5 great things to do in Berwick & beyond.

5 great things to do in Berwick & beyond. 

So we have manned the phones, checked the town noticeboard and scanned the Parish Newsletter. The votes are in for our Friday Favourites and top tips for the weekend.

This weekend is looking fantastic with a lot of Winter Solstice festivities going on. It may even be as good as last weekend, which frankly I thought was unbeatable. Here is a little recap of my time at #VoicesofAu last weekend.

PicMonkey Collage

Onward.

1. The Belgrave Lantern Parade is on this weekend and the Hills are alive with the sounds of lantern making. This will be the 9th annual lantern parade, that is held to mark the Winter Solstice. The Parade starts at 5.30pm from Hayes Carpark. People are excited! They are making their own lanterns. The lanterns look amazing. A not to be missed local event say I. Go here for more information.

lanterns

Image courtesy of Belgrave Lantern Parade Facebook page.

2. I have the privilege of attending the Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch this weekend. Fifteen of the Yarra Valley’s smaller wineries throw open their doors to celebrate winerythe Winter Solstice weekend. Entry is $15 which is paid at the first winery that you attend and which will also reward you entry to all wineries and a souvenir glass to use at every other winery you visit. Proceeds from these glasses will go toward the local CFA, so good things all around. The Yarra Vally Shortest Lunch is about progressive eating and all day dining (sounds perfect) so you can chose a couple of your favourite wineries and visit them or aim for the stars and visit all 18. There will be music and much smiling. Families are welcome. The Yarra Valley is such a beautiful area and I can’t wait to visit some of the sweet little wineries that dot the sweeping hillside. Bliss. For bookings or more information check here.

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Bespoke pastry from The Artisan Crust @Emerald Market.

3. Markets. The Emerald Market is on again this Sunday.  It runs out the front of the Emerald Community House at 356 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald. Home to my favourite market stall ever, The Artisan Crust, they also have hot food, organic produce and craft. Not to mention the stunning backdrop of the surrounding countryside, great local cafes and a sweet community feel.

4. Dining. So many options to chose from, although not many with an open fireplace. How I long for a restaurant with a fireplace at this time of year. On my wish list is French restaurant La Voltaire Bistro Francais in Belgrave and Big Spoon Little Spoon in Warragul (update 2017. Now closed). Big Spoon, Little Spoon have just won the Hospitality & Accommodation gong at the Baw Baw Excellence Awards 2015. If you have visited either of these I would love to hear what you think…. Still just a dreamingdream for me at the moment.

5. Reading. My favourite blog of the moment is from my lovely new friend Tonia over at toniawithaneye.com. This girls is funny and gorgeous and she used to work with Bert Newton! What more could you want. Stop by her blog and say “Hi.” You are sure to leave with a smile on your face.

So, what have I missed? Lots, I am sure. Please feel free to add your ideas into the comments below.  I love to hear from my readers. And if you find a restaurant with an open fire, I must know about it. Pretty please? fire

Happy Eating!

Dani xx


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