#Discover Mcgregor: Part II
Despite all of the night before’s festivities, I was up bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to enjoy one of my other favourite pastimes….shopping!
At the local McGregor Morning Market, where else?
From home-made preserves, cookies, crocheted goodies, crystals, doggie sitter to the most good-enough-to-eat smelling organic soaps. I just had to buy some; coffee and chocolate & vanilla.
We were also lucky enough to catch the children’s parade down main street complete with marching band in celebration of McGregor Waldorf School’s 21st birthday!
After all the morning’s excitement we made our way to
where we savoured a scrumptious continental breakfast while chatting to owners Martyn and Jennifer Johnson.
This family run guesthouse was established after the couple moved back to SA from the UK they decided McGregor was where they would lay their hat.
“Le Bonheur” means “Happiness” in French and this small guest-house has been designed with the happiness of the ‘short-stay’ visitor in mind.
Stunning all white clean open plan kitchen and dining room area, leads into a lounge. I loved the unique calabash light fixtures…….definitely another one for the registry list!
This guest house offers 2 suites, both en suite with bed and breakfast option overlooking a fantastic little garden where you can literally even have breakfast in bed!
We were then whisked away by an entirely wooden car, the Noddy Bus, for our local tour of the town of McGregor.
The friendly locals waved ‘hello’ as we rolled by dropping us at our next destination the enchanting, spiritual space that is the Temenos Gardens.
Temenos Gardens and Retreat
Founded by Michael and Billy, as a haven for the soul searchers these tranquil gardens serve as a peaceful place for some inner reflection and healing. Here you can destress with various types of therapies from Thai Massage, Reflexology to Jin Shin Jyutsu.
Angels and Buddha watch over the garden along with Shakti, Elohim and Jesus all meet at the convergence of the mystical ley lines (lines that are drawn to connect ancient sites and contain immense energy) of Mcgregor.
They say the village lies on one of the sacred sites of Southern Africa. There are no outsiders here, we are all one. Namaste!
The beautiful garden cottages, a meditation room, stunning blue glass prayer room, a chapel, a private pool, library and intimate restaurant, all things boho dreams are made of.
Temore – Inner Temple of The Heart
If your soul battery in in desperate need of recharging, look no further. Drag your weary self to Temenos Retreat for some much needed R&R, you will find it here!
Once rejuvenated by our serene surrounding my batteries were fully charged for some more SHOPPING at the local downtown McGregor Mall
Situated just off main road with a lovely hidden little garden. This quaint deli specialises in home cooked meals, and also stocks a wide range of cold meat, breads, cheeses, jams, pickles, sauces, and imported chocolates.
This stunning little store has a wonderful selection of clothing, jewellery and eco friendly bath products. Not too mention the beautiful scented candles! Great place to pic up some non-alcoholic souvenirs to take home with you or for gifts.
Here you will find beautiful African Crafts.Precious trinkets, clothing and the most beautiful coloured wire baskets I’ve seen anywhere. All homegrown and locally produced.
Bemind (meaning Beloved in Afrikaans) 
Former Lords winemaker Ilse Schutte just set up shop on mainstreet and we were fortunate enough to be amongst the first to taste her MCC Brut bubbly with no sugar added and her shiraz wine, which left a bit of a sweet liquorice aftertaste.
Next up was all things olive at Villagers
Owner Annaline van der Colff and her hubby set out 25 years ago from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg to Cape Town when they stumbled McGregor and instantly fell in love. They bought Rhebokskraal Olive Estate and the rest as they say is history.
We tasted several varieties of olive, olive paté, olive soup and olive quiche. Although olive creams, lotions and elixirs were also on sale.
From mother, olive farmer, restauranteur to songstress Annalien’s many talents are undoubted.
Then taking the Road to Nowhere (I kid you not, this is actually the name of the road in McGregor) we were off to Lord’s Wines, for you guessed it , some more vino tasting!
Lord’s Wines was named after the Lords Cricket club in the UK because of the owner Jacie Oosthuizen’s devotion to the game of cricket and its home – Lord’s Home of Cricket – in North West London.
In 2006 was this wine estate’s first harvest and in 2007 their first Pinot Noir Wine won Gold Michelangelo Awards.
Well known for it’s Pinot Noir due to the favourable cool climate at 500m above sea level, the vineyards are the highest in Robertson Valley.
Besides the delicious, smorgasbord of snacks that was prepared for us, what I really enjoyed here was being able to sip straight from the barrel. Sadly, it’s not nearly as tasty as the matured bottled version, but boy was it fun.
I bought a bottle of chardonnay to take home with me, but when that’s done I can always buy another from our local Fruit & Veg stores in Cape Town or order online from Lord’s Wines.
After much winery, we headed off for a cultural viewing at Wahnfried the local arts and culture centre.
Aptly named after the home of the great Wagner himself.
The Moroccan Inspired house, complete with cherubs guarding the entrance and pig skin lanterns, houses an 1873 Beckstein Grand Piano and hi definition cinema with surround sound.
This unbelievably huge 1 bedroom double storey mansion, now run by Michael and Freddie showcases films for locals every Sunday as well as live performances and recitals on occasion. Now that we were all culturally enriched it was time to check into our accommodation and tuck into dinner.
Family run and owned restaurant, so warm, cosy and welcoming. One of the few bars in SA that still runs on the honour system. Just take what you want and make sure you write it down, so you can be charged for it later….love it! No wonder the locals love it here! Simple fare, good company and ornate luxurious vintage decor seems to be a winning combo at this little gem.
After a very satisfying dinner, it was off to bed to bed I said…..
#wishyouwerehere
…….To Be Continued…
