What the tourists never see in Adelaide that they're really missing out on

I feel like when tourists visit Adelaide, they remain in the CBD, Glenelg, and will probably take a jaunt out to wine country.  Being surrounded by world class wine regions, there are a variety of options.  Barossa is a popular choice as well as Clare, which is a bit farther away. 

My absolute favourite (and one that is maybe not as well known) is McLaren Vale.  It's a smaller region south of Adelaide, still renowned but possibly less travelled.  There's a winery called Oxenberry which makes a delicious 'grapple' cider and we like to stop here for 'manwiches' for lunch.  A tourism description might paint a better picture: McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s renowned wine regions, famous for producing some the best wines in the world, and with over 65 cellar doors. The region is thriving, and the energy and passion of the local community is infectious.  The area is only minutes away from the stunning coastline and beaches that influence so much of our lifestyle, culture and primary production.

Victor Harbor is another gem that tourists who don't have a lot of time on their hands might miss out on.  We visited here on a whim with our friends Jules, Bruce and Billy and I was entranced with this lovely seaside town.  Here is a description from the SA tourism website:  Victor Harbor is all about the sun, surf, sand, stunning views and intimate wildlife encounters.  It's here that you'll find the Little Penguins of Granite Island, Southern Right Whales blowing into Encounter Bay, and some of South Australia's best surf at beaches like Petrel Cove, Chiton Rocks and the Dump.  Granite Island can be reached via a 600 metres causeway from Victor Harbor. Take a Clydesdale-drawn tram or walk across and absorb the stunning sea views.  Victor Harbor features outstanding early colonial architecture, good pubs, cafes and restaurants, and plenty of accommodation and fun events to attend. 

As for the city of Adelaide itself, I have to think a bit harder.  Just south of Glenelg is the suburb of Brighton which is a similar beachy suburb but less flashy and touristy.  Tourists might be aware of the massive Adelaide Fringe Festival (which is on right now!) but be less privy to the zillion other festivals that occur over the year - there is seriously a CHEESE festival!  Splash Adelaide is a local group which has formed to invigorate Adelaide and use its spaces to their full potential.  I have attended several of their events and always enjoyed them.  For example, the monthly Fork on the Road food truck festivals, the outdoor screening of The Lion King in conjunction with yummy dessert bar Onyx, the cider festival, the Sunday night markets...Splash is a great place to look for random events happening around Adelaide!