Afternoon sunsets and morning markets…
As a regular traveller, I have been to many towns / dorps in our country. The secret of revisiting is to maintain a childlike wonder – and do your research. Things change – and things stay the same. I have spent many happy days (and nights!) in Plett – and yet there are still many joys to discover, and attractions to pay a nostalgic visit.
View of the bay area from Robberg.
Robberg is just such a place. On arriving in Plettenberg Bay, we decided to celebrate with a sundowner and some snacks on this beautiful peninsula. The wind was howling, and it was freezing, but we were bloody-minded determined to have a great time. We found a reasonably sheltered spot on the bay side and settled in at one of the tables with benches. “Robberg” is a Dutch name translating as “seal mountain”. Seals are still found here today, although we didn’t see any that afternoon…
The open ocean side of Robberg – just as the evening light was turning gold.
Eventually the cold and wind won out over the beauty and the golden light. We felt like something simple and light for dinner and decided on fish and chips at the Plett Ski Boat Club. It is a very small restaurant, with a reasonably limited menu – but oh, what food!
Fish and chips done to perfection – at the Plett Ski Boat Club.
The fish and chips were sublime!! The fish was cooked to perfection with a crunchy batter, whilst the chips were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The portions were huge, the service friendly and efficient, and the prices reasonable. It was obviously dark by the time we got there, but during the day you would look over the beach on to the ocean, with the Beacon Isle Hotel in the distance. Highly recommended!
Fresh produce and flowers at the Harkerville Saturday Market.
The next morning it was off to the Harkerville Saturday Market. A visit to this rural and rustic market is a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning… You can quite comfortably spend a couple of hours ambling around this quaint market.
Many arts and crafts are available…
The market has a genuinely friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and there is a lovely play area for the kids as well. Adequate parking on the edge of the market makes access a breeze. What was refreshing is that the stalls are focused on ‘artisanal’ and organic, ‘home grown’ produce. All things good from the area…
Indigenous flowers and beautiful woodwork.
This market is a little piece of paradise for foodies – there are many food stalls, which contain an eclectic selection of edibles. From meat, biltong and comb honey, to lovely breads, chocolates, macarons, and pancakes. Freshly prepared breakfasts (traditional bacon, eggs, etc) are available too, as are smoothies and coffee. So definitely don’t eat breakfast before you go!
All things yummy…
Or you can do as our friend Mark did (he lives in the area on an intermittent basis and is in the know). He provided the most wonderful, thoughtfully presented breakfast from the market – eaten at the little tables provided. What could possibly be better to start the day than fresh smoked salmon on croissants, followed by great coffee?
Thank you, Mark!
The stall owners are friendly, and happy to answer questions and discuss their wares. You are immediately made to feel like you are a part of the community. I believe that one of the secrets of a great market are friendly stall holders! If you’re in the area before Christmas, I would suggest a visit to the market for some last-minute gifts – they really do have a great array, from jewellery and books to seedlings – and much in-between!
LEFT: Mark (L) and Ian (R) enjoying the market. RIGHT: Eclectic art.
Once we were finished exploring, we popped back to Plett – it was a road-tripping, market-exploring kinda day, and the weather was perfect… Watch out for next week’s article where we continue on our way, looking at another market, an old church and even some vintage cars!!
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
INFO BLOCK
Plett Ski Boat Club
Central Beach – Plettenberg Bay
Harkerville Saturday Market
N2, midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay
Times: 08:00 – 12:00
