Authentic barber shop, containing one authentic barber…read more Okay, so there's no red and white striped pole, and there is a TV in there, but beyond that you don't get better than this. John has been an institution of Stirling and much of the Hills for decades now, and for good reason. He's always friendly, happy to chat or (more importantly) happy to just quietly cut hair. The chair is comfortable, and is most likely older than the building containing it. There are no appointments, just come in, sit down and he'll be right with you. The location is also a bonus, being right next to Ruby's you can always stop in for a coffee while you wait.

The promise of warmth and ability to spend a day outside. A fortunate turn of circumstance sets a…read moredelightful scene for the first Stirling Laneways event since the frost and cold of the latest Hills winter has passed. The crowds came out in spades today, albeit seemingly slightly diminished due to the also enjoyable Bay to Birdwood car run on the same day. There is a lot to see in each little pocket of Stirling, and from young people to young parents to the young at heart, there is something on offer for everybody. We had a lovely morning and afternoon strolling peacefully and when the little ones were ready for a nap, we opted to take a break at the Stirling Hotel for a couple of well-timed beers, coffees, wines and nibbles. Overall, this market day is impressive and fun and only mildly challenging to find a park/get access.Once you're in, it's a guaranteed winning afternoon for fun, shopping, browsing, sunshine and relaxing ambience. There are buses that go up and down the hill all day every hour or so, so you might need to plan your day if you're going to catch public transport. There are plenty of places to park if you have enough patience to look for a choice spot. Find a place where you will be close to where you leaving from and you'll be rocking along nnicely come the end of the day.

It's winter. It's going to get really cold and rainy, I've run out of firewood, my chainsaw is…read moreblunt, and I need wood. Stirling fuel supply is my go to place for emergency firewood. They have very high quality Redgum which is well seasoned and split into a wide variety of sizes, so if you have a tiny combustion heater or a huge one, you'll find pieces the right size here. They have done renovations over the years and now have most of their wood under cover so it's usually dry. They also often have mallee roots and mallee logs which burn way hotter than Redgum so you can get extra toasty on the nastiest of Adelaide Hills winter nights. They are also open on Saturday and Sunday and their prices are fairly reasonable. I should probably add that they sell wood chips and bark chips for garden mulch, and pine kindling for those people who live in the suburban parts of the hills and have no kindling at home.