You don’t get more genuinely homespun than the soft beanies and booties knitted by Marti Lucas. First her husband shears their sheep, then she spins and dyes the wool to produce her own raw material.
Woolen and Woven, Marti’s shop at Old Nick Village, is a cosy spot among the cluster of 19th century stone cottages that have been converted into Plettenberg Bay’s antidote to the dull conformity of chainstore shopping.
This historic village complex beside the N2 provides an eclectic showcase for the best in local design – even the kids’ jungle gym in the lush indigenous garden is more sculptural than utilitarian. Exploring the winding, cobbled paths, there’s a surprise around each corner as quaint shops spill their handmade wares onto packed displays. Watch potters playing with clay and coming up with innovative designs. Intricate jewellery and shiny pewterware catch the eye, chunky garden pots and large paintings make bold statements and trendy fashions in floaty fabrics tempt credit cards from wallets.
The smell of freshly baked bread will lure you into São Goncalo’s Kitchen and Bakery. The owners are of Portuguese descent, so it was quite appropriate to name their restaurant after the Portuguese ship wrecked in the nearby bay in 1630. Their seafood and steaks have a distinctive taste of Portugal and you can also stock up with delicious custard-filled pastries to take home. This is a stop that provides food for the soul, as well as the belly.
Hot tip:
Visit the weaving museum and see the old Bradshaw power looms in action; they were the forerunners of the South African textile industry.
Contact details for Old Nick Village
www.oldnickvillage.co.za
São Goncalo’s, tel 044-533-6016.
GPS: S34° 02’ 04”, E23° 22’ 20”
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