The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival ’14 – Where to stay, eat and play!
I went to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival last year and it was EPIC! I traveled with Keri from Midlands Musings – A South African Blog about fitness, health, travel, thoughts and ideas! We had such a phenomenal time. We did everything from Treetop adventures, whale watching, bunjee jumping, elephant petting, feasting, almost-paragliding and wine tasting. If you’re looking for fun, festivities and adventure for the whole family, then the Knysna Oyster Festival is for you. It’s for everyone. VIEW ALL THE KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL EVENTS HERE. There is so much to do – especially for kids! Despite the weather, Knysna Tourism refuses to move Oyster Festival so that the whole family can enjoy the festivities. This year I’ll be writing and working on assignment, but please take your kids – there is an insane amount of things for them to do. Even kiddies foam parties! The gorgeous Keri and I had a BLAST last year. We did *everything*!
This year, I accepted the challenge to run my very first 21km in the Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Half Marathon. I partnered with TomTom, Women’s Health, Coach Richard Woolrich, Dietician Leanne Tee, Pick n Pay and the Oyster Festival / Knysna Tourism to make this possible. I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to have such a phenomenal team supporting me! Again, thank you to every single person who has assisted me on this (literally) long road as a beginner. I’ve experienced injuries, had to see a physiotherapist, join a gym, replace my shoes and completely change my diet on this journey. It’s been incredible. There have been tears, failures, accomplishments and celebrations. In summary, it has been FANTASTIC.
My 21km run is just 7 days away and I’m scared. Excited, elated, overwhelmed. Graeme will be joining me on this trip and we’ll be at the Knysna Oyster Festival from 10 – 13 July! While our main objective is to get me to the half marathon and across that finish line… What’s a festival without some adventurous activities and a whole lot of fun? Here’s a peek at some of the things we’ll be doing, where we’re staying and a few Oyster Festival Highlights that you want to know about!
Knysna Hollow Country Estate – hotel in Knysna, heart of the Garden Route, South Africa
By far one of the best hotels / lodges that I’ve seen in Knysna – I absolutely love the Knysna Hollow! It’s so beautiful, warm and friendly there. You get your own little chalet, the meals are great, the bar is always active, the pools are bluer than blue and the fireplace is warmer than warm. They also have a resident cat that you’ll fall in love with. I think his name is Charlie? And he likes to sleep in boxes, completely oblivious to the activity around him. The rates at Knysna Hollow are fair and they are very family friendly! We’re definitely going back again (and again) with the boys!
34 South – Knysna Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. Seafood Specialists, Knysna sommeliers. Deli. Bakery.
My favourite Knysna Restaurant. I have such great memories of 34 South with my friend Keri, and the food is phenomenal. They’re situated at the Knysna Waterfront. They’re not just a restaurant but also a bar, a deli, gift shop, bakery, fish monger and wine shop. The vibe is just phenomenal and family friendly too! You can sit inside or along the water outside with the harbour view. They’re always busy, so you’d have to book! Get their details here and see you THERE! No really, I’m going straight there after my 1/2 Marathon on Saturday. I am going to eat EVERYTHING.
The Dry Dock – Knysna Waterfront Lagoon Facing Restaurant and Bar. Great sushi in Knysna!
This was the very FIRST place that we visited last year. I’d definitely say that they served the best sushi that I’ve ever had. The menu was quite adventurous with some regulars thrown in there too. The view of the Knysna Harbour is fantastic and you’ll definitely have a great time. If you’re in the mood for a quieter lunch for a sushi or prawn feast then head here. You won’t be disappointed! For Sushi I recommend the Dragon Roll, Cream Cheese Roll and Tiger Platter. Do it!
Tapas and Oysters – The Hottest Spot in Knysna – a vibrant, waterside restaurant situated on Thesen Island
I’ll quickly tell you that we haven’t eaten here yet, but we have a dinner scheduled for this year’s Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna “Best Dressed Oyster” WINNER, and I’m pretty sure they’re going to win! Their oysters are just phenomenal. I mean, at Oyster Festival you’ll try everything from oysters with caramalized onions, marmelade, tequila, cream cheese – try EVERYTHING. Do it here – I’ve heard their oysters are the best! They have cultivated and coastal oysters. Also try their Tempura Oysters – . I’m going straight for that! This is also the only place in Knysna that has a party ‘vibe’ with live music and sport screenings.
A Full Body Massage – Amani Spa, Turbine Hotel, Thesen Island – Couple’s Massage
I’m going for a much needed massage the day before the Cape Times Momentum Knysna Forest Half Marathon. The distinctive Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is situated on Thesen Island, alongside the Knysna Lagoon at a spectacular location on the picturesque Garden Route. The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa offers a wide variety of body, facial and beauty treatments, an exotic mosaic-tiled rasul (spa room decorated in the style of a Turkish hammam), and a unique Massage Pedi Chair that will take traditional pedicures to a new level of pampering. Look. I’m excited!
I’ll just casually run 21km on Saturday morning, 12 July – The Momentum Cape Times Forest Marathon
The furthest I’ve been able to run to date is 15km. That was only that ONE time. I’ve had injuries that still feel tender, but I’m resting my legs for now. I have my race number. I have my outfit. I have a pouch for my cellphone (VERY NB) and I have all the support in the world. I also have a lunch feast with friends planned for after, so it’s just excitement all round!
The Official Marathon After Party – Live Performances at Heineken Stage, Festival Grounds
Going for a 5km walk in aid of free cancer treatment – The Pick n Pay Knysna Women’s Walk
This July Pick n Pay and PinkDrive are hosting the Pick n Pay Women’s Walk Knysna. As part of a series of nationwide 5km walks, this event aims to raise funds to provide free cancer examinations and screenings to women. By taking part in the Pick n Pay Women’s Walk at the Knysna Oyster Festival Grounds, you become part of the solution to a national problem. Alternatively, donate your smart shopper points to PinkDrive via a kiosk in store or the Pick n Pay mobile app on your smart phone.
Cost of entry: R40 for adults, R20 for children under 18. T-Shirt, medal and goody bag will be given to all participants.Only 2 000 participants will be allowed to join, so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Book your tickets at Pick n Pay Knysna!
Walk around taking pictures of all the pretty things and landscapes – Knysna InstaWalk
a scenic InstaWalk of Knysna with top Igers @GarethPon, founder of the Official Instagramers South Africa Community, @Ciden and @ScrumpyJackson who head up IgersGardenRoute, @2Summers and many more. Meet some of the most talented and most followed Igers in South Africa while we photograph iconic Knysna viewpoints at the waterfront, the lagoon and along the disused railway bridge. Meeting Point: We’ll gather at the Main Festival Pavilion in front of the stage and walk from there.
Browse, shop and spend all my money at the – Local Design and Food Market, Knysna Square
This is a local & organic market started recently to create a platform for local arts, crafts & organic products. The Knysna Market has been identified to host the 2014 PnP Knysna Oyster Festival Stalls to increase foot flow and extend the Oyster Festival over the town.
Get a bit of culture going by watching the – SA Navy Band Concert at Knysna Waterfront
Zipline, swing, climb and play in a giant treetop obstacle course at Wildwoods Treetop Adventures in Knysna
The Tree Adventure courses are a first for the Garden Route with over 4km of cabling used to create this unique outdoor adventure park. The different courses and a perfect balance between activity and fun make it suitable for families, school outings, team building, corporate eventing as well as the adrenaline enthusiast. Keri and I did this last year and it was by FAR my favourite activity. So excited that Graeme is doing it with me this year!
Quickly, there is a fantactic little restaurant next door to Wildwoods called Zucchinis (it’s in the Timelake Organic Village). You MUST go here. The best burger you have ever had. I mean, you can only eat so many oysters!
So that’s it from me for now on all things Oyster Festival! I’ll post more updates on the half marathon soon. I really hope to see you at Oyster Festival, if not then follow along and see if you’d like to go next year! Yes, yes you do!
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