South Africa - Cape Town - Kalk Bay

 

Wondering what to do or where to go when you have a few hours free one day?

Take a slow drive over Boyes Drive from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay. Boyes Drive was built in 1929. In bygone days goods would have been delivered to the Deep South by wagons. Then progress happened when the railway reached Muizenberg in 1833. Boyes Drive is only 7km long but it offers spectacular views over Muizenberg and the coastline beyond. There are stopping places if coming from Muizenberg side towards Kalk Bay - do stop and take in the sweeping views across the village, sea and the far distant mountains.

Kalk Bay Harbour is the place to people watch, buy fresh fish, enjoy the sea breeze, and wander down the quayside. The lighthouse, with its red and white stripes stands proudly at the end of the quay. It is a perfect spot for photos but beware in winter when the waves will come crashing over that wall! Waves can be huge and the "Cape of Storms" reputation is well renowned. 

Families, young fishermen, older folk all try their hand at catching that elusive fish from the harbour wall. Its a favourite pastime in Kalk Bay and it remains a great place to meet the locals of all shapes and sizes. Once known as a whaling station, now a thriving fishing port with many colourful boats, coming or going or just at rest over a week-end. 

With many restaurants in and around the harbour and in the village, you won't go hungry. Prices vary and will suit various pockets from the laid back Kalky's to the expensive Harbour House. 

The village itself is fascinating and an absolute must to view art & antique galleries, bookstores, quaint cafes, bric-a-brac shops, more restaurants, cobbled side streets and historic buildings.

It is no wonder that this "not so sleepy" anymore village has been named by Forbes Magazine as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world!

Based on various reports by Forbes and its features, here are some of the top-rated coolest neighborhoods around the world:

• "Kalk Bay (Cape Town, South Africa): Described as a vibrant seaside harbor neighborhood, it is known for its quaint cafes, quirky boutiques, and rustic charm.
• Seongsu-dong (Seoul, South Korea): Often referred to as the "Brooklyn of Seoul," this area is a hub for industrial-chic cafes and artist workshops.
• Plekhanov (Tbilisi, Georgia): Known for its restored historic buildings and merging of tradition with modern trendy spots.
• Getsemani (Cartagena, Colombia): A lively, artistic area known for its street art, colorful streets, and bustling nightlife.
• Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam, Netherlands): A trendy former industrial area known for its industrial design, creative industries, and cafes.
• Pilsen (Chicago, USA): Known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture, colorful murals, and strong community focus.
• Keramikos (Athens, Greece): An ancient neighborhood turned into one of the city's trendiest spots for nightlife and dining.
• District 5 (Saigon, Vietnam): A historic area popular for its bustling markets and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
• Casco Viejo (Panama City, Panama): The historic district of Panama City, known for its mix of renovated homes, plazas, and rooftop bars.
• Arroios (Lisbon, Portugal): A multicultural, diverse neighborhood noted for its artistic, creative atmosphere. 

These neighborhoods were selected for their ability to offer a unique, local experience and their rapidly rising, trendsetting status"

Visit once, visit twice, visit many times - there is always something to see and do.

 

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                         For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                              www.bradclin.com

Cape Town - Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay Tidal Pool at High Tide

One of the very best things in life is to be passionate about the city that one lives in.

Living in Cape Town is such a bonus and sometimes I just have to pinch myself to realise that it is real and we do enjoy this city day in and day out. Although that dreaded word "WORK" does get in the way! I am nevertheless also passionate about my Self-Catering business (Bradclin Portfolio) and love hearing from the many and varied visitors/guests from all walks of life. Their stories are so interesting and their careers so many and varied. So truly, the best of it all right here at home, despite my extreme thirst for travel!

One of our favourite haunts over a week-end is Kalk Bay. This village is so different from many of the other Cape Town suburbs that one could be mistaken and think you are already out of the city and in another world. One of the earliest visitors to this area was Simon van der Stel (1677 - 1699) who discovered that the fishing was good here and he could thus supply his men with food during the winter. To this day, the fishermen still ply their trade out of the picturesque harbour and fresh fish can be bought directly from the boats on the quay side. It's fascinating to watch the women scale and gut the fresh fish while you wait!

Whaling was a major source of income in years gone by until the Southern Right whales were practically extinct. Luckily, with the ban on whaling, the Southern Right whale numbers are increasing annually and these wonderful creatures can be seen along the coast from approx. August each year.

The Kalk Bay harbour was built in 1918 and this is a must see in cape Town. Stroll along to see the locals fishing, enjoy some fish and chips or a fancier plate of seafood in one of the harbour restaurants then wander the Main Road with it's many antique shops, art galleries, the famous China  shop with it's many rooms laden with tea sets, dinner services from grandma's day plus many other finds from the attics! There are interesting clothing shops, a variety of coffee shops, many restaurants such as the "oldies" "Cape To Cuba" , "The Brass Bell" "Olympia Cafe and "Harbour House" Restaurant. There are many more new kids on the block so one can keep going back to sample them all!

Do wander up the cobbled side streets - you may just find a treasure or two to take home or something unusual to look at.

Browse the Main Road, venture uphill for great views, eat your fill, cool off in the tidal pool and then finish off the day at the Kalk Bay Theatre. Your day can be as fun-filled and busy as you want it to be or it can be totally laid-back while you sip your drinks and watch the other crazy locals wandering by.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com