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Shop 'Til You Drop
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No holiday, short break or visit is complete without at least some time allocated for that number one activity………shopping! And in Perthshire the bargain hunter is spoiled for choice.
Perthshire's towns and villages have their fair share of familiar names on the high street but a key feature of the area is the number of family owned stores that exist and the extensive range of speciality shopping outlets. Perth's compact city centre has arguably the best range of speciality shops in Scotland but thanks to a long trading heritage and market tradition Perthshire's principal centres all have excellent opportunities for retail therapy whatever the time of year. The sense of community is also evident in the many locally organised events through the year (and especially at Christmas) where retailers and businesses collaborate to showcase the best that their community has to offer.
In Perthshire local crafts people abound and the regular programme of fairs and festivals is where to hunt out some truly stunning handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, woollens, leather goods and local arts. Antiques outlets and art galleries are located thoughout Perthshire with the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee even having its own "antiques trail" - look out for white and brown tourist signage to help direct you to a number of Aladdin's Caves in the communities either side of the busy A90 but wherever you travel in Perthshire it is worth keeping eyes peeled for a little sign to direct visitors to a craft workshop or gallery. On a somewhat larger scale the markets at Errol and Kinross make for an entertaining day out for the family.
Select Perthshire from the "search by area" drop down menu
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A Taste of Perthshire
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For a true flavour of the region (and interesting souvenirs to boot!) sample some of Perthshire's produce. When nature has blessed a region with fertile soils and a mild climate it is little wonder that Perthshire's food and drink produce is so extensive and of such internationally renowned quality. Farmers' markets have seen something of resurgence in recent years in the UK and Perth's Farmers' Market is arguably the best known in Scotland. Taking place throughout the year on the first Saturday of each month, Perth's Farmers' Market is something of a showcase for local producers and growers and is a rewarding visit in its own right. Look out for fish, meat and game, baked goods, fruit wines and liqueurs, honeys and preserves, fruit and vegetables, sweets and herbs. Sounds tempting? Many stallholders offer free tastings and welcome visitors on site to find out more about their particular specialities.
Around Perthshire you will find farms and smallholdings selling their produce directly to the public. The area around Blairgowrie is Europe's centre for soft fruit production and a particular feature of the area are the signs at farms inviting you to "pick your own" strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, and tayberries.
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On The Whisky Trail
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Of course, Perthshire's specialities also extend to those of an alcoholic variety. Sample locally brewed ales from the Moulin micro brewery and the Inveralmond Brewery. Visit the Cairn o'Mhor winery on the Carse of Gowrie and the Scottish Liqueur Centre at Bankfoot north of Perth or take the whisky trail along the Perthshire Tourist Route to the distilleries at Aberfeldy, Crieff and Pitlochry and discover the mysteries of the malt and the stories behind famous malts and blends including Dewar's, Famous Grouse, Bell's and Edradour. A visit to a whisky distillery is, after all, an essential ingredient of any Scottish trip but if intending to sample the produce spare a thought for your designated driver and purchase a bottle for future consumption.
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Eating Out
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Perthshire's eating out establishments put the bounteous local produce to good use in the kitchen in the creation of innovative and award winning cuisine. A long tradition of hospitality combined with stiff competition ensure that local chefs are at the forefront of modern Scottish cooking and the area's reputation in culinary circles is well deserved with restaurants and hotels regularly featuring in the review sections of the press - with much critical acclaim.
For the visitor the Taste of Scotland scheme and the new national food grading scheme are good indicators and guides to the best that the area has to offer. Each Spring the Perthshire Food Festival provides the opportunity for local chefs to display their talents with visitors and local people alike able to choose from a great range of special menus and themed evenings.
Click the link to search the database for a list of eating out establishments.
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Nightlife
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To round off a day in Perthshire the range of nightlife is perhaps surprisingly extensive. Visit during a festival and the choice of evening entertainment is extensive but whatever the time of year there is much to entertain young and old alike. Nightclubs and cinema are to be found in Perth and both Perth and Pitlochry boast acclaimed theatres.
Perth is now also home to the £20 million state of the art Perth Concert Hall. This ambitious and modern venue doesn't simply mean there's somewhere new to go in Perth. It marks the beginning of a new cultural life in the city and an opportunity for the people of Perthshire and visitors alike to indulge in the very best in music, drama, new media, comedy, family events and much more.
While Perth is very much on the touring concert circuit, the area's musical treats don't just end there. Perthshire is home to a number of talented musicians and in many communities you will find informal sessions and ceilidhs that fill the evening air with music, song and laughter.
Tourist Information Centres can help with up to date what's on information but don't forget to check the events database for a list of what's happening and where.
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