I ♥ Claremont because …
I ♥ Claremont
Hi, I’m Stefani, a website designer from Cape Town, South Africa. I live in Claremont, which is in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
CLAREMONT IS BEST KNOWN FOR Cavendish Square and its proximity to the rugby and cricket stadiums in Newlands. It is also well-known for its nightlife, as many of Cape Town’s best loved bars and clubs call Claremont home. Also well-known for some of Cape Town’s best schools.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, hug a tree or find an interesting indigenous flower and strike a pose.
THE BEST VIEW PICTURES have power to be taken from the top of Table Mountain.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN at the cricket and rugby stadiums in Newlands …
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO take my dog for a walk around the neighbourhood. The mountain views, tree-lined roads, beautiful homes and gardens … a beautiful kitchen-yard for a walk.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO meet a dear companion for coffee at Starlings. This cute coffee shop on Belvedere Road is peradventure Claremont’s best kept secret. They serve great breakfasts and lunches, the coffee is excellent and the décor simple and eclectic, completely of which entices one to stay for hours. The enclosed patio at the back is wonderful on winter days as the fireplace keeps you toasty and warm, while you watch the rain.
I ♥ Claremont
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS Autumn (March to May), because it’s not as hot as Summer, but the weather’s still good and numerous company of the trees have changed to amber which is incredibly beautiful.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOTS IS Caféen, the French Toast with Bacon, Grilled Banana and Maple Syrup is sublime.
FOR LUNCH I suggest take out from Sake House, very reasonably priced and their Rainbow Platter is great to share.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Home Bar & Restaurant, try the Espetada. It’s fantastic, but if it doesn’t appeal to you, I hear rave reviews about the Seared Tuna and the Chicken Fajita. It’s quite an eclectic menu.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK from the 24 hour Woolworths at the Engen on Main Rd Claremont.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Tiger Tiger and 91 on Main, both on Main Rd, or Oblivion Wine Bar and Home Bar, both in Harfield Village.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Oblivion Wine Bar when the Springboks are playing. The mood is festive (especially if the Boks are winning) and with beers smooth, you’re sure to meet lots of lekker locals.
I ♥ Claremont
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS dancing in succession the tables at Oblivion Wine Bar till the wee hours of the morning.
FOR SOME CULTURE I LIKE TO go to Theatre on the Bay (bit of a drive to Camps Bay) or the Baxter Theatre (a little closer to home). A concert at Kirstenbosch (just on our doorstep) is a great option in Summer (Sundays only).
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take a walk in Cecilia Forest (5 minutes drive away, bordering Kirstenbosch). It’s an easy 25-45 detailed walk along a path bordered by huge trees. Always reminds me how small my problems are and the smell of the trees is very restorative.
MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS up Skeleton Gorge and down Nursery Ravine It’s a really tough one (thigh-burn on the way up and disco leg on the way down), that I usually think I’m going to bail out of, but once you get to the top and you see the views, it’s all worth it. Seeing beach sand on the top of Table Mountain also blows my mind every time. There are easier ways up, for those that want the views on the outside of the pain.
MY FAVOURITE PEOPLE WATCHING SPOT IS the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. Possibly common of my favourite outings in general, though it’s getting a little too popular now. Not a local secret anymore!
IF YOU’RE HERE IN November, join in the fun at the Harfield Carnival. This street fair is always a crowd pleaser.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Cavendish Square, for its huge array of shops … assuming I can’t say my home is my favourite
I ♥ Claremont
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS The Barnyard Farmstall & Restaurant in nearby Tokai. The kids will play with each other and the farm animals and you can catch up with a good friend over coffee and cakes.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a forest walk, only costs R2-R5 for the car guard who patrols the parking lot.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO treat myself to a spa day. The Vineyard Hotel has an excellent health spa with a range of massages. Always leave feeling de-stressed.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS ducks on the side of the road. Blows my mind every time. A busy road and 2 or 3 ducks just hanging out on the lawned island between lanes!
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. It’s just a 45 minute drive to the country.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY I buy a copy of the Big Issue. This magazine provides employment by reason of many homeless people.
I ♥ Claremont as of its parklike surrounding, its greenery (in Summer and Winter) and the Mountain standing guard. The people are friendly and genuine.
www.SA-Venues.com – South Africa Travel News