Plan your weekends around local country markets and stock up on fresh, home-made treats. These are our favourites in and around KwaZulu-Natal…
1. The Litchi Orchard Night Market, Salt Rock
A monthly night market (there’s also a morning market on the second Saturday of every month from 09h00 to 13h00) aimed at the family in the holiday spot of Salt Rock. Pets are welcome (on leads). As the name suggests, the market is in a litchi orchard where there’s delicious local food (think home-made curries), live music, original handmade arts and crafts and, when in season, litchis. Get comfy on a hay bale or roll out your picnic blanket and indulge in your purchases. Don’t miss out on home-made ice cream, artisan croissants and gourmet feta.
When: Last Friday of the month, 17h00-22h00
Where: Seaforth Drive
2. Bellevue Market, Kloof
This artisanal market focuses on local talent in the beautiful courtyard setting of the Bellevue Campus with its large trees and architecturally interesting buildings. So expect home-made delicacies like preservative-free pâtés, organic butters and cheeses, smoked trout and gluten-free falafels. Sip on craft beer and local wine and browse the home-decor stalls. There’s also a very good coffee vendor. (Stalls vary from month to month). Live music and, later on, starry skies and moonlight add to the atmosphere of this market.
When: Last Friday of the month, 16h00-20h00
Where: 5 Bellevue Road
3. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market
The early bird catches the worm at this family- and dog-friendly country market, where you can start with breakfast enjoyed on a hay bale and spend the rest of your morning browsing and tasting your way through the many stalls. There’s excellent coffee to keep you going (add a tot of brandy or home-made liqueur), sinful pastries and Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, French and English delicacies. Don’t miss out on Chrissie Briscoe’s extraordinary cheeses and duck confit from the Duck Lady.
When: Saturdays 06h00-10h30
Where: Lot 457, Mr551, Shongweni
Contact: www.shongwenimarket.co.za
4. Dargle Local Market
This small country market’s vendors are all from Dargle, their goods locally produced and as fresh as can be. The seasons largely dictate what’s for sale and so each market is different. In the main, though, you’ll find veggies and fruit, free-range eggs and chickens, dairy products from pasture-fed Jersey cows, home-baked bread, bottled preserves, lemon cordial, heirloom seeds, biltong, and, to eat while you shop, delicious ciabatta sandwiches and good, old-fashioned bacon and egg rolls.
When: First Sunday of the month, 09h00-11h00
Where: Lion’s River Country Club – R103, take Dargle Road turn-off
Contact: www.darglelocalliving.wordpress.com
5. Midlands Country Market – Lidgetton
Regulars in the know, as well as tourists, flock to this lovely country market with its view over the Caversham Valley. Local, fresh, wholesome and artisanal products are the flavour of the day, such as home-baked bread, farm-fresh yoghurt, double-yolk eggs, Vietnamese spring rolls and seasonal jams. The waffles and German sausages are legendary. Lions River craft beers are enjoyed on the lawns and ad hoc bagpipe performances are a delight. Other stalls include gemstones and crystals, beadwork and natural skincare products.
When: Third Sunday of every month, 09h00-14h30
Where: Peter’s Gate Farm, on the R103
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