As I’ve previously mentioned, I like to shop! Usually in tourist areas like The Blue Mountains and The Hunter Valley I find the shops are small and jam packed with goods, often making it impossible to get a wheelchair inside without knocking things and causing a scene (or maybe that’s just me!)
I was pleasantly surprised in many places we stopped to find the shops more spacious. The Hunter Valley attractions are spread out. Getting in and out of the car many times with a wheelchair becomes a bit wearing. We decided to just pick a few places and marked them out on the map and made our way to those.
Pokolbin Village Shops
This is a row of stores with a mixture of food and specialty shops. As you look at the centre there is a ramp to the right side of the shops giving easy wheelchair access. At this centre you will find;
Pokolbin Chocolate and Jam Company
This store has a range of chocolate and lollies. There is one step once you are in the store but there is plenty on the lower level to increase your cholesterol just while browsing!
The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
This is a great place to pick up some picnic supplies. It’s not exactly spacious but we managed fine. AJ declared “it really is smelly!” It had beautiful cheese and other gourmet produce.
The General Store
Both kids were hungry by the time we stopped here. AJ got a take away croissant and our son got a sandwich. It is nice to find somewhere that has simple food and at a really reasonable price. You don’t always want gourmet sandwiches that are a meal in themselves, especially when travelling with kids.
Tempt Hunter Valley
I loved this gift store and found the staff helpful and friendly. Although it is jam packed with stock we could still get the wheelchair around most of the store. It isn’t the easiest but it is possible. My son quite frankly found it boring which is pretty predictable for a 17 year old. AJ on the other hand loved it.
There is a stand alone disabled toilet facility in the middle of the Pokolbin Village shops.
Hunter Valley Gardens Village
This village shopping area has a lovely atmosphere and it is great with a wheelchair with paths, ramps etc We couldn’t get into all the stores easily but there were a few we could and it was where we found The Taste of the Country café that we liked so much. It is right opposite Hunter Valley Gardens so it is worth dropping in.
There are two disabled toilet facilities here but they are inside the ladies and men’s facilities.
Markets
At the Kevin Sobel Wines there is a market on the 2ndand 4th Saturday of the month. Everything sold here is either made in The Hunter Valley or grown in The Hunter Valley. The day we visited there were 19 stalls with food, jewellery and other handmade items. We particularly liked the Honey stand. It is easy getting the wheelchair around but there wasn’t much for our son here.
Tinklers Produce
On our way home we stopped at The Tinkler Winery to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables. After looking at all those lollies and chocolates it felt good to pick up some healthy nectarines, plums, peaches and other vegetables. The fruit has got so much flavour I’d definitely go back for the fruit. This winery has one step up to it but on this occasion I just ran in to get the fruit. The kids have enjoyed eating it though.
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