Bright memories, old and new

In my mind I'm eight years old. Eight and a half, actually. I'm in the back seat of the two-toned Pathfinder, in the middle; my brother is to my left with his legs spread out, and my sister is to my right. I'm squished and I make it well known that I'm not happy about this situation. We're arguing about that and about music. He wants to listen to Midnight Oil, she wants U2 and I want Kylie Minogue. My choice is immediately - and very unfairly - outvoted by everyone, so as Mum puts Diesel and Dust into the cassette player I press play on my walkman. And I sing The Locomotion loudly, just to annoy them all.

I look out the window and watch the open road and feel the anticipation of the long summer holidays ahead.

In reality I'm 32 (and a half, but we don't count that anymore). I've just left my husband and four-year-old daughter at home to make this trip with my six-week-old baby. I switch on the same music we used to play in the family car, for old times sake, but soon I have to change it to force myself to stay in the moment - after all, these days it's me navigating the open road.

I still feel the hope of this road, and my breath catches as I drive into the mouth of the alps. I'd forgotten how beautiful this part of the country is.

I was keen to relive some memories of this place - Bright, here in Victoria - of my childhood holidays. What would it be like? Was it going to be one of those things that seems better as a kid because your expectations are lower? Or would it be just as good? The same? Really different?

I drove into town, past the old time-share resort we used to stay at (SO 80s!), through the tree-lined streets, and found it all looks much the same. The years don't do much to age a country town - not on the surface anyway. You have to dig a little deeper to find the changes.

I have two overwhelming memories from childhood holidays in Bright.

The first is the ice cream. To be fair, it probably wasn't that special - just your standard soft serve - but I was a kid and ice cream was a big treat. I was determined to have an ice cream on this trip (I know! I dream big!) to relive the memory, even though I was sure it wouldn't be anything near as good as I remembered. What a surprise when I turned up at the ice creamery to find they now make all their own stuff on the premises, using fresh local ingredients. Oh my!

That sums up the big change I saw in Bright, both in the township and around the area: always fun and beautiful, but now with added freshness and a new determination to utilise and showcase the amazing produce in the area. And such pride in doing that: everyone I spoke to (even those who didn't know I was there to write about it) was excited to talk about the way they do things. The drive between Milawa and Bright, besides being amazingly beautiful, also incorporates almost every type of freshly grown or freshly made produce you could think of: meat, berries, nuts, olives, wine, fruit, cheese, vegetables, butter, honey, beer... the list goes on. I love that passion.

The second big memory is of Mt. Buffalo, just a part of one of the most spectacular mountain ranges.

Back then, of course, it was a vague nod of acknowledgement as my parents asked me to look up from my book and around at the scenery. But despite the small glimpses, it's a sight that remained printed on my memory. (In itself a credit to the mountain - my memory is terrible!)

This time I visited with a new appreciation and a little more observance. First, I glimpsed it from a helicopter (the photo above) - WOW! And then I did something I'm much more used to: set my legs to the task and walked up to the waterfalls along Mt. Buffalo.

Then I drove up further and enjoyed the views. I could have sat up there all day just looking out at those mountains, or marvelling at the mountaintop lake, feeling at peace with the world. Mountains stay the same, they don't change. It's us that change.

Mountains are good for the soul.

When I left Bright, I felt different. I said goodbye to the childhood recollections, tucked them away in their rightful place, and welcomed a whole new set of memories.

These memories are of amazing experiences, beautiful food, a region full of passion. Most of all, I have a sense that mirrors my feelings of the open road that I headed back out on - this time listening to my own new taste in music - that is, excitement that anything is possible up here.

I'll be back to take in more of the walking, exploring and camping (and, let's face it, eating) that awaits in and around Bright.

The details!

Things to do (in the warmer months)

Helicopter ride - HiLife Helicopters can give you a totally different view of Bright and the surrounds. This was my first helicopter ride and I can tell you, it was great fun!

Winery tour - some of the other #BrightDelight team did this limo winery tour and loved it. They found themselves enjoying a small boutique winery and trying new blends that many fell in love with.

Mt Buffalo - one of my favourite spots. Here you can do walks (anything from 45 minutes to, well, however long you want!), drive to the top, picnic at the oval, have a barbeque by Lake Catani, or just enjoy these magnificent views.

Other walks - there are heaps of short and long walks in and around Bright, many taking in beautiful river or mountain views.

Italian cooking class - this class with Umbrian chef Patrizia Simone was a huge hit with the #BrightDelight team members who did it over the weekend. The food they made was, by all accounts, amazing. (Thanks to Laney at Crash Test Mummy for the image)

In town - you could spend ages wandering around Bright, and with a relaxed day you could sit by the river, eat some amazing food, enjoy a leisurely drink at the brewery, stroll around the markets, and do some shopping.





Eat

Food Wine Friends cafe - we ate breakfast here and it was AMAZING. Fresh foods made by people with a real passion for local produce - what's not to love?

Blackbird cafe - another breakfast spot that's also really good, with a great offering of food choices all day long and a little entertainment area for the kids.

Le Blanche ice creamery - be still my heart! Made on the premises from local ingredients, this is the real deal. I want to go back for more ice cream.

Bright Brewery - enjoy a drink and a pizza at the brewery. It's under construction at the moment (but still open), and when it's completed will be a huge place for locals and visitors to partake in a cold one right by the Ovens River in town. (Image from here.)





Out of town

Snow Road Produce, Milawa - Milawa is a well-known gourmet region, rich with fresh produce, and Snow Road Produce is a recent addition to the town. The owners have set it up to showcase local goods and give visitors a glimpse into the passion and talent around the area.

The Butter Factory, Myrtleford - I never thought I'd rave about a butter tasting! But you have to try this range of butters, from creamy lightly salted to truffle infused butter. Not to mention the range of savouries and sweets in the cafe, made fresh on the premises using (of course) their own butter and local ingredients. A great road-trip stop.

Rail Trail Cafe, Porepunkah - the guys from ytravelblog.com (who are also to thank for the image here) ate here with their two young children, and raved about the food and the kid-friendly atmosphere. A sand-pit and play area makes this a good pick for families.

Accommodation

Alegria townhouse - I stayed here on my first night in town. It's brand new and so well set up, with three bedrooms each with an ensuite, large kitchen/dining/living space, and everything you could want. A good spot for groups. (Check out Alpine Getaways for more accommodation ideas.)

The Buckland Retreat - we made a quick visit out here (although I didn't manage to get a photo, so thanks to The Buckland for this image) to check out this luxury accommodation. A stunning location fitted right in with the surrounds, this one is for couples only - just right for a romantic weekend away.

Caravan parks - for families there's a range of caravan parks in and around Bright, with campsites and cabins. (Image from here.)

Bright Avenue Motor Inn - for those on a budget, this is a good one if you're looking for a motel. I stayed here on my second night in Bright and enjoyed a comfortable stay, although it was a pity I didn't have time to partake in the pool and my room's spa!

Farmstay - another wonderful family option, a blogging friend of mine stayed here recently with her husband and two children and they had an amazing time. (Thanks to Suz at Segovia Dreams for this image.)

Bella's of Bright - great for families, this is a two-bedroom cottage close to the Bright township and run by a wonderful lady who is passionate about the area and can give you great advice about things to do while you're here. (Image from here.)

Bush camping - as for us, we'll be back to check out the camping spots around the area. When I asked around town about where the best place is, the response was unanimous: Buckland Valley State Forest. This means easy access to my favourites: Bright itself and Mt. Buffalo. We're looking forward to getting back here with the kids. (Image from here.)

More info

Click on the image below for more information on things to do, places to stay and experiences to consider in and around Bright.

Disclosure: I was invited (by Kim at 365 Things to do in Bright) to attend an event called #BrightDelight (check out the hashtag on Twitter), which showcased Bright and its surrounds to several bloggers for social media promotion. My accommodation and most of my expenses were paid for. This post is my own take on the experience and the place.