From coast to coast in style – Eat Read Love, October 2011

Excerpt from an article written by Natalie Hayllar of the wonderful Eat Read Love blog
Originally published and available to read in full on Mum’s Lounge

On the regular three hour Friday night drive from Sydney to the South Coast, it is usually about the time we drive down the hill and across the railway into Gerringong that I start to feel relaxed and unwind….normally we continue on into the night to Mollymook, our ‘home away from home’. Last weekend was a little different….

This time we turned off into Bella Chara – the beautiful boutique resort just five minutes before Gerringong central. While my beautiful baby boys were in the good care of their lovely Dad, me and some very special girlfriends enjoyed a much needed break from the craziness of work, kids and Sydney! Bella Chara has everything you need for the perfect weekend getaway….stylish rooms, day spa, restaurant and cocktail lounge, as well as nearby Gerringong beaches and Berry village.

The great thing about the South Coast is that you can be relaxing on the beach, and 5 minutes later be driving through rolling green countryside. Bella Chara is only a short 15min drive from Berry, a gorgeous country town full of antique shops, cafes and local fare.

The Berry Sourdough Bakery is THE place to go for great coffee and delicious pastries. Famous for its fabulous sourdough as the name suggests, this bakery/cafe hidden away off the main street is a favourite for tourists and locals. It is always buzzing with people, and very friendly service – you can sit and enjoy your coffee in the sun, or takeaway as you please…

(Image via Eat Read Love)

Stock up on delicious premium home-made cereals, jams and pastries…

(Image via Eat Read Love)

The NSW South Coast and surrounds has always held a special place in my heart. I was married in the Old Church in Milton (a beautiful country garden and home in a converted church), had our wedding and honeymoon at the gorgeous Bannisters Point Lodge, and now spend many weekends, Christmas holidays at the family holiday house at Mollymook beach. This very quiet and relaxing little place on the coast inspired me on the Eat Read Love journey……

So do yourself a favour, pack up the car with a few essentials, and head South …to beautiful Gerringong, hit the shops in Berry and continue on to Mollymook and Milton – you won’t be disappointed, but you will be relaxed and inspired.

EAT: Breakfast buffet at Bella Chara, coffee at Berry Sourdough Bakery (great service too) followed by Lunch at the Berry Gourmet Deli, a beer at the Berry Pub, High Tea at the Bella Chara Day Spa (pampering in between cakes, sandwiches and champagne) dinner at Bella Chara restaurant

READ: Not much reading this time, unless you count Home Beautiful, In Style and Sohi Magazine.

LOVE: The south coast in general…the pristine beaches, vintage shopping, great coffee and food and local markets. The day spat Bella Chara was heavenly!

I look forward to welcoming you to Eat Read Love very soon x

Lovely Links
http://www.bellachara.com.au/
http://www.sohimagazine.com.au
http://www.rootsandwings.com.au/
http://www.theberryteashop.com.au/
http://www.lisamadigan.com.au/