After a couple of blogs featuring wonderful weekend ideas, as creator of Tailored Tasmania I thought I’d say hello to you all. But most importantly, I wanted to thank you for your support, interest and help in spreading the Tailored Tasmania word.

With more than 8000 unique visitors to the site in a small two weeks, I couldn’t be happier with the warm response. It indicates to me that many of you share my love of Tasmania and are excited to find out more about local, hidden gems.

So where did the inspiration for the site come from? It was born out of my intense love of this island and a passion to ensure that every local and every visitor enjoys it just as much. Had I not lived in America for five years, I may never have come to appreciate Tasmania with the fresh eyes in which I see it today. As a typical young Tasmanian eager for new shores, it was the lure of my own that brought me home.

My mission is to support local business and encourage new faces through their doors. But, it's just as much about directing someone from my Salamanca Market stall to one of my favourite cafes for a ‘Tailored Tasmania deal’ and being met with an excited, intrigued smile.

If anyone dares tell me there’s nothing to do in Tassie, I’ll point them in 200 directions! There are few places on earth where you can breathe the freshest air on the planet, sink into a Japanese spa overlooking Bass Strait, or follow the elusive scurry of a Tasmanian devil. In fact, there’s no other place.

And the joy of my work is that I continue to find new hidden treasures. Who wouldn’t like to sink into a deckchair and watch a game of Polo just 15 minutes’ outside our capital city, at Brookfield Polo Club? Polo ponies in Hobart you ask? Oh yes! And you can back your car into a lovely rural picnic setting 'field-side' and top it off with a glass of Frank’s Summer Cider.

Winner of 3 medals at the National Cider Awards, Frank’s Cider is preparing to launch at this years Taste Festival. Hailing from Franklin, the apples in your bottle come from century old trees, planted by the hands of Frank’s great grandfather after the Clark family were granted land back in 1836. And don't we like those rich Tasmanian family tales.

For a touch of Italy in Hobart, why not take advantage of the Italian Pantry’s Thursday night deal, where for just $8 you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz and appetiser. Having just returned from Italy, it was a surprise to stumble across an Italian tradition normally reserved for little old Italian men on bicycles who like a Spritz after work.

Or a taste of Antarctica? Well, Mawson’s Place (Mawson, the very man who first took ice-skates to Antarctica) is soon to feature a brand new ice skating rink. Am I delighted about this new addition to our waterfront? Let’s just say I’ll be the first one on skates….bound to come to grief….but with a smile on my face. Keep an eye out for skating fun arriving late next month.

There’s more to come. So much more to explore. Tasmania is an exciting, creative, inspiring place, and I am thrilled to share it with you.

Some of us are lucky little interstate travellers who have friends like North Hobart’s Liza Jane. This bubbly local loves entertaining visitors and whisking them away to her favourite gems. Whether you live here or plan to visit, this is a weekend you’re going to want to borrow!

Friday night we’d head to Grape for bubbles and tapas then round to Rektango for some live music.
  
Saturday would start with a session at the barre (as the locals know it, otherwise known as Barrecode, cures any hangover!) followed by brekkie at an artisan bakery such as Daci & Daci or Pigeon Hole. Then it’d be off to Salamanca market and Salamanca shopping – Spacebar Gallery, A Common Ground, The Maker and Handmark Gallery are my favourites, then we’d hit the Hobart Bookshop.

Next, we’d stroll back up to NoHo (aka North Hobart) pop into Tusk for some more retail therapy before catching a flick at the State Cinema –checking out the bookstore there too. After, we’d treat ourselves to an old fashioned milkshake and lollies at Renown before heading to either Raincheck, Piccolo, Smolt or Ethos for dinner.

Alternately, I would hit the road after stocking up on fresh produce and head down the Channel to Bruny Island – stocking up on more gourmet produce along the way – Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island Cheese and bread, and treats from the smokehouse. I might even consider overnighting on the island as there are some great new accommodation places.

Sunday we’d hit the Farmers Market for a Haloumi burger (and ask for an egg to be added – delicious) and a great coffee. We’d then stock up on some sushi from the Farmer’s market before hitting TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery) and hiring Art Bikes to ride out to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). We’d eat sushi on the pink bean bags and wash it down with some Muse bubbles. We’d spend the afternoon at MONA – with more bubbles at the bar in the museum to top off a day!

*Note, Liza Jane isn’t the only one that likes visiting at A Common Ground!

Welcome to Tailored Tasmania’s first blog entry. Be sure and like our Facebook page or share it, to go in the draw for a $75 gift voucher from the Space Bar Gallery in Salamanca!

Ever wondered what Cam Tapp (from The Voice) likes to do when he returns to his much-loved birthplace of Tasmania? Why not follow the tracks of this famous singer songwriter next time you’re here, as Cam describes what he and a mate might get up to on a weekend in Tassie…

Cam’s Ideal Weekend:
If a friend and I were in Tassie for the weekend, I’d have to of course start by having drinks at Knoppies (Knopwoods Retreat) on the Friday night and then maybe a fisherman’s basket at Mures for dinner followed by a stroll through Salamanca later that night.

On Saturday we’d wander down through Battery Point to Salamanca Market for a coffee at Retro Cafe. If it was a nice day then maybe a drive up to the mountain and after that an arvo drive for a counter meal and a cold beer in a country pub down the Huon. 

On Saturday night I’d go see a movie at the State Cinema and then grab a late meal in North Hobart. Sunday would be for going walking on one of the beautiful beaches that are within 20 minutes drive.

*Take a look at Famous Tasmanians, a brilliant website that sees Cam travel around his homeland and gain inspiration from the people and places that make this island so special.

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