Cliff celebrated his birthday last weekend and with the 3rd wave in full force we needed to change our plans. So we opted to leave the city in search of a piece of paradise in the country. Ground has been on our hiking list for a while but we needed a special occasion to tick this one off our list. So off we headed to Ground the venue.
GROUND
It was a 35 minute drive before we arrived at the idyllic and peaceful location. It’s not often that you see photos of a place on Instagram only to find that the photos are a true reflection. Ground delivers in spades when it comes to beauty, spaciousness and romance. A little piece of heaven that naturally evokes emotions of family, love and togetherness.
Ground is a mere stone’s throw away from the Cradle of Humankind and has grown in popularity as a stunning venue that is ideal for weddings, special events and picnics. I really just want to attend at wedding at Ground! This magical venue is an escape from the mundane allowing one to create endless possibilities and lasting memories. One is spoilt for choice with a grand selection of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ground boasts a delightful choice of magical spaces, from the historical tobacco shed to the wattle forest, from the pecan grove to the Cape vineyard.
GROUND THE VENUE
HIKING IS THE IDEAL SOLUTION TO THAT LOCKDOWN LIFE
Between travel bans, changes to lockdown levels and loads of uncertainty, hiking has become the ideal solution for us as a family. Ever since level 3, the great lockdown loophole has allowed us to get our fit on while enjoying the great outdoors. We are an active and adventuring family who revels in the finer things life has to offer. So a visit to Ground was just up our alley. Aside from amazing picnics (which we will get to in a bit) hiking is also an option .
Ground has opened up the farm to hikers. They offer several marked hiking trials to allow you to enjoy being out in nature. There are two options for the walking trails. Option one (*R60 pp) is a hike only and option 2 (*R130) is a hike and includes a brekkie and cooldrink or water. Kids under 5 years of age are free of charge. There is also a Friday Feels option.
We love that the hikes are family and pet-friendly, and that there is also a trail route for families with prams. The hiking trail was exceptionally clean and well marked and with 5 hiking trail options this is the ideal venue for families in search of getting their fit on in nature. The Ground has their own dogs who roam freely around the property and we were fortunate enough to have them lead the way on the hike as well as chill on the lawn afterwards. Should you take your pet/s along make sure that they are well socialised and remain on a leash at all times. Call ahead to make a booking should you wish to hike.
There is just something about Gauteng winters and last Saturday was no exception. The perfect weather for a hike and picnic. After our hike, we chilled on the lawn while we waited for our picnic boxes. Picnics commence at 11am and just like the hikes need to be booked in advance.
GROUND PICNICS – you have choices
Ground is well-known for their beautifully delicious picnic boxes, and they definitely deliver on more than just an ordinary picnic. At the Ground Venue you can order a picnic box and choose a spot of your choosing on the lawn. You can however upscale your picnic by opting to have an picnic in the vineyards. Vineyard picnics carry an extra surcharge that includes a table, chairs, cutlery, crockery and an umbrella. The set-up creates the perfect ambiance without any effort on your part. This was the option we decided to go with for Cliff’s birthday and we really loved it. Oh, and we were able to take a birthday cake with as no extra charge. Social distancing is sorted and you can enjoy a very relaxing day out with your loved one.
Other options include the Ground Picnic Experience which caters for 10 people. Think cane chairs, cushions, floor blankets, throws, floor cushions, flowers, cutlery and crockery. The fee includes styling, set-up and breakdown.
Another hiking we recently visited is Wolwespruit to click here to check out the details.
Ground also has a Harvest Experience which oozes country life vibes. Head to their website for all the deets.
Ground Cafe
Just when you think you are out of options, well you are wrong. Ground Cafe is a gorgeously charming space for all types of smaller celebrations. It looked extremely cozy and relax, an idyllic outside area for families with little ones. The venue also has an indoor area that opens out onto a veranda that flows into the garden. Ground Cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday
We highly recommend Ground for an amazing day out in the country whether you plan to get your fit on or indulge in some picnic vibes.
Stay safe
Good day
This serves as a request for quotation and also to check availability for picnic for two people as follows: 27 March or 3 April 2022