It's spring: we're in for a Loopy fling

Lime Rock Wines is holding a vertical tasting of their pinot noirs on the weekend of September 12-13. Photo / File

Central Hawke's Bay is celebrating spring this year with a feast of activities lined up for a new initiative, The Spring Fling.

Throughout September, a wide variety of events will put a spring in people's steps and, for those keen to get behind the wheel and take a look, the Limestone Loop has something for everyone.

The Limestone Loop is an easy driving route that takes in the best Central Hawke's Bay has to offer, including award-winning wineries, art, markets, cafes, homesteads, gardens and more.

Artmosphere Gallery in Waipawa is holding a Let Spring Begin exhibition throughout September

This year, for the first time, Lime Rock Wines, one of the attractions on the route, is holding a vertical tasting of their pinot noir wines, including their two White Knuckle Hill wines.

Central Hawke's Bay sculptor Jan Gosling will be opening an exhibition of impressive stone works set in a garden of established rhododendrons, magnolias and daffodils.

And, for the musically inclined, the new venue, Cactus Jack's, behind Penny Lane Emporium in Waipawa, will be holding its grand opening with a packed billboard of performers.

Other venues along the Limestone Loop are also putting on special spring features, exhibitions and workshops:

-Paper Mulberry Cafe

89 SH2, Pukehou, (06) 856 8688

Open 7 days 7am-4pm.

Spring theme to delicious treats, all through September.

-Tree Guys Nursery

8 Higginson St, Otane, (06) 856 8036

Open 8.30am-4.30pm Monday, 9.30am-4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Small weekend seminars on "How to Love Your Kakabeak" and a tour of the nursery and gardens.

"Kakabeak purchase special", throughout September.

-Otane Market

Otane Town Hall, Higginson St, (06) 856 8462

Open Sun 9am-1pm.

Fun for the young (and not so young) along with the spring produce.

-Otane Historical Walk

Brochures available at Otane store, hotel and cafe.

Contact (06) 856 8159.

Historical places of interest highlighted with yellow balloons. Enjoy the spring gardens at their best.

-Artmosphere Gallery

1307 SH2, Waipawa, (06) 857 8272

Open summer, daily 10am-5pm

Let Spring Begin - an exhibition of works by national and international artists.

-The Waipawa Clock Shop

85 High St, Waipawa, (06) 857 8590

Open Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm.

Tour of the magnificent Waipawa Memorial Town Clock, every Saturday in September at 10am and 2pm.

-Penny Lane Emporium

46 High St, Waipawa, (06) 857 7988

Thursdays and Fridays 10am-4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm.

Concert at Cactus Jack's, 6pm-10pm, Saturday, September 26. Tickets $20. Sausage barbecue and chilli. Visit Penny Lane Emporium to enjoy their wares and to buy tickets.

-CHB Settlers Museum

23 High St, Waipawa, (06) 857 7288

Opening hours 10am-4pm daily

Second Traditional Crafts Festival - Saturday, September 19.

Enjoy an olden day experience and learn about traditional crafts from blacksmithing to saddlery, woodcarving, tailoring, clock repair, soap-making, cobbling and much more.

-Misty River Cafe

12 High St, Waipawa, (06) 857 8911

Open Wednesday-Friday, 9am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm.

Daffodil decor, open Father's Day. Bring Dad for a meal in September to enjoy his free drink.

-Jan Gosling Sculpture

11 Rose St, Waipawa, (06) 857 8300

Open Mon, Wed, Thur-Friday, 10am-4pm. Weekends: phone ahead.

Spring has Sprung - an exhibition of stone sculptures in a spring garden. Runs throughout September.

-Lime Rock Wines

601 Tikokino Rd, Waipawa, (06) 857 8235

Open 11am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13.

Vertical tasting of 10 years of Lime Rock pinot noirs, including White Knuckle Hill. $10 for the vertical, other tasting free.

-Pukeora Wines

208 Pukeora Scenic Rd, Waipukurau, (06) 858 9339

Open by appointment

Home of the Central Hawke's Bay Festival, Thursday-Sunday, September 3-6, 10am-4pm

Open for wine tastings, coffee and treats in the cafe.

-Tikokino Country Hotel

388 SH50, Tikokino, (06) 856 5446

Open Wed-Sunday from 10.30am.

Enjoy the sun in the garden bar. Sip local Lime Rock wine for September's Spring Fling, only $6 a glass.

-Gwavas Garden & Homestead

5740 State Highway 50, Tikokino, (06) 856 5810

Open by appointment.