The Picnic Press

Mr L'Orange and I always like to share our top tips about Orange with guests in our cabin. 

We are now at the stage where we print out a 'Hot Tips' sheet for guests to peruse when they arrive. One couple who were quite taken with our hints and tips were Leanne and Mark who stayed a few weeks ago.

Here is their beautiful blog The Picnic Press that talks all about their stay, the photos of Orange are simply gorgeous (I so need a new camera Mr L'Orange!) and I thought you would like to read their story for yourself.

Gorgeous Gardens

Sorry for the complete lack of posts recently, my juggling of work/life balance has been zero plus my mum came out for a visit which has thrown me off track a bit!

One of the rather nice things we did whilst mum was here was to go on the Millthorpe Ramble for some garden inspiration.

We're hoping to do something like this at front of our house!

It was encouraging to see so many gardens that had been started from scratch just a few years ago and were now truly established, as if they had always been there.

Some pallet art - we love it!

As usual we had a few navigating issues, some of the gardens are bloody hard to find and miles away from Millthorpe but other than that it proved a great day out.

The poppies were beautiful

Here are some highlights from our favourite gardens on the day, obviously we had a strict judging system in place after each garden viewing!

Mum chilling in the gardens

Ideas for jazzing up the shed

Simple yet stunning

This english inspired garden was breath taking

Top Cellar Door in Orange

The latest and most exciting update, is that we are about to get a brand new cellar door opening up in the region - wine lovers rejoice! 

Even better is that you can try the Bantry Grove range of wines with a cheese or charcuterie plate in a lovely country setting in the heart of Millthorpe, Central West NSW.

A major downfall of many of the cellar doors around Orange is that they are very spread out and there is nothing to eat when you get there. Luckily Millthorpe ticks all the boxes and now boasts four cellar doors, lots of cafes, decent pubs and restaurants plus a cellar door doing food - what's not to love?

Bantry Grove @ La Boucherie is opening tomorrow (May 10) and will then be open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays between 10am - 5pm. I highly recommend popping in for a tasting and something to nibble on.

If you have those in the group not wishing to imbibe they can have a single origin coffee and cake instead. Bantry Grove have tried to use local producers as much as possible and will be featuring on the menu the Second Mouse Cheese Company, Michael Manners pate and rillettes, Treat Artisan Patisserie for cakes and Tonic bread amongst other things.

I have personally tried all the wines and can highly recommend the Merlot, Pinot and Chardonnay, which are all very reasonably priced. So if you want something different to do this weekend head to the Bantry Grove Cellar Door.

I really take my hat off to owners Terrey and Barby Johnson, who are opening their cellar door in a difficult climate despite all the competition because they are passionate about their wines and customer's getting the best opportunity and environment to taste them. The whole region should be jumping up and down in excitement! 

Millthorpe Garden Ramble

Mr L’Orange and I headed to this annual event on Saturday with the idea of getting some garden ideas and inspiration, plus checking out some impressive houses and designer gardens at the same time. The concept is that you pay $15 to see 10 open gardens dotted around Millthorpe (you definitely need a car) as many of the gardens are quite spread out) or you can spend $5 per garden. The entire event is organised and run by volunteers and all the proceeds go back into improving Millthorpe village.

Millthorpe School - the prettiest school in the country?

We trotted off to our first garden in Millthorpe itself, which appeared to be a bloke trying to sell his potted fuchsias more than an inspiring garden. Things improved once we hit the road and got to some of the larger out of town gardens which were clearly a labour of love. Many of the gardens had stunning sculptures, established tress, beautiful views, great entertaining areas and unusual plantings.

There were refreshments sold at many of the gardens, however we broke for afternoon tea at the Old Mill Cafe, which was absolutely humming. We very easily got a table outside and I relaxed with the paper whilst Mr L’Orange dozed in his chair (recovering from his late night on Friday!).

Our tea, cake and chocolate malt shake came nice and quickly – this place certainly knows about service. My flourless orange cake was divine, especially delicious was the maple syrup icing with little rose bits scattered on top. I am generally not a big icing fan, however the maple syrup and orange combination worked so well that I managed to eat pretty much the whole thing whilst Mr L’Orange being a true gentleman, had a small mouthful as he could tell I was enjoying it so much.

The earl grey tea came in a pretty trendy pot and the chocolate shake was very good, especially as it was so a scorcher of a day.

Top marks to the Millthorpe Garden Ramble, we had a really good day out and hopefully lots of money was raised for the selected charities and Millthorpe Village. We saw a few people on bikes and thought that would be an excellent idea for next year, to pick gardens closer together so people can cycle in between.

Our favourite garden was 'Vermont' on Tallwood Rd, where the house had been built from bluestone in 1922 and was heritage listed. Everything about the garden was very well done and the plants, trees and shrubs were very well established creating lovely shady spots for relaxing.

The Old Mill Cafe - Milthorpe

Just back from a gorgeous lunch at the Old Mill Cafe in Millthorpe, this establishment has been taken over by new owners who (unlike the old ones) seem to be doing everything right.

We walked in and the place was humming, luckily I had booked a table and high chair for baby Charlotte and the staff had reserved a spot in the corner for us. The decor of The Old Mill Cafe has that nice quaint feel without being over the top country. The first thing to grab our attention was the array of magnificent (and I mean jaw dropping) cakes, all of which looked delicious and were certainly generously proportioned!

The menu had a good mix of main courses ranging from fish and chips to homemade pies, sandwiches or scallops. I was fully checking out everything that came out to neighbouring tables and in truth, nothing looked bad.

The cafe is licensed so the ideal spot if you fancy a long lunch with friends, we just had hot chocolates which were very good.

I opted for the smoked salmon salad (got to squeeze into a dress this Sunday for the races) whilst Kate had a homemade beef and shiraz pie with handcut chips & salad.

I finished lunch off with a berry and chocolate muffin whilst my friend tucked into a stunning lemon meringue pie that looked like a piece of artwork. This place is a big hit in Millthorpe full to the brim with happy customers, people grabbing take away meals or coffee and those buying cakes for later. 

The service was excellent, ambience spot on, music was nice and relaxed and made me want to buy the album and the food was very good and well priced. 

Highly recommended for lunch especially as you can browse the shops in Millthorpe afterwards and walk off some calories. Recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Open 7 days - 02 6366 3188.