently, I watch For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, his latest oeuvre dedicated to his mother. Openly gay, Tremblay invites controversy by challenging Québec traditions. London theatre seems avant-garde, certainly not average.
Similarly, at Museum London on Ridout St., Brian Meehan, the Executive Director, intrigues me with "Los Carpenteros," the Havana-based Cuban collective that has created significant art in the past decade, represented in far-flung major urban collections in Madrid, Los Angeles and New York City's prominent MOMA. Transfixed, I stare at a huge wooden hand grenade equipped with a giant elliptical pin and a body composed of six layers of compartments, each a unique Pandora's Box. Not so average here either.
Downtown, I stroll by the new 10,000-seat $50 million John Labatt Centre Sports & Entertainment
Complex which draws the likes of Cher, Natalie Cole, David Copperfield, Sting, Sarah McLachlan and, for the sports minded, junior hockey's Memorial Cup. The JLC, as the natives call it, is also home to London's successful junior hockey team, the Knights. Last year at the JLC, I marveled at the dazzling talent of Sidney Crosby, the eighteen-year-old heir apparent to Wayne Gretzky, hockey's "Great One."
Speaking of suds, Labatt's Brewery operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, and produces over 1 billion bottles of beer per year which might cause drinkers to revise the lyrics to "Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall..." A two-hour instructive tour permits one to examine the brewing process firsthand, run raw ingredients including rice, malt and hops through one's fingers, inhale the sweet aroma and finally savour the taste. In 1977, Labbat's was first to introduce low calorie beer, Labatt Special Lite; in 1988, first to develop the twist-off cap on a refillable bottle; and in 1995, it launched the first non-alcoholic beer, Labatt .5% Nordic. An astute businessman, John Labatt capitalized on London's strategic location in the 1850's by capitalizing on the railway network to broaden sales in Canada and the United States.
Business success stories followed: 3M Canada Inc., TD Canada Trust, London Life Insurance Co. and Ellis-Don (construction) to name a few. London, never a boom or bust city, became Canada's first municipality to garner an AAA credit rating. Blessed with steady employment and a large medical and professional community, it enjoys affordable housing with the average cost of an executive home pegged at $300,000. Newsweek magazine ranks London the most economical destination in the world for business travel. Its downtown Convention Centre boasts a second floor ballroom that occupies the combined area of 16 tennis courts, enough space in which to seat 2500 dinner guests. Not surprisingly, UWO is recognized as one of the world's preeminent business schools.
At Covent Garden Market next door to the JLC, the square is filled with local farmers and eclectic buskers. I examine temptingly fresh sushi and bento-box treats, sweet and savory bureks, pies or pastries found in many former Ottoman Empire countries. They are made of phyllo pastry or yufka pastry dough and filled with feta cheese, ground meat or vegetables. There are also spicy Lebanese treats and Indian favourites creating an appealing, multinational, not-so-average market.
Tourists are fascinated by the British nomenclature - on streets, the River Thames,
buildings such as the Middlesex County Court House (1824-1825 in Gothic Revival style) and the traditional red, double-decker sightseeing buses operated by Tourism London. There's a Blackfriars Bridge, circa1875, London's first iron bridge, a rare example of a bowstring through truss which remains open today. Not so average for durability.
The Thames and its creeks meander through the city, the western forks dictating the downtown core where a series of parks along the river host popular summer events. Harris Park, in the flats north of Museum London, celebrates an annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Anchored serenely on the grass by gravity, tourists trace the gaily coloured massive orbs - yellow, orange, red and purple - silently punctuating the cerulean sky. Harris Park also hosts the Labatt 24-hour Relay which supports London's world renowned teaching hospitals.
Indeed, if sick, London is the place to be. After Sir Frederick Banting's discovery of insulin, London attracted attention as an important medical center. At its hub lies the University of Western Ontario's Schulich School of Medicine, a world-class teaching hospital and research facility that garners millions of dollars in funding for reproductive medicine, prenatal care, cancer, cardiovascular science, immunology and transplantation, neuroscience and advanced medical imaging.
Nonetheless, let's consider healthier pastimes. The Thames is a water playground for boating, canoeing and rowing, a scenic backdrop for several golf courses, parks and trails and home to scads of wildlife as it picturesquely winds its way northward to the Western campus where one may attend top notch athletic events featuring the home team 'Stangs. On a hot summer day, Londoners are within a convenient hour's drive of beaches at two Great Lakes - Huron to the northwest and Erie to the south. The 1994 Commonwealth rowing championships were celebrated here, a training venue for the Canadian team. There are three active rowing clubs, so venture like me to the shores of Fanshawe Lake in the morning or early evening to glimpse skiffs silently skimming across the rippling water.
Slightly north of downtown, bordered by Richmond, Central, Wellington and Dufferin, resides Victoria Park, my personal favourite. It was originally the practice grounds for British garrisons that conducted military exercises at the turn of the century. With chic shops and cafés lining Richmond Row on one side and Centennial Hall, home of London's acclaimed Symphony Orchestra framing the other, Victoria Park celebrates festivals year round. Close to nearby fraternities, it inspires romantic walks, especially when the fall foliage blazes in radiant colours. London is nicknamed the Forest City, not because of its impressive planting program, but due to its early inaccessibility which required visitors literally to clamber through the woods to arrive.
Londoners are modest and do not like to name drop, but "boomers" affectionately recall legendary Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians who perennially welcomed in New Year's on TV from New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. They named a bridge after him and built the Guy Lombardo Music Center. In visual arts, 19th century London painter Paul Peel depicted family life and local landmarks, his family image of a bathed child drying before the hearth, a Canadian icon. Stage and screen actor Hume Cronyn is a hometown success story as well as former Winnipeg Ballet prima ballerina Evelyn Hart, Oscar nominee, Kate Nelligan and Dr. David Suzuki, Canada's environmental champion.
For accommodations there's ample choice; however, I recommend The Delta London Armouries Hotel on Dundas St. and the Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Center on Wellington Road. The latter, with an incredible indoor pool complex, appeals to kids both young and old.
One warning: when you visit London, take care. This is a city that can change your life. Forty years ago, in the last week of my last year at the University of Western Ontario, serendipitously, I encountered my wife, and as poet Robert Frost concluded in The Road Not Taken, "That has made all the difference." Believe me now? This is not your average city!
Mike Keenan writes a weekly newspaper column for the St. Catharines Standard and has been published in the Globe & Mail,
Buffalo Spree, Stitches, West of the City and Pulse
Magazine. Mike is an award-winning poet and former President of the Canadian Authors Association, Niagara and
Vice-President of the national body. He belongs to the North American Travel Journalist Association and the Travel Media
Association of Canada.
He is editor of the zines, What Travel Writers Say:
www.whattravelwriterssay.com and Synapse Magazine: www.synapsemagazine.ca.
Photo Credits
Mike Keenan: Memorial Cup playoff at the JLC; Memorial Cup display at Covent Garden Market
London Tourism: John Labatt Centre, Covent Garden Market, Grand Theatre, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Richmond Row
If you go
General Information: www.londontourism.ca
Activities and Sights
Covent Garden Market:
www.coventmarket.com
Double-decker Bus Tour:
www.londontourism.com
Fanshawe Conservation Area:
www.thamesriver.org
Grand Theatre:
www.grandtheatre.com
Guy Lombardo Music Center:
www.dotydocs.com/lombardo.htm
Hot Air Balloon Festival:
www.londonballoonfestival.com
John Labatt Centre Sports & Entertainment Complex:
www.johnlabattcentre.com
Labatt Brewery Tours:
www.labatt.com
Museum London:
www.museumlondon.ca
Orchestra London:
www.orchestralondon.ca
Richmond Row:
www.richmondrowlondon.com
Victoria Park:
www.victoria-park.com
Where to Stay
Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Center:
www.lamplighterinn.ca
Delta London Armouries Hotel:
www.deltahotels.com
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You Meet The Nicest People
When You Travel
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More informative articles organized by your favourite writers.
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What's happening, money, distance, time?
Media Guide: http://www.abyznewslinks.com/
Currency conversion: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Distance calculator: http://www.indo.com/distance/
Time zone converter: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/
Transportation, visas, health, maps and temperature
Airlines (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airlines
Embassies/Consulates (Embassy World): http://www.embassyworld.com/
Health precautions (WHO): http://www.who.int/ith/en/
Google interactive map: http://maps.google.com/
Temperature (Temperature World): http://www.temperatureworld.com/
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When travelling to London Ontario, you may wish to investigate the following
links:
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