Guy Lombardo was always a little puzzled by the popularity of “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve.
Growing up in London, Ontario, the old Scottish folk song had always been a holiday staple. When he was asked to be the bandmaster for the New York City New Year’s Eve celebration, it seemed like the natural song to usher in the new year. By the time of his death in 1977, Lombardo’s popularization of “Auld Lang Syne” in American pop culture had become a defining aspect of his career. Life magazine even noted that Lombardo was the only Canadian to create an American tradition.
That this callback to his Southern Ontario youth would overshadow his more noteworthy accomplishments is just one chapter in a much larger legacy. Over the course of his musical career, Lombardo played with the likes of Louis Armstrong, earned three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and is considered one of the great jazz bandmasters of the 20th century. On top of it all, he was a four-time U.S. National Speed Boat champion. Not too bad for someone born and raised in London, Ontario, who began his musical career playing violin behind his parents’ tailor shop.
Although Lombardo’s legacy is mostly forgotten in his hometown, London (the one in Ontario) is full of surprises—if you’re willing to see it as more than just an industrial way station between Toronto and Detroit. Teeming with history and adventure, there’s plenty to experience in the city.
Friday
3:00 p.m. Start the weekend at a London institution: East Park Golf Club. What began as a small golf course on the edge of the city in 1963 has expanded into a full summer family destination, complete with a waterpark, mini-golf, go-karts, arcade, and an 18-hole golf course. Although the kids will be tempted by the waterslides, kick things off with a round of mini-golf and a few laps on the go-kart track.
5:30 p.m. Head out for dinner and try a local classic like Under the Volcano, a kid-friendly Mexican restaurant that’s been a London staple since 1974. Another great option: drive to Wortley Village and grab a patio seat at The Wortley Pub. The food at both spots is extremely kid-friendly (the creatures are partial to nachos and anything that involves chicken fingers), and if you choose The Wortley Pub, you can sample a local brew from Anderson Craft Ales.
7:00 p.m. After dinner, head to Labatt Park and catch a London Majors baseball game. While Canada is hockey-obsessed, Southwestern Ontario is quietly a baseball stronghold. Labatt Park is built on the oldest baseball diamond in the world, with games played there since 1877.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. Begin your sightseeing with the Flame of Hope on Adelaide Street. Located in front of the house where Frederick Banting discovered insulin, the flame honours those affected by diabetes and will remain lit until a cure is found.
Next, head downtown to Richmond Row, London’s main entertainment district. Though typically buzzing with students from Western University and Fanshawe College at night, it’s peaceful on a Saturday morning. Grab a coffee and pastry from Black Walnut Bakery Café, then walk to Victoria Park to visit the Holy Roller— the only WWII Canadian Army tank that landed on Normandy Beach during D-Day and survived the entire war.
11:00 a.m. Drive over to Covent Garden Market, which has operated since the 1800s and was revamped in the early 2000s to revitalize the downtown core. On Saturday mornings, it hosts a bustling farmers’ market and a variety of artisan vendors. It’s an ideal place for lunch and a second coffee if the kids kept you up overnight.
12:30 p.m. Take a short walk downhill to the London Bicycle Café. Rent bikes and explore the Thames Valley Parkway, a paved trail that follows the Thames River. With kids, either head north toward the university campus or northeast toward Springbank Park. Both routes offer scenic views and plenty of playgrounds. After returning your bikes, stroll next door to District Ice Cream for a well-earned cone.
4:00 p.m. After your ride and an optional hotel pool dip (the creatures could easily spend the entire trip in the hotel pool), wind down with dinner at The Church Key Bistro-Pub. Then catch a kid-friendly play at the Grand Theatre, which has hosted legends like Maggie Smith and Sidney Poitier. My son, who’s generally anti-pants (shorts or nothing), somehow never minds dressing up for a night at the theatre on Richmond Row.
Sunday
9:00 a.m. After a fancy evening out, you’ll need more coffee. Head to Nova Era Bakery for breakfast. While coffee may be subjective, this might just be the best in town—and they serve an amazing morning menu.
10:30 a.m. Take a short drive to Port Stanley Beach where Lombardo and his band the Royal Canadians started their career. Thanks to years of upgrades, the main beach is now one of the most beautiful sandy stretches in the province. The kids will love it. The water is warm, the sand is soft, and it’s as close to a tropical vibe as you’ll find in this part of Ontario.
12:00 p.m. Pause for lunch. Beachside options include the ever-popular Mackie’s and GTs on the Beach (perfect if you’re craving a cold beer and casual fare). You can also walk into town and try Two Forks. After lunch, explore the main street, grab another ice cream from Broderick’s, and sit along the canal to watch the boats roll in and out of the harbour.