10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Clarens
Posted on June 27 2019
I had barely heard of Clarens in the Free State Province of South Africa, let alone been there until a few weeks ago. Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State”, it was established in 1912 and named after the town of Clarens in Switzerland, and it’s well worth a visit! Which is why I thought it would be perfect to share 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Clarens…
An enchanting little town, quite quaint, and very artsy I believe we remarked (obviously taken in by the European, cozy feel of the place!), as we drove away after a few hours spent there – enjoying a delicious lunch, a hot beverage and a stroll.
We stopped in on our way to Lesotho where we spent a few nights at Afriski. Check out my posts: 16 Reasons To Visit Afriski Lesotho Part 1 and 16 Reasons To Visit Afriski Lesotho Part 2! (Coming soon!)
You will also love 8 Memorable Activities To Enjoy In Cape Town, Day Trip To Cape Point And Cape Of Good Hope, Blueberry Cafe Midlands Meander, Misty Midlands Meander Weekend and Inverness Farm Cottages And Midlands Wedding.
Let’s check out my favourite 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Clarens:
#1 THE RESTAURANTS
As soon as we drove into this sweet little town, I was taken aback at the sheer number of restaurants and coffee shops that line the streets! They’re never ending! So expect to eat from the time you arrive to the time you leave. Which, is not all bad if you ask me.
We had lunch at the charming Artist’s Cafe which you can’t miss because it has a huge windmill outside with lots of outdoor and indoor seating. We opted to sit inside as the chill was getting to us, and we found a table right by the window in the sun. Warm and toasty!
They have a large menu with a good selection of family friendly food and vegetarian and vegan options.
#2 GOLDEN GATE PARK
Golden Gate National Park is famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds, streams, rock pools and waterfalls.
You can hike a variety of trails, from as little as 1 hour, to 2 days for the more experienced hiker.
Also – get to experience the Basotho way of life dating back to the 16th Century by tasting traditional cuisine and learning about the traditional equipment and weapons at the Basotho Cultural Village. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to medicines that were (and still are) used by the African Traditional Healers.
#3 THE CASTLE
If you’re staying over, consider treating yourself to a night or two of royal opulence by booking Rapunzel’s Tower. It sleeps up to 4 people and you can choose to self-cater, or opt to be served breakfast and dinner.
This is what their website has to say: Your eyes can feast on the décor and object de art that was carefully handpicked from all over the world to tantalise the senses. Enjoy a truly fantasy experience, only fit for royalty; no detail was spared. Rapunzel’s Tower will introduce you to the world of royalty, fantasy and luxury.
Sounds like quite the experience to me! Check out their website here: Castle In Clarens
#4 CLARENS BREWERY
If you’re a fan of locally brewed craft beer and good ol’ fashioned hearty pub snacks, platters and meals then you’re going to want o pay Clarens Brewery a visit!
#5 THE ART GALLERIES
Running at a close second to the copious restaurants are the Art Galleries! They’re everywhere you look! And there is even an Art And Wine Gallery that showcases beautiful art from experienced to up and coming artists with a great collection of the best South African wines at really affordable prices for you to sample while you’re there, and buy to take home.
Definitely a must for those who are interested in browsing, and for serious art collectors keen on purchasing beautiful pieces.
#6 THE SHOPPING
From a factory shop offering reduced pricing on clothing and a cosmetics and fragrance factory shop to gift shops offering jewellery, scarves, candles and more…You can get your shopping on in Clarens for sure!
#7 THE HOUSE OF WOVEN ART
Offering beautiful woven rugs in every colour combination your heart could desire! I loved the warm tones which gave me a very Moroccan feel.
#8 THE CRISP WEATHER
For us, living in Durban (where our winters are quite mild for the most part), it makes a fun change to experience some really chilly weather at least once every winter.
Even in summertime, I’m told a crisp, cool breeze whisks through Clarens, so be prepared and take some warm clothes with you. We were there just recently in mid June, which is right in the middle of winter and the weather was surprisingly warm. This isn’t common though so if you go to Clarens in winter, pack some real winter woolies, you will likely need them.
#9 THE CLARENS BAKERY
Now, I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to try any of their beautiful baked goods. But just by looking I could tell they have some yummy treats to share with you! Check them out for sure, I know I will the next time we’re there.
#10 A GREAT STOP-OVER
If you’re heading to or from Lesotho then Clarens is situated in the ideal spot time-wise to stop off and have a bite to eat along the way. Or, if you have the time, why not stay a night, or two? Sounds good to me!
Check out my post on our Drive Down Sani Pass + Mountain Lodge Breakfast if you’re considering taking Sani Pass to see why it’s not always the best plan.
