Then in 1826 when the second magistrate (Van der Riet) and his family was on holiday disaster struck.  Nearly the whole building was destroyed in a fire, but some parts could be saved and it was rebuilt.

History states that in 1897 the building was turned into a boarding house and in 1903 it took another change to become the Victoria Hotel which apparently served famous pub lunches.

Photo credit: George Herald Newspaper

Meanwhile Charles Sayers started a museum in a rented room in Courtney Street. The museum quickly expanded due to generous donations and moved to the Old Town House in Market Street, but soon these premises were also bursting it seems.

It was time for change once more.  The tourism boom arrived round about 1968 in the town of George.  There was a proposal to demolish the Drostdy to make way for a grand three storey hotel boasting three stars next to the door.  Luckily the demolition of the building was avoided when the municipality bought it in 1972 with the main purpose to establish a museum for George.  After extensive renovations, the doors opened in 1976 with Mr Sayers as the curator.

A 2016 view of the museum

The  museum was still expanding and the Sayers Hall was added in 1991 and the timber exhibition in the back garden was completed in 1993.

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 Museum times:
Monday – Friday:  08:00 – 16:30 and Saturdays: 09:00 -12:30

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# 1  DOLPHIN’S POINT

Maybe it is time to stop at Dolphin’s Point on the N2 to admire the scenic old train bridge that spans the dark waters of the Kaaimans river and enjoy the sweeping view towards Leentjiesklip.   While standing at the viewpoint in the late afternoon you may have a surprise glimpse of the dolphins returning from their feeding grounds.

CAUTION:

This is at times a high mugging area – please be vigilant when moving around in this area

Cost:  Free fresh air!

# 2 THE CHOO-TJOE

The Transnet Museum with its trains from yester year revokes memories from my childhood when I fell asleep on the rhythmic clic-clac of the train’s wheels.  This outing will keep the children, and the child in you, busy for some time.  Also consider a power van outing!

Cost:  A small entrance fee is charged.

# 3  ROMANTIC BY HEART?

Do you have a romantic soul?  Sip a sundowner and take a moonlight hike on the unspoilt beaches at Glentana.

Cost:  Pack your own picnic basket

# 4  STRAWBERRIES & CREAM

Although this one sounds like Wimbledon it is right on our doorstep and far cheaper than the England option.  Here you can pick your own strawberries,  find your way in a maze and afterwards enjoy some of the strawberry treats on offer at the little coffee shop on the premises.  Spend an enjoyable day out at Redberry Farm in Blanco!

Cost:  Yes

# 5  THE WRONG CONTINENT?

Take the road to Wilderness Heights and find the view point at the map of Africa tucked away in Remskoen Street.   You will also find the local paragliding launch site nearby.

Cost:  Free

# 6 A COZZY, COKE AND KAYAKS

Feeling adventurous?  Put on your cozzy, hire a striking yellow kayak and meander the waterways of the Garden Route.

Cost:  Free if you take your own or hire one at Eden Adventures

# 7 CATCH UP ON HISTORY

Do a bit of research and catch up on the interesting history of our town.  A visit to the museum at the top of York Street will provide some interesting insight to a bygone woodcutters era.  Also read my blog Historiese George (Afrikaans only) for interesting tit bits.

Cost:  Entrance to museum is free

# 8 SAASVELD FORESTRY COLLEGE

Follow the signposts to NMMU’s Saasveld campus and the first Forestry Institute in South Africa where bush buck roam between buildings and students.  Maybe Lady Luck is on your side  and you will be afforded the opportunity to spot the elusive Knysna Loerie displaying its red wings in flight.

Cost:  Free –  you only need to sign in at the security gate of the campus

Follow the following link to learn about the fascinating history of this institution.

https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4XC7C_saasveld?guid=feee9580-02cb-4d94-821c-fdda8ca42568

# 9  EXPLORE SOME MOUNTAIN PASSES

Follow the N9/N12 and stop to enjoy the lush green mountain sides to the north and on a clear day, looking south,  you will see the sea in the distance.  Or if you are not in a hurry take the old Montagu Pass (gravel) which links Herold and George and enjoy the scenery.

Cost:  Free

# 10  ENJOY SOME BEER TASTING

Waboomskraal is famous for its hops farmers who supply most of the hops to SAB for your special brew.  Nowadays, as is the trend,  smaller breweries are popping up everywhere.  Also try our local Robertson Brewery in town!

Cost:  Not for free!

# 11  WHAT ABOUT SOME WINE?

There is not many wine farms around in the Garden Route , but on the north facing slopes of Cradock peak you will find the gem of Herold Wines with stunning mountain views! This is a perfect place to get away from the beaches when you had too much sun.  My favourite wine?  Skaamp Skaap.  (In English it will translate to something like Shy Sheep …)

Cost:  Yes, you pay for the wine tasting 

# 12 HOP VALLEY FARM STALL

Clocking in at number 12 is this very popular roadside farm stall on the N9/N12. After being served by the friendly owners you can enjoy your scrumptious pizzas under the vines on the veranda or you can have it as take way if you are in a hurry.  This is a famous stop for locals and holidaymakers alike.

We are proud of our town so do your part and keep it clean!

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