On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 29 I May/June 2019 | Page 18

Fast Facts Agrestic Grocer offers fresh food that’s local and ethically sourced. The Orange region has a long history of producing great quality produce. So their chefs handpick only the best local produce to create a diverse and inspirational menu for guests to experience a taste of Orange. Breakfast bookings can be made between 8:30am & 11:30am. Lunch bookings are available from 12:00pm to 3:00pm Agrestic does not open for general dinner service, however, they are an active live music & special events venue. To book for any of their shows or events visit www.theagresticgrocer.yapsody.com The Agrestic Grocer 426 Molong Road (Mitchell Highway) Orange Phone: [phone] [email protected] Charli Hobbs with her painting ‘Babushka’ the main prize (pictured above) with her painting ‘Babushka’ – of her grandmother. The artwork replicates Gran from 1956 when she was 22 and was attending a ball. Gran made the big move to Orange to be close to the family in 2015. Charli didn’t really see her much before that. But now Gran plays a big role in Charli’s life. While strolling around the centre of town, my wife finds an Aladdin’s Cave of recycled designer clothes at Frockwork Orange at 138 Lords Place. Here you’ll find a thrifty selection of second-hand designer shoes, handbags and frocks. The following day we visit Banjo Patterson’s birthplace, now a rambling park set in gentle meadows. Originally the Buckinbah Estate, Banjo’s birthplace was broken up and sold as parcels of land in the 1920s. Sadly the old mill was blown up in the 70s. No one knows why. (Terrorists?) It’s a shame because nothing remains of our national poet’s birthplace. We stroll around and kick foundations with glum faces. However, there is a cottage rescued from the estate, recently restored by plucky Rotarians. 18 S EN I O R S O N T H E C OA S T Banjo’s cottage flanks the Orange Botanic Gardens. Orange is known as the “Colour City” and, with its four distinct seasons, the gardens are a must-see. The natural undulating 17-hectare site features an impressive native and exotic plant collection. Here we relax and enjoy the wonderful flora and district views. As well as being an ideal location for bird watching, the gardens offers the opportunity for seniors to enjoy a picnic. We also enjoy the collection of outdoor sculpture, including works by some of Australia’s best-known artists within the gardens. As we point the car eastward, for home, in the burgeoning sunlight, we reflect on a town that has really grown up. Orange is the new short black.