How to spend a wet weather weekend in Hastings CBD.
Wet weather weekends are like strong coffee before 9am. One is lovely, two is manageable, but three in a row is too many and could lead to dire consequences.
As we adjust to our new soggy normal, it’s worth getting a bit of perspective. No where thrives on a rainy day - you could be in the best city in the world and a rainy day will still ruin your hair, your car parking options and maybe even your bank balance - but do you know what’s worse than going out on a rainy day? Staying in. YAWN.
If you are staring down the barrel of 48 hours inside your house, and you’re looking for inspiration to get out into the fresh air, while staying dry - please find our top tips for not only surviving, but thriving during a wet weekend in Hastings CBD.
Choose one option for a quick jailbreak, or pick and mix them all for a full day’s excursion - the choice is yours!
And if all else fails, Hastings CBD is blessed with wide footpaths and exceptional verandah coverage, so chuck on a jacket and simply come for a stroll - you never know what new businesses you may stumble across and what window displays might draw you in when you take the time to act like a visitor in your own town.
IF YOU NEED SOME ENTERTAINMENT:
For those starting to climb the walls at home in need of a bit of stimulation, there are options aplenty in Hastings CBD. Whether you want to exercise your brain, your eyeballs or your legs, there is plenty to discover while staying undercover.
Hastings Library - yes, Hastings Library is an absolute Aladins Cave of excellent literary works, educational resources, magazines and puzzles - but if you weren’t aware they also host a huge amount of events, programmes and hobby groups. Almost any day of the week you could hear talks from specialists in their field, join a knitting group, play some MahJong or even take part in some Late Night Witch Craft. Simply head along to their Facebook or website to see what’s on for the day you’re after.
Hastings City Art Gallery - conveniently located right next to the library, Hastings City Art Gallery of course boasts an incredible collection of artwork to feed your eyeballs and your imagination, but they also regularly host artist talks, exhibition tours and even arts sessions for kids. Pop this one in the itinerary for a good few hours!
Bay Plaza - who doesn’t love a Bay Plaza excursion? Finally get the kids haircut at Bay Cuts, take your mini me for a mani/pedi at La Vida Nails, top up crafting supplies from Kmart, grab some gummies from No 1 shoe warehouse, a boba from Bits and Bo-Bear, a churro or 5 from Toro Churro or a bento bowl from St Pierres Sushi and top it all off with some quality time spent riding the coin cars in the front entrance. There’s a full day out under one roof for those looking for a one stop shop.
Focal Point - it really doesn’t get much better than a rainy day movie. Load up on popcorn, icecream, hot chocolate and even a glass of wine (for the over 18’s) and snuggle into plush chairs, while enjoying the legendary surround sound audio for your favourite new release movie.
IF YOU WANT TO FORGET ABOUT THE WORLD FOR AN HOUR OR TWO:
Rainy days are a great time to catch up on admin - of the life, or beauty variety.
Sometimes being forced to slow down carves out time for you to treat yourself to an hour of self indulgence and we could not support that idea more. Conveniently we have recently written a blog on just this topic, and you can find it here
IF YOU WANT TO EAT YOUR FEELINGS:
Look, we get it - cold, wet weather has us visiting the snack cupboard more than usual for a dopamine hit too. Good food is literally a ray of sunshine on a grey old day - and thankfully Hastings CBD is bursting at the seams with options to satisfy any craving. So instead of grabbing that bag of chips, or throwing some no doubt deeply disappointing chicken tenders in the air fryer, why not chuck on a jacket and head out to get some of the good stuff.
Oh My Goodness is where to head if you are living that gluten free, organic, paleo, dairy free or vegan lifestyle. Their cafe space in the Tribune Building is lovely and cosy, with access to a huge atrium where kids can roam free allowing you to enjoy your delicious treats in peace.
Craft & Social gives relaxed, long afternoon vibes with an extensive menu of pizzas, shared plates and not so sharing plates. Located in the beautiful Municipal Building, you can make yourself home inside, or enjoy the sound of rain on the roof by sitting out in the Opera Lane.
Bambina is pizza by the slice, but not how you know it. Specialising in Pizza Romana, their slices are loaded with toppings and cut into rectangles with a pair of scissors no less. Of course if you are a pizza traditionalist, you can also get yourself a round Pizza Nepolitana, made fresh to order by Alessandro himself, whose years of experience ensure every bite is perfect.
Golden Spring might be located in a brand new spot on Heretaunga Street next to BNZ, but it is still serving that full flavoured, delicious authentic Chinese experience for its diners. Offering all your favourites, specialty dishes and an all you can eat smorgasbord - this is one restaurant you definitely want to wear elasticated pants to.
IF YOU FEEL LIKE GETTING LIT (RESPONSIBLY):
While we may be an urban CBD, who would’ve guessed we had so many artisanal brewers, distillers and wine legends within a short walking distance from each other!? Spend a lazy afternoon sampling some of the best booze Hastings, New Zealand and the world has to offer without having to open your brolly once:
Brave Brewery: Our friendly neighbourhood brewery, Brave taproom and eatery is located right in the heart of the CBD in the Tribune Building. Whether you're a seasoned beer geek or a first-time visitor, they welcome everyone to pull up a chair, enjoy a pint, and share in what they have to offer.
Hastings Distillers: Enter the beautifully restored tasting room and be exported back to a time of luxurious glamour. If gin is your thing they offer guided tastings until 5pm, sampling products with a range of flight options or go all out and book a 90 minute bespoke tasting with the master distiller themselves. And if you are just after a simple g&t - you know they do that too.
Cellar 495: Not just a clever name, Cellar 495 provides a world-class wine experience, led by the world’s 495th Master of Wine, Michael Henley. Describing itself as ‘more than just a wine bar’, their wine selection represents the best from around the globe. If you love great wine, you’ll love Cellar 495.