WITH the season of summer well underway, there is plenty of fun to be had in the Golden Plains Shire to escape the heat.<\/p>\n
Here are some recommendations for places to visit and things to see this January.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Cool off at the park<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the Golden Plains Shire\u2019s lack of beach, people can still cool off and have fun at the Bannockburn Heart.<\/p>\n The area has a water play splash pad, adventure play equipment, barbeques, public toilets, seating and shaded areas.<\/p>\n The site on the corner of Milton and Byron streets will be open from morning to evening throughout summer and has accessible play features.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Try some local wine<\/strong><\/p>\n Visit Lethbridge Wines and spend the day taste testing a range of locally produced textural and savory wines.<\/p>\n The cellar door, located at 74 Burrows Road Lethbridge, is open daily from 11am until 5pm.<\/p>\n On Friday 26 January they will also be hosting their annual Chardonnay tasting event with tickets available for purchase on the Lethbridge Wines website.<\/p>\n Founders Maree Collis and Ray Nadeson hold PhDs in chemistry and medicine respectively and with their friend Adrian Thomas they decided to open Lethbridge Wines in 1996.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re open for wine tastings and we have a really nice outdoor area where people can enjoy a glass of wine or a cheese and charcuterie platter,\u201d said Ms Collis.<\/p>\n \u201cLethbridge as a brand is represented in some of the best restaurant in the world including three start Michelin restaurants in London and Singapore.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, we really love the interaction with local customers and those who\u2019ve seen us grow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take a ride on the Trail <\/strong><\/p>\n Cycle, ride or walk through the scenic towns of Smythesdale, Scarsdale, and Linton on the Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail.<\/p>\n The area, which was previously a train route, was opened in 2008 following major works to the stretch of land.<\/p>\n The trail is 53 kilometres long and there are a range of public access points along the path for users to start or finish their trip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eat some comfort food<\/strong><\/p>\n Thru the Gate Caf\u00e9 located on Brooke Street at Smythesdale, will be serving up comfort food from Wednesday to Sunday all summer long.<\/p>\n The eatery is best known for its sausage rolls, Devonshire Tea, homemade cakes and locally roasted coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do really simple fair and have a community library so people can come and get a book or drop something off,\u201d said owner Deborah Lewis.<\/p>\n \u201cWe also try to support local artists as much as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n The menu changes seasonally with a focus on using local ingredients and there is also local art and produce for sale.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re a small community and it helps everybody if we support local,\u201d said Ms Lewis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n