10 Mar Barrydale: Small Town Charm Gone Wild
You’re driving through a jagged rock portal, across a bridge surrounded by towering hills and mountains punctuated by emerald trees and shockingly green bushes. The scenery is something out of a movie; the ocean blue sky is dotted with fluffy clouds, the roadside bejewelled with a rainbow of Karoo daisies. This is Tradouw Pass, a windy road that leads into Tradouw Valley, a ways away from your destination.
A while later, you slow down to observe a markedly sunny road. A sign reads, “Barrydale, R62”. The roadside is peppered with pubs, trinket shops, tasting rooms, and vibrant vintage signs advertising quaint motels. Meet Barrydale, a small misfit highway town with wild, rollicking charm. It’s home to a many a garden, fine whisky, and the best milkshakes you’ll ever have. Of its 3,500 residents, many are artists, entrepreneurs, gardeners, and adventurers.
It’s time to wander around beautiful, wild, cool kid Barrydale. Revel in its madness, creativity, and strange peace.
Ditch Convention
Visit the local rock bar and not-sex shop.
Ronnie’s Sex Shop
Ronnie’s Sex Shop is about a 15-minute drive from Barrydale. There, bras dangle in a large cluster from the ceiling to create a welcoming atmosphere. The walls, lights, and just about every other fixture are carefully scribbled with doodles of dogs, faux graffiti, and declarations of love.
The drinks are cheap, as in about R50 a piece cheap, and good. Drink an ice-cold Hunter’s Gold and chat with the owner, who has many stories to tell from his years of being a bar owner.
The story goes that it was the day before Ronnie (the owner) was to open his bar when his friends painted the words “Ronnie’s Sex Shop” on the side of his building in the middle of the night. Rather than being enraged, Ronnie kept the eloquent lexis to attract visitors – and it works like a charm.
Karoo Saloon R62 Rock Roadhouse
If you like live music, dawdle down to the Karoo Saloon, Barrydale’s resident rock bar. Formally, it goes by Karoo Saloon R62 Rock Roadhouse. Bikers from all over stop here for a taste of America. Its naartjie-coloured exterior even has an eagle on it for good measure.
Inside, the entertainers don cowboy hats and leather jackets, good-naturedly strumming electric guitar and belting the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, and more.
Treasure from the Magpie and Memories of Africa
The Magpie is a socially and environmentally conscious art collective. The gallery uses upcycled materials and discarded items to create new and wonderful treasures, most notably chandeliers, birds, and little trinkets. It’s a must-visit to take in the world of colour and absurdity.
Another one of the best things to do in Barrydale? Hardy’s Memories of Africa. This vibrant endeavour houses all sorts of African curios, such as painted ostrich eggs, miniatures of the Big 5, and more. You can spot it by looking for the enormous pink giraffe standing guard outside.
Wander the Mountains
Barrydale is nestled at the base of the Langeberg Mountain Range, perfect for exploring and searching for the Klein Karoo’s unique flora and fauna. The rugged mountain range offers a breathtaking pass to neighboring areas like Heidleberg and Swellendam. If you drive further, you can explore the Outeniqua Mountains and the Kammanassie Mountains too.
Absolutely Wild Farm is the closest and safest place to experience Barrydale’s nature. It’s surrounded by climbable hills, where you can look over the mountains and gaze at some of the Klein Karoo’s most gorgeous flowers and plants. When you’re done wandering, cool off in the farm’s large pools or hot tubs. Or, go for a drive to see the animals on the farm.
Barrydale has something for everyone, whether you like rock ‘n roll or prefer quiet strolls through nature. We can’t wait to open Absolutely Wild, where you’ll get the best of both worlds and an amazing glamping experience to top it all off.
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