Stanford
In all our travels we have not been in a town like this before, its the kind of town that if you don't stop and chat you'll miss a host of attractions, activities and not to mention a multitude of wacky individuals.
We originally planned to stay over just a few hours but it quickly became 4 and then 5 ....DAYS!!
This quaint little town dates back to 1849 and was named after the original farm owner Captain Robert Stanford and today is proud of its history and heritage. Like many small towns there is only the High street where most things happen, from the tasty treats at the lovely farm style Deli to the local pub not to mention the many lovely restaurants.
One thing you will notice is missing in Stanford is Traffic lights, except on the stoop of the local pub which only notifies visitors if they are open (green) or closed(red-but never seen!). Another place that cannot be missed is the local junk shop that is like a treasure chest filled with antiques and little gems.
The Birkenhead micro-brewery, a local landmark in the area where we enjoyed a tour, tasting and enjoyed a gourmet meal while getting a bit tipsy before heading off to a lovely late afternoon boat cruise on the Klein river which runs through the town and is home to an abundance of birds and wildlife.
Stanford also has its very own cheese factory, the Klein River Dairy shop produces a variety of interesting cheeses all of which can be sampled while viewing the manufacturing process. Stanford also has some very interesting historical architecture especially of the original farmhouses and the Dutch Reform Church.
Lastly we met Oom Johan (Oom meaning Uncle) who lives in a large refurbished water tank where he has a smallholding where he grows the hottest chillies you can find and does a variety of 'mechanical /inventing jobs' reminding me of a 'Caractacus Pots' character... He also brews something that is known to locals as "Wit blitz" which in English means white lightening and is potent and goes through me like a crack of lightening
Stanford is surely a place like no other and a great way to spend some time.