You probably have not heard of the quaint little town called McGregor as yet, and if you haven’t, that’s okay.
Dutch Reformed Church, McGregor / A3alb / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in the Western Cape, McGregor is the kind of place that feels as though you’ve stumbled upon a secret. A village seemingly preserved in another era, it is charming, creative and wonderfully unhurried and, dare we say it, one of South Africa’s sweetest small towns.
If you’re looking for a weekend away that offers equal parts rest, adventure, art and good food, McGregor deserves a place on your itinerary.
A brief history
In the early 1700s, farmers were in search of favourable farming land. McGregor offered fertile soil and, thus, farmers migrated and settled in the area we now know as McGregor.
The community was deeply religious, so naturally, a church was erected within the community and the rest of the village grew from there. It was originally named Lady Grey but, as the town grew roots and the settlement expanded, it was renamed McGregor in honour of Rev Andrew McGregor, who was a Dutch Reformed minister in the Robertson area.
Much of this old-world charm can still be felt and seen through the original architecture of the town and, more importantly, in the rich traditions and cultures you’ll end up face to face with in McGregor.
Slow down and smell the roses
If old buildings and storied spaces are your thing, McGregor will tick all the right boxes, leaving you wanting just a little more time to wander through its old-world charm. McGregor has a way of calling to the painter or poet within you and, if you don’t think either exists, this is the kind of place that might convince you otherwise.
Whitewashed houses, thatched roofs, seemingly endless gardens bursting with flowers and long, winding roads create the kind of setting that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a 90s romcom. And yes, it really is that serious.
The village boasts accommodation for every aesthetic and every version of the traveller. Maggie’s Gift is for the romantics. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a charming walkway surrounded by a garden filled with perfectly placed flowers and a luxurious interior that subtly blends old-world warmth with modern comfort.
The Red Caboose Train calls to the adventurer in you, offering accommodation in a restored 1941 SAR Caboose carriage. Blomhuis speaks to the minimalist, with a choice of one or two garden apartments that encourage slowing down and breathing deeply, with a seamless blend of luxury and country-charm interiors. The renovated Old School building is for the artists, painters and poets alike. Its lush and peaceful gardens, alongside four spacious and artfully curated studio apartments, create the kind of environment that might just awaken the dreams you pushed aside when life became a little too serious.
There is no shortage of memorable places to stay in McGregor. You simply need to decide which version of yourself you’re bringing along for the weekend.
Wine and dine
Naturally, McGregor offers a collection of delectable wines and wine stays. And so, of course, where there is good wine, there is great food to pair it with.
McGregor Winery was established in the 1700’s and has been in existence for quite some time. Its vineyards stretch across three different river valleys around McGregor, contributing to the unique flavour profiles found in its wines. Beyond a wine tasting, visitors can build their own cheese and charcuterie platters and settle in for a leisurely afternoon, preferably one that stretches longer than originally planned.
If you’re one to immerse yourself with the locals, then Bemind Wyne would be your spot. Ilse Schutte is the owner of Bemind Wyne and produces limited and exclusive wines in her garage. Don’t let the combination of “wine” and “garage” deter you. Schutte brings more than 20 years of winemaking experience to her craft, having worked at vineyards around the country after completing her BSc Agric degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. Every first Wednesday of the month, Bemind Wyne hosts its Vetkoek Evenings, bringing together wine, food and live music for an evening that feels distinctly local.
Blue Crane Bistro at Lord’s Wines is one for the foodies and those who appreciate a beautiful setting. The estate pairs a carefully curated menu with vineyard views and local ingredients, creating a relaxed dining experience that is as much about the setting as it is about the food. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or settling in for a dinner that stretches beneath the African sky, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and deliciously fed.
Art and all things pretty
McGregor is not the kind of town many of us have become accustomed to.
There are no sprawling shopping centres, familiar chain stores or buildings dominated by commercialism. Instead, you’ll find locally owned businesses, delis that make you feel instantly at home, cafés and bakeries that encourage you to linger a little longer, and country restaurants where the sounds of conversation bring the streets to life.
When it’s time to take a break from exploring the town, book a table at the courtyard, where your hosts, Steve and Meg van Schaik, have created a dining atmosphere that is nothing short of homely.
There are no limits when it comes to immersing yourself in local art. The McGregor Art Circle invites visitors to browse a broad variety of galleries and artists across its digital platform. Walk into La Galleria and meet Dani, where you’ll find a home for his photography and fine-art prints. If you’re into thrifting, then FOUND is where you’ll “find” yourself, looking through treasures of vintage finds, art, indigenous plants and vintage lampshades.
The beauty of McGregor’s creative scene lies in its simplicity. Nothing feels overly polished or manufactured. Instead, it feels lived in, personal and wonderfully local.
The adventure itch
McGregor’s artistic nature might lead you to believe that the village belongs only to painters, poets and creatives, but don’t let that fool you. For those who struggle to sit still for too long, there is plenty to do.
Spend an afternoon cycling through and around the village, explore an olive farm and enjoy tastings at Rhebokskraal Olive Estate, or spend time with rehabilitated donkeys at the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Nature lovers can explore the rocky landscape of Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, home to succulents and dwarf trees, while hikers can challenge themselves on the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail, also known as the Greyton–McGregor hike.
McGregor may encourage you to slow down, but slowing down doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing.
Slow down and choose the soft life
McGregor speaks to all the versions of you. It isn’t a place that asks you to be any one thing. Instead, McGregor offers the space to discover what you need from a weekend away and perhaps even from yourself.
It’s the sort of place that effortlessly blends adventure, art and rest into one glorious landscape. The sort of feeling that sits in your bones in old age and does not require you to take another paid vacation from your vacation itself.
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