Route 62 is one of the most stunning drives in the Western Cape, probably in the whole of South Africa actually, and one of my favorites. It leads to some of the most picturesque towns & villages in the province, like Montagu, a 2 hour journey from Cape Town, known as the gateway to the Klein Karoo. I was there recently to co-adjudicate the dance section of the annual youth arts festival with Ms Fiona du Plooy.
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The dramatic entrance to the town is via that famous ''gat innie berg'' or hole in the mountain that was blasted into existence in 1899 by one Thomas Bain, to clear a passage through the rock face.
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Surrounded by the impressive low lying Langeberg mountains that are currently blanketed in snow, Montagu is overflowing with amazingness. Stroll down Long Street where there are no fewer than 14 national monuments; take beautiful walks, go quad- biking, or enjoy wonderful restaurants like Ye Olde Tavern, the Burgundy Gherkin, the Rambling Rose and Die Boord. Browse in fabulous gift shops like those at Church Corner (I picked up exquisite crystal wine glasses at the antique store & a wool coat at the Diva Dressing Room second hand outlet), or forget all that retail therapy & head for the soothing hot mineral springs to de-stress.
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There are more than 50 wine cellars in the Montagu area - they say Route 62 has the longest wine route on the Planet. Montagu-produced ''takeaways'', other than the nectar of the gods, include olives & olive oil, dried fruit & nuts, honey, home made rusks, rose geranium products & preserves.
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Other than its scenic beauty & must-have wares, what impressed me was the friendliness, hospitality and amazing service I experienced (almost) everywhere I went, be it the Montagu Country Hotel, the local Shoprite, or waiters at the restaurants I mentioned earlier. Take, for example, my experience at Niël se Huiswinkel...walking past I spied a table in the winter sun & thinking I could, I asked for tea. Proprietor Niël Ackermann didn''t bat an eyelid, but warmly obliged & as it turned out his store is a DIY enterprise, not a coffee shop, not even close; Niël was just being friendly, in the Montagu way...too fabulous & another reason I love the town.
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Montagu luxury accommodation
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7 Church Street is a 4 Star guest house set in stunning gardens in the heart of Montagu on R62 in the Western Cape and framed by majestic mountains, with tranquil water features, exotic ducks and abundant birdlife. Dial Cottage is a Cape Dutch style residence with lovely views and spacious garden rooms. A separate Garden Suite is upstairs with large lounge and sundeck and the original Honeymoon Room has private entrance.
About the blogger
Known as ''Diva'' because of her former life as a ballerina in Cape Town, Johannesburg and New York, Allison left the world of tutus and tiaras to become a PR, predominantly specialising in the theatre industry and also representing the Harbour House Group of restaurants (www.harbourhouse.co.za).
She is in love with the city of Cape Town and her passions include travel - locally and abroad - photography, superb food, top design and exquisite ballet. She contributes travel stories to the Sunday Independent in South Africa, Weekend Argus Travel, iAfrica.com and Cape Town Travel (Tourism). She blogs about ''amazingness'' wherever she finds it.
- Check out her blog www.capetowndiva.blogspot.com /
- Find her - @AllisonFoat on Twitter and Instagram