Growing up in Marion, where my family moved when I was 5, means you can take for granted all that the city offers and with Rescue 2012 being held across Southern Adelaide this week here are recommendations from local on what to do.
Start the morning with coffee and a cup cake at quirky Junktion which is a vintage/second hand shop come coffee shop, stop in atCharlesworth Nuts to pick up factory shop bargains and the Waffle King for a salmon crepe for lunch plus a Belgian chocolate waffle for dessert (to share).
Shopping at Westfield Marion is always a good way to spend a couple of hours and try a coffee at Café De Paris or Muffin Break, lunch at Bing Boy, Itami for sushi or Breadtop for savoury and sweet bakery treats, and dinner at Verve Bar and Kitchen followed by a movie at Events Cinemas.
For an afternoon or all day activity go to the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Marion Cultural Centre including Art Gallery and Marion Mega Market on the Plaza. Look out for a pop up cinema, a variety of Events including Kick off to Summer and another option is the Marion Outdoor Pool.
If you want to have a beer or cider with the locals, Club Marion – Marion Sports Club is a good spot or Marion RSL, visit the Marion Market and have a go at Night Owl Lawn Bowls for something a little different!
Morphettville Race Course is a fabulous day out for horse racing and the venue hosts all sorts of other events on non-race day like the massively popular Lollipop Markets.
Visit the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre for an insight into local indigenous culture and the Adelaide Peace Markets in the beautiful grounds.
Family owned Patritti Wines has a lovely Moscato and modern tasting room with their local vineyard on Oaklands Road, in front of the outdoor swimming pool.
For dinner there are heaps of choices at Darlington and Bedford Park includingLucky Lapitas (so popular there is always a line up), Greek Oilve, Maru Japanese and Korean Restaurant, Kwik Stix, or Marcellinas.
Head to the Warradale Hotel if you like a busy upbeat atmosphere or the Morphett Arms for a quiet drink, with a bus that can take you in between the two. The Marion Hotel is great for comedy in the suburbs, theSeacliff Hotel for solo performances on Sunday afternoon, the Cove Tavern for live bands, and Tonsley Hotel for an after workday drink.
Go exploring around Marino Rocks, walking in Hallett Cove Conservation Park, parks and playgrounds for picnics and the City of Marion Tourist Map for more ideas.
With an affinity for Marion and an interest in local business, I’d like to see examples of collaboration, such as the use of local food and wine on restaurant, pub and cafe menus, cross promotion of experiences or a trail across the council, offers and discounts to encourage loyalty.
PS. Blackebys at Hallett Cove Shopping Centre has a great range of English and imported lollies if you have a sweet tooth!
Written by Wendy Perry, November 2012.