PART 1: Long Weekend Local activities... Golden Plains peek-a-boo!

As the long weekend approaches, we thought you'd like an injection of ideas for killing some time over the 3 days.

For something different we are going to venture outside The Surf Coast region,  and take you to the neighbouring areas of The Golden Plains Shire (in Part 1) and The Bellarine Peninsular (in Part 2, later this week) ensuring you are discovering all the treats that are so close to our wonderful Surf Coast.

We are fully aware that some of you are very lucky don't have kids to entertain, so we have catered for both kids and no kids with our suggestions...

Golden Plains Shire - Inverleigh

Gladioli Restaurant

14 High St, Inverleigh VIC 3321
(03) 5265 1111
Info@GladioliRestaurant.com.au

My absolute favourite place to dine at the moment is Gladioli in Inverleigh. I have only ever indulged in their 5 course lunch degustation (several times!). I could have gone their 7 course degustation, so I did demonstrated some restraint! (this would be a definite no kids affair, if you want to enjoy yourself!)

They also offer an A la Carte menu for those not wanting the full degustation experience. Enough talking, I think the pictures tell the story better...

Whilst in Inverleigh (if you head there during the day), I would highly recommend popping next door to...

High Eight - Home & Living
8 High Street, Inverleigh, Victoria
(03) 5265 1633

Right across the road (virtually looking at you!) you will find..

Red Door Cafe (Not open Sunday)

15 High st Inverleigh
03 5265 1553

I was captivated by the visual art on the wall when I walked in...

The girls at the red door are passionate about good food, creating seasonally based dishes & on the menu there is something for everyone from home-style baked bean’s to classic toasted meatloaf sandwich or their chunky spicy lentil soup.

Also on offer are delicious selection of homemade sweets, including old favourites like meringuies, honey joys, almond biscotti & their famous joy’s slice.

Or if you are looking for country pub food with some style, then the renovated Inverleigh Pub is also an option (only a few doors down).

The Inverleigh Hotel
1 High St Inverleigh , Victoria,  3321,  Australia
03 5265 1220
email@inverleighhotel.com.au

Now owned by a local farming family the fully restored Inverleigh Hotel gives you a modern, fresh and friendly experience in an iconic bluestone building.  They offer a kids menu and have high chairs available.

Whilst out this way, if you feel like popping into a winery for lunch or just a tasting - my absolute favourite winery in this region for friendly service, great views, amazing wood fired pizza, and awesome wines is...

Clyde Park Vineyard & Bistro

2490 Midland Highway
Bannockburn 3331 Victoria
(03) 5281 7274

Heading back towards Geelong is a chocolate factory... you're interested now aren't you?

Moorabool Valley Chocolate by Design

"Bellerive", 320 Ballarat Road, Batesford Vic 3221, Australia
03-5276-1422

It's not just a chocolate shop, they have a Tea Rooms as well. It's very kid friendly, in fact the kids will love the chocolate village complete with a train that runs through it!

They have great coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks, cakes and slices and, of course wonderful chocolates. The chocolaterie is located in the middle of a horse agistment farm. You can relax and take in the tranquillity of the area, while watching the day-to-day activities from a safe distance. They also conduct regular chocolate-making demonstrations

That concludes our Golden Plains Peek-a-Boo... I hope we've provided some great suggestions to enjoy this coming weekend. Drive safely whilst emerging yourself in our wonderful neighbouring region.

Until next time,

Your Neighbour!