Indoor market is ideal way to warm up winter

WHEN AccuWeather announced earlier this week it would rain for days – with cute variations on that theme in each description – I was thrilled. But it does bring with it a few challenges. What do we do when it’s cold and wet?

Most people, me included, tend to batten down the hatches and stay indoors. And why not? Just about everything you want or need can be delivered, including wine. But on the other hand, why be a sissy? Off to the Google I went to see what the internet suggested. Turned out, not terribly much. Activities included visiting museums or the aquarium, having spa days, going shopping or seeing a movie, 10-pin bowling, going to the theatre and visiting the winelands. I went as deep as five pages into the Google search (who does that?) where the original criteria weren’t even being matched any more and kept getting the same options.

I’ve rounded up a few things for you to do – music, poetry, cheese and wine, and coffee. And this market, which cropped up a few times in my research. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay promotes local shopping with traders selling everything from fashion to food.

Browse the stalls for arts and crafts, funky decor items for your home, accessories to perfectly finish any outfit and gifts for friends and family. If you just want to get out of the rain and feast, you can do it here too, with dozens of vendors offering crayfish to koeksisters and everything in between. Wash it all down with wine or craft beers on tap.

A fireplace is the Cape Town winter dealmaker, and there is always live music to put a wiggle in your walk. Jack Stone plays solo acoustic today and tomorrow the duo No Counterfeit play multi-instrumental covers.

The market is in an old refurbished fish factory down near the water’s edge, and has undercover outdoor areas and courtyards. It’s child-friendly so it makes the perfect family outing.

Bay Harbour Market, 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay. Opening hours: Fridays 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm, Sundays 9.30am to 4pm. www.bayharbour. co.za