🍂Your cafe picks + a colourful day

Good Morning Hills Lovers. Firstly, thanks to everyone who replied with their favourite Hills Cafe’s in response to me sharing my Top Ten Cafe’s last week. I’ve shared a few of yours below that I’ll be checking out soon. This week, we’re heading to Callington. SALA is rolling into town for a one-day art exhibition, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore this quiet little town with a big history. Think a heritage walk, copper mines, curious artists, and homemade scones.

Let’s get into it.

READER CAFE FAVOURITES
A follow on from my favourites

Last week I wrote a list of the TOP TEN CAFES I LOVE from across the Hills and why I keep coming back to them. In return I received some wonderful emails from many of you telling me about your favourite cafes and many agreeing with the cafe’s on my list being your favourites as well. I wanted to share with you a few suggestions from our readers that I am putting on my ‘Visit Soon’ list and thought you might like to as well! Here they are, and thank you for sharing:

From Bridget: “A lovely new café in Charleston called Hope Blooms - the coffee is as good as the others on your list. They need support as have just started out - lovely cakes and pastries and a flower shop too!” Check out Hope Blooms in Charleston

From Kym: “Even though I visit and love Cherry Bomb most days it is open I never miss the opportunity to go to The Pallet Café when in Nairne. Sensational food and range of coffee.” Check out The Pallet Cafe in Narine

From Grace: “Try out the Artisan Oak, Main Street Littlehampton. Under new management. Toasty warm fire on these cold days and a new healthy menu.” Check out Artisan Oak in Littlehampton.

I’m always on the look out for a new coffee spot or yummy food destination, so if you have a recommendation you’d like to share, send me an email and let me know!

CALLINGTON CREATIVES
SALA comes to this historic town

There’s a certain magic in Callington. Maybe it’s the copper-stained history etched into the town’s old stone buildings, or the Bremer River weaving quietly past. Usually, it’s the kind of place you roll through with the windows down, taking in the stillness. But come Saturday 16 August, this sleepy spot is set to wake up with colour, creativity, and community.

The Bremer Valley Artists are popping up in the heart of town for a one-day SALA Exhibition. From 11 am to 4 pm, Callington’s historic hall will transform into a vibrant showcase of local talent. Expect to find a variety of artists, each bringing their own flair. Throughout the day, you can watch creativity unfold in real time as part of Art Alive, with artists painting, sketching, and making as you browse. Kids can join in too at Susie’s craft table, where they’ll be able to whip up their own take-home masterpieces.

Inside the hall, you’ll find a vibrant mix of artists: hypnotic acrylic poured pieces by Leonie from Gumwood Fluid Art, quirky curios from Lauren’s Art Oddities Studio & Gift Shop, and the whimsical brushwork of The Arty Swan (Sam). There’s also Lorene Van Rossen’s soulful horse portraits, Ros Walker’s textured abstracts, Annie’s expressive canvases, and works grounded in culture by emerging Indigenous artist Daphne Naylor. Adding to the creative line up are Glenda from GMac Crafts, with intricate sea glass art, woven bowls and scrap metal sculpture, and Kate from 457 Design Studio, whose cork-fabric earrings, prints and bags offer a burst of clever charm.

Meanwhile, in the Tea Room, the Rotary Murray Bridge ladies will be serving Devonshire teas, and the annex next door will brim with fresh produce and homemade preserves on trading tables. It’s a big day for a little town—and well worth the trip. Find full details here.

CALLINGTON ON FOOT
Walk through layered history

If you like your walks with a story, Callington’s Heritage Trail offers plenty. This small town sits on Peramangk Country, where First Nations people lived for tens of thousands of years — hunting, trading, and moving with the seasons across the Bremer Valley. The river was a source of water and food; the surrounding woodlands offered shelter and tools. This land has always held knowledge, and traces of that history still echo through the landscape.

Later, copper mining transformed the area. The Callington Heritage Trail and Bremer Boot Trail walk you through what remains. From 1850s miners’ cottages and the old Town & Country Bank, to the Phillips general store and the site of Australia’s first commercial smelter. The Callington Cemetery offers a glimpse into early European life, with graves of miners and families who called the town home.

Start at the Erskine Bridge (pic below), wander through Montefiore and Murray Streets, and follow the loop out toward the rec grounds. Look closely and you’ll spot slag heaps still marked with the boots of 19th-century miners.

It’s a quiet walk through time — one that invites you to notice what came before, what still stands, and what continues to grow. At the end or before you could pop into the Bremer River Cottage for some home made wholesome food and coffee.

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The Bremer Gallery Trail is hosting a one-day only ‘Bremer Valley Artists - SALA Exhibition’ on Saturday 16 August, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Callington Hall. Expect a colourful showcase of local artists, live art demonstrations, kids’ craft, handmade market stalls, and Devonshire teas served by the Rotary ladies. A big day out in a little town — all are welcome! INFO

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🎨 Wanderings by Nicole Black – SALA at Ondeen
| ART EXHIBITION | Verdun
📅 Friday, 1 August - Sunday, 31 August | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Discover stillness and wonder in this evocative exhibition by Nicole Black, with works exploring nature and quiet moments available for purchase throughout August. INFO

🎨 Madeleine Wright’s 5 o’clock somewhere at Hills Collide
| SALA EXHIBITION | Summertown
📅 Friday, 1 August - Saturday, 30 August
Hills Collide presents 5 o’clock somewhere, a playful and evocative exhibition by Madeleine Wright for SALA. Celebrate opening night on Friday, August 1 with drinks, art, and community. INFO

🌿 Jurlique: 40 Years of Nature, Nurture and Art
| EXHIBITION | Various Locations
📅 Friday, 1 August - Sunday, 31 August
Celebrate four decades of Jurlique with a special exhibition honouring its deep connection to nature, art, and wellbeing through curated works and storytelling across the Adelaide Hills. INFO

🎨 A Little Bit Closer
| ART EXHIBITION | Macclesfield
📅 Friday, 1 August - Sunday, 31 August | All Day
A cosy, family-friendly exhibition showcasing local talent in various mediums, set inside one of the Hills’ favourite live music pubs with great food to match. INFO

🎨 Bold, Spirited and Beautiful!
| ART EXHIBITION | Echunga
📅 Friday, 1 August - Sunday, 31 August | All Day
Eliza Piro’s vibrant exhibition lights up the newly rebranded Echunga Trading Co, bringing bold colour and beauty to this beloved local café and store. INFO

🌿 A Rustic World by Hayden
| SCULPTURE EXHIBITION | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 2 August - Sunday, 31 August | Thu–Sun, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Garden lovers will adore Hayden’s whimsical rusty sculptures, inspired by native flora and rural life, handcrafted on a charming farm just outside Woodside. INFO

🎨 SALA at the Summit: Adelaide Hills Connections Exhibition
| ART EXHIBITION | Norton Summit
📅 Monday, 4 August – Thursday, 11 September | Mon–Thu, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Explore a community-led exhibition celebrating diverse local artists, with works across a range of mediums and a special young artists competition on display. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. INFO

🚌 SALA Bus Tour by Ondeen Farm
| ART & FOOD TOUR | Verdun + Karoonda
📅 Saturday, 9 August
Join a curated day trip through the Hills with a seasonal lunch and artist talk at Ondeen, followed by woodfired pizza and the stunning Karoonda silo light show. INFO

🎨 Watercolour and Pen Nature Sketching
| WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join artist Rebecca Prince for a mindful sketching workshop using watercolour and ink to capture natural objects and outdoor inspiration. This SALA and Winter Words session encourages journaling as a creative and grounding practice. INFO

🎨 SALA Exhibition – Provenance
| ART & FOOD TOUR | Piccadilly
📅 Saturday, 9 - Sunday, 31 August | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explore how art can express personal and collective identity through a multi-sensory showcase of pastels, fabric, paper, and glass. This immersive exhibition invites you to reflect on the connections between heritage, place, and community. INFO

🍾 The Art of Gin & Wine
| FOOD & DRINK | Lower Hermitage
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sip, savour, and indulge in a flavour-filled night as Glen Ewin Estate and Paracombe Wines present a multi-course dining experience paired with handcrafted gin cocktails and premium wines. INFO

🧀 Grunthal Brew Cheese Making Class
| WORKSHOP | Verdun
 📅 Saturday, 9 August | 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Join award-winning cheesemaker Sheree Sullivan from Udder Delights for a hands-on cheese adventure at Grunthal Brew! Learn how to make fresh feta and soft-ripened camembert, enjoy a guided cheese tasting, sip local wine or beer, and take home recipes, and tools. INFO

🎨 Provenance – Exhibition Opening
| ART & CULTURE | Piccadilly
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the opening of Provenance with art, live music, and local wine in a stunning Adelaide Hills setting as part of the SALA Festival. INFO

🚴 AusCycling SA Time Trial and Road State Championships
| SPORT | Mount Torrens
📅 Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 August | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Watch over 250 cyclists compete across all categories in South Australia's premier road and time trial event, held on Terlinga Road in Mount Torrens. INFO

🥂 Bottomless Brunch at Barristers Block
| FOOD & WINE | Woodside
📅 Sunday, 10 August | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Indulge in a decadent brunch with endless wine, local drinks, and a mouth-watering hot and sweet course set among the vines. INFO

🎻 Michael Collins with the Australian String Quartet at UKARIA
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 10 August | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
British clarinettist Michael Collins joins the Australian String Quartet for a rich, alchemical program weaving Shakespeare, Tudor melodies, Viennese romance, and Mozart’s iconic Clarinet Quintet in a performance of musical transformation. INFO

🍽️ Beerenberg's Sunday Roast
| FOOD & WINE | Hahndorf
📅 Sundays,10 August & 24 August | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Gather around the fireplace for a hearty, all-you-can-eat roast lunch at Grant’s Kitchen featuring tender meats, classic sides, and cosy countryside vibes. INFO 

🧘 Yoga at Basket Range Hall
| WELLNESS | Basket Range
📅 Mondays,11  August – Monday, 8 September | 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Stretch, breathe, and reset with this new weekly yoga course held at the tranquil Basket Range Hall. INFO

📚 Meet the Author: Gavin McCormack
| BOOK TALK | Stirling
📅 Tuesday, 12 August | 7:00 PM
Join acclaimed educator Gavin McCormack for the launch of Raising Resilient Children, a must-read for parents and teachers seeking practical tools to support confident, lifelong learners. INFO

🎨 Homeschool Art Class – Term 3
| FAMILY & EDUCATION | Norton Summit
📅 Tuesdays, 12 August – 2 September | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Children aged 7+ are invited to join artist Rebecca Prince for a 4-week creative adventure exploring nature, imagination, and artistic techniques. Sessions run weekly at The Summit Community Centre, with term bookings required. INFO

📖 Fleeced – A Winter Words in Conversation Event
| AUTHOR TALK | Lobethal
📅 Wednesday, 13 August | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join Prudence Black in conversation with Trish Fitzsimons and Madelyn Shaw as they discuss Fleeced: Unraveling the History of Wool and War, exploring the wartime demand for wool and its lasting impact on fashion, industry, and the environment. INFO

🎬 Monthly Movies at Gumeracha
| FILM | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, 13 August | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Enjoy a cozy afternoon of curated films, snacks, and complimentary tea and coffee with fellow movie lovers every second Wednesday of the month. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍷 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

🎨 An Introduction to Scraperboard/Scratch Board
| WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Discover the dramatic art of scratchboard with SALA award-winner Veronica Oborn Jefferis in this hands-on workshop, part of the Adelaide Hills ‘Connections’ exhibition. All materials provided, no experience needed. INFO

🎻 10th Anniversary Celebration Curated by Pekka Kuusisto
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Friday, 22 August | 6:30 PM
Celebrate a decade of UKARIA with Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto, returning to Matthew Hindson’s Ngeringa and reflecting on the venue’s creative journey. This special concert honours ten years of artistry and international inspiration. INFO

🍽️ A Taste of Germany at The Haus
| FOOD & MUSIC | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 22 August | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Enjoy a festive night of German fare, live Bavarian music and themed fun as part of the Hahndorf Immersed Festival. INFO

💬 SAW Catch-Up | Networking | Mindful Impact Wellness Hub, Crafers
📅 Thursday, 21 August | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Connect with like-minded women in a warm, welcoming space for rich conversations about business, life, and everything in between. INFO

🎻 Li-Wei Qin with Konstantin Shamray
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:30 PM
Experience an exquisite afternoon of chamber music as cellist Li-Wei Qin and pianist Konstantin Shamray perform works by Schumann, Brahms and Rachmaninov. This concert highlights the expressive power of the cello, with pieces that span tenderness, turbulence and virtuosic depth. INFO

🧤 Women of the Cedars
| EXPERIENCE | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Explore the lives of the women behind The Cedars in this intimate White Gloves Talk featuring rare objects and untold stories. INFO

🪵 Necrotarium Workshop with Necro Nature
| ART & CRAFT | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Create a nature-inspired Necrotarium under glass using botanical and natural elements, guided by NecroNature artist Jade. INFO

📚 The Nuts and Bolts of Writing Historical Fiction
| WRITING WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, 16 August | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join Rachael Mead for a hands-on workshop that explores how to craft compelling and historically authentic fiction through research, character building, and vivid storytelling. INFO

🍫 Bracegirdle’s Chocolate & Gin Pairing
| FOOD & DRINK | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 15 August | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Indulge in a guided tasting of handcrafted chocolates and award-winning gins at Bracegirdle’s Hahndorf café for a flavour-filled evening. INFO

MARKETS

🍓 Adelaide Hills Farmers' Market
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Shop fresh and local at this weekly market featuring South Australian farmers and producers. Free entry and held every Saturday morning.

🥕 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Your one-stop destination for fresh, local goodness! Stroll through the market and discover farm-fresh fruits, crisp vegetables, artisan cheeses, baked treats, and more.

🛒 Oakbank Market
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy live music, delicious eats, and a delightful mix of handmade goods and fresh local produce at this month’s Oakbank Market.

🛍️ Meadows Country Market
📅 Sunday, 10 August | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse stalls packed with fresh produce, handmade treats, vintage finds and more at this lively monthly market in the heart of Meadows.

_{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.