There's a consensus that Ayer's House is the best place in Adelaide to organise functions,…read moreweddings, and formal events. The number of wedding processions pulling out of the Ayer's House driveway should be enough proof of this. The glass conservatory building around the side of the house is where you'll be for functions, and its impressive to say the least. The table decorations are impeccable, the interior decor is beautifully crafted, and everything is planned to perfection. I came here for a school formal once, and whilst it was very nice and fancy at the beginning of the evening, the kids lifted the roof on the dance floor. Whilst its appearance might put out a quiet, dainty character, once enough PAs are put into this place, it goes off! As John has pointed out, this isn't a walk-in establishment, and is only catered for private functions and big events. This place always seems to have something going on, so its advised that you book in advance.

Falling in to the hands of 19th century wealthy businessman and political figure Henry Ayres, the…read moreGeorge Strickland Kingston designed house on North Terrace, known today as "Ayres House" has remained an icon of Adelaide for over 165 years. Whilst this grand heritage premises can be explored by various historical tours throughout the year, it is primarily used as a high-end , fancy facility for events ranging from special meals, corporate occasions and many weddings. The beautifully appointed house with its manicured lawns and exquisite rooms are a favourite with local brides to be. A Michelin star awarded Head Chef and his unfaultable silver servants, put the finishing flourishes on the perfect Adelaide dining experience, ensuring Ayers House is the pinnacle of class. The quality and taste of each passionately prepared dish is largely unrivalled throughout metropolitan Adelaide, and at the very least is certainly the best food of any event venue.

My Dad used to be kind of a pro bowler, and would compete her every Monday night for hours…read more I used to go along sometimes and hang in the creche, play the skill testers and run amok with the other lonely kids. Bowling is an awesome activity, I used to love going during school holidays and for birthday parties, and have been hanging out for ages to go lately! Golden Grove is one of the biggest and oldest bowling centres I've been to around Adelaide, and the place is very open and fun. The lanes are quite easy, have bumpers, are quite well serviced and the technology has been upgrading constantly. There are plenty of balls to choose from, good food, a bar and pro shop. One thing with bowling though, it's not the cheapest.. so take advantage of holiday deals and get a group together. But it's a nice, cool way to spend a few hours in a hot summer.

Tucked in beside Foodland in the Norwood Mall, this newsagent looks super unassuming - but it's…read moreactually a pretty OK selection of mags for what is a relatively small space. While not as big as Dillon's Newsagent just across the mall (near Coles), they stock all the usual suspects. If you're after your Vogue or Elle or Frankie or other big titles you will find in on their shelves. I couldn't see many overseas titles. I've found the staff to be pretty chatty and kinda funny. Last time I went in to get Harper's (with the winner of ANTM on the cover) for a friend overseas, I ended up chatting to the guy about Australia's Next Top Model for ages...which I don't actually watch, but I winged it pretty well! Good for your basics!

Weird set up, it's like a walk through newsagency. one side is the bottle shop and the other is…read moreFoodland, people tend to use it as a thoroughfare to get to either side so it tends to get quite busy in there, for the wrong reason. Or maybe it's just really good marketing, people come out of food shopping with the kids and think "man, after that I reallllly need a beer" so they decide to take a short cut through the newsagency and along the way they decide "man, I really need a pen too". You never know. There are books available here too, last time I visited I spent a good 10 minutes leafing through a book about the life and designs of Coco Chanel, of course I didn't buy it because it was $50, besides, I'd already read it hadn't I? If I need a pen I just go in and use one and then leave, they should really monitor people like me! But, considering these guys don't, that makes them 3 stars in my book! There are little gifty things available too, take a squiz on your way through to the bottle shop.

Curl up in a nook with a book and absorb the homeliness that resonates from this hidden little hole…read morein the wall come bookshop come cafe in Glenelg. Every wall is covered in books or funky nanna crafts in this place and it is a perfect spot to stop for a pot of tea or coffee, a home made slice of cake, a brownie or tart and a good read or a quiet giggle with a girlfriend. From non-fiction to crime, humour to cooking, science to religion, you will find both old and new books that will fill any bibliophile's longing desire for text. With 39 book groups alone and some crochet and knitting classes to boot held here every week you are more than encouraged to join in the community of granny skillz being fostered here with love. Sign up to their newsletter or just pop by for a tea luvvy and have a chat with the 2 girls who are changing up the traditional bookstore scene in Adelaide.

I discovered this bookshop and cafe 3 years ago and I'm still a regular. The owner Stacey is great…read moreat giving book recommendations and looks after all customers really well. The coffee needs a special mention because it's really great! Cakes, slices and scones are all homemade and wholesome but the best thing about Mockingbird Lounge is the 5 (yes 5!) rooms of second hand books and heaps of cosy corners to loose yourself in. Special shout out to all my bookclub pals. I urge you to discover this place for yourself!

The Marion Cultural Centre opened in 2001 and was quite a controversial topic because of its design…read moreas it incorporates the word 'Marion', it's certainly a visible landmark for the suburb. The architectural design was also another first for government or private businesses to incorporate energy saving systems. It has stormwater collection facilities allowing water to be filtered and stored on site then distributed to Adelaide's subterranian aquifier, solar hot water, evapoartive air conditioning, energy efficient lighting and a low maintenance garden. If only we can all afford that! It is situated between the Marion Shopping Centre and the new Marion Aquatic Centre. The centre houses a theatre, meeting rooms, art gallery, café, foyer, plaza and the Marion Library, which have individual opening hours so it's best to check the City of Marion website attached with this review. During the school holidays the whole complex run their own programs to keep kids and parents occupied. The library is open plan and easy to navigate, membership is free, the gallery is bright and colourful with lots to see during exhibition events and there's art and craft to purchase, the theatre screens movies, hosts plays, etc, meeting rooms for hire and the foyer itself hosts various functions and events. Feeling peckish? Fear not as there is a fully equipped cafe with a great selection of light meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks. This year on December 10th area surrounding the centre will host its first market, so keep an ear out for next year if you miss this years market. Definitely a good place for the whole family.

I used to think the Marion Cultural Centre was a complete and utter eyesore. Its ultra modern…read morearchitecture used to exist un-surrounded by other buildings but since the Aquatic Centre and other buildings and have sprung up around it, its taken on a new life and now seems to fit well into its surroundings. If you look closely you'll realise the architectural team who designed the building have managed to incorporate the word MARION into the external features of the building - pretty clever really. After disapproving from afar for a long time, I finally went inside and was genuinely impressed ... what an amazing public space! Inside the Cultural Centre are a variety of public spaces. There's the Marion Library which is open 7 days a week and offers computers for public use complete with internet access. There are also a couple of rooms available for hire known as the Sturt and Green Rooms - the Green is clearly a reference to the Marion Council's commitment to environmental issues. The Domain Theatre that seats 280 people, plays host to all sorts of events and comes complete with its own box office to manage ticket sales. Gallery M is the Cultural Centre's 'state of the art' art space and is also open all week. Entry is free and individuals or groups can hire the space for their own exhibitions. The gallery has an amazingly high ceiling and I've been told there's something like 66 linear metres of hanging space. The only drawback within the centre is Signatures Café. I have to admit I haven't eaten there but I was sorely disappointed with their coffee! I recommend having a closer look at the exterior of the building to see if you can make out the letters and of course taking a tour of the facilities inside the building. It's a great place and well worth a visit.

Enjoying my city break so far! Staff has been exceptionally friendly and helpful, not just today…read morebut on the previous two phonecalls when I confirmed parking and also asked if we could park there 3 hours ahead of check-in time. Nothing seemed too much trouble. The hotel is so conventionally located just near Rundle St and with highly acclaimed Andre's Polenta Restaurant downstairs. Our studio room is small as expected, however has a large balcony and is very modern, clean and well appointed. I would definitely stay here again and it makes for a fabulous city break for locals or would be perfect for a traveller from interstate or overseas.

Impressive so far! Ultra friendly and very helpful staff. There's pre-bookable car parking below…read morewhich is unbelievably convenient when you're in the middle of the city! The room is small but neat and tidy and well appointed with a huge balcony overlooking Frome Street (funnily enough!). There's a good selection of standardly overpriced goodies and it's nice to see mugs instead of ridiculously tiny cups that are usually supplied! Add to this the short walk to Rundle Street, Adelaide's nightlife and gorgeous company and the experience is complete!

I'm not sure whether the Australia Post outlet is part of the newsagency - it's in the same shop,…read moreso I'm assuming it's connected - therefore, I've reviewed both together. First, the newsagent - I come here usually for stationery bits and pieces, for also for printer cartridges - they are seriously cheaper than anywhere else I have visited! I buy Canon cartridges, and they are at least $3-$5 cheaper than larger supermarket chains - excellent value! Staff are friendly, and there is a good selection of stationery and magazines. A good all-round newsagency! Now ... the reason I've given a total of 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 - the Australia Post section is terrible. Rude staff, who did the whole 'looking me up and down and grimacing' routine before serving me ... oh, that was before they had a chat and made me wait before looking up. I would rather drive out of my way and visit a friendlier Australia Post outlet - hopefully this couple retire soon :P

This is a kick-ass newsagent. It's really a one stop shop for all your newsy, postal, and gambling…read moreneeds. You've got all the usual aisles of mags and cards, as well as stationery, gift wrap and a decent pressie section. You've also got the standard SA Lotteries part, stocking my personal fave the $1 scratchies. As well there is a small Australia Post branch, which makes it very handy to mail your bits and pieces almost as soon as you've purchased them. There are only ever a couple post staff on though so there's often a line. On top of all this they also offer a dry cleaning service, and the bonus of extended trading hours on weekdays. In a nutshell - a damn good newsagent!

Good value stay in Adelaide CBD We booked a one bedroom…read moreapartment for our stay in Adelaide and it suited us perfectly. Although the apartment was a little old and tired, it was well designed and had a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, flat screen TV in the lounge, good bathroom and a comfortable bed. Although it's in dodgy Hindley Street, it's in an excellent location - just a 1 minute walk to the tram and Rundle Mall. This is a really good value option for a stay in the CBD.

I have stayed at Millers Apartments twice now ( 5 years apart) and both times I have had a great…read morestay. Both of the apartments have been lovely, clean and quiet. It was hard finding 3 br accommodation in Adelaide during the school holidays and I was concerned about being on Hindley Street but once inside the apartment we felt safe and removed from the noise of the city. Hindley Street is full of colourful characters so I wouldn't spend a lot of time walking down it with younger children but for our age group we had every convenience just outside our door. Great location for shopping, dining and nightlife.I will definitely make Millers Apartments my first choice when I return to Adelaide.