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The Crowders Real Estate office in Rye is surrounded by amazing places to eat. From cafes to restaurants and ice creameries. So we have taken the trouble out of deciding for you, with the five best places to go for dinner in Rye. Rye Hotel The local pub is usually one of the top places to go for dinner, and the Rye Hotel is no different. The Rye Hotel is about honest pub favourites as well as an extensive offering with a range of seafood options. Catering to all taste buds as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements, the Rye Hotel sources as much local produce as much as possible. On top of the restaurant, the Rye Hotel offers conference and meeting facilities as well as accommodation. Del Posto 2409 Offering Italian and Mediterranean dishes, Del Posto 2409 is the best place on the Peninsula for your fix of freshly made pasta. With quick and friendly service and recommendations that are always spot on, it’s the perfect place for a long lunch on the weekend or an intimate dinner.  Steam Restaurant With a heavy emphasis on fresh and local seafood, merging the flavours of the land and sea with some spice to delight your senses. The menu is designed for sharing at the table, promoting interaction and discussion. Choose your meal from the various menu options, or opt for a banquet. Or go for yum cha lunch on the weekend. Ruby Modern Thai With plenty of options for Asian cuisine in Rye, Ruby Modern Thai is one of our favourites. Presenting delicious, authentic and creative new flavours at reasonable prices with quality ingredients and paying close attention to every stage of the food process. Making it a well-known restaurant amongst customers as a typical Thai restaurant that brings out magnificent flavours of each of its dishes. Veraison Restaurant While not quite in Rye, Veraison needs a special mention as one of the best places for dinner. Much of the produced used in the restaurant comes from organic market gardens from the southern Peninsula. Don’t forget to come and say hello if you see us out and about at any of the above places! [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

There are so many things to take into consideration when choosing a school for your child, whether you are selecting a primary or secondary school, public or private school or even a boarding school. Think about what is important to you and your family Start your search for the best school by thinking about what is essential for you and your family. Some things to get started thinking about are: location class size school size programs offered by the school like International Baccalaureate emphasis on particular areas like art, language or physical education homework and disciplinary policies opportunities for those with learning difficulties or advanced studies culture and values school facilities like library, nurse, gymnasium, swimming pool where your child’s friends are going to school When it comes to the location of the school, you will need to consider a few things. Do you want the option of walking your kids to school or would you prefer to drive them or that they catch public transport? If you choose to drive them, is it more convenient that their school is closer to home or on your way to work? Once you know what is important to you and family, prioritise them. These will help you narrow down a few options. Do a school tour Reviewing a  school’s website and personal recommendations are a great place to start, but a tour of the school will help you get a better idea of what the school has to offer. You can see the teachers in action, seeing how they work and respond to their students. The atmosphere of the school can provide insight into whether the school is a good fit with your values. Enrol After narrowing down your choices, it’s time to enrol. There are a few guidelines about when to enrol. They include the age of the child for starting primary school and compulsory education ages. Generally, public schools begin taking enrolments around May the year before your child is due to start. And most private schools begin taking enrolments at least one year before your child is expected to start, some also have waiting lists. With 51 schools ranging from primary to secondary, public and private to independent or boarding, and religious or non-denominational, you are sure to find a school that suits the needs of your child and your family. [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

In an extra special series of events, Santa is set to return the Mornington Railway. The festive time of the year has already begun and Mornington Railway will once again have a jolly visitor from the North Pole. Join Santa on a one-hour return train ride from Moorooduc station throughout December. The station area, as well as the train, will be suitably decorated to make Santa feel welcome and at home. Choose from a train ride during the day, or make it an extra special twilight train trip with Santa. Santa’s Special Trains dates: Sunday December 1  Sunday December 8 Saturday December 14 Sunday December 15 Saturday December 21 Sunday December 22 Catch the Santa special train from either Moorooduc station or Mornington station and choose either a one-way train ride or return. A return trip will take approximately an hour unless you decide to move on to Mornington Main Street. On top of the train ride, there are several activities to encounter. You’ll be able to experience jumping castles, Christmas tree decorating, plaster painting, some amazing photo opportunities with Santa and even send your Christmas wish list to Santa via the Santa mailbox. And we can’t forget the hot and cold food and beverages available at the kiosk at Moorooduc Station. Extend your day a little further by taking advantage of the Mornington Courtesy Bus. The bus will run directly to and from Mornington Main Street. While you’re there, take advantage of some of the amazing restaurants, cafes and shops. So join Santa and travel aboard the beautiful heritage trains this December. And don’t forget to say hello if you see any of the Crowders Real Estate team while you’re out and about over the holidays. [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

Hidden away at the top of Arthurs Seat is Seawinds Gardens. George Chapman acquired the property in 1896 while he was working at the nearby Heronswood Estate. He built a homestead on the property near the northern lookout and his children used a horse and dray to get to school each day in Dromana at the bottom of Arthurs Seat. Mr Chapman was also involved in supplying timber that was transported to Melbourne by train from Red Hill, a town on the eastern side of Arthur's Seat. Seawinds Gardens cover a total of 34 hectares of land at the top of Arthurs Seat which peaks at 305 metres above sea level. Providing spectacular views of Port Phillip as well as the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas from various lookout points around the park. Work on the gardens at Seawinds was started in 1946 by the then owners, Sir Thomas Travers and Lady Travers. In 1960 Sir Thomas Travers acquired five artworks by the famous artist William Ricketts. These ceramic works of art are now featured on a rock wall at Seawinds. In 1975 the Victorian State Government purchased Seawinds from the Travers estate and made it part of the Arthurs Seat National Park. Offering a combination of indigenous and exotic formal gardens, as well as the William Ricketts sculpture collection, the park is the perfect place for a picnic with electric barbeques, picnic tables and toilets. Several walking tracks will take you through the diverse range of flora with the changing seasons. Summer offers a cool escape from the surrounding coast. In Autumn the park transforms into a canopy of red, yellow and brown before the trees lose all their leaves. Winter highlights the distinction between the deciduous birch and willow trees against the still-green pine and cypress trees. Late August shows a rush of bright yellow when the daffodils begin to flower just before the onset of spring, which brings vibrant flowers and shrubs to life. [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

With a late start to the weather warming up, the summer events are ready to kick off even if the weather can’t make up its mind. There are many events on the peninsula this summer, and not all of them relate to Christmas. So take your pick, the Peninsula has plenty on offer! Barefoot Cinema The Barefoot Cinema is all about showcasing incredible locations with breathtaking views. With two great locations to choose from on the Peninsula and over 20 movies to choose from, it’s a magical night out.  Point Nepean National Park in Portsea is one of the most historic and breathtaking locations in Australia. Take in some of the rich history before settling into your beanbag for the movie. The Briars Homestead in Mornington is one of the oldest and most important homesteads in Victoria. You might even be able to spot some wildlife watching the movie with you! Horse Racing With race meets on throughout the summer, you are spoilt for choice! Visit either Mornington Racecourse or Balnarring Picnic Racing Club for their regular race meets or special race days. These racecourses also double as the location for the Mornington Racecourse Market and Emu Plains Market. Sorrento Christmas Concert and Fireworks Bring your family and a picnic to the Sorrento foreshore on December 8 for the annual Christmas Concert and fireworks. With local school choirs and musicians, Santa, face painting and a sausage sizzle. Rye Gift & Family Fun Day The Rye Gift is a premier event conducted with the Rye Athletics Carnival and Family Fun Day. Hosted on the second Saturday of January it’s a wonderful family fun day with attractions including races, children’s rides and market stalls. A summer mainstay on the Peninsula, this event has been presented by the Rye Sports & Social Club since 1975. Don’t miss the five local Football Clubs running a mile for prize money for the clubs! [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

Christmas is coming, so that means Santa is coming to town. Santa photos are a time-honoured tradition in most household’s and this year is no exception. Whether you’re after a Santa with a real beard, a particular colour themed backdrop or a Santa that is patient and kind, the Santa’s of the Peninsula have you covered.  Local Shopping Centre Almost all local shopping centres offer photo opportunities with Santa. Santa will return to  Rosebud Plaza from November 30 and Mornington Central from December 9. But if you don’t mind travelling, we’ve heard great things in the past about the Santa at Parkmore Shopping Centre. Department Stores Large department stores like Harvey Norman, David Jones, Myer and Ikea often have a beautiful display. With some stores offering free photos during selected times, although you may need to wait a few days for your photo to be processed. Pet Stores Santa photos aren’t just for kids so why not take your beloved pet to meet Santa for a photo? PetStock from November 23, Beleura Veterinary Hospital on selected dates in November and Petorium Pet Warehouse on December 7. Santa train In an extra special series of events, Santa is set to return the Mornington Railway. Join Santa on a one-hour return train ride from Moorooduc station throughout December. On top of the train ride, you’ll be able to experience jumping castles, Christmas tree decorating, plaster painting and some amazing photo opportunities with Santa. With a special mention to Myer Christmas Windows, they never fail to amaze us with their different themes. The theme for 2019 is May Gibbs’ Gumnut Babies and has already been unveiled for the season. [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

Located near the bottom of Arthurs Seat, the beautiful Heronswood Estate offers spectacular gardens, a plant nursery and restaurant. The home of The Diggers Club, the gardens and nursery showcase the best plants and flowers for Australian conditions. With the first garden at Heronswood planted in the 1870s, remnants can still be seen today with the Morton Bay Fig which is registered by the National Trust as a significant tree.  The gardens contain many different sections and feature a dry garden, sub-tropical garden, cooks herb garden, children's garden, vegetable parterre, mini-plot, food border, modern herb garden, evergreen grey garden, duck pond, tile garden, summer perennial garden, climber walk, edible hedges and the kitchen garden. “A breathtaking historical property with amazing views of the gardens and the ocean.” The buildings of Heronswood were also classified on the National Trust in 1973 and placed on the register of National Estate in 1978. The historic Gothic Revival house was completed in 1871 and is now home to Hersonwood’s Fork to Fork Restaurant. When the food is not grown on the property, it is sourced locally for Heronswood’s Fork to Fork restaurant. Taking full advantage of the grounds to supply seasonal produce ensuring minimal food miles. The Diggers Club Garden Shop offers a wide variety of plants and specialises in Diggers signature heirloom seeds. Heronswood also hosts an extensive 'Learn with Diggers' program, offering workshops, masterclasses and gardening intensives most weekends. Situated on two hectares of formal gardens, there is something for everyone at Heronswood Estate. [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]

The festive season is a really exciting time to enjoy everything the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. There is a range of family-friendly events to enjoy, and we want to share some of our favourites with you! Frankston’s Christmas Festival of Lights The gateway to the Mornington Peninsula. The City of Frankston has been celebrating 22 years of bringing Christmas celebrations to residents and visitors alike. This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, November 30th from 5 pm-10 pm and is located at the Frankston Arts Centre precinct, Frankston Library, Davey Street and surrounding area. The popular event is free, with costs for rides, food, market stalls and amusements. Activities include a children’s show, Santa visits and craft activities at the Frankston Arts Centre. Live music and Christmas carols will be on the legendary main stage. Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade is a must-see, followed by Frankston City’s spectacular century-old Norfolk Pine Christmas Tree Lighting. The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display- which is sizing up to be the best one yet! Mount Martha Carols by Candlelight Mount Martha’s annual Carols by Candlelight is held on the Mount Martha Community House Lawn at 466 Esplanade. This year the event will be held on Monday, December 23rd from 8 pm- 9:30 pm. The family-friendly community Carols event is by the Combined Churches of Mount Martha. A hugely popular local event for both young and old, bring a picnic, enjoying singing along with the Christmas carols and listening to the performers. One of our favourite ways to welcome in Christmas on the Peninsula. Modern Australian Christmas @ Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery Get inspired to take your Christmas dining to the next level with the popular Modern Australian Christmas cooking class at Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery, corner Cook & Wood Streets in Flinders. The class will run on December 7th from 4 pm to 7 pm and we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment. The class will focus on tricks and techniques and will feature cold entrees, easy and delicious mains and a refreshing dessert. You will gain the skills to have the confidence you need to ensure your Aussie Christmas dining is flavour packed and loved by all your guests, young and old.  We would love to see you out and about at any of the local events on our amazing Mornington Peninsula this festive season! [form id="0cf0ec0e-cb9d-11ed-bf74-7a36cb28346e"]