PENNY WISE AND NOT POUND FOOLISH IN PAARL THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Posted by Wilandre Johnson on 06 December 2021 11:10 AM CAT

For all of us 2021 had its fair share of challenges, one of them being our Festive Season budget. The Visitors’ Information Center in Paarl have put together ideas for various things to help visitors remain penny wise and not pound foolish when exploring Paarl.

Affordable options that are free, under R50 or under R100, are available to make memories during this summer holiday.

Free activities in Paarl include visiting and viewing up to 15 protea species in Meulwater Wildflower Garden on Paarl Mountain, taking a stroll through the Arboretum situated on the banks of the Berg River or taking a scenic drive up Du Toitskloof Pass.  Experience Freedom Weekend Market, a lifestyle market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays or embark on a self-guided historical walk which is available as a free downloadable Voicemap tour. The tour is called: Paarl Heritage Tour: A story of wine and pearls. It teaches your more about the town’s rich history, interesting facts and enables visitors to view our well-preserved historic buildings by foot. 

A selfie at the Nelson Mandela Statue will not cost a cent and will leave you with a special memory of the spot where this legendary man took his first steps to freedom. Celebrating your birthday during the festive season? Then receive free access to the Taalmonument on presentation of your South African ID! Take a trip down memory lane to a world of yesteryear at Toeka Store at Domaine Brahms with their unique collection of memorabilia and since when does browsing and ‘shopping with the eyes’ have to cost a cent? Lovely spots to do this is The Trading Company at Spice Route, Brenda’s Preserves, Linen Drawer, and Frater Square.

For R50 or less visitors can taste six wines and a selection of cheese at Fairview Wine and Cheese. Take your own picnic basket and enjoy the views at Afrikaans Language Monument. Entry for adults are R40. Enjoy a guided Biblical Garden Tour at Salem Biblical Garden for R40 per person, 13 yrs and younger are free.

Hike in the Limietberg Nature Reserve (Daily Access Pass for adults R50 and kids R30) or join a daily Garden Tour at Babylonstoren (the Garden Tour is free, but an entry fee of R20 for adults and R10 per child is charged at the entrance gate and R10 for all on week days). 

The tranquil dam at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures is stocked with bass and tilapia. Cast a line from one of several jetties or take a jaunt in their rowboat. Fishing is R46 for three hours and rowboat rental R55 per person. Stand up Paddling (SUP) is also allowed.  

Visit Paarl Rock and Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. Only R30 per person allows you to experience one of the most impressive granite boulders in the world and the nature reserve that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom for some walking, hiking and trail running. A Las Paletas ice lolly or milkshake will be no more than R50 when you visit Rhebokskloof Wine Estate with its sprawling lawns and lovely play area for children.

R100 on weekends and R80 on weekdays will get visitors a day pass from Paarl Adventure Trails at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Spice Route.

Under Oaks standard tasting for five wines of your choice is R75 per person, while at Mellasat Vineyards a wine tasting can enjoyed at R50 per person.

Family friendly outings include exploring Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio. Entry fee is R20 per person, to feed the alpacas costs R20 per serving and an educational barn tour costs R100 per adult and R70 for kids.

For no more than R100 you can sip away at a cocktail on Grande Roche Restaurant’s verandah experiencing Cape Winelands’ splendour at its best or taste a selection of five beers that will quench any summer thirst at Karoo Craft Breweries Taproom! They also have small cheese platters, biltong and droëwors available.

We are looking forward to welcome you in the pearl of the Winelands with our offerings that is affordable for any budget! For more details follow us on social media or visit www.paarl-wellington.co.za.