The Bendigo Trove Makers' Markets- on this Sunday!

Im not sure about you- but I love a good market! Strolling around at my own pace, getting caught up in the music playing, coffee in hand, and pastry or a bacon and egg muffin in the other, and just poking my face here and there as I try and see what clever bits and pieces local folk have made. I always come home feeling quite inspired and also with a few extra bags and a much lighter wallet!

Well, a treat for anyone who lives in Bendigo or surrounding areas, is the gorgeous Trove Makers' Markets, which are on this Sunday 20th July, between 10am-2pm in central Bendigo.

These markets are held every 3rd Sunday of the month and hosts just over 40 stalls. A wonderful community event which is guarenteed to provide the family a lovely day out and a chance to find some unique handmade arts and crafts and discover some new foodie treats too.

Below is a sample of business's that will be attending this weekend.

Image source from Trove Makers' Markets website

I have to say Im very excited about The Itty Bitty Book Van attending which is bound to be incredibly popular with the kids and as a parent, a really fun activity to do with them. Kerri's funfilled and beautifully adorned caravan is filled with lots of great children's books and if you can't make it to the markets, I would highly recommend checking out her website and blog, which is filled with good book reviews- quite handy for any parent looking for the perfect book to give as a gift!

So, if you around or looking for a fun family activity this Sunday, be sure to bead to the Trove Makers' Markets. With lots to see and do you wont be disappointed. And if you cant make Sunday, perhaps lock in the date for next month!

For more information- 

Check out the website- www.trovebendigo.com.au

Held on every 3rd Sunday of each month

Between 10am-2pm

at The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery- 404 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

Follow on Facebook and Instagram and keep up to date with upcoming news and events!

Enjoy- and let me know if you go!

Eating Out in Koondrook at The Long Paddock Food Store

One of the great things about moving to a new area is exploring and stumbling across new places to visit. We have spent the last few months getting to know our new town- settling in meeting new friends, joining playgroups, finding a new doctor, getting to know my way around the local supermarket (not that much fun with a trolley full of children), sussing out good places to eat, you know….the basics….but it was now time to venture out and see what else lies beyond.

I was very excited to hear about a local attraction called The Backroads Trail. As the name suggests, scattered along the back roads, between Koondrook, Barham, Mathoura, Deniliquin and Moama, are lots of interesting businesses all open to the public- a mix of food and wine, local produce, art and culture. I figured this was a good place to start.

So last weekend I headed west to Koondrook- about an hours drive from Echuca, just off the Murray Valley Highway, and on the Victorian side of the Murray River. 

My first stop was The Long Paddock Food Store. Located on the main street of Koondrook (which coincidentally, is called Main Street), this Food Store is a popular stopping point for both locals and tourists. 

Open for breakfast and lunch (also evening functions if requested), the menu has lots to choose from. I settled on the corn fritters with avocado, bacon and relish, but am told the most popular dish is the Brekky Bruschetta.

Owner, Kylie Whelan, plans the menu using as much produce from local producers as possible  including Barham Avocados, Bundarra Berkshires Free Range Pork and Little Forest Produce, just to name a few. 

Whilst there is plenty of space indoors to sit, the courtyard to the side offers a lovely outdoor area perfect for those sunny days. All enclosed too which is an added bonus with small children.

This is definitely a place I will be visiting again….especially with my family, and one that I recommend worth visiting if needing a caffeine fix and some good food, and wonderful service!

Where- 86 Main Street, Koondrook, Victoria, 3580 Ph. 03 54533602
Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 8.30am until 4pm
For more information, click on the Long Paddock Food Stores Facebook page

Eating Out in Echuca at Johnny & Lyle's

It's half past nine on a saturday morning in mid January, and I've found myself a quiet little spot in the leafy courtyard of Johnny & Lyle's in Echuca. Judging by how quickly the tables are filling up, it would be easy to think that this cafe has been open for quite a while, when in fact, it only opened less than a month ago. 

Im surrounded by lots of tables in varying sizes, filled with families and friends, locals and visitors, young and old and I can't not forget to mention those of the four legged variety too!! You can tell owners, Carly & Bec, have put a lot of effort into making this place feel so welcoming and homely.  Johnny & Lyle is actually the middle names of the girls fathers, so understandably, this place is special to them. They also both play crucial roles in this new business venture- Carly being out the front looking after their patrons and Bec, busy in the kitchen whipping up some delicious treats. 

On each table sits a potted plant which serves as a table number.  Inside, and above the counter you will find Carlys Nana's original canisters all lined up next to a pile of cookbooks, bottles of wine and other special treasures found along the way. I fell in love with a long timber table near the front window, filled with lovely light and surrounded by some great Eames style chairs- perfect for those catch ups on a wintery morning!

The courtyard provides a shady oasis (especially in the warmer months) and also allows everyone to really relax and enjoy the time together. Tucked in the corner is a sandpit and blackboard, along with some toys for which the smaller customers can play happily. Having small children of my own, this brings a very big smile to my face as I know that in a selfish way it means I can actually finish my coffee (and perhaps a meal!) whilst the little ones are entertained and safe where I can see them. Oh, and they have a great kids menu too!

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and "the munchies in between", the menu contains a few cafe favourites, but has some lovely fresh alternatives. I chose the fruit bruschetta (toasted sourdough topped with ricotta, bananas, strawberries and a drizzle of honey-YUM!!!) but the popular choice is the Build Your Own Breky, which is exactly as it sounds- you pick and choose what you want, starting with two eggs! 

Lunch also won't disappoint, with a good choice that will suit all appetites.  And for just a light snack there is a lovely choice of sweet treats from the cake counter, or delicious takeaway options too. Vegetarians and those who are gluten free have plenty to choose from.

As you walk inside you can't miss the giant coffee bean roaster. The coffee beans are from Green Bean Coffee and are roasted daily onsite ensuring fresh coffee. Also on offer are a variety of wines and Emma & Tom's juices.

Johnny & Lyle's is located on the busy High Street in Echuca. Nestled between the locals shopping precinct and the tourist strip, which means easily accessible from both sides. And if you're driving past, you can always find a park near by.

 

So, if you are travelling through Echuca and looking for a rest stop, or your a local wanting somewhere to catch up with friends (particularly with kids!!!), this is a place you must visit….I guarantee, you will be back again…and again, and again!

Where- 433 High Street, Echuca, Victoria, 3564

Open Weekdays from 6am, and weekends from 7am. Close around 3pm.

More details can be found on Johnny & Lyle's Facebook page.