Walk around Lake Daylesford. Visit the Botanical Gardens. Drive out to Trentham Falls.

Visit the numerous gift shops & galleries on Vincent Street.

Check out the latest exhibition at the Convent Gallery.

Grab a coffee at St. Mel’s, Breakfast & Beer, the Glenlyon General Store, Chaplin’s in Trentham, or the Good Food Store.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at The Argus, Lake House, Kazuki’s, or The Perfect Drop.

Have a pint in the courtyard at Jimmy’s Bar or glass of wine in the garden at Peppers Mineral Springs.

Stop in to Darmagi for Happy Hour (4-6pm) and some $1 oysters.

Find some funky gifts at Portal 108 in Hepburn Springs.

Indulge at the Hepburn Bathhouse.

Try the lavender scones at Lavandula.

Sample some award winning wines at Passing Clouds Winery in Musk.

Catch some great live music at the Old Hepburn Hotel.

The sister towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are rich in art, culture, food, wine, and spa & wellness treatments.

Escape into nature. Walk around beautiful Lake Daylesford or Lake Jubilee, explore the majestic Botanical Gardens, head off on a bush walk to Tipperary Springs. There are so many nature walks throughout the area just waiting to be discovered.

A visit to Daylesford is not complete without a stroll up and down Vincent Street. There are amazing shopping outlets, clothes, jewelry, home-made wares, and antiques a plenty. Be sure to stop in for coffee at one of the numerous cafes that line the street, or dine al fresco in the sunny courtyards at either Breakfast & Beer, Jimmy’s Bar, or the Perfect Drop.

We are blessed with a diverse range of artisan producers in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs region. Depending on your mood, you can experience award-winning fine dining, personal chef service, or casual breakfast and lunch eateries. Within minutes you can find yourself at a cellar door enjoying a tasting of some of the fine wines, ciders, delicious liqueurs, available in the area. Don’t feel like driving? There are even personal wine tours available. On the first Saturday of every month, head down to the Farmer’s Market where you’ll find some of the best produce from the region.

We are also home to many art & craft markets, farmers’ markets, speciality markets, antique stalls and the infamous Daylesford Sunday market. Spend a couple hours exploring the wares at the Mill Market.

Daylesford and its’ surrounding towns is filled with numerous art galleries and several world famous resident artists. You’ll find sculptors, painters, ceramicists, photographers, and metal workers, just to name a few. These artists showcase their work in many galleries in and around the centre of town. Exhibitions are a plenty, and are easily accessible to the public, with the majority of galleries offering free admission.

If relaxation is what you’re after, you will be spoiled for choice in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. There are over a hundred therapists operating in spa facilities, as well as their own boutique treatment studios. Indulge your senses through a variety of treatments offered, including massage, facials, hot stone therapy, Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and mineral baths. To continue your nurturing, take home a selection of locally made lotions and essential oils. Tarot reading and palmistry are also available for those who are looking for metaphysical guidance or to satisfy your curiosity.

Relax and unwind in one of the many Bed & Breakfasts, villas or private retreats on offer in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area. There is a diverse selection of accommodation choices to suit your needs. Many of the accommodations also offer individual stylised inclusions to make your stay truly memorable. How about booking your own chef for a private dinner party, or select a gift hamper full of local produce to welcome you to town. Many accommodation operators will provide assistance in helping you book your spa treatments or dinner reservations.

]]> http://bestofdaylesford.com/about-daylesford/feed/ 0 http://bestofdaylesford.com/about-daylesford/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bestofdaylesfordcom/~3/sbTsUHnegd0/ http://bestofdaylesford.com/chaplins-at-the-muse/#comments Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:23:57 +0000 Designer http://bestofdaylesford.com/?p=2436 bestofdaylesford.com - Highlighting the best of Spa Country Victoria

Proudly serving up a winter menu of hearty stews, soups and platters, as well as breakfast and a selection of cakes. Chaplin’s owner operator Mel Thomas is passionate about coffee and delicious ‘anytime’ food (nosh). When not ‘shooting shots’ Mel has been known to slip into her alias as a Charlie Chaplin impersonator. Chaplin’s also [...]

bestofdaylesford.com - Highlighting the best of Spa Country Victoria

Proudly serving up a winter menu of hearty stews, soups and platters, as well as breakfast and a selection of cakes.
Chaplin’s owner operator Mel Thomas is passionate about coffee and delicious ‘anytime’ food (nosh). When not ‘shooting shots’ Mel has been known to slip into her alias as a Charlie Chaplin impersonator.

Chaplin’s also sell The Artist’s Muse Euro ~ Americana collectables and the Art of painter Mark Payne.

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On the edge of the Wombat Forest lies the gorgeous little town of Trentham. Half way between Daylesford and Woodend, and just over an hour from Melbourne, it’s well worth stopping by. New businesses are popping up regularly and it has become a perfect destination for great food, entertainment, and scenic beauty. Make sure you call ahead, as most businesses only operate over an extended weekend schedule.

Scenic Beauty

Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall, is a spectacular sight.  It is one of our favourite places to go to enjoy a picnic, or venture out further along one of the many hiking and biking trails throughout the forest.

The drive from Daylesford is a scenic winding road, passing olive groves, wineries, and the Daylesford Christmas Tree Farm along the way. If you have time, be sure to stop in for a wine tasting at the award-winning Passing Clouds Winery in Musk, or catch some live music at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville.

Arts, Crafts & Markets

We all love country markets, and Trentham has three! On the 3rd Saturday of every month, you’ll find a great selection of local and organic produce at the Farmer’s Market. Nearby, you will find the Art & Craft Trenthamade Market, featuring hand-made products by regular stallholders. On the 4th Sunday of the month they also host their own Sunday Market. READ MORE..

In and around the main street, you’ll also find a selection of boutique shops, crafts, antiques, and artisan galleries.

Food, Dining & Entertainment

Over the years, Trentham has become quite a foodie destination. The recent arrival of Annie Smithers’ new cafe, du Fermier, has gotten a lot of people talking. Serving up French farmhouse cuisine with an abundance of seasonal produce, it’s a match made in heaven.

Just opened in Trentham: Chaplin’s at the Muse. Inspired by the legendary Charlie Chaplin, Melanie Thomas from nearby Hepburn Springs, has created a café with an emphasis on the coffee! Proudly serving up Allpress coffee, and a winter menu of hearty stews, soups and platters, as well as breakfast and a selection of cakes. READ MORE..

If you venture off the main street, you’ll find the Colliban Foodstore, and it’s more than just a food store! Stocking an extensive selection of fine wines, and a large range of local produce, you can buy everything you need for that perfect weekend away.

Freshly baked bread you ask? Yes, Trentham has that too! The award-winning Red Beard Bakery specialises in certified organic, authentic sourdough bread. Cooked to perfection in a traditional, wood-fired Scotch oven that dates back to 1892. In addition to their bakery, they house a café serving up breakfast and light lunch, and invite patrons to tour the premises (bookings required). For the aspiring bakers out there, they also host regular sourdough baking workshops.

On the corner of High Street and Cosmo Road sits the historic Cosmopolitan Hotel. Damaged by a fire in 2005, it is slowly being restored to its former glory by its new owners. The main building is still under construction, but go around to the back and you’ll find the heritage Cosmopolitan Gardens & Stables. The interior of the Stables has been restored and is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious food prepared in their adjacent “caravan-kitchen”. They also offer free live music on Sunday afternoons!

Annual Events

Spudfest! Yes, a festival celebrating potatoes! Now in it’s fifth year, Spudfest is a fun weekend in May full of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Live music, games for kids, tours, a bit of history, and of course potatoes, and lot’s of them!

Irene Salmont is a local artist based in Daylesford. She is currently working on a series of drawings exploring the Australian landscape.

“These drawings are part of an ongoing exploration with the Australian landscape. Capturing its essence and drama through line work and the play of light is an attempt to reveal what I see and feel. My aim is to entice the viewer to consider the vulnerability and beauty of the natural world.”

RIC AMOR DRAWING PRIZE – 2012 Finalist

Specialising in hand made natural and organic products. So if your looking for quality products look no further, for skin care & beauty, essential oils & massage oils, bath delights, earth friendly cleaners, soy wax candles & hair care.

We stock a large range of raw ingredients so you can make your own luxurious goodies. Also supplying day spa’s, therapists & guest houses. You can be assured of quality products, affordable prices and friendly personal service.

Fiona is also a qualified aromatherapist and offers a clinical yet holistic approach to her aromatherapy practice.

How it feels to be really cared for

To have your feet wrapped in a hot towel after a foot spa, lying on a heated massage table with towels that cover you completely. Hot stones caressing your skin; their warmth radiating through to the heart of your muscles; or the feeling of hot towels that enliven your skin between each deliciously, delicate process of a facial.

Essential oils tailored to your mood, personality and / or physical ailments. Just the fragrance alone, reaching your core; gently adjusting your mood. A room that is perfectly cool or warm depending on the season. A serene environment, where you are the centre of the universe. Someone who matters.

Some view massage as a luxury but in the whirlwind of our increasingly busy lives it is fast becoming a necessity. It’s the ‘me time’ you simply have to have rather than an indulgent treat.

Fiona Harris is your care expert

Fiona has had a passion for aromatherapy and natural therapies for over 10 years and after studying at Australian College of Natural Medicine in 2008, now holds a Certificate 4 in Aromatherapy and Certificate 4 Massage. She is a member of ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) and is fully insured. Senior first aid and CPR qualifications are kept up to date. She is also a non-smoker.

Fiona offers a clinical yet holistic approach to her aromatherapy practice. She will require a health history from you and depending on the symptoms being treated she will design personalised aromatherapy treatments for you. These can include take home prescriptions and products. She uses the best quality essential oils and natural ingredients and where possible, they are certified organic.

As Fiona works from home, bookings are essential.

Treatments Offered:

Relaxation Massage
Body Scrub
Body Wrap
Relaxation/Swedish Massage Therapy
Facial
Foot and Leg Treatment
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Hot Stone Massage
Make Up Service

Current Hours for Treatments are:

Saturday 12.00 – 6.00pm
Tuesday 1.00 – 6.00pm
Thursday 6.00pm till late

‘Mimbling’ originated just over a year ago, when I, Mim Morgan opened the gallery and gift shop ‘Can’t Think Straight’ in Daylesford. I have always been a very practical person and love expressing my creativity through my hands. I am an Auslan Interpreter too, this is a language I have a passion for because of the use of expression.

Jewellery is something I am never bored of, I love new designs that are unique, simple and effective. I was inspired by designer Dan Vaughn who uses bike inner tubes, car inner tubes and car upholstery to make wallets, bags and belts. Not only is this a fantastic way to recycle damaged goods, but it is a functional way, these items he creates work really well. I decided to play around with bicycle inner tubes and see what I came up with.

I now use bicycle tire inner tubes that have been damaged to make jewellery instead of adding to landfill. I reform and rework them into beautiful, attractive pieces.

My intention with ‘Can’t Think Straight’ was to educate the wider community about recycling and to support independant designers, most of whom are within Australia, rather than follow ever-growing consumerism which motivates products made in sweatshops overseas. I love hunting for new designers that manage to come up with fascinating ideas of reinventing items from junk.

I will endeavour to provide a source where people can find interesting, exciting, and creative ways of making wonderful, beautiful and functional items from discarded objects.

As many Daylesford brides know, no dream is too big for Special Touch Wedding and Event Services.  Want a dance floor in a paddock? Chandeliers hanging from gum trees? Or a sumptuous rooftop boudoir?

Special Touch’s inspired creative wedding planning creates perfectly tailored, magical events, for 2 to 200+ guests.

Creative, Inspired, Unique, Exquisite.

Realise the wedding or event of your dreams in magical Daylesford with Special Touch. Bespoke weddings, unusual locations, spectacular entrances, and grand packages. Treat yourselves and your guests to world-class food and wine and impeccable service. Whatever your vision, whatever your budget, Special Touch will make your Wedding or Event unforgettable.

The Secret Garden of Daylesford is a select plant nursery and garden art gallery conveniently located near the centre of town. The adventure begins the moment you enter through the gates, where you’ll find a colourful display of unique garden art sculptures and ornaments – you are sure to be inspired!

Their special blend of art & garden is enhanced by advanced trees and shrubs giving scale and size to a living secret garden, with surprises and discoveries around every corner.

They pride themselves on the best quality of trees and shrubs you can buy, and the quirkiest art you will find. The Secret Garden is designed such that you will explore over 4 elevated levels, each with separate garden rooms, to meander through and be inspired by what is possible in your garden or courtyard, with a variety of pots, garden art, and unique plants.