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This region of south-central
Ontario (midway between Toronto and Windsor) was modeled after the best
of London, England. Therefore, London has its own Thames River, and
nearby Stratford, the namesake of Shakespeare's hometown of
Stratford-upon-Avon has its own internationally acclaimed theater
festival and its own Avon River.
Many of the attractions in London are connected to local history.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a re-creation of a town from the 1800s that
presents crafts demonstrations. At the London Museum of Archeology,
visitors can witness an ongoing archeological dig. Iroquoian life around
the year 1000 is the focus of the Ska-Nah-Doht Iroquoian Village. Eldon
House, built in 1834, is the city's oldest building, and you can also
find and visit many lovely Victorian residences in town.
Museums include the London Regional Art and Historical Museum; the
London Museum of Archaeology, which is located next to an ongoing dig
site called the Lawson Prehistoric Indian Village; and the Royal
Canadian Regiment Museum which displays military memorabilia. There is
also the Guy Lombardo Museum, where the legendary bandleader and his
talented acquaintances are remembered in photographs and other
memorabilia.
London is buzzing with an abundance of festivals throughout the calendar
year. Local and out-of-town restaurants compete for the title of Best
Ribs at the London Rib Fest in late July, the same weekend as the
Balloon Festival where dozens of beautifully covered hot air balloons
fill the air. The annual Western Fair runs for 10 days each September
with a special children’s midway, top name performers at the Grandstand,
home arts and horticultural competitions. Later in the fall, experience
the hilarity of the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival at various downtown
venues.
Throughout the year visitors to London will enjoy an outstanding
selection of interesting attractions. For all travelers on all levels of
budgets, London is at its best in its downtown core. If it's the arts
you enjoy, then settle in for pure enjoyment. Take in a play at The
Grand Theatre, or enjoy a performance of Orchestra London.
London has seen the richness of the culture and traditions of the
Iroquois Nation; the settlement by Colonel John Graves Simcoe and his
British associates; the architectural and artistic accomplishments of
the Victorian era; the emergence of a big band legend; the discovery of
insulin, and much more. London is a city of traditions and treasured
memories. It is also a modern commercial and industrial center, and a
lively and entertaining place. For the past 100 years, Londoners have
planted around 1,000 trees annually to keep the area green, earning the
name "Forest City." This is London: a city that is always advancing and
growing, yet one that has deep roots in the past.
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