Thursday, July 24, 2008

Welcome to Philadelphia South Africa


Watch this space for upcoming events and news about our majestic little town of Philadelphia, South Africa.

Philadelphia is a beautiful historic town very conveniently located off the N7 from Cape Town to Malmesbury.
Situated 20 km from Melkbosstrand, 26 km from Durbanville and 25 km from Malmesbury, it lies at the beginning of the Swartland and with easy access to numerous wine estates.
The town itself has been preserved in its original state with one of the most beautiful church buildings in Cape Town. Surrounded by wine lands, wheat and canola fields it is not unusual to see a multitude of bird and animal life. During early mornings walks the sun can be seen to rise over the mountains at Stellenbosch and Paarl. Hikers are sure to interest the cows which follows alongside the fence as you walk. Small falcons are seen daily and buck, wild hares and mongoose are often seen in the early morning hours.

Meals and amazing deserts will be supplied by the local deli. The food is a mixture of traditional South African cuisine with a modern look and taste of fusion, or as the chef puts it, ‘plaaskos met ‘n byt’ (food with a bite).

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon this little gem by accident and is intrigued, what is the history behind Philadelphia? Was it a "sendingstasie"? Visited the cemetry to get an idea, it seems to go back to the very late 1800's, however, nobody in the town could tell me how it all started. Many people with the name Schietekat buried there... Nice church! Nice food, cheap too... I'll be back!

painter said...

the lady in the semi-precious mineral shop not only lost a sale by refusing access to her bathroom..its goodbye pretty little town..a very special place to my wife and I

Greg Ashley Cooper said...

Unfortunately the mineral shop is not set up with a public loo. You would have to traipse all the way through their personal space in the back to get to their private toilet.

The closest we get to public toilets are those at the Peppertree and possibly at Die Meul.

Sometimes my wife can be imposed on to use our private loo, but an interrupted siesta (sometimes to try alleviate a migraine) is not always appreciated - Greg

Cpt_Swty_pie said...

I have the weirdest and probably strangest question anyone could ask.... my friend works close to Philadelphia and she and her boyfriend suspects they are being haunted by a ghost(woman figure) ... theres a story going around about a woman that was murdered or committed suicide somewhere closeby and they don't know where or who she is. Some people say she has long dark hair and sometimes her eyes are very red, does anyone know about a legend like this or know of a place where i could find archives on old newspaper articles for back in they day??

Cpt_Swty_pie said...

I have the weirdest and probably strangest question anyone could ask.... my friend works close to Philadelphia and she and her boyfriend suspects they are being haunted by a ghost(woman figure) ... theres a story going around about a woman that was murdered or committed suicide somewhere closeby and they don't know where or who she is. Some people say she has long dark hair and sometimes her eyes are very red, does anyone know about a legend like this or know of a place where i could find archives on old newspaper articles for back in they day??

g.boonstra@telkomsa.net said...

I live in the village and know the history quite well. I've never heard of such a ghostly woman. Maybe you could send more info of where this occurs?
Anybocy wanting more info on the village, may contact me at g.boonstra@telkomsa.net. Seems like I will have to put a proper story on the past, present and future of this village - the only one of its kind within the greater Cape Town metro.

Fred Miller said...

I had to take some photographs for a photography course and went to the old Malmesbury road/van Schoorsdrift road. On my way back home (Durbanville area)I turned towards Philadelphia and what a pleasant surprise ! Had breakfast at the Pepper Tree and spoke to the friendly people. Took photos everywhere in town and also went inside the Malle Meule. They told me it gets very busy om Sunday's when people come from all over for lunch.Looked at the minerals in the shop and was fascinated by the collection. A lovely little village - hope you can keep it that way !! (I see the developers have been busy across the main road )I would love to read the history and possibly G. Boonstra could publish a short article in your local online newspaper. I have friends who had a farm close to the village , Paul and Ada Andrag, and I cannot wait to tell them I visited their old home town. I hang my head in shame though, after having lived 30km away since 1987 this is my first visit .

Mc Bride said...

There was a TV item on human waste being spread on local farmers fields in your area,It is causing a foul smell.

I have a product to reduce,even remove that smell,can you direct me to any person in local council who I may speak to?

Regards

Roy McBride
Hout Bay

Anonymous said...

Good day I have new classified website online.
You are welcome to post free ads.
Afrikaans and English are welcome.
Your business logo or picture is welcome.
Post free ads and stand a chance to win R500.00.
http://www.sawebfleamarket.co.za

Kind regards
Alwyn

Unknown said...

My great-grandfather (James Robb) was a policeman based in Philadelphia and my grandmother was born there.

Is there anyone who can give me information about life in the town at the turn of the last century?

Unknown said...

Here you can sell and buy both new and used products.
This website is perfect for selling just about anything at all.
post free ads ireland

Unknown said...

Hi

I heard about a little shop in Philadelphia that sells all sorts of things including Fancy Cabinet/draw Knobs etc. Does anyone know what the shop is called please.

Thanks
Donna