Semaphore: Keith soaks up some of the amosphere of this traditional seaside area of the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia
There's always something happening at Semaphore. It hasn't built out its seafront and that's part of its charm and it has been for more than a century. In its heyday, the train and trolley buses used to bring thousands of people down for a day at the beach. The Semaphore Illuminated Carnival was a world famous tradition - no Christmas or New Year would be complete without a balmy evening soaking up the fun.
But there's more to it than just the sand, the sea, the jetty and the lovely foreshore reserve. We're headed up the main street where everything old is new again. Semaphore has been reborn with its own distinctive style - a trendy place for a feed and a drink and a burst of family entertainment. Its heritage buildings are part of the rebirth with contemporary cafes and shops giving them a new life and a new sense of style.
The legendary Sarah's Vegetarian Café is a case in point - the old grocer shop is now a lovely garden centre that wraps around the back. It's a Semaphore Road landmark where you can enjoy a cuppa sitting at reclaimed laminex tables and chairs overlooking the garden centre out the back.
Owner, Stuart Gifford always lands on his feet - fresh herbs at the back door of his café tended by someone else. Not bad! He's a brilliant case study in sustainability, after all his cafes have been pretty sustainable since opening 30 years ago. And Stuart's approach fits the new Semaphore perfectly as it embraces its 'local', 'down to earth' heritage.
Stuart Gifford: "It's all here, it hasn't been spoilt and people have taken advantage of (the heritage) buildings so rather than abusing them, they become part of the drawcard - and part of your point of difference and it's free."
Zelim Gallery around the corner is a classic example. Yana has turned the old plumber's workshop into a lively gallery with giant chess pieces, artwork and her own quirky handbags she creates from old vinyl LPs.
The village feel is certainly given a leg up by the number of eateries along Semaphore Road including the Semaphore Pantry. David, the resident chef and owner has cooked around the world for the likes of Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson and Jerry Hall - but he wanted to get back to a 'real' community. The result is an old video shop that's now a classy takeaway - another case of recycling.
We called into a number of favourite food hangouts including The Corner Shop with its fabulous range of local cheese, and Swedish Tarts with the usual cakes and pastries of course - but what about their coffee - not just a cup - but a whole bowl.
If you are after a feed of fish and chips shared with the seagulls or a sit down slap up three courses - you'll find it all on Semaphore Road. In one way there's a sense of Semaphore being a real old fashioned seaside resort, but then again, there are lots of people recycling the buildings and helping turn it into a 21st century 'eat street'.
And you'll be able to enjoy Semaphore hospitality and conviviality at its best at the annual Semaphore Street Fair on Sunday November the 29th, 2009. Music, markets, kids corner, fashion parades, entertainment and rides, street circuit bike races - and of course plenty of food and wine. It'll stretch the length of Semaphore Road from 11am - 5pm. Reminiscent of the good old days - it's Semaphore recycled! If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Semaphore Street Fair
Sunday 29 Nov 11am - 5pm
