There’s never been a better time to lose yourself in the beauty of Samford and surrounds with the return of the Creative Samford Inc Arts Trail and Open Studios.
Across the month of June 45 artists will show their talents at 25 of the region’s best venues.
The Samford and Surrounds Arts Trail and Open Studios takes in Samford Valley, Samford Village, Yugar, Warner, Cedar Creek, Clear Mountain and Dayboro, with some of the region’s artistic talent on display and the chance to create pieces to take home with a series of workshops.
You can choose your own arts adventure….or take the guesswork out of finding hidden treasures with a workshop or class.
Studios and galleries along the trail are open each weekend from 10am-4pm, creating the perfect opportunity to explore the region and chat with artisans.
With so much to see and do, it’s worth settling in at one of the region’s many places to stay so you can enjoy the creativity at leisure – or book in for some workshops with the artists themselves.
Here’s a few of our faves to get you inspired:
No time for a workshop? No worries! There’s loads to see and artists to meet across Samford and surrounds.
Take a look at the guide to the trail here – and plan your arts adventure to your heart’s content.
As if being spoilt for creativity is not enough, there’s a myriad of venues to fuel up along the way, with the valley renowned for its fabulous food.
We love Canter & Colt for a morning treat or lunch. Nestled on the porch of the Four Seasons Organic Grocer, Canter and Colt was the first 100 percent organic café to open in Samford.
Or try Café Lagarto – named for the friendly lizards that call the area home – where you can feast on a haloumi stack, sample a beetroot bruschetta for breakfast, or grab a honey roasted pumpkin and walnut salad or chicken and chorizo penne for lunch.
Steeped in history, the Samford Hotel serves up top notch brews and delicious traditional pub fare, as well as pizzas.
Specialising in artisan-baked sourdough breads, croissants, brioches, gourmet pies and pastries, Little Tree Bake and Brew House incorporates local and sustainable produce on its menu, which ranges from gingerbread organic buckwheat sandwiches with fruit cake ice cream and scorched meringue to a slow-roasted lamb shank ragu.
Making a weekend of it? Then you’ll need somewhere to snuggle up for the night – and there’s plenty of places to choose from.
Samford Lakes Cottages is set on 35 acres of lush hills and has an array of cottages and self-contained studios to choose from – there’s also an entertainment area with a barbecue and wood-fired pizza oven, full sized tennis court and much more to keep you entertained.
The Eatons Hill Hotel is just a stone’s throw away, with 4.5 star modern accommodation ranging from king and family rooms to the sky penthouse, and dining and bar options conveniently on-site.
At the Mercure Mountain Lodge you’ll find 51 beautifully appointed rooms and suites with private balconies offering a variety of spectacular views from the Glasshouse Mountains to the natural Australian bush and the city lights of Brisbane beyond.
Or there’s Mount Glorious Getaways, with luxurious award-winning cottages hidden away in the Moreton Bay Region hinterland rainforests of D’Aguilar National Park.
Looking to learn a new art technique or discover more of the region's history? Many of the local art galleries and museums offer workshops, talks and events. There are even cultural activities for families to enjoy! Or check out some of the regions upcoming events!