This is the ultimate to do list while visiting our quaint little town. It’s the perfect way to spend the weekend. This is the very best secret spots showcasing all that Clarens has to offer.
Leave all your city worries on the side of the road as you drive from Bethlehem towards Clarens. Open your windows and sprinkle them into the fields. Next year, they will pop up as wild pink and white cosmos flowers.
Silence in the car is mandatory as you come around the corner through the pass. Silence is needed so that you can appreciate the beauty of this tiny village nestled in the valley surrounded by mountains. This is not a sight you see often when entering a village.
“Check into the one and only Gypsy Wagons in Clarens, where you will be greeted and made to feel at home by your gracious hosts Sandy and Shane.”
Toast to the weekend, with a bottle of iced bubbly.
Take selfies on the swings, with the fairies and in the wagons.
Let Shane give you a Gypsy massage to soothe away all your city stress, aches and pains. Your relaxation will be taken to the next level. Soak in the full size bath or go for an invigorating shower in the outdoor waterfall shower.
Dress comfy for a night out. No high heels or sports jackets needed while dinning out in Clarens.
This is how the Clarenites celebrate the weekend.
Special dinner at Gostos, where you will be assured of good food, good service and a lovely vibe. See if you can spot the locals with their dogs lying under the table, with no care for the white tablecloths. Early to bed as the country air and spoils are making your eyelids very heavy. “Magies vol – oegies toe”
In the morning lie in bed and savour the absolute silence, disturbed only by birdsong. And hopefully your better half has the kettle on.
On an energetic day you can start off with the Park run, which starts at the Bibliophile. The excellent trails are maintained by the Clarens village conservancy The 5 km trail takes your through our very favourite part of Clarens. The trail runs alongside the little river, up to the dam. Pause for a quick dip in the fresh clear water. Yes you can swim in our dam! Its Epic!! Continue with your run, walk or stroll, a round trip, emersed in nature. Take a break and sit on one of the many benches along the path. Each one with its unique view. Back to the Bibliophile. Browse this unique book store, that has been in Clarens for years! Sometimes there is a locals market in the garden.
Go next door and reward yourself with delicious coffee and waffels at the Platform. The Platform always has cool events, promotions and live music.
Then just cruise around town on foot. Pop into a few of the myriad of unique shops. The Nest is magical and hippified – our kind of place. The best place to find a special gift.
Stop at the Rock Shop and align your chakras. The largest collection of crystals ever. Not to mention the beautiful jewellery and authentic kaleidoscopes.
Feeling a bit of a thirst coming on? Cross over the square and head for the Clarens Brewery. Enjoy free tasters of craft beer. It’s the best place to people watch. Fancy some Clarens craft Gin, walk up the ally to the Gin bar. More free tasters of Red Stone Gin and others. Buy some take away beer or premixed gin to pack in your picnic basket.
Picnic! What a fabulous idea. We share with you our proudly Clarens picnic basket contents.
Beer or Gin from the brewery. Quiche, fresh bread and cold meats from the Courtyard. Cheese from Eat Cheese Deli. Snacky, dippy things from the Purple Onion (warning – you will buy more than you need) The ultimate tried and tested (many times) best chocolate brownies are from the Rotterhaan. Thirsty? Have a Liefmans cherry beer or choose from the huge selection of imported beers. Eisbein? Maybe? Back to shopping for our picnic basket.
Reminder… you are not acting like a local in you are not stopping and chatting to at least one person at each stop. Feeling a bit tired? Pick a spot on the town square. Under a tree or on a bench. Admire the view of Mount Horeb. The great mountain that watches over Clarens. Need a pick me up or snack while chilling on the square? Coffee from Highland coffee. Soft serve from The Square. Selfies! More selfies.
What is a picnic basket with out droeworse and biltong. Big debate as to the best… between Amadaus and Rempies. You will have to work it out for yourself!
Second reminder…. You are not acting like a local if you are not stopping to pat all the dogs!
Clarens is well known for its many art galleries. Where else can you visit so many art galleries, without even getting in your car? Don’t miss out on Art and Wine Gallery – yes I know! A perfect combination. Wine tasting and art! Blou Donkey is another well known gallery. Tobias Art Gallery has wonderful Free state landscapes. Addy Hole Gallery is legendary….
Time for more shopping! So many unique shops. Many new ones pop up all the time. Don’t be afraid to explore down all the alleyways. Who knows what you will find? Some amazing shops worth stopping at is Dedries Pearls, Wicked Candles, Neked and then Mona Lisa for the most beautiful original clothing ever! An eclectic combination of vintage and new.
The evening approaches – time for a drive to enjoy spectacular Golden gate nature reserve. Drive the loops and find a look out spot, to park up and enjoy the view and feast from your picnic basket filled with local treats.
Another great option is to drive towards Fourriesburg. Endless views into Lesthoto on the left, and rolling fields of the Free State farms on the right. A parking with a view of either side guarantees a spectacular sunset.
Time to head back to the gypsy wagons. Time to live like a gypsy. Light the bonfire.
Switch on the fairy lights. String the guitar. Sing. Chat. Or just be. Lie back on the bean bags and star gaze. Feel Blessed. Feel grateful.
Wish apon a star that tonight never ends.