The Best Kept Secrets...

Saturday was one of those days that make you happy to be alive. It was absolutely gorgeous. The family and I hopped on our bikes and took off to our lovely canal, so we could really enjoy it. We weren't the only ones out enjoying this fantastic day. There were a couple of antique car enthusiasts out along the canal as well. We always see the most interesting things on our bike rides. Still, we had a destination in mind for this afternoon's jaunt, so we were soon off again. I've noticed that businesses don't go in for a lot of advertising around here. It seems that you almost have to know someone who knows someone to find the best places to eat or shop in Belgium. You would think that would hamper business, but that is not the case. When you do come across these little diamonds, they seem to have plenty of customers, leaving you to wonder how on earth they all knew it was here, while you were totally clueless. One example of these hidden treasures is this one. From all appearances, it's just another barn...in a place where there are many, many, many barns. It's tucked away on a side street, about a block or so from the canal. The only thing that might give you a hint as to what's inside is the sign that reads Hoeve Terras. No, that doesn't mean restaurant. It translates to "farmhouse garden." Hmmmm. Just about everyone in Belgium has a garden. 80% of those people have a farmhouse. That narrows it down. Thank goodness there is an ice cream cone near the sign. That's your only clue. There are no other signs, and you can't see anything at all from the road. You travel down a gravel road to the right of the barn and then take a left onto this pretty little shaded path. Then you see this. Nope. Still not sure what's inside. Once you get a little closer, there is a little sign that says "open" near that door. On the left, you finally see what you came for. There are a big set of windows, and you can see the tables and chairs of the little restaurant inside. (And all of the locals, who are staring at you as you wonder around confused. ) Stopping here was our reward for getting out and exercising on our bikes. These kids need incentive. OK, fine. Sometimes I need a little incentive, too, and they have great ice cream here. If you find yourselves in our lovely little town on a warm Spring day, feel free to stop by and have a nice lunch. Or an ice cone. Just don't tell them who told you about the place. It'll be our little secret.