10 things to do in (and around) Orange the weekend of Feb 16/17

10 fun, summery things to do in (and around Orange) this weekend

Hello hello! Guess what; the weekend of 15-17 February is a big one here in Orange.

Not only is it the date of our (sold out) 2019 My Open Kitchen Mini Gathering with Tessa Kiros, Emiko Davies and Luisa Brimble, it’s also the kick off for the 2019 Banjo Patterson Festival and LOTS more.

Here are 10 things you might like to do here in our hood this weekend, and if you are coming to our gathering, this might be a useful guide to flick to any partners/family’s coming along for the ride. Lots for them to do while we do our thing. 

I’m sure I’ve missed something though, if you know of good events, places to go or things to do in our area this week or month for that matter, please comment below and I’ll add to the list! 

Thank you, Sophie x 

1. Pick some fruit! February is peak fruit season here in Orange. So get yourself to one of our local orchards to grab a box or two of good things and head home for a preserving session. Norland Fig Orchard, Thornbrook Orchard and Hillside Harvest all welcome visitors.
   
2. Ladies in Black is showing at the iconic Amusu Theatre in Manildra. I know it’s a bit of a drive (40 mins from Orange) but it’s so worth it. The Amusu was opened in 1936, is beautifully preserved and Australia’s oldest operational movie theatre – it’s a total gem. Plus, Ladies in Black is a gorgeous film. Cute night out. I took my Alice to see it and we both loved it. Stay for supper afterwards in the ‘Hollywood Room’. 6.45pm, call 0418 452 902 to book.
3. Have breakfast with Banjo; learn a bit of history, hear some poetry and share breakfast under an old oak tree. Banjo Patterson Park, Ophir Road Orange, 7.30-9.30am, $5 call to book 6361 1920. More dets in the full Banjo Patterson Festival program.
4. Hit the Blayney Farmers Markets and stock up on local, seasonal produce. Carrington Park Blayney, Saturday morning 8.30am.
5. Pick up some new cooking skilz! Take a damper making class, taste and stock up on excellent local cider at Small Acres Cyder, 16th Feb, 10-12 and then 12.30-2.30pm $15pp or $45 for a family of 4. Bookings essential. Or do a curry masterclass at Ross Hill Winery’s custom built cooking school, 11-2pm bookings essential.
6. Get arty. If you missed the Archibald Prize exhibition in Sydney, it’s now on in Orange! From February 9-10 April, at the Orange Regional Gallery. Local artist Freya Blackwood’s illustrations have brought to life some of the most beautiful children’s books of all time and a selection of these are currently on show at the Peisley St Gallery. The Corner Store Gallery is another great spot to visit, check out their Yan, Tan, Tethara exhibition on till 24 Feb.
7. Visit the excellent Paddock to Plate exhibition at the Orange Regional Museum 9-5pm. It gives an interactive and interesting background to the Orange food history and community. Then pop next door for a coffee, breakfast or lunch at the Groundstone Cafe.
8. Hit the cellar doors. Orange has so many fabulous cellar doors to visit, all of them quite different, very friendly and home to many fabulous drops. Fill your boot with good plonk before heading home! Check out this map/guide to all of them. 
9. Cool down in the gorgeous greenery of Cook Park. Right in the middle of town, this little oasis is a lovely spot to take a picnic, book, friend, bunch of kids etc. Don’t miss a visit to the Cook Park Guildry, a little shop in the park selling hand crafts (woollen jumpers, beanies, baby things, woodwork and more) and jams, biscuits and slices (their caramel slice is legendary).
10. Eat, drink, shop and be merry! We are so spoilt here in Orange. Here below are a few favourite shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Coffee and breakfast – My faves are  Good Eddy, the Groundstone, The Agrestic Grocer, Bills Beans East Orange or Byng St Local Store,

Something stronger – Ferment wine bar and Percy’s Wine bar are both great.

Dinner – Lolli Redini (fine dining), Zona (more relaxed – great for just drinks too, nice garden to sit in), The Canobolas and Parkview (both offer great pub food), Mr Lim (fabulous Korean food) and Fiorinis (Italian restaurant just a little bit out of town, very atmospheric, welcoming and delicious).

Shopping – The Sonic  (coffee,clothes,homewares and books), Hawkes General Store (coffee, homewares, clothing), Kendal (lovely women’s clothing) The White Place (homewares, clothing), Hillside Harvest (fresh local produce and coffee), the Agrestic Grocer (fresh local produce plus a great cafe).