In her recent article in Concrete Playground, Cordelia Williamson wrote a great piece titled ‘How to Explore the Stunning Orange Region When You Need a Break from the City’ – could not have said it much better myself! Orange is definitely the perfect antidote to the daily grind.  What’s the cure to having spent more time than usual confined to home?  Simple - hit the road and go on a well-deserved trip to the countryside. The other great thing to see is she didn’t roll out the same old story, but instead included a bunch of new ideas that you don’t typically see in a story about Orange.  There are however, a few omissions and I think it only fair that we add them to her list.

Amour Wines – a recent discovery of ours and one you need to try!  Great location, great couple, brilliant wines - make sure you book to visit Matt and Katie 

Atallah Wines – another not so recent discovery of ours, but every case we buy is like rediscovering your taste buds.  Make sure you contact Matt for a personalised tasting

Raku Izakaya – we discovered Raku a little while ago and we’re loathe to tell anyone about it because it’s our wee secret.  But you’ll find the secret is out!! Everyone in Orange and their hangers on has found our spot!  You must eat here… and you must book ahead.

Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est – Birdie’s has only been open a week or so and already it’s wowing the crowd.  Our first visit with friends will definitely not be our last.  A wine list befitting the region – i.e. lots of locals and the rest – there will be something you’ll like.  And try the croquettes… 2 plates!

Spilt Milk – That’s not gelato… THIS is gelato.  Seriously try it.  You’ll move to Orange simply to have this on your doorstep.

Bill’s Beans – Ricky and Carlie just keep getting better. Stopped in this morning… actually stop in almost every morning for two ristrettos and whatever that Spanish wizard of a chef, Rueben, has made fresh that day.  Whatever you do DO NOT try his Portuguese custard tarts – consider yourself warned – and you can’t take him home with you… I’ve already tried.

The Sampson - Orange – well we have to get a plug in don’t we?  World famous right here in Orange.

So jump in the car, bring your laptop and your appetite [and some room for a few cases on the return!] and head across the ‘Sandstone Curtain’ for a much needed injection of chi.

Let’s face it… anyone who’s anyone in Sydney, is heading to Orange.

CLICK HERE to read Cordelia’s Concrete Playground article.