Browsing Boorowa: Best coffee, shopping + antiques
My lovely mum is originally from Cowra, about two hours North of Canberra towards Orange, NSW. We are always visiting family over that way, so I've had plenty of opportunities over the years to suss out the hidden treasures that sit between Canberra and Cowra.
COFFEE & FOOD
The farming town of Boorowa, known for their superb parrot, running of the sheep and well-to-do farmers, is always our halfway coffee stop. It houses a number of fantastic antique stores, pub and the classic Superb Parrot bakery - a good option if you want a good ol' country NSW vanilla slice or meat pie.
Although my pick of the bunch is, without a doubt, Pantry on Pudman. Located on Pudman Street, an adorable pit stop awaits offering a great caffeine while you sit amongst vintage pieces such as beautiful wooden chests, tables, iron chandeliers and any antique nic-nac you can think of to deck out the perfect eclectic, barn-style home!
My mum on Grandma duty!
There is plenty of outdoor seating for those sunny days
The coffee is always on-point, serving Bills Beans from Orange. Don't even get me started on the home made muffins and slices that stretch across the counter, tempting you at the last minute while you order. They sell local and nearby produce such as jams, preserves and dried fruit, supporting businesses from Canberra such as The Muesli Bar in Fyshwick. And if you're after a good balsamic or olive oil, their range is epic.
Image: @thepantryonpudman
The Pantry on Pudman is open located at 107 Pudman Street. Open 8am-4pm weekdays, 9am-2pm weekends.
SHOP
Across the road, you can stop by for some retail therapy at the beautiful Home Finch. A small boutique store in the original 1921 building with large counter tops that hug the sides of the big room below the stunning pressed-tin ceiling.
Modern homewares, vibrant cushions, inspiring hard-cover books, jewellery and soft leather bags are some of the goodies you can find gracing the old shelves, which were once a part of the general store.
Home Finch display their bright, modern homewares alongside vintage tables, crates and magnificent candle holders.
Home Finch is located 82 Pudman Street. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
ANTIQUES
There are also a number of antique shops that have tons of individual pieces to choose from, each with a story of their own. I bought an old wooden ironing board which I use as a side table! If you are an antique-lover, you have to visit Boorowa. The top finds are on the main street at Carmen's Collectables and Glenleigh Antiques. Both next to each other.
So next time you feel like taking a trip out of the big smoke, Boorowa is just over an hour's drive from Canberra and is the perfect stop to rest, revive (with good coffee), survive.