Scone

Scone is called the 'Horse Capital" and by the number of horse floats I see every time I'm there I can believe it. Usually it's just a pit stop for us on our journeys to Sydney, but sometimes we spend a bit longer. Mostly this is when picking up kids after stays with their grandparents in Sydney - it's approximately the halfway point.

I don't have a  detailed account of Scones attractions - due to the reason above, but we have eaten & stayed there in the past, so I thought it was worth mentioning at least.

On this visit we had a bit of a wait. The saddlery has an extensive range of western style shirts, hats, boots etc. We were after a new cap for Miss 12 which was quickly found. 

Unfortunately some of the older buildings are vacant & have been left decrepit - like the old cinema below.

I would love to hear the history of the place one day. Some of the shops we went in had pressed tin ceilings, which I love. Another building had a gorgeous tiled front, again a part of old buildings I love. It just seems to make the building a bit more classy somehow. 

Around the town are black metal outlines - all including horses of course!

There is a good park near the railway station - that's where we usually stop when passing through. It has some play equipment & the toilets are usually pretty clean. There's more amenities across the road at the Tourist Information Centre. 

We've previously stayed at Airlie House - it was comfortable & adequate for the night. The pool was appreciated by the kids (it was a 45 degree day). We ate at the motels restaurant that night and had a fantastic meal. The staff were pleasant & helpful, both in the restaurant & with the accommodation. 

Other than the motels restaurant, we have eaten at a couple of different places. One looks to have changed names & focus so I can't say how good it is - it looks nice though (One22). We usually go to Crowded House Cafe - mostly because it's close to the park. The food is nice too. My favourite is the corn fritters with tomato chilli chutney - I choose the gluten free version. The potato skins are also really yummy. They have gluten free bread which for Miss 12 is essential for the toasted ham & cheese sandwiches she likes. I've never had coffee there so can't recommend it. 

I'd like a bit more time to explore. There are some national parks etc close by which would be fun to explore too. I need to start a list of all the towns I want to go back to one day!!