Waking up in Hahndorf is another kind of beautiful. The air is just a little more crisp and a dash sweeter than anywhere else in the world. I’ve visited Hahndorf a thousand times in my life but never stayed the night. This time, I got to experience a whole different town and I didn’t want to leave!
It’s only a 30-minute drive from the city, but it feels like you could be anywhere in the world. It’s full of life, colour, culture and believe me, has some of the best food in South Australia.
I took my family: Jimmy, Austin (almost four) and Alfie (ten months) for the weekend. Have a look at my itinerary, so you can experience it too!
ACCOMMODATION :: HAUS STUDIO APARTMENTS
Hello heaven! Fully self-contained, very cute apartments, nestled off Main Street, but still close enough for coffee and cake emergencies (of which we had a few). You can stay in a studio apartment with a king-size bed and kitchen facilities. Or, if you want more room, hire both upstairs and downstairs — we did that. This wasn’t a romantic holiday for us. I slept downstairs with Alfie and Jimmy was upstairs with Austin. The best birth control ever!
AFTERNOON DELIGHT :: KITCHEN 2C 43 Main Street
If Kitchen 2C was a man, I’d be instantly attracted to him. It’s such a colourful, welcoming and friendly café, you can’t help but fall in love. That’s a first impression, before even tasting their delicious food. We had warm apple and rhubarb crumble with cream, followed by a more healthy option, freshly squeezed juices and coffees. All scrumptious. Even though it’s petite, it’s family-friendly, with a little table and chair and colouring-in books for kids.
DINNER :: THE HAHNDORF INN
An odd choice for someone who doesn’t eat red meat, but we were so glad we did. There are loads of options on the menu. Chicken burgers, salads and beer-battered fish and chips, to die for! Their famous metre-long hotdog with sauerkraut was paraded past us and I’m not going to lie, I was tempted. Go there for the food and friendly atmosphere, but stay for Deidre, her service was impeccable! The beer went down a treat too.
KID FUN :: FARM BARN
The first rule of Farm Barn: Don’t wear white jeans to Farm Barn. Because I’m a rule breaker, that’s exactly what I did — idiot! You can feed the animals, cuddle the baby lambs, watch Daisy the Cow be milked and pose for selfies with the camels! If you’ve never been — go, the kids love it.
LUNCH :: THE SEASONAL GARDEN CAFÉ 81 Main Street
This may sound a tad over-dramatic, but I had the BEST tasting lunch I’ve ever had at the Seasonal Garden Café. They cater for vegetarians, vegans and those who adore the kind of flavours that explode in your mouth! I had the “special of the day” roasted leek and tomato bruschetta with goats cheese, OMG, THE FLAVOUR! Jimmy had their most popular dish, The Garden Burger with falafel and roasted vegetables. The juices were on par with Kitchen 2C, delicious! It’s such a cute café and a perfect date location!
FREE TIME :: HITTING THE SHOPS
Ophelia Cottage is conveniently placed right next to our accommodation. Girls, if you have an soft spot for amazing fashion and jewellery, you won’t be able to leave! We also went to The Hahndorf Academy (68 Main Street). I felt like a tourist in my own state. It houses a little museum, an exhibition space and a brilliant gallery showcasing SA artisans. Also, if you’re a sweet-tooth, you can’t go past the multiple fudge shops. The extra weight gain is worth it, believe me! There’s a gorgeous park and enclosed playground opposite Kitchen 2C, where the kids can burn energy and you can burn off that extra piece of fudge.
If you’re thinking about having a weekend away with your lover or with the kids, come and visit this beautiful part of South Australia. I do warn you though, you will leave slightly heavier than when you arrive. My husband had to roll me down the hill because the food is BEYOND!
Hayley xx
