Crafty city breaks: Hobart

Ditching the overseas trip in favour of a local holiday this year (what with the wee baby, global financial crisis and all) our last big break was to Tasmania – travelling all over in a rental car, climbing up mountains, eating our body weight in fine food and staying in some of the loveliest accommodation in the southern hemisphere.

If you’re looking for a good city break, it strikes me that Hobart is one of the best spots for a short visit. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery (all within 20 mins’ drive from the town centre) the food is amazing and there’s much to ensnare & enthrall the aspiring Crafty Minx.

Salamanca Market in Sandy Bay has lots of brilliant second-hand stalls and boasts the whole gamut of local crafts – best enjoyed while sipping hot spiced apple cider. Three favourite shops worth a visit are Small Rhino (stocking local designer fashion), Arp (a fantastically inspiring design store with a small but clever range of shelving, chairs & books) and Love & Clutter (divine handmade items from local artists).

There’s no shortage of traditional craftiness either: the country-style quilts are to die for and the better woodwork carved from indigenous Huon Pine is wonderful. Belinda Gobbey – fellow Crafty Minx and prodigious quilter – recommends The Quilted Crow and Frangipani Fabrics for your fabric fix.

We adored staying in the Henry Jones Art Hotel, and the restaurant at Meadowbank Estate Vineyard was heaven for the scenery, service and of course the food. For the best cafe-style bakery south of the border, Jackman & McRoss in picturesque Battery Point is worth visiting every day. Elsewhere on the Apple Isle, Ebb restaurant in Swansea and Wychwood Gardens are not to be missed.

I cannot recommend it highly enough. Go. Go now…