Adelaide fringe is what makes Adelaide WONDERFUL. Running from Feb to March, it is the second…read morelargest fringe festival in the world next to the Edinburgh Fringe. The Adelaide Fringe is a bohemian festival of comedy, music, drama, dance and visual arts. The difference between Edinburgh and Adelaide is that Adelaide is big enough to be a wonderful international, unique open access festival that is small enough to have that sense of community. The people of Adelaide OWN this festival and it's fun loving, carefree vibe. The East End of Adelaide comes ALIVE during the fringe and it is starting to spread down Rundle Mall and into the West End, however there are fringe venues all over the state. Most people see the Fringe as the Garden of Unearthly Delights - which is a bright colourful venue - and therefore only a small part of the fringe. The Gluttony garden venue is just starting to take off across the road and nearly every store up Rundle is host to some kind of show. Rundle mall has a box office set up specifically for ticket and merchandise sales from December the year before. In the lead up to the fringe in Feb and throughout the festival, there are buskers and preview shows in the mall which gives the city an atmosphere that you just can not describe. Hundreds of local and international comedians, street performers, actors and artists flock to adelaide to experience this festival and give you a flyer for their show. Oh, dear god, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

Bumped up from a biannual to a yearly event, the Adelaide Fringe has well and truly cemented its…read moreplace as a cultural high point for South Australia, and with good reason. Yes, it's massive and not entirely well curated (as Chloe points out), but its all encompassing and open nature is what makes it truly wonderful. Art, events and pop-up spaces fill every nook, waiting to be found. The late summer nights are full of music and light and people. It's the one time of year the city centre feels excited and energetic and new. It's a beautiful time for a sleepy city, and no matter where I am in the world I always try to get back home for the Fringe. I for one like getting caught up in the haphazard nature of the festival: this year I went from a dark German cabaret to stand-up to street art in the space of a night, getting pulled along wherever the mood took me. It wasn't all good, it's true, but that's not the point. There is something for everyone, and the atmosphere soaking potential alone makes it a magical time in Adelaide. Adelaide Fringe Festival (aka "The Fringe" for those nonnatives wanting to work the SA lingo) coincides with other events like WoMad and the Adelaide Festival of Arts - in a way it feels like we're cramming a year's worth of culture into 24 summery days, and maybe we are. I'm cool with that.

On the corner of Rundle and Pulteney Streets in the city is the Rundle Lantern. Launched in 2008…read morethe Rundle Lantern is a unique canvas that is computer driven, lights up at night and displays all sorts of moving images and digital art works across 748 LED panels. The content displayed on the lantern is constantly changing and anyone can submit material for use. You just have to make sure your content fits the specification guidelines as outlined on the Rundle Lantern website. The Rundle Lantern is entirely green powered which is great news. It's panels are 9 stories high and wrap around the UPark carpark on one of Adelaide's busiest intersections. The light show happens every night from sundown to midnight and is a major drawcard during special events like the Adelaide Fringe and the SALA Festival.

I. just. don't. get. it…read more Well, I mean I get that it's a wall of LED lights displaying constantly-changing digital artworks. It's pretty. But I'm not quite sure why this was installed where it is, why it's a "major draw card", and why the Adelaide City Council decided to put $2mil towards it. Phrases like "dynamic cultural canvas" just piss me off. Am I alone here? Part of my cranky pants stance is the fact it cost $2million to install the Lantern, according to the Adelaide City Council site. And while I'm super glad it's carbon neutral and solar powered, I just think it's a whole lot of cash that could've been used elsewhere with more benefit. But hey, doesn't every girl and her dog think she'd have a million better ideas on public funds and improving the city? I understand it's an attempt to create a convergence point but since it's launch in 2008 I'm not sure it has achieved that. The corner is not really a meeting place - there's nowhere to sit and watch the view (e.g. cafes), nor is it typically buzzing like Piccadilly Circus or Times Square, which I'm guessing are the models for the Lantern. It's not a natural convergence point for any reason - it's basically a transit zone, where people cross the road - and the Lantern isn't enough to effectively transform the space into what it isn't. Just one Adelaidean's opinion. End rant.

Named after the same 'Place' in Scotland, which is in itself historical for being the shortest…read morestreet in the world, this one is longer than that record-setting six and a half feet. It is a purpose built owned and operated 'trendy space' inside the older East End Market warehouses, or at least what remains of them. It is a strong mixture of commercial and residential dwellings and managed very well by the Maras Group who have offices on level 3 at 31 Ebenezer Place if you are interested in investing in the dream. The 'Place' is well staged-managed as it were, and all of that secret business is taken care of by a division of the Maras Group; check out the website here: http://rundlestreet.com.au/ Ebenezer Place is certainly one of those rare spots you will find in Adelaide where it all seems a little obviously purpose built to suit a particular clientele; upmarket inner city singles is definitely the target appeal. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this at all, just that the magic you may stumble upon elsewhere is a tad more authentic, and that's hardly a strong criticism, just an observation. Given that most of the city is bathed in a historical wash of stone masonry and lace cast iron or stained glass windows this little area is all red brick and somewhat odd by contrast. If you were in the market for a two bedroom unit in Ebenezer Place or adjacent to it you would be starting out around the $415000.00 mark. The living spaces are high density, and relatively spacious compared to similar flats or units in Melbourne or Sydney. The built stores are small and trendy with relatively high price goods, not always, but most often, and the notion of sitting outside still runs through the street culture here as much as anywhere else around, but it is obviously more self conscious than other areas because it is a designer space intended to attract and contain a particular demographic of the overall market. It is not very often you'd be asked for bus money around here; partly because it is off the main drag of Rundle Street and partly because with all it's quirky character it doesn't have the inherent warmth that is evident elsewhere. Not a bad place, and when you consider the Beer Cafe and the regular street vendor market (transportable) stalls, quite a lot of character involved; but maybe all too coordinated and designed to suit a particular taste. It gives me the impression of a place where people would grow out of it and move on to a less unforgiving place as their life developed; if I were a kid this is not where I would want to grow up. Having said that it is not a bad place for kids to pass through at all.

For many people, this is the coolest place in Adelaide. For the rest, it's a bunch of latte-sipping…read moreyuppies riding around on fixed gear bicycles trading stories about where they got their jeans. Ebenezer Place is a little corner of quirky street culture, full of varying niche fashion, trinket shops and cosmopolitan cuisine. Tucked away just behind Rundle Street, Ebenezer shuns almost all motor traffic for pedestrians and bikers. It's a terribly social area, and the cliques are obvious from the second you step into the alleyway. Store owners and workers hang out the front of their shops watching it all go by, and duck back inside to help out any ailing customers. Aside from shopping, Ebenezer offers some interesting dining options. Nano is a great coffee shop providing mediterranean styled dishes. The Belgian Beer Cafe extends right out into Ebenezer and serves a litany of great beers and Belgian food (mussels and fries.. mmm). Chocolate Bean caters to the dessert lover with a big range of vegan confectionery as well as the obligatory chockies. Every Friday of the Summer, Rundle street is shut to allow for 'Summer Fridays in the East End'. Head down to Ebenezer Place on a Friday night to check out some nice little market stalls and street food vendors. There's a street barrista. It's like, pretty cool, man.

I stopped by Grimaldi's after I heard about new ownership as of last year…read more My friends and I were greeted and seated immediately. Menus and water were brought right over. I was already starting to know, I was in for a good meal. (Later I found out I was wrong, because I had an outstanding meal! ) I tasted all of the meals on the table and they were all sensational. See pics. The service was impeccable. Very attentive and extremely knowledgeable about each dish I asked about. The desserts were to die for. (I ate them too quickly for pics.) My hips will thank them later. I walked past the kitchen on my way out to say thank you to the chef but all I could find back there was a young lady who is young enough to be my daughter. Wow! The chef is young and beautiful and somehow creates these most incredible dishes. She really is a talent. And, she's co-owner. I love that! I urge you to go check this restaurant out. Family owned and operated, each meal is made from only the freshest ingredients and served with a huge smile and a warm, "enjoy!". Prices are reasonable so no need to wait for that special occasion. Although, I know you'll still want to celebrate your special days there. Located right below the theaters, you can make an evening out of it with a movie and a dinner. They are open Tues -Sun. Cheers to you Grimaldi's for raising the bar and giving diners and amazing culinary experience.

Stationed right next to the Trak Cinema, Grimaldi's makes for a great place to grab a coffee or a…read moremeal before or after viewing a film. Even if you're not there for a night at the movies, this little café really impresses. Though I'm not crazy about its location, right in front of a busy, noisy main road, the café has a spacious and comfortable outdoor area. I've taken a book to this place once or twice and have had a comfortable read whilst seated outside. The interior is well decorated and has warm, earthy tones to compliment the establishment's Italian roots. The menu features many of the classic Italian pizza and pasta selections, as well as creative renditions of other popular main courses. No matter what you go with, you're bound not to be disappointed with your choice. The staff is incredibly friendly and makes you feel very welcome from the moment you take a seat. Good food, great coffee and excellent customer service - Grimaldi's ticks all the boxes.

Eat here often as close to Crowne Plaza. If you get here early its great. After 18:30, forget about…read moreit, stacked. The food is really good. Service seems to depend on who is in so spotty sometimes and great others, But, never had a bad meal here

One of my favourite restaurants in Adelaide. It's loud, busy and unpretentious…read more Quite possibly the best pasta I've had out of Italy. Their 'Amalfi' pasta is extremely addictive, egg ribbon pasta with mushrooms, pancetta in a thick chilli cream sauce. A very filling dish, a favour and texture that keeps me coming back for more. I generally stick to their entree serves, as the main pasta dishes are enough to feel a small country. Either way, bring your appetite! Maybe not the best place for a quiet evening as it does get quite noisy inside, but I think it's what makes the atmosphere so enjoyable. Make sure you always have a booking if dining on a Friday or Saturday night, as its consistently busy all year round. Call some friends, make a booking.....enjoy!

On the four corners of Hurtle Square at the intersection of Pulteney and Halifax Streets in the…read morecity, you'll find a piece of installation art that evokes something ethereal and childlike in us all, The Forest Of Dreams. No it's not a reference to the Kevin Costner movie, that was The Field of Dreams! Normally I'm not a big fan of installation art but when I do see something that touches me, I'll be a fan forever. Created in 2003 by artist Anton Hart The Forest Of Dreams is four oversized words placed on the inside corners of the square. Surprisingly the letters making up the words are made of metal. From a distance they look like they're made of wood. The phrase The Forest Of Dreams is one borrowed from French Philosopher Gaston Bachelard and the idea behind the piece is to evoke an understanding of the land prior to beginning of white settlement. I love the fact there are seats located by each word so people can sit and admire the piece but I have to admit I've never seen anyone actually do that. Nevertheless this piece always makes me smile when I pass by so in that way, at least from my perspective I think it's a wonderful piece of art.

I like art. This isn't art. This is bullshit…read more Art makes you think. If that's your sole definition of art though, then maybe this qualifies these four eyesores as such, but honestly, it's just out of place and doesn't add anything to the space at all, apart from confused looking foreign tourists, trying to work out what order the words are supposed to be in. And if it's a forest, then really, there's a serious lack of trees. I suppose Lightly Treed Paddock of Dreams doesn't have the same ring to it, though. No, let's just be honest. It's bullshit. If I could delete the one star I gave it in a burst of spontaneous enthusiasm, I would have done so.

My two favourite characteristics of Yelp are that 1) it is a vehicle for me to discover amazing…read morelocal businesses and 2) that I can meet new people, who I would most likely never meet in my usual circles - but who love Adelaide and the amazing things this city has to offer as much as I do. Because of this, the Yelp newbie events are always really exciting to me. Our fabulous CM Anita D. does a great job of choosing venues and activities that are super interactive and encourage newbies and old Yelpers alike to mingle and just have a great time. Craftapalooza at Flinders Street Market was no exception. When I saw the event listing I was so keen. I have been trying to teach myself to get a bit crafty and so this event was a perfect motivator. Anita managed to secure a class with Vesna from Minnie Crochet Boutique. This class really made the Craftapalooza event come together. Vesna's tutelage was brilliant. She was patient, friendly, fun and supportive. I felt like I was learning to crochet from an Aunty I never knew I had. I am so keen to attend Minnie Crochet Boutique's crochet classes so I can get my granny square blanket skills on fleek. I want to be that Aunty that makes baby blankets for EVERYONE! Vesna and Anita have set me on the path to help me realise that dream. Thanks ladies. Thank you also to the amazing newbies (and fellow Elite Ngan) I had a great time and I hope to see all your smiley faces at another event soon. :)

What a great documentary! Absolutely not what I was expecting -- it was much better. The venue is…read morealso cool and this was a good opportunity to try out a new spot. I've never been, but I'm in the area all the time and was always curious about what sort of place it was. Now that I know what this cinema is all about, I will definitely be back. It was also super easy to attend -- clear check-in procedure, full but not overly full cinema. Really good event and film.

A new Adelaide City Council initiative to encourage use of the North Terrace boulevard and…read moreinstitutions thereon during days of fine weather is the installment of deckchairs around the grassy areas near the Adelaide Musem. I have seen a similar programme implemented in NSW in Sydeny Square and for the most part the chairs seemed to be implemented by the homeless. Whilst I am all for providing the homeless with a comfy place to have a snooze, as opposed to the hard wood of a park bench, I don't know if that necessarily was the government's intention. However, the grassy areas around North Terrace are a popular lunchtime eating local for may inner city workers who I am sure would appreciate somewhere to sit other than the on the ground