A few months ago, we kicked off a regular(ish) feature called “My Canberra” – and so far Chief Minister, Katy Gallager, and stylish Canberran, Barb Fisher, have shared their favourite bits of the Capital. The series is a chance for Canberra women to share their favourite places to eat, drink and shop, and their favourite things to do. It’s about encouraging us all to try  new things and to see our town through fresh eyes.

All too often, we don’t play ‘tourist’ enough in our own hometowns. We get caught up in our neighbourhood favourites that we don’t explore too far afield…we don’t uncover all this region has to offer. The little boutiques, the fabulous coffee shops and providores, the great little secret gems that too few people know about.

And if getting out and experiencing our great town isn’t enough incentive, Visit Canberra is now giving 500 people (including locals) the chance to win a free weekend – accommodation, food, activities – in which you can discover the delights of the Capital.

But I digress. I thought it was about time you got to know some of the HerCanberra team a little bit better, and today we’re starting with Sally Wagnon – one of our behind-the-scenes event queens. In her own words, Sally “is a communications manager and sometimes-blogger, in pursuit of striking life’s perfect balance. She dreams of travelling more with her husband and daughter, but will settle for re-runs of Sex and the City and a glass/bottle of viognier. Current obsessions are personal colour analysis, genealogy and roller derby.”

Here’s Sally’s Canberra!

Favourite cheap and cheerful dining

I tend to go back again and again to My’s Vietnamese in Weston, either with a bunch of girlfriends or as a result of neither my husband nor I being in the mood to cook. I love their Pho any time of the year but especially on a cold winter’s night. Our other family favourite is Lemon Grass Thai in Tuggeranong.

Favourite mid-range restaurant

I adore Italian and Sons in Braddon. The draw cards are the simplicity of the food and the short and sweet menu. Too many places try to do too much and end up getting it all wrong. Tony, their superstar waiter, delivers what I consider to be the best service in Canberra.

Favourite high-end dining

With Ben Willis at the helm of Aubergine in Griffith, I can always count on having my expectations met. The food is inspired and well executed while the space is understated luxe. Also high up on the list is Dieci e Mezzo in the City, probably the closest to the Sydney and Melbourne standard of dining we have in Canberra.

Favourite place to grab a drink with friends

Something I don’t get to do all that often, but in recent times I’ve enjoyed a drink or two at Honkytonks in Garema Place. While the mulled wine is tempting during the cooler months, I can’t go past White Rabbit White Ale (from Healesville) with a $5 soft taco.

Hot spot

The transformation Lonsdale Street has been undergoing makes it feel like the best bits of Los Angeles (Silver Lake and West 3^rd Street) in a couple of compact blocks. Pizza Gusto (best pizza in Canberra!), The Hive (for left-of-centre gifts) and the myriad cycle shops are just the beginning.

Best coffee

Lonsdale Street Roasters, hands down the best coffee in this city. I like my coffee strong and I thankfully heeded the warning I was given at LSR on my first visit. I’d usually order a double-shot flat white, but they let me know straight up that a single would do the job. I also love their pulled pork panini for a guilty lunch on the go.

Favourite place to shop

I tend to find myself gravitating to the City because of the range of things on offer. Shop Handmade on City Walk and their supersized Handmade Markets at the Convention Centre are my favourite places to pick up interesting gifts for birthdays and Christmas (especially for teachers’ presents at the end of the year!). When I’m shopping for clothes the City has everything I need, from Supré’s bargain ¾ sleeve tops to picking up a classic piece from Veronika Maine or Cue.

Favourite bookstore

I absolutely love that I can stroll into Paperchain in Manuka and sit down at their long table while I thumb through a selection of books. I grew up in an era where ‘try before you buy’ simply did not apply to books! The National Portrait Gallery and National Library also have a fantastic assortment of books for children.

How do I get away from it all?

On the rare occasion I get time to myself I love to get on my bike and just ride. Sometimes I’ll plan a route, other days I’ll make it up as I go. My favourite rides take in Mt Pleasant and Bruce Ridge between O’Connor and the AIS. I also love riding around the ANU campus during the holidays when there’s nobody around.

Kid-friendly activities

At first glance, Canberra Roller Derby League may not appear to be family-friendly; however, I can guarantee it will amaze you! The bouts are high energy with an awesome soundtrack bringing all ages and all walks of life together under one big roof. My seven year old daughter gets right into it, as does everybody else. The ladies on the track are athletic and tough, but watch their faces light up at the end of the bout when the kids rush in for autographs.

My daughter also loves the classics…the Merry-Go-Round, Questacon, Floriade and the Pancake Parlour!

Where to take visitors

Whenever we have friends visiting we try to give them a true Canberra experience regardless of how many times they’ve been here. In the last year we’ve taken them to the National Museum, ‘Snakes Alive’ at the Botanic Gardens, the walk-in aviary at Gold Creek and we’ve ridden pedal carts around Lake Burley Griffin. Every visitor should also experience Parliament House, the War Memorial and Tidbinbilla.

Further afield

We love being so close to the Canberra region wineries. My personal favourites are Jeir Creek, Eden Road and Mount Majura.

Gundaroo also has a lovely old main street and Cork Street Café is a quaint place to stop in for a light lunch.

On my ‘still to do list’

Acton Walkways offer regular walks around the Acton area including art deco masterpieces like The National Film and Sound Archive and the sculptures hidden throughout the ANU.

I’m hugely sentimental when it comes to the Canberra of old, the city I remember as a child, so in the coming months I’m going to make sure I pay a visit to CMAG – Canberra Museum and Gallery where I hope to find relics from Canberra in the 1970s.

Southside secrets

Limelight Cinemas are a gem in the middle of Tuggeranong Hyperdome. The sessions are super cheap ($9.90/$7.90 per session or $13/$11 for 3D) and all the major films are on show. The cinemas are clean and well managed. I particularly like that at peak times they have a separate ticket counter, so you don’t have to line up at the candy bar.

The Kambah Adventure Playground (Springbett Street) is possibly the best place to take kids and let them run free. The equipment has been upgraded in recent years (including the iconic ‘flying fox’) and there is green grass as far as the eye can see. For parties or get-togethers there are free BBQs with plenty of picnic benches. The parking is free and easy.

For a high quality suburban supermarket, Chapman IGA has a great range of deli products, fruit and vegetables and a decent selection of wine. An added bonus is the friendliness and efficiency of the staff.

Weston has a great range of restaurants and shops. Cooleman Court is perfect for one-stop grocery shopping (Woolworths and Aldi under one roof) and you’ll also find decent coffee, a dry cleaners, a comprehensive newsagency plus a couple of beauticians and variety stores. There are plenty of restaurants specialising in quick and easy food and take-away.

The Southside Farmers’ Market on Sunday’s at Woden CIT is a smaller version of the Northside markets each Saturday. You’ll still find a great range of fresh produce, meats, treats, coffee and flowers and the parking is a dream in comparison!

If you think there is no nightlife south of Manuka and Kingston then you need to get yourself to karaoke at the Irish Club in Weston on a Friday night. Be ready for some culture shock, but the payoff is cheap drinks and free entertainment. Don’t be afraid to heckle from the back of the room (except if it’s me on stage).