South Africa has great farm stalls and interesting pit stops dotted all over our beautiful country, and many of them are found in our lovely Western Cape. Some offer a moment of rest and a spot to refuel your tired body while travelling, others can be a fun daytrip destination for the family. Whatever the reason, these farm stalls and pit stops are definitely worth a visit:
Dassiesfontein
Kind of in the middle of nowhere, Dassiesfontein is impossible to miss as you’re driving along the N2 between Caledon and Bot River.
In 1995, two wagons next to the N2 that sold homemade goods evolved into a farmstall, and a year later a restaurant was added. Today, Dassiesfontein is a thriving business that provides travellers with a refreshing pit stop – and a lot of stuff to buy!
The shop offers a wide variety of products, most produced locally in the Overberg. Their restaurant is the perfect spot to rest your legs while simultaneously tucking into traditional, homemade South African cuisine.
While you’re there, make sure to say hi to the resident donkeys and strike a pose in front of the oversized table and chairs outside the farm stall.
- Location: Corner of Waboomskloof Road and N2, between Bot River and Caledon, 7230
Die Kloof Padstal
Experience true Klein Karoo hospitality at this Route 62 Restaurant and Farm Stall, perhaps better known as Die Kloof Padstal. It offers a wide variety of mouth-watering traditional meals served in a beautiful tranquil setting, and the gift shop and farm stall’s interesting selection of gifts, crafts, handbags, hats, books as well as locally produced dried fruit, nuts, jams, biltong and preserves on offer will have you itching to spend a few bucks.
While enjoying wholesome meals with the family, or stretching your legs after a long drive, take in the picturesque views of Bloupunt and the Langeberg mountains, as well as the Keisie River that flows past. The restaurant warms visitors in winter with a cosy fireplace, and the spacious garden provides ample seating and shade below big trees in summer. Kids can entertain themselves and work off some pent-up energy on the playground, which includes a sand pit, swings, tree-house and jungle gym.
This popular landmark is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along on the drive.
- Location: R62, Montagu, 6720
Kardoesie Farm Stall
If you’re looking to explore the West Coast during flower season, then make sure you visit Kardoesie Farm Stall in Citrusdal. There are several spots in this area to grab a few beautiful snaps of the flowers, and it’s a great place to stretch your legs if you’re travelling on the Cape to Namibia Route of the N7.
Along with some delicious food on its menu, it also has some amazing views of the mountains and valley with indoor and outdoor seating for those cool days. They also have an assortment of homemade goodies to pack into your bags, and it’s well worth the stop.
- Location: N7, close to the Paleisheuwel Road, Lemoenkloof, Citrusdal, 7340
Peregrine Farm Stall
Peregrine Farm Stall is located on the N2, about one hour’s drive from the city centre, where it is nestled in the middle of the apple valley of Elgin. It was established in 1964 and has since grown in size and status.
The farm stall, named after a heritage peach, offers an abundance of locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce, such as fynbos honey, fresh cold-pressed juices, craft beer, and champagne-style apple cider. At the entrance, you are greeted with the aroma of freshly baked goods from their bakery’s large selection. Peregrine is also known for its legendary pies with perfect pastry and generous fillings.
For the travellers who are looking for a bit of a rest, there’s also an adjoining café that offers a menu with fresh, homestyle meals that consider both the customer and the local producers. The café has a relaxing, yet stylish ambience with both indoor, outdoor and sheltered seating options. In the summer, they keep customers cool with light, misty sprinklers; in the winter, their heaters will fend off the chilly air.
The Farm Stall and café are not the only things you’ll find at Peregrine Farm Stall; there are numerous pop-up stalls and shops to explore during your visit.
- Location: N2, next to the Viljoenshoop Road, Grabouw, 7160
Ronnie’s Sex Shop
About 20 km outside the small country town of Barrydale lies Ronnies Sex Shop, an oasis in the Klein Karoo that has seen many a weary traveller over the years. As you cruise inland up Route 62, be sure to look out for the intriguing dive bar on the right. Blink and you’ll probably miss it. The letters on the building are prominent and beckon curiosity – but don’t be fooled by the name, it’s nothing about sex or sex paraphernalia.
It does have a naughty streak though, proof being the impressive collection of bras and undies hanging over the bar that has been signed and donated by many of Ronnie’s female visitors over the years.
Before the pit stop came to be what it is now, Ronnie (a charismatic man with a wicked sense of humour) planned to open a fresh fruit and vegetable stall on the side of the road where the pub now stands. While renovating the dilapidated building his friends, possessing a wicked sense of humour like Ronnie himself, played a prank on him by painting the words ‘RONNIE’S SEX SHOP’ on the side of it. Soon the fruit and veg idea was canned and a pub emerged. That was many moons ago and the iconic pub has now seen visitors the world over, making it something of an institution.
Having a title as the oddest pub in South Africa is not the easiest reputation to live up to, but this Karoo treasure really does earn it. A popular watering hole for motorcyclists, day trippers, internationals and the odd thirsty local, you will meet people from all walks of life here.
Not only can you slake a Karoo-sized thirst with an ice-cold brewski at the bar, but you might also want to tuck into a hearty pub lunch at the Roadkill Café, which is part of Ronnies Sex Shop. The outside deck provides views of the Karoo landscape and you can expect anything from Rodriguez’ ‘Sugar Man’ to Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke on the Water’ coming from the speakers fitted outside.
- Location: R62, between Barrydale and Ladismith
Also read:
Recharge your batteries at the Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin
Picture: @craiglotter / Instagram