I drove to Mansfield recently to meet my sister and friends for lunch and to see the movie Living starring Bill Nighy, at Mansfield Armchair Cinema.
We were the only ones there and fortunately fit enough to climb the stairs to the stalls instead of using the bean bags or more expensive reclining armchairs downstairs.
We all loved the movie, which probably reflected our age and experiences with public servants. The acting was superb.
On the way to Mansfield I did not stop at Swanpool’s Antiques and Collectables shop because there were already lots of cars there. Instead I stopped at Yarrowood Nursery and Farm Shop opposite Lake Nillahcootie (0425 815 827 open Saturdays and Sundays, look for the flag on the right).
Since my last visit the nursery has been enlarged and there are more shops, making the little village atmosphere even greater.
While the farmyard is still there for children, the café is now closed and temporarily replaced by a coffee caravan. Yummy cakes and slices can still be bought from one of the new shops.
I discovered that Yarrowood will be closed during Easter but no matter, go another time because it’s a charming destination for young and old.
I then drove on to Mansfield, a drive I never get sick of because of the beautiful old gum trees in paddocks and beside the road.
Arriving into Mansfield past the racecourse is lovely. The sense that Mansfield is different from Benalla was felt immediately — and it’s only 60km away.
There were people of all ages everywhere and the dress code reflected their many and varied reasons for being there, which included shopping or having lunch.
The vehicles appeared bigger/different too, many had their attached recreational toys.
Even on a Sunday, many of the shops and cafés were open until mid, even late, afternoon.
The other noticeable thing was how beautiful and well-maintained the town looked.
There were no leaves or debris on footpaths and in gutters. The central island in the main street, with its lush buffalo lawn, was mown and manicured and an old horse trough overflowing with red petunias.
The main roundabout, with its statue commemorating the death of two policemen at the hands of the Kelly Gang at Stringybark Creek, was also mown. Its garden beds are filled with pretty flowers in full bloom. It was very welcoming.
On this occasion I drove straight home but another time I might have driven to Tolmie and then come back past Stringybark Creek where details of the Kelly Gang shoot-out are well represented on a series of display boards.
It is mostly a dirt road but this is a good time to travel on it while there is little dust or water-filled potholes.
The road takes you to Tatong with its pub that has a Tudor period look about it. The food isn’t old fashioned though.
I love day trips and noticing how other towns around us present themselves to their community and visitors. There are so many possible destinations, and each has a different feel.
– Suzie Pearce