Greyton Winter Classical Music Festival 2010

It’s almost time for Greyton’s annual Winer Classical Music Festival, and what a promising event it’s going to be in 2010. The whole country is already getting in the spirit with the World Cup just around the corner. The world cup, however bring with it a lot of ‘problems’ for Cape Town residents. The roads will be chaos and prices will be hiked up.

Luckily the charming village that is Greyton offers a great alternative for those wanting to escape the madness that will occur during the months of June and July. Classical music has been a fixture on the Greyton calendar for the past 5 years, but it was only last year that it became part of the Greyton Winter Festival.

The nearby town of Genadendal will also host music over the weekend of 12 and 13 June. The world Cup starts on the 11th and Cape Town sees its first action on the Friday as France take on Uruguay. It would be a good idea to head for the country side and unwind, with a glass of wine.

There will be numerous performances by top South African artists, and the highlights include the soprano Zanne Stapelberg as well as the South Africa Youth Choir who’ll be preforming in the Moravian Church in Genadendal, which is also the oldest mission station in South Africa.

The weekend should have good attendance, and booking is advised. There is an abundance of quality venues in and around Greyton, and the accommodations in the areas on the edge of town is a great idea. The fresh air and down-to-earth mentality of the owners/managers is wonderful, as it’s rejuvinating.

Check out Greyton “Jewel of the Overberg.”

Greyton Farm Accommodation

Greyton, being in such a beautiful setting, is the ideal place to stay out in the country side when visiting the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Rolling hills, the dramatic Riviersonderend mountain range and tranquil streams flowing off the river. It’s life as nature intended it, and it’s thew way it’s enjoyed in Greyton.

The fresh air in rural areas is priceless, and nowhere in a city scape can this luxury be afforded. The wide open spaces where your thoughts can roam freely as you appreciate the wonder that nature still maintain after millenia. Greyton is a birdwatchers paradise, and the hiking trails is a great opportunity to spot the feathered creatures.

The Oewerzicht Tented River Lodge is one of the best if you’re looking to camps, or just a self catering option near the river. The hosts are very friendly and helpful, and the open spaces will relieve you of all stress. The farm was also the first to produce wine in the area, and they’re a good for sundowners at the water side.

The Mountain Lodge offers spacious lodgin with great views over the Riviersonderend mountains, as well as surrounds. The establishment is a favourite, and boking is advised. A big garden with a dam, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon in Greyton.

Sunningdale Bed & Breakfast on the edge of town is a gracious country home with spectacular views and ideal if you want to partake in outdoor activities. Hiking and horseriding is popular round this neck of the wood, and the owners can assist in any of these.

You should also cionsider the Sunset House on the edge of the mountain as its great for hikes as it’s at the base of the impressive mountain. The Yellow Wood Cottage is another of these gems in the Overberg, and with so much to see and do, you’ll want to have a decent place to rest at nioght and recharge. Life doesn’t move too fast in Greyton, and you can kicjk off your shoes and relax.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Greyton try the local tourism guide.

Greyton’s Hiking Trails

Greyton, being in the beautiful natural setting is, offers some of the most spectacular hikes in the Western Cape. The sweeping views over the mountains, little streams as well as the abundant fynbos makes for a refreshing walk in nature.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the region, and with 6 of the best trails in the Western Cape, you’ll have to put that on your itinerary when visiting Greyton. The two-hour drive from Cape Town makes it ideal for that well deserved weekend getaway.

The Overberg area is where Fynbos flourishes, and the imposing mountains makes for fantastic scenery. The fresh air along with great bird watching opportunities is what great hiking experiences are made of. The variation in Greyton is hard to believe, yet they all have one thing in common: unprecedented beauty.

Hiking permits are easily obtained from the local authorities and as long as you have your ten essentials you can go about and appreciate the beauty of the region.  Some of the hikes are over the course of a few days but planning is advised as summers can be hot and winters can see occasional snowfall.

There is a hike aptly named the Village Walk, which takes hikers around the town, revealing some interesting historic buildings. The Post House is well-known and is also a National Monument. Other highlights of the hike include the church that’s over a century old.

The Upper Gobos Walk has some great views of the village and the Riviersonderend Mountains. Starting off and ending at the Greyton Nature Reserve, you know you’re in for something special. Easy enough for the whole family, this is a must if you want to truly appreciate the beauty of nature around Greyton.

Very Popular over weekend, Greyton has enough bed & breakfasts to cater for the amount of visitors over a weekend. It’s estimated that the population almost doubles over weekends as weary city dwellers all want a pice of the country side.

If you’re looking to spend your weekend in the picturesque Greyton, you’ll have to book in advance. The establishments are usually fully booked, and Venues4Africa.com has many options in the Overberg Region to cater for any budget.

Saturday Market

Every Saturday Morning between 10 and 12, the Market Square on Main Road comes alive with activity, as visitors descend on the Greyton Market. The market, that strictly runs between the time frame, and if you get there five past, you’ll leave empty-handed.

The market, well-known in the area is a haven for fresh produce such as organic vegetables. The Greyton market is also known for its lemon products, and you’ll be tempted only to indulge. There is a good selection of preservative free cheeses, home-made jams and other delicacies.

The market is very popular with both visitors and residents of the surrounding area. Freshly bakes goods like muffins, pies, cakes and pastries. Rumour has it that visitors come from across the region to get their hands on some of Susan’s finest.

There is also the beauty products, all natural of course. Essential oils, soaps, body and face care products are all on sale, made from the finest materials. Second hand books and hand painted pottery are also on offer and you’ll get that real market feel when strolling around.

With so many treasures in the surrounding area and town itself, you cannot afford to miss out on what Greyton has to offer. Perfect for a weekend getaway, the town is very popular with Capetonians who wants to escape the city and spend their time in a tranquil setting, amidst the treasures of nature.

Greyton, Overberg

Greyton in the Western Capelocated in the picturesque Overberg region. Popular with city dwellers as the ideal weekend getaway, Greyton is about 2 hours drive from Cape Town. The beautiful setting amidst the Western Cape mountains is just hevanly as it’s the ideal place to unwind and relax.

The tranquility of the region makes it truly special. The great outdoors can be enjoyed in various fashions that include hiking, canoeing, pickinc’s, mountain climbing and fishing, to name but a few. The vast landscapes are beutiful year round, and you won’t make a mistake if you choose to camp when around Greyton.

A mecca for anyone who whises to be surrounded by nature, Greyton has a few hiking trails in its vicinity. The town on the other hand has a few qaint shops and is frequnted by collectors for it’s antiques. The restauants and coffe shops makes for a great way to pass the time.

There is also a market on Saturday Mornings between 10 and 12 where fresh local organic produce as well as crafts and jewellery can be bought. The local community are very friendly and always willing to help.

The quality of life in Greyton is beyond word, and a weekend of soaking it up will renew youtr senses and blow life into your soul. There is nothing quite klike a weekend in the nature, and the town of Greyton is perfect for this.

If your looking for accommodation in Greyton, why not try local Tourism Council? With the most comprehensive database of accommodations in Souther Africa, you’re bound to find something in Greyton or the surrounding area.