Yes, I am back from my ‘mini break’. I’m not sure that I am totally relaxed as Marisa and I crammed a whole lot into the few days but I’m completely exhilarated with my antique treasure hunting…..more of that later.
This week Marisa and I headed off to Ballarat for some serious Op Shop hopping and Antique shopping.
A sense of history is evident in Ballarat’s streetscapes. Lydiard and Sturt Street are renowned for their Victorian splendour and there is much to see with beautiful gardens, bandstands, fountains, statues, monuments and memorials – and that is just Sturt Street (the main street).
Anyhoo, that’s enough of the history lesson on Ballarat – once you have explored Ballarat’s past there is so much more to do….. like shopping, eating and more shopping.
Woohoo…can you tell I don’t get out much without the family??
Lucky Marisa had her Navman or as we like to call her, ‘NavGirl‘, to get us around without having to consult the maps.
We spent several glorious days at Bonnie Brae, a beautiful 1880’s miners cottage decked out with antiques and period style features.
The small but comfortable sitting room was perfect for our late night chats fueled with Midori and Cadbury Roses……sshhh, the diet was on hold for a few days.
Sherryn at Antiques, Goods and Chattels in Main Street had quite a diverse range of interesting items. We scored some great old postcards, handwritten letters and music manuscripts here.
Our first two days were spent rushing from one shop to another adding more items to our booty. The boot of the car quickly filled up as we were left wondering how we would get more in.
Friday morning we headed off to Smythesdale to visit Ruth at 44 Brooke Street.
On our way back to Melbourne, on a road in the middle of nowhere, we turned off to the Yuulong Lavender Estate.
This lavender farm was so breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect place to finish our trip with lunch on the shady veranda.
While it was great to get away and indulge in my favourite past time, nothing compares to coming home to my beautiful family.
Hi Kerryanne,
Your trip to ballarat loks like so much fun, oh those antique shops . wish I could visit.Maybe someday. And the view of the lavender farm …just spectacular. Hope 08′ is coming along smoothly for you.
Chat soon,
Hugs, Adla
Kerryanne, looks like you and Marissa had heaps of fun. Ballarat is a great place to visit.
Look forward to seeing lots of pics. of what you bought.
Alison
Sounds like my kind of heavenly trip Kerryanne…Happy 2008 to you! Mel xxx
Hey there Gal!! looked liked you gals had an awesome day!! I love Ballarat, Im there once a month so I always pop into the Antique shop there.Loved looking at your pic’s. Ahh a Navman that’s what I need Im hopeless with directions!! Get lost about 70% of the time!! Hugs mands
Looks like you had a wonderfule time with so much to do!
Siobhan
i love op shopping, particularly in country towns. have you seen ‘I op therefore I am’, the Melbourne op shopping blog?
http://melb-opshopping.blogspot.com/