If you want to get a jump on the Fragrance Fest which will kick-off on February 26, 2016, then why not check out the Fragrance Route?  

As I understand it, this year's Fragrance Fest will be slightly scaled back, but it's still an integral part of the PROE Mossel Baai Arts, Culture & Food scene.  The map below shows the locations for 2016 but is a bit hard to read.  Just click on it and you'll get the 2015 map in PDF format for download (note there are a few minor differences!).

I'll post more info as it becomes available - or keep an eye the PROE MB website.

The scenic route takes you through the rural backroads of Great Brak and Friemersheim where you can visit (by appointment prior to the Fest) the Hakuna Matata Game Farm, Kattekwaad (homegrown olives & olive-oil and olive-oil based products), Die Kraal (a multi-purpose complex whose grand opening coincides with the Feb 26th start of the Fest, where you can expect to find various locally-produced refreshments & handicrafts) and the Friemersheim Nursery.

Of course, you can drive the route, but it's even better on the bike (it's included in the various cycling routes on this website)!

Dropped by to see Dries and Elaine at Art@Long a couple of weeks ago, but was too busy to update the blog.  They have some great art and a wonderful garden (where you'll find some fantastic sculptures).  For more galleries in the village check out the Art Galleries & Exhibitions blog category. 

We decided to take a trip up the coast to Keurboomstrand on the other side of Plettenberg Bay, dropping by a few of our favourite places along the way.

First stop was Timber Lake Farm Village (where we discovered the large craft beer menu at Zucchini's), then on to Tottie's Farm Kitchen in Rheenendal for a delicious lunch in their wonderful garden (definitely worth a  visit) as a bit of a side-trip on the way to Knysna.

First stop in Knysna was to see Cheryl who has her refinished furniture at Frame by Frame on Gordon Street now (she moved from her original location next to Firefly Eating House last year) and then a quick pop into the Knysna Art Gallery which is housed in the old Knysna gaol.  We picked up a couple of ceramic birds (2 for R100) and stuck them in an old bird cage we brought back from Jakarta a couple of few years ago.  Works pretty well, I think!

From there it was onward to the Leisure Isle Art Gallery (which is co-housed with Leisure Isle Antiques) there before carrying on our way.

On the N2 about 7-8 km's before Plett, there's a fantastic little place called, "The Heath", where you'll find a cozy cafe, and a really great bespoke wood furniture & design shop called ilovani (together with Amoeba Concepts), where you'll find all sorts of cool and original items.  Definitely worth a stop if you're into original, natural design.

Then it was past Plett to the Old Nick Village where we ordered a couple of good coffees from the friendly (American) barrista.  Had a bit of a wander around there looking in the shops before moving down the road to our destination:  Keurboomstrand.

We were last there several years ago, but after hearing good things about Ristorante Enrico (check out the reviews on TripAdvisor), we decided it was worth a visit - besides, we're always up for a road trip.

We had an antipasto platter and a couple of craft beers (can you sense a theme?), as we were saving ourselves for the big event later in the evening (the antipasto was good and the service very friendly, but I have to admit my bias: La Locanda in George is still my favourite!).  Meanwhile, there were a few dozen dolphins swimming by, putting on a real show - the viewing was great right from our table (sorry, no pics - not really worth the attempt with a mobile phone).  It's definitely worth a trip to Enrico's if you're into a bit of a drive.

The big event?  Dinner at Kilzer's Kitchen back in Knysna for their weekly "Cook & Look" which are held Wednesday evenings (see reviews on TripAdvisor).  It was fun and something a bit different.  They aren't licenced, so if you go, bring your own bottle - or bottles.  Here are a few photos:

If you're interested in some great local art, be sure to check out Martnitz Steyn Art at 93 Long Street (on the left as you enter the village - roughly opposite the driving range).  If you're eagle-eyed, you'll may spot a landscape of Great Brak River (the view out the door of the gallery, in fact), as another featuring the river mouth, cave rock and the winding section of the Great Brak River popular with swimmers on the northwest side of The Island.  Otherwise, there are scenes from Nature's Valley and various still life and portraits.

The gallery opened just a couple of months ago and is run by the artist's parents who moved to Great Brak River earlier in the year (you can find the artist's website here).  It's well worth popping in before you drive, cycle or walk down the road to see the excellent art (paintings, sculptures, a garden and more) which Elaine & Dries van der Walt curate at Art@39Long.  You're likely to find Dries offering you a coffee...

For more artists in the Great Brak Village, check out the Art Galleries & Exhibitions category of this blog

Looking for things to do, then why not check out the various artists & art galleries in Great Brak River?  The following are found on the "Art Route" - just click on the image or their name for more info.

You can also find Chris Spies Art in the village - Chris has his own website - just click on the image below for details:

Besides the artists listed above, you'll find a couple of Galleries in the village as well (actually, Pink Haus, is located in this hills overlooking the village - well worth a drive or cycle to see it - but call first to make sure they are open).

See this post about an earlier quilting & fibre arts exhibition at the Pink Haus Gallery

Mark your calendar - Great Brak's annual Muse Fest is taking place next month.  It will run from Sept 24 - 28.  

According to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, this year's "festival will include exhibitions, book signings, talks, demonstrations, music and entertainment from some of the Garden Route’s most talented people - as well as a land-art installation by Strijdom van der Merwe - this year’s featured artist. 

The installation will take place on Suiderkruis Beach on the morning of 25 September, and Mr Van der Merwe hopes to involve the whole community in the project.Amongst other things, it will include an outdoor art installation at the Southern Cross beach on Sept 25th."

Check out the Muse Fest's webpage or download the program:

For more to do in the area, download Mossel Bay Tourism's 37-page "Things to Do in Mossel Bay" brochure which was updated in May, 2014 - just click on the image below or download the file at the bottom of this post.

Enjoyed the fantastic "Movie Directors" and "Free to Express" quilting exhibitions at the Pink Haus Gallery yesterday.  A perfect thing to do on a rainy day.  

Vivienne Holtzhausen's "Pink Haus Gallery" in the hills above Great Brak River is South Africa's only gallery fully dedicated to textile/fibre arts and is definitely worth a visit.  The space is amazing, as are the exhibitions, of course.

Today is the last day to see the travelling "Free to Express" exhibition before it moves on to its next destination so catch it while you can!  Check out this photo gallery of the quilts for a sneak peak.