🍂Discover the Northern Hills this week

Good morning, Hills lovers. Last month I wrote about my fabulous night at the Blues Night at Marshi’s Kitchen. Lots of you said you were disappointed to miss it. Well, it’s on again this Friday! You can book here if it’s not already sold out.

This week we’re heading north, into a part of the Hills that feels wilder, quieter, and full of discoveries. From wildlife and wine around Inglewood and Cudlee Creek to forest trails and vineyard views in Kersbrook and Gumeracha, the Northern Hills rewards those who slow down. And at the heart of it is Birdwood, where locals Michelle and Cheryl share their guide to cosy cafés, antiques, and shops worth a browse. Two adventures, one region, plenty of reasons to wander north this week.

And thanks again to those who bought puzzles last week. If you haven’t got one yet, or don’t know what I’m talking about, there are still some left. Order here.

Let’s get into it.

EXPLORING THE NORTHERN HILLS
Wildlife, wine and wandering

The Northern Adelaide Hills has its own rhythm a little wilder, a little quieter, and full of places that reward those who slow down. From Inglewood to Tungkillo, up through Kersbrook and across Mount Crawford, this corner of the Hills feels like discovery country.

Start in Inglewood, where the old Inglewood Inn serves farm-to-plate fare with sweeping Para River views. Just around the bend, Glen Ewin Estate hides in the valley; once a jam factory, now a cellar door. Come fig season, you can wander the terraced orchards with a basket in hand, or taste their fig gin if picking feels like too much work. At Paracombe Premium Perry, pears become cider and weekends mean wood-fired pizza under the trees.

Families head for Cudlee Creek, where Gorge Wildlife Park delivers koalas, meerkats, otters and plenty of shady gums for a picnic.

North again, Kersbrook Hill Wines & Cider pairs platters with live music, while nearby Malcolm Creek Wines (by appointment) offers a rustic stone cellar door surrounded by gardens made for lazy afternoons.

In Gumeracha, you’ll spot the Big Rocking Horse before you arrive. Climb it, then browse Peregrine Store or roll out a rug in Federation Park while the kids explore the creek. Wine lovers can sip at Mt Bera or Talunga Estate, both with knockout views.

Birdwood is one of the highlights of the Northern Hills. The National Motor Museum tells Australia’s motoring story, but the town is just as rewarding for its antiques, art and cafés. It’s the perfect way to round out a northern Hills day and the perfect launch pad for our next story: a Day Out in Birdwood.

A DAY IN BIRDWOOD
A locals guide to a day well spent

Sometimes the best discoveries come not from guidebooks, but from locals. This one landed in my lap thanks to Michelle, a member of the Pantry community, who shared a lovingly compiled map of Birdwood’s hidden shops. It was created by her friend Cheryl, and it’s too good not to share.

Most of us know Birdwood for the National Motor Museum, but this guide proves the town is just as rich in quirky shops, creative makers and second hand surprises.

Here’s how to spend a day in Birdwood, the locals way:

1. Start with coffee. Choose between Lovells Bakery, Tony 2 Times, Blumberg Bakery & Café, or The Fold Café with its shady garden.

2. Then wander. Shannon Street holds a string of discoveries: River T for gifts and stationery, Bra-Fitting Wisdom for personal fittings and swimwear, Gecko Leather Shed and McNeil Garden Art if their signs are out, and Jaybax Wood Turner for handcrafted wooden toys.

3. Pause for lunch. Settle in at the Birdwood Hotel for a pub meal or circle back to the bakeries for something lighter.

4. Spend the afternoon browsing. Antique hunters will love Treasures on Torrens and Rose Cottage. The Community Book Shed inside the Institute Hall is a must-stop for readers. Top of the Torrens Art Gallery is both a showcase for local talent and the town’s information hub.

5. Round it out with craft. If you book ahead, Suncraft Shades will create something just for you; from lampshades to fitted caravan sheets.

A big thank you to Cheryl and Michelle who have remind us, that Birdwood isn’t just about motors. It can be a great day out of wandering, sipping, chatting and finding treasures special to this part of the Northern Adelaide Hills region.

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HOPPER PARTY IN STIRLING: Marshi’s Kitchen is hosting an all-you-can-eat Hopper Party with unlimited hot, crispy hoppers fresh off the pan, served with a spread of curries, sambols and chutneys that showcase Sri Lankan street food flavour. Never tried a hopper? Think golden edges, fluffy centres and big flavour. Marsh’s Kitchen: 49 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling. Friday 6 September, 6pm to 9pm. $59 per person. Limited seats - book now!

Grace Place is Celebrating SALA this month, and they’re marking the occasion with two guest artists. One will lead a drawing class from 10:15 to 11:45, creating both a personal and community labyrinth (let Gill know at [email protected] if you’d like to join), while the other will showcase her vibrant artwork throughout the venue (all of this for no cost). At midday, guest musicians will take the stage to entertain you with live music, and as a bonus, JP services will be available from 10 to 12.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

✂️ Thursday Craft’ernoon at Gumeracha
| WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Thursday, 28 August | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Spend an afternoon immersed in creativity with quilting, crochet, card making, needlework, and more, in a relaxed and welcoming space. INFO

🍷 DR x Fino Vino Wine Dinner
| FOOD & WINE | Adelaide
📅 Thursday, 28 August | 6:00 PM
Savour a four-course Fino Vino feast paired with new release Deviation Road wines in an intimate evening hosted by Kate Laurie. INFO

🍷 Chef’s Long Table Dinner at Ondeen Farm
| FOOD & CONVERSATION | Verdun
📅 Friday, 29 August | 6:30 PM
Enjoy a cosy long-table dinner with Chef Kane Pollard, artist Nicole Black and local winemakers as they share stories of art, food, and creativity. INFO

🎶 Live Blues Music with Steve Gower
| LIVE MUSIC | Stirling
📅 Friday, 29 August | 6:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of live blues with singer and instrumentalist Steve Gower, performing on the last Friday of the month. INFO

🎨 Paint and Sip: Glühwein Style
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 30 August | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Sip house-made mulled wine and paint your own Glühwein mug in this festive 18+ pottery session guided by Hahndorf Pottery. INFO

🦆 Duck & Pinot ‘Not so Noir’ at the Stirling Hotel
| DINING | Stirling
📅 Saturday, 30 August | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Savour a five-course duck-inspired menu paired with distinctive Pinot varietals from around the world, including some unexpected “not so noir” selections. INFO

🎨 Paint and Glaze a Teacup and Saucer
| WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 30 August | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Design and decorate your own teacup and saucer with artist Bethany Neck, then have them kiln-fired for a unique keepsake. INFO

🇫🇷 Petit France Immersion at Templewood House
| CULTURAL EXPERIENCE | Inglewood
📅 Saturday, 30 August | All Day
Immerse yourself in French culture with a fun language workshop, a delicious lunch with French wines, and a full day of “Petite France Style” experiences at the beautiful Templewood House. INFO

🥩 The Pony Steakhouse
| FOOD & LIVE MUSIC | Totness
📅 Saturday, 30 August | From 6:30 PM
The Prancing Pony Brewery transforms into a honky-tonk haven with sizzling steaks, cold beers, and live country tunes from Memphis Suns, making for a night of great food, dancing, and good ol’ country fun. INFO

🍕 Vista Pizza Sunday
| FOOD & WINE | Macclesfield
📅 Sunday, 31 August | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy bottomless pizza, antipasto, and wine with sweeping views and live music at Longview Vineyard’s monthly Sunday feast. INFO

🧵 Knit 'n' Stitch at The Summit
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Monday, 1 September | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bring your latest project and join a friendly community of crafters for a relaxed afternoon of knitting, stitching, and connection. INFO

🎨 Fruit or Flower Still Life in Water Mixable Oils
| ART WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 3 September | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Create your own still life painting under the guidance of artist Bethany Neck, exploring water mixable oils with step-by-step demonstrations and your choice of fruit or flower as the subject. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🌿 Hidden Gardens of SA
| GARDEN TOUR | Stirling
📅 Thursday, 16 October | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Discover four spectacular private gardens in the Adelaide Hills, open to ticket holders only for this exclusive one-day event with homemade treats, plants and refreshments available on site. INFO

🚶‍♂️ Blumberg to Birdwood and the Steps in Between
| WALKING TOUR | Birdwood
📅 Sunday, 28 September – Sunday, 26 October | Times Vary
Take a guided walking tour through Birdwood’s history, from its early Lutheran roots to its role as home of the National Motor Museum and the Bay to Birdwood. INFO

🎶 Van Diemen's Band and Ensemble Kaboul
| CLASSICAL & WORLD MUSIC | UKARIA, Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 28 September | 2:30 PM
Experience a powerful fusion of Western Baroque with Afghan and Persian traditions in a concert that celebrates cultural preservation and artistry. INFO

🪡 Mending Workshop with Mary Heath
| WORKSHOP | Fabrik, Lobethal
📅 Saturday, 13 September | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn practical and visible mending skills with Mary Heath, from darning socks to reinforcing jeans, while embracing sustainability and creativity in your clothing care. INFO

🍻 $5 Beers Father’s Day Special at Marshi’s Kitchen
| FOOD & DRINK | Stirling
📅 Sunday, 7 September | All Day
Celebrate Father’s Day with a delicious main meal and enjoy $5 select beers, including Coopers Pale, Dark, and Corona all day. INFO

MARKETS

🌿 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spend your Saturday morning exploring fresh seasonal produce, gourmet goods, and handmade delights at this beloved country market. With live music, coffee, and local charm, it’s the perfect weekend outing.

🥕 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Set under the elms at 23 Mann Street, this weekly market is the heart of the Adelaide Hills, bringing together fresh produce, local artisans, and a vibrant community spirit.

🎪 Gumeracha 5th Sunday Market
| MARKET | Gumeracha
 📅 Sunday, 31 August | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Stroll and explore a vibrant artisan and handmade craft market filled with local treasures. With its leafy setting and community vibe, this special Fifth Sunday Market is the perfect excuse for a relaxing Adelaide Hills day out. 

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. We recognise Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the place where the content in this newsletter is featured and where the newsletter is created. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the cultural authority of First Nations Peoples from other areas of this country.