> > by Tricia Welsh
No doubt Beechworth is a popular getaway destination, but just another eight kilometres away is the real gem – the tiny town of Stanley which is famous for its apples and pears.
With one pub, a post office, an apple shed and a spread-out population of just 700, Stanley offers the best of both worlds – quality restaurants, cafes and food outlets in nearby Beechworth, plus the intimacy of small community living. Stay in one of two Provencale-style rooms at The Stanley pub, or book into the stylish log-cabin hideaway at Planetrees, where catering by a local chef can be organised. Meet locals in the front bar of The Stanley for a pre- dinner drink by the fire and dine on contemporary pub fare or drive into Beechworth for terrific food at Provenance or Wardens Food & Wine. Hire a Pedal to Produce bike and pick up the makings for a picnic from The Larder and Beechworth Bakery, some wine from Pennyweight Wines and head for Lake Sambell with its own sandy beach.