With the combined hit of Covid Red and road traffic detours for the next three months, it is a challenging time for our local businesses.
Here at Cromwell and Districts News, we are supporting local businesses and encouraging residents to shop local.
This week we focus on a local treasure that is Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
With its friendly, relaxed atmosphere, eclectic mix of art, hospitality and retail, and magnificent views, it is the perfect place for visitors and locals alike to slow down, browse and just take it all in.
A walk or bike along the Lake Dunstan trail, (bikes are available for rent at Cromwell Heritage Bike Hire), followed by a leisurely lunch at Grain and Seed Cafe, Armando’s Kitchen or The Office Restaurant and Bar, will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
Then there is a wealth of choice in the Precinct galleries – OCTA Gallery has an ever-changing collection of limited-edition art prints, Hullabaloo Artspace collective of working professional artists, Marie Velenski’s unique fused glass creations, Les Riddell’s bespoke jewellery, and Transpire Fibre Studio’s selection of brilliant wool fibre.
Retail shops Sequoia Finewares, The Tent House, Zen Interiors and the latest addition, the Argus shop, offer a pleasant change from the chain stores of larger centres.
Karen Rhind is a nationally respected plant specialist and she combines her hardy, Central-toughened plants with wonderful lavender products she makes on-site – just the scent emitting from her Tent House will drop your anxiety levels.
Sequoia Finewares is a voyage of discovery, with Gail’s new and pre-loved clothing both very popular. Locals appreciate being able to grab that special-occasion gift.
“We’ve had a good summer,” says Gail, “And what gets us through is the loyal local support.”
Down at Zen Interiors, Maree, too, is upbeat. “It is really good here now with the bikers. A lot of locals, too, are discovering the precinct, and with bike tours being dropped off here, we are now often shipping stock to the North Island.”
Next door in the Argus Shop is Glenda, of Gertz Larder, on her duty day for the produce collective.
Nat King Cole music is playing, and Glenda says, “I’ve had a wonderful day, good sales, and people have been buying our hand-made chocolate for Valentines Day, the bikers have come in for information, and I just love sunny days like this.”
Cromwell’s ‘best kept secret’ is becoming better known and sought out every day, as visitors tell staff, “Oh my God – you are so lucky to spend your days here.” Gail always agrees – ’it’s the best office in town’.
