Just by chance Saturday, 7 September will provide a great opportunity to visit the Upper Hunter and enjoy a cross-over of events happening on the same day - and within just 30 minutes of each other. But all that fun is bound to make you hungry - and thirsty, right? That's where we come in!
Here's our guide to making the most of Saturday, 7 September in the Upper Hunter and where to get some great food and drinks along the way...
First up, we think you should take a drive to Denman. The drive will provide 90 minutes of really pretty countryside and you can't help but breathe out, as you travel past rural vistas polka dotted with cows, horses and farms.
When you reach Denman, head straight to the Lions Park on Ogilvie Street where the monthly Farmer's & Artisan's Markets are on from 8am to 12pm.
The market is made up of local farm produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, oils and olives, meat, cheese and dairy, seafood, preserves, cakes and pre-packaged foods and wine. There are also lots of locally grown plants, seeds and seedlings, as well as locally grown cut flowers. In addition to food and plants, there is also local art and craft for sale, with the maker/producer at the stall for a chat.
Stocking up on all that fresh produce will definitely make you hungry and probably a bit thirsty, and the best thing is, the markets close up just in time for lunch.
That means it's time to head over to Denman Hotel for a bite to eat and a drink, non alcoholic for the driver of course!
Denman Hotel is a terrific pub with a fantastic restaurant that includes a great menu selection, and the draw-card really is its outdoor dining deck complete with fire pits and heaters to keep things warm this time of year...
Denman Hotel is a terrific pub with a fantastic restaurant that includes a great menu selection, and the draw-card really is its outdoor dining deck complete with fire pits and heaters to keep things warm this time of year. In addition to delicious food and great atmosphere, Denman Hotel is a community-focused hotel that supports a number of local sporting teams and is super family-friendly. It has cold beer, local wine and some great live music and accommodation if you wanted to head up on Friday night.
Once you're tummy is full, the next stop is an 11-minute drive to Sandy Hollow Tourist Hotel, which is hosting the annual Sandy Hollow Charity MotorFest.
You've already enjoyed the peace and serenity of a country drive, you've casually perused the farmer's market, and now it's time to drastically change gears...
Now, this is where the day really opens up and proves we are including something for everyone. You've already enjoyed the peace and serenity of a country drive, you've casually perused the farmer's market, and now it's time to drastically change gears.
If you have a passion for classic cars or bikes, this is the place for you. There will be row upon row of classic and restored cars, bikes, swap meet, trade stalls, and activities for the kids. And what would a MotorFest be without lawn-mower races?
All proceeds from the event go to supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. It starts at 9am and runs all day with live music in the afternoon.
So now that you've been to the markets, had lunch, admired some classic cars, and shouted encouragement to your favourite lawn mower race contestant, it might be time to relax, right?
A short, 25 minute drive to Muswellbrook will give you a list of incredible places to sit back, chill out and relax before heading home.
Depending on what you're in the mood for, we recommend paying a visit to one, or all three, of these fantastic country pubs...
Eatons Hotel Muswellbrook
188 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook | (02) 6543 2403 | eatonshotel.com
This heritage listed hotel, originally built in 1839 has undergone an incredible transformation and while it's rich history is still visible on the outside, inside you'll find a beautifully renovated interior design with a focus on family...
This heritage listed hotel, originally built in 1839 has undergone an incredible transformation and while it's rich history is still visible on the outside, inside you'll find a beautifully renovated interior design with a focus on family.
Eaton's offers great food seven days per week for lunch and dinner, and at the bar you'll find 13 beers and cider on tap, plus a great selection of wines and cocktails. There are two pool tables, a jukebox, VIP lounge, huge flat-screen, and kids indoor play area. The hotel also offers free wi-fi and a pet-friendly beer garden.
Railway Hotel, Muswellbrook
12-14 Market Street, Muswellbrook | (02) 6543 1061 | Railway Hotel - Facebook |
Hotelier Greg Smith was clear in his vision for the Railway Hotel - to make it an Upper Hunter landmark and he recently invested more than $350,000 to do just that...
Hotelier Greg Smith was clear in his vision for the Railway Hotel - to make it an Upper Hunter landmark and he recently invested more than $350,000 to do just that.
The three-year project was aimed at creating a unique feel for the pub, and he has accomplished that by giving the hotel a vibe somewhere between Antique Agricultural and Mad Max.
Famous pub dog Henry, known for leaping up to sit on a wine barrel, is even a blue cattle which only adds to the eclectic Mad Max feel - think Silverton's Mad Max Museum and Silverton Hotel if you've ever been there.
The hotel's interior walls are lined with memorabilia and items of interest, and in the beer garden you'll find a two-stand shearing shed, train carriage and shearer's quarters. There are pieces of antique farming equipment, fire pit and the hotel even holds charity sheep shearing contests, just in case it wasn't already one of the most unique pubs in Muswellbrook.
The Muswellbrook Hotel, Muswellbrook
46 Market Street, Muswellbrook | (02) 6543 1045 | The Muswellbrook Hotel - Facebook |
Just down the road is The Muswellbrook Hotel and it has to be one of the friendliest pubs in the area...
Just down the road is Muswellbrook Hotel and it has to be one of the friendliest pubs in the area.The locals are welcoming and ready for a joke and laugh, even when they don't know you at all.
The hotel has a terrific outdoor area with rustic fire place, TVs and live music. Indoors, the hotel has a great kitchen that is currently serving up some fantastic winter tummy warmers like chicken and prawn laksa and chicken and vegetable soup.
The hotel is community-focused and sponsors local organisations as well as holding fundraisers and comedy nights to support those in need.
So there you have it, a great day out unwinding, relaxing and having a heap of fun, just 90 minutes from Newcastle....