Thank you to the Buick Car Club for inviting CHACA and the Oldsmobile club to your very relaxing Sunday car run.

10am:  We met at the Bp Service Centre Calder Park for departure at 10.30. The weather was sunny, but cold wind as usual.

The drive was very scenic from Calder to Castlemaine being only an hour trip.

Noon:  We all arrived at the Railway Hotel, 65 Gingel St, Castlemaine by noon.

We all enjoyed the quaint ambience of the Hotel and the staff , were very welcoming and efficient. The food was good and the service great, with a wide selection of food and beverages, including a large selection of wines.

After chatting and enjoying our meals, we headed off to the Mill Bric a Brac Market or Das Kaffeehaus which adjoins the market.

Whichever took your fancy first? The weather was very pleasant at this stage of the day.

Most headed to the Mill Bric a Brac Market, which was different to the Daylesford Mill market, as it had more eccentric items. Which pleased the men,  as the woman did not purchase many items, unless they were useful.

It was originally a Wool Mill and then became Victoria Carpets. It was all in running order until 8 years ago. When it was closed and became the Mill Market. Many businesses have been able to set up there, besides the market, such as artists, eating places, fitness area, workshops, studios, with a brew house and wine cellar. It also offers office space. So it has been a well utilized building and surrounds, and quite a tourist attraction.

After the Mill market, members headed to the “Das Kaffeehaus”, which is a Viennese Coffee house, the face of Coffee Basics, serving traditional Austrian food, with traditional Viennese flair!

They serve hearty meals and a range of cakes and pastries including “Apfelstrudel” all made in “Haus” daily. You could also purchase different varieties of Coffee Basics on the day.

The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens was across the road from the market, such a beautiful space, and if you had time, I am sure you would have had a little explore, as I did.

Thank you Esther and Dennis Healy for arranging such a stunning car run,  and such a very enjoyable day. The combined runs are certainly a hit with the clubs.

John and I enjoyed the very scenic drive home. And we hope all the other members had a safe and enjoyable trip home.

We Recommend  you all visit Castlemaine, especially in this nice spring weather and check out everything!

Louise Frances Baker

Chaca

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