Bloemfontein's reputation; get out of it, not into it. But this small town can be a fun a weekend getaway, as long you're ready for its slightly surreal character...

This character is mainly due to the public buildings influenced by late nineteenth and mid-twentieth century Mediterranean, British, Renaissance and Classical architecture. Just lose yourself in this mildly weird city and have fun.

Friday, 9pm

Arrive late on Friday night and enjoy a long dinner at the Beef Baron on 22nd Avenue. Here beef rules. Upon entrance, flags from all over the world, sent by appreciative international tourists, greet you. Further in you’ll discover the great steak challenge. Eat 1.5kg of steak and get your own mugshot displayed on the wall decked with the grinning faces of other meat enthusiasts. There are smaller portions if you can’t muster the courage to devour that much beef.

Saturday, 10am

Start Saturday off with a tour of the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery. The art here is a varying blend of South African sculptures and paintings. Checking the art out also offers the chance to roam in the large, opulent gardens of old South Africa as the gallery is housed in a neo-cape Dutch manor that used to serve as a residency to the republic’s presidents.

12pm

After the gallery, visit the house in which JRR Tolkien was born in back in 1892. His family lived there until he was three-years-old. Find it on the corner of West Burger and Maitland streets just east of President Brand Street. Pose for blog photos in front of the house with your copy of The Hobbit or some Lord of the Rings DVDs.

1pm

Head down to the National Women’s Monument and War Museum on Monument Street if you’re interested in some history. It’s a memorial to 26 370 Afrikaans women and children who died in British concentration camps during the second Anglo-Boer war. There are two post-apartheid passing panels that provide a fractional record of the 14 000 black people who died during that war.

2:30pm

Lunch at the Waterfront’s Jazz Time. Indeed Bloem has a Waterfront mall, styled on Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred, even though there’s no sea to front. Jazz Time is not a jazz venue but the background music is cheerful and entertaining. For people-watching sit on the wooden deck and survey the passing pedestrians while sipping a cocktail and enjoying the burgers or Middle-Eastern food on offer.

3:30pm

Spend part of the afternoon at Franklin Game Reserve, the only known game reserve in the country situated within a city. Once inside explore the Observatory Theatre, a drama theatre which used to be an astronomical observatory. Still inside the Franklin Game Reserve, visit the Orchid House, a lush green garden with a circular wooden walkway to help you explore without hassle.

8pm

It’s dinner time and Oude Kraal, a few kilometres south of town on the N1, is the place to eat. Tackle a six-course dinner of rich, fattening Afrikaans style food you should never have on a daily basis. Remember to book.

10:30pm
End the day at Die Mystic Boer, on Kellner Street. It’s a kitschy cool venue offering live South African artists and DJs. The DJs don’t play pop or commercial house instead it’s indie rock, funk, and drum ’n bass all the way.

Sunday, 10am

Before heading out on Sunday morning, have breakfast at Fishpaste in the Westdene suburb. It’s a trendy restaurant with artwork from the owner’s gallery on display. Maybe you’ll find something for your walls back home.

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