Local Tour Guide

Posted on by Miriam

Fancy a tour of the Red Centre of Australia? I’ll show you iconic Uluru, walk with you around The Olgas and share the grandeur of Kings Canyon.

Then again, I’m probably not the best tour guide. I’m not Aboriginal, I don’t know the indigenous dreamtime legends, plus I’m a bit too goofy.

Instead, how about I take you on a tour of my local area? I’ve lived here for over 23 years so I think I qualify for the role.

While sitting in the dentist chair last Friday (it’s amazing what we think about when trying to distract from drills and bills) I thought about the places I pass every day that I often take for granted.

So, on my way home I travelled with new eyes.

Hurstbridge sits on the edge of the Yarra Valley in Nillumbik, an area on the outskirts of Melbourne that enjoys the best of both worlds.

From here you can catch the train and be in the city in just under an hour or you can hop in your car and be in the country in minutes.

The main street can be walked through in minutes, if you’re in a hurry, but why rush?

Near the train station, at Lettuce Inn, you can buy a gelati and stock up on fresh fruit and veggies. Don’t you just love the name?

There’s a bakery, a butcher, a florist, a newsagent and a community bank, not to mention plenty of cafes, including one nestled inside the post office.

You can get your hair cut, your pet checked, your body checked and your car serviced, not necessarily in that order.

The newest shop in our little village, Hurstbridge Deli and Larder is a welcome addition with an interesting history.

This is where I used to get my car serviced, though you’d never know it now.

Step inside and it feels and smells like home, with the aromas of coffee and sizzling onions and garlic. They’re cooking a big pot of chicken casserolle when I walk in.

Behind the counter there’s local cheeses and small goods from the nearby Yarra Valley, freshly made Italian pasta, dips and an array of pastries and pies for lunch.

Owner Sheree and her husband Noel have transformed this space into a foodies heaven.

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There’s no hint this was once a garage.

My former mechanic never had shelves filled with freshly baked bread, gourmet hampers and refrigerated takeaway dinners.

Oh yes, a visit here could become a daily temptation.

It’s quiet when I drop in so I chat with Sheree and local businessman, Jim who’s popped in from Nature’s Harvest, the health food shop up the road that’s been there seemingly forever.

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Jim (from Nature’s Harvest) and Sheree (Hurstbridge Larder). Small business owners collaborating

Coincidentally, Jim, a former journalist, is helping with a local promotion for the small business owners so he’s more than happy to pose with Sheree.

So my former garage is now a deli, which begs the question, where do I get my car serviced? Doug can’t keep changing the oil indefinitely!

Answer: this mechanic shop just around the corner from where I live.

There I met owner Michael and hint that he might be gaining some new business with my Toyota Corolla.

Turns out we have more in common than just cars. Michael plays guitar and composes his own music. He’s been writing songs since he was seven, a hobby he’s clearly passionate about, though he says the daily grind of making a living and weekend family commitments prevents him from turning his hobby into a passion.

He compares himself to others, saying it’s hard to be seen, as there are so many other talented artists around.

Does that sound familiar with you?

I once felt like that but not anymore.

“Life’s too short to give up on our dreams. Don’t give up.” That’s what I told him. “Don’t compare yourself. We all have our own unique style.”

Much later I drop into Oku Den, one of the gift shops in town.  Each day a quote appears on their board out front.

Today this is what I read.

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Goosebumps. What had I just been saying?

It seems that everywhere I go lately synchronicity follows me.

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Yes, we all have our individual styles and this vibrant place is no exception.

I chat for a few minutes with owner Oku and enjoy browsing through her colorful Japanese inspired goodies.

Finally I drop into Nature’s Harvest where I meet up with Jim again.

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There I reacquaint myself with his son Craig who’s now in charge of the shop. Can you spot the resemblance?

Shopping is so much more enjoyable and personal when we know the people behind the business.

Hurstbridge is sleepy but at certain times of the year it wakes up in a blaze of color.

The monthly Farmers Market, the Wattle Festival in August and the art and wine events that happen on its doorstep during the year keeps the spark alight.

Right now, around the wetlands where I walk Harry most days, I listen and watch the abundant bird life and marvel at the beauty of our local setting.

We’re nestled in a scenic green wedge which I hope stays green for many generations to come.

This is the future we’re leaving. Right now my teenage son is learning to drive here.

Every day he’s driving further, along winding roads and rolling hills. He’s seeing things through new eyes.

Now he’s the driver and I’m the tour guide!

We pass olive groves, small boutique wineries and roadside stalls and he drives through St Andrews where every Saturday a unique bush market is held.

There’s a lot to love here, the ambience, the relaxed living, the open spaces and the people.

Like so many places, it’s the community spirit that makes up the fabric of living local. I feel blessed to be part of it.

Hope you’ve enjoyed touring with me in my little patch of the world. It might not be as spectacular as the Red Centre but it’s got a lot of heart.

Happy traveling. Remember to keep your eyes open for the ordinary moments that, with the right mindset, become the extraordinary.

Be your own tour guide. Who knows what gems you’ll find on your doorstep. We’ve all got them.

Here’ to loving life and enjoying the journey.

In response to The Daily Post: WPC:Tour Guide

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101 thoughts on “Local Tour Guide”

  3. Thank you for taking us on a tour around your town Miriam. It looks and sounds like a very lovely place.
    The comparison comment was my favourite. When you stop comparing yourself to others and be inspired by them instead, life is much easier.

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  9. Thank you so much for the tour, Miriam! Wow, that “joy” quote, it left me speachless, well, I wasn’t exactly speaking when I read it, but you know… 😉 There’s no such thing as a coincidence! I really liked my visit, and especially your lovely neighbours !! xx

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  15. Your post reminds me to slow down to smell the roses. Thank you for making the effort to stop by the interesting places in your local area and introduce them. I’m sure they are honored to be posted on your blog. Thank you for the tour!

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  17. Pingback: Tour Guide – High Wired – What's (in) the picture?

  18. What a lovely personalised tour of your hometown, Miriam. You had me smiling from the start with Lettuce Inn. I can imagine your smile lighting up so many of those places that you hold dear. Many thanks for sharing them. 🙂 🙂

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    1. Aww, aren’t you gorgeous Jo, what a nice comment. I thought afterwards I could have shared this as a Monday walk but never mind, you found it anyway. Always happy to have you walk along with me. 🙂

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  21. Miriam, your local tour was most enjoyable. Wow, how one wish we could all have such a good time just going shopping. Beats supermarkets by miles. To know the people and have a good chat.
    Well, you have chosen a good place to live. Say hi to them from me.😊 .
    Oh, I also love the comparison quote.
    Miriam

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  22. Sublime!

    “It seems that everywhere I go lately synchronicity follows me.”

    Now if that don’t tell ya you’re on the right path in this crazy life, what does? Thank you, Miriam, for making the rest of us open our eyes to the wonders everywhere! 🙂

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  27. I have to say that since I started following your blog, I’ve come to love your posts. You also make me want to visit Australia. Hurstbridge looks like a beautiful place to live. 🙂

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    1. Aww Brenda, that’s such a nice thing to say. Well, if you ever come to Australia I’ll be more than happy to be your tour guide and give you a personalised tour of my hometown. 🙂

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  28. Thank you for sharing your little corner of the world with us, Miriam! Your town looks so interesting and inviting. Besides reminding me of why I want to visit Australia some day, this post also reminded me to pay more attention to all that my little corner of the world has to offer. Thanks!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed my little patch of the world Ann. Unfortunately I think I need to go back to that dentist chair as tonight I think I chipped a tooth! 😒Thanks for the nice comment Ann. Come over and I’ll pop the kettle on! 🙂

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  30. Miriam, I loved this tour of your local town and it seems the friendliest of places! The deli is a dream and so cosmopolitan! You’re spoilt for choice! There is magic wherever we are and often we forget to notice it closer to home …thank you for sharing yours and reminding us to look with fresh eyes at our own habitats. Hugs xxxx. Ps. Good luck so your son with his driving and it must be a dream on such wide empty roads! My son too is just starting to drive, loving it but even out here in the countryside just SO much traffic.

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    1. It’s true isn’t it Annika that we often forget or take for granted what’s under our. noses and close to home. I’m glad you enjoyed my little ‘hometown’ tour. Have a great week ahead, oh, and thanks for the good luck wishes for Daniel. Sounds like my son and yours are at similar stages. Have fun 🙂🚗

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  32. Seeing your home with new eyes is so important! It gives us a chance to evolve our views about the areas we live in. I’ve been writing about being a tourist at home and it’s revived my passion for Cardiff. ❤

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  36. Oh that was so fun!! My first car was a Toyota Corolla!!! Sync. Ahh also…I know Daniel is just learning how to drive but he’s on the wrong side of the road!!! Were you too busy touring to notice? 😉 Lol…
    I love your village, so homey and quaint and spacious with nature!! That deli looks amazing and yes I love the name of that store Lettuce Inn…how very clever. Oh yes keep encouraging your mechanic…Hey I just thought of the group Mike and the Mechanics…ha!! Anywho you should play him Planting Dreams next time you get your car serviced. I’m so glad you shared this post it was really fun getting to know around you better, it will all that more familiar to me when I come to visit!! Big homey hugs, Deb xo

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    1. Ha, we have even more in common, the same car, why am I not surprised? 🙂
      Love that you love my hometown village, it’s a great little place. Oh we’d have such fun together Deb, can’t wait for you to visit one day. Big hugs xo

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      1. I know when I read that you have a Corolla I smiled!! Yes we will have so much fun, I so look forward to you showing me all around. It truly looks sooo beautiful! I can’t wait!! Big hugs xo 🙂

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      1. Yes , we havent been away since 2012 and so many health issues in between. It i hope has made a difference. I still have this week off work so we can slowly get back into the swing of life. I had sooo many fears traveling with and her heart condition and pacemsker and the xrays at the airport … It all went well. Definately have to step into our fears, be smart, be prepared and be calm. And trust we can hsndle it all. And trust the systems in place, observe and learn. That is what i learnt. And with free wifi we did the meditation challenge and our practises of meditation and classes .. it made the break more special..

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        1. I’m so glad to know that it all went well Bella. I can imagine there were lots of nerves and fears but you’re right, sometimes we have to step right into them and trust. I can so relate to that. I have huge changes happening in my life at the moment and I’m taking some big steps forward (and it feels a bit daunting) but I’m not holding back. Like you said, be smart, be prepared, be calm … so glad you had a special break. xo

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  41. What a lovely trip I’ve been on this morning Miri.. Where have I been for the last couple of weeks? – lost I think… But you found me this morning and guided me on a beautiful journey so thank you! I love where you live and it looks so chilled out and definitely far more fabulous than my local town. Many of our local towns seem to be dying off as a result of internet shopping and out of town personalityless shopping centres.. Stockport has some amazing historic old black and white buildings dating back to Tudor times which are rarely seen anymore.. very sad and they’ve just spent £40 million on the most horrific looking monstrosity of a building which now houses a new cinema, gym and some bars and restaurants which are all cold and characterless and I definitely won’t be rushing to visit…

    Going back to my morning trip today though – your new Deli looks wonderful and I can smell the coffee and that pot of chicken casserole.. yum! Yes – father and son are definitely a case of ‘me and mini-me’ – it would be like looking at your future self if you were son looking at dad… How wonderful to meet a like-minded singer/songwriter and wow – yes what an amazing reinforcement those messages and synchronicities are that you’re definitely following your heart path and it’s very clear that you’re loving your journey!

    I’m off to the next post I’ve missed out on while I’ve been ‘lost’ for the last few weeks.. A lovely Sunday morning in bed travelling in my imagination and guided by my lovely friend through Hurstbridge.. xx

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    1. Oh Wendy, you’ve been on my mind. I’m so happy to see you here. Trust me, if I could, I’d whizz you over here for a personalised tour of my home town, then again, maybe we’d just sit on my decking outside with the sun setting and the birds singing and just enjoy that glass of red over a barbeque (Doug’s cooking of course!!) 🙂
      I’m sure that your hometown has some great things as well and when I make it across there one day I’ll look forward to seeing them with you. Then again, maybe we’ll just meet up in Hawaii for that workshop your’re taking. 🙂 Big hugs to you my friend and happy that I could help you ‘wake’ up again. xo

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      1. I cant wait Miri! I’m greedy so it’ll have to be a Dougie barbecue in Aussi followed by another meet up in Hawaii… Manchester has lots to see but Stockport is definitely dying out which is such a shame. We’re lucky though because it’s a good location to easily drive to some beautiful parts of Cheshire and Derbyshire within easy distance.. You’re definitely welcome to pop over anytime!!! BIG hugs returned with love! xx

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  42. You certainly ‘lettuce inn’ with this post Miriam. In my opinion, the best way to travel through this life is with a guide. Although our senses make wonderful guidance tools, having another person’s perspective as we journey is way cool too. Thanks for sharing!

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