10 things to do in the Southern Highlands this weekend

If you’re keen for a picturesque day trip from Canberra or Sydney this weekend, the Southern Highlands is just a two-hour drive away. To save you the hassle of planning an itinerary, I’ve put together a local’s list of activities you can’t miss when you visit!

1.     Get your Mother’s Day gifts sorted at the Garden Gate Studio Mother’s Day Stall 

This is the first time the studio has been opened in May – it only usually happens once a year in November, so be sure to make the trip if you’re looking for a unique present (for mum or yourself). You’ll be able to find original art, hand made jewellery, framed and unframed prints, cards and more.

2.     Baked in Berrima

For all the Italian foodies out there, these are some of the best baked goods you can get your hands on. Handmade on site by Massimo and Diego, you’ll find traditional Italian treats including light and flaky sfogliatelle, and the biggest and best arancini you’ve ever tasted – but get in early because they sell out!

3.     Sutton Forest Estate Wines

Family owned and operated, the gorgeous cellar door and café is open Friday – Sunday 10am-5pm and serves up some fantastic antipasto platters to complement the beautiful wine and picturesque surrounds.

4.     Hunter & Gatherer Collections

Just as the name suggests, the store contains a carefully curated collection of unique and beautiful homewares from around the world that you just wouldn’t see anywhere else. Plus – on Sunday from 3:00pm they’ll be launching their new room spray by Byrne & Love with drinks and nibbles (who doesn’t get excited by that)!

5.     Coffee at Il Pranzo

One of the Highlands’ treasures, Il Pranzo is the heart of the Moss Vale village. Perfect to stop in for a coffee and a chat, these local legends will make you feel at home. Editor’s note: try the buttermilk pancakes with home made honeycomb butter and thank us later.

6.     Flowers on Argyle

If you’ve been following for a while now, you’ll know I am the president of the Flowers on Argyle fan club. Cindy and her gorgeous team are so talented and welcoming and the beautiful shop is stocked with incredible blooms each day. It’s worth a visit just to see (and smell) the shelves upon shelves of colourful flowers, plants and trinkets alone – and to say hi to their little birds.

7.     City+Sticks

Located in Springett’s Arcade in Bowral, City+Sticks is a lovely shop full of locally made produce, art and handicraft. Stocking everything from biscuit mixes to ceramics and clothes, the store is a treasure trove!

8.     Exeter General Store

A personal fav place to stop for lunch, the Exeter General Store serves up delicious food, and local produce.

9.     CWA market

If you happen to be around a bit earlier than the weekend, and want a taste of cute #VillageLife, the Moss Vale Evening CWA is holding a street stall next to the Moss Vale Post Office this Thursday 29 April from 8:30am. They’ll be selling home baked slices, cakes, bikkies, chutneys, jams, craft, crochet items and second hand books.

10.  Berkelouw’s Book Barn Bookshop and Café

Speaking of books – you can’t go past the Book Barn Bookshop and Cafe, set in the gorgeous countryside. It’s the perfect spot for afternoon tea, while scanning the shelves for a good read.