St Francis as an area is comprised of St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay. Although these are all very different little towns the area in which they are situated is one of the best kept secrets of the Eastern Cape. Not many have travelled here but those that have leave a piece of themselves and return time and time again to experience the beauty, tranquillity, the amazing locals and everything that this little tourist destination has to offer. Situated 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth and 1 hour from Tsitsikamma makes this an ideal start or end to any holiday.
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Having such small communities one would think that not too much happens here but these little towns are booming with activities. More and more people are moving to the area to get away from the hustle and bustle and traffic of big cities bringing with them new and fresh ideas creating a mecca of diverse people and cultures, restaurants, crafts and activities which are on offer to visitors and enjoyed by locals.
We pride ourselves on our safe environment, and on the fact that there are so many things to do and see for families.
Best St Francis breakfasts
It''s not often that I get out to have breakfast and generally restaurants serve the usual “Eggs n Bacon” thing and might throw in a tomato and some mushrooms (which is really not my thing) or fruit & muesli cups...but use syrup instead of honey – How healthy is that now??
We have this fantastic little place that has completely reinvented itself after a new woman took over! The food is absolutely sublime! This is our weekly Monday eatery. Situated on the main road of St Francis Bay is Rambling Rose. Only open for breakfast and lunch – Michelle the owner makes everything there.
We popped in for breakfast there the other day – and to my absolute joy there was a selection of yummy different things – crumpets, French toast, croissants etc...scrambled egg, salmon and avo on toast. We opted to have toasted rye bread with the avo, smoked salmon and topped with a soft poached egg. I was in heaven for hours after that. Value for money and you honestly taste the freshness. They support local as much as possible. The setting is quite arty and they have big jungle gyms for the children to play and boxes of toys etc. The service is always good and it''s just a very intimate friendly little place – that is always packed.
Best date night in St Francis
Dune Ridge Country House has tried something different and that is their ‘Date Nights’. There is generally a different themed evening but one that everyone LOVED and has come back asking for more is when couples arrive they are greeted with a smile and a chilled glass of local bubbly. You are then led to the patio that has been lit up with lanterns and little candles where you enjoy a half hour couples foot soak and foot massage. Dinner either in the dining room or in front of the fire depending on how many people there are follows.
Dinner out in St Francis
It would be so difficult to try and decide who serves the best of something as all the restaurants in town are all so different. Claudia from The Trattoria San Francesco serves the BEST pizzas according to many of her out of town patrons. I can definitely vouch for this! The toppings are plentiful, thin base that is lovely and crispy..and there is just something about the way they taste. Chokka Block at The Port has a really good sea-view and harbour view – SERIOUS value for money and their fresh Grilled Hake with Salad is amazing.
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Shopping in St Francis
When coming to the greater St Francis area one must not expect to find large malls and chain stores...we have boutiques. Beautiful hand selected items from all over. For stunning outfits and clothes that no one else will have completely individual designs there is Toffee. Bernice the owner has such an eye for style and fashion that everyone that walks into her shop will find something that they like. Then there is Veranda – My absolute favourite shop. Mrs Lethbridge really has such class and a refined taste for beautiful items and clothing pieces. This shop has household things as well as a shoe department and clothing section. Also, all hand picked and imported. The furniture consists of pieces by well known designers, cutlery by Carol Boyes and fragrances from Charlotte Rhys..just to give an indication of what is on offer here. For the more arty we have Blue Earth Studio and Coffee Shop. Jane is a true artist and is so creative in everything that she makes. Crafters can display their goods and sell them in her shop – things range from key rings, to mosaic mannequins to printing on canvas’s...definitely a must see shop.
Best coffee in St Francis
I would say that the best coffee in St Francis would have to go to Farol. Not only because the coffee is good...but because of Jo Brown. Jo and her family relocated to South Africa from Manchester. She used to be a radio DJ back there in the day so you can only image her personality and how much she can talk. Coffee is either regular, or you can have an upsized Mug...not a mug as in 375ml mug...I''m talking a MUG!!! A proper start to the day with a whopping almost 400ml mug. Together with the coffee, the-delicious-melt-in-your-
Sundowners & sushi in St Francis
Christy’s Catch serves the best Sushi. They have a dedicated team of Chinese/ Japanese staff. The sushi is always perfectly rolled and just tastes so much more superior than any where else I have had sushi.
Sundowners – there are so many things you could do or go to. A new place has opened up at the Port called “On the Harbour” they have the best seaviews in town. The couple is youngish and very vibey. Sundowners there are really nice when you want to feel like you at the sea. One of our favourites is to pack a basket with a whole lot of deli goodies from the local deli place (St Francis Deli), some wine or bubbly and we take a drive to Cape St Francis to Sunset Rock. It is the highest rock on the Wild Side of the bay. We all sit there and admire the sunset over the bay, catching up with one another and just enjoy where we live.
Best St Francis Market
Every last Sat of the month we have a big Farmers Market in the middle of St Francis Bay. People bring all sorts of fresh organic produce to sell. From cupcakes, to wild protea bunches, artisan breads, raw fynbos honey...the list is endless. Having this market really has brought the town together and its so nice to see who has different interests from what they do on a daily basis. Just up the road but worth a mention is the Hanky Farmers Market. This is just fresh produce market...and as this is a booming vegetable area you can buy the freshest of everything. Straight from the land to your fridge!
No crowds to escape from here!
An escape from the crowds would be just to come to this area. It''s a laid back culture we have here..but that aside...a drive through to Oyster Bay really does wonders for the soul. Its an untouched beauty that really takes your breath away. You can sit on the perfect beach with white, white sand and the hours just seem to pass.
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my must do''s in St Francis
A must do activity would be...to take a walk along the Wild Side of Cape St Francis. There are also quite a few geocaches in the area. I would suggest registering and doing a family outing or even as a couple. The caches are hidden in some of the most breathtaking spots in the area. It takes you to places you wouldn’t normally know about or hear about seeing. Highly recommended!
Otherwise if people are not interested in doing that – I would definitely recommend visiting Nomvula’s Knitters in Sea Vista. Its a little knitting shop that has been started by a woman in town to create jobs as well as community upliftment. The project has grown to such an extent that they have a mini factory and these garments are so sought after they are exported to the US, Uk and even sold to some top boutiques in Cape Town and Joburg. It''s not a sad sop story that these people tell. It''s a happy story. When you walk into the factory you feel the incredible energy from the knitters..and not only women. They happy to share how it started and where they are and so proud of where they have come. The humblest people you will ever meet!! They have a little factory shop as well where you can view and buy what they make..and it genuinely is phenomenal items.
Top Family Friendly Activity
I think that would be to visit the lighthouse and the Penguin Rehabilitation centre. It is owned by SANCCOB. Children love seeing the penguins and gannets being fed. Feeding times are at 8am and 3pm. The Heritage Centre in St Francis Bay has fantastic workshops on the weekends for the children. Families take their children down there on a Saturday morning, and children are educated on the rock pools and what is in the rock pools, the local environment etc.
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There really is so much I could add here but I''m sure even this is too long ...there really is soooo much to do and see and little things this town offers!
(All images: Hettie Meyer. All rights reserved.)
Stay at Dune Ridge
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An exclusive family-owned retreat in picturesque St Francis Bay, Dune Ridge is set on a 600-hectare conservancy surrounded by beautiful indigenous birdfilled gardens, Dune Ridge offers a private and tranquil stay, warm hospitality, good food and excellent service.
Be pampered in the Bush Spa with indigenous oils and African inspired treatments.
Enjoy birdwatching, guided dune walks and evening Frogging Safaris. Minutes from beaches, shops and restaurants and bordering the St Francis Links Golf Course.