Daily Detours for the Week of November 27

Once the beating heart of many suburban streets, the humble corner store has, unfortunately, all but disappeared. However, opened in 1956 and hidden away in the backstreets of Richmond, the Rowena Parade Corner Store is, without a doubt, one of Melbourne’s better-kept secrets. Standing up for the old guard of Richmond’s food scene, the Rowena Parade Corner Store presents customers with delicious brekkie and lunch options, like deluxe BLTs with egg, avo, cheese and the like, while they’ve also been making ‘outta this world’ milkshakes for more than 60 years. With experimental flavour combinations, such as vegemite and lamington, it’s no wonder these guys have a steady stream of both Richmond locals and anyone else who knows about it.

Walk a mile in the shoes of someone without sight at Dialogue in the Dark. Developed in Germany in the late ’80s, this immersive exhibition has challenged preconceptions about blind and vision-impaired people in more than 40 cities around the world. Now, in partnership with Guide Dogs Australia, it’s touched down in Melbourne. Armed with a white cane, visitors are guided through the dark exhibition space — a recreated Melbourne complete with iconic landmarks — by specially trained blind or low-vision guides. Over the course of the hour-long tour, as your other senses pick up the slack, you’ll slowly learn how to ‘see’ through the darkness. Tours at Dialogue in the Dark run every 20 minutes 10am till 6pm.

Spending more time on a train in Melbourne might not sound too appealing, but alongside some smashing burgers, you’ve never been on a train like this before. Poised five storeys above the streets of Collingwood, three well-travelled train carriages sit atop Easey’s, a burger venue that seamlessly combines Melbourne’s love of art, music, transport, food and drinks. Opened in 2015 by three mates who each shared a love of great food and graffiti art, Easey’s has become a popular burger spot paying homage to the Aussie fish and chippery with potato cakes and dim sims, while the burgers take inspiration from American diner food. As summer is upon us, Easey’s rooftop is the perfect place for a burger in the sun; the Hitachi trains might look a little worse for wear but the interiors have received a little sprucing up, making Easey’s a unique and delicious experience.

If you’ve ever had a sneaky little go with some small person’s Lego blocks once they’re all tucked up in bed, LEGOLAND sees you, tips you their hat and raises you an adults-only night at their Melbourne Discovery Centre. With no children to get in the way (or outdo your creations), you’ll be able to have free reign of LEGOLAND to check out the 4D cinema and rides, take a factory tour and build to your heart’s content in the brick pits. Challenge yourself by taking on the master builder or a speed build and vie for the prizes up for grabs — there’ll even be a scavenger hunt so you can go full inner child mode. BYO shameless excitement, taste for glory and creativity to enter the model of the month competition. It’ll be a fierce one.

Melbourne’s longest running improv comedy night, The Big HOO-HAA! have long been putting audiences in stitches thanks to their virtually unmatched wit and punchlines. Founded in Perth in 2002 by comedian Sam Longley, since 2010 The Big HOO-HAA! have been providing Melbourne audiences with an alternative way to get their laughs. Pitching two teams, The Hearts and The Bones, against each other, they fight it out for the biggest laughs with only a few props and audiences suggestions to draw from. With the audience choosing the winner by popular vote, the team’s are made up of the city’s comedic geniuses who put their combined talents together for a fast-paced night of comedy. Tucked away off Little Collins Street at The Butterfly Club, the quirky surrounds provide the ideal eccentric environment to match the on-stage outrageousness.

Finally, the warmer months are here, and you can make the most of the sunshine and bearable water temps by trying your hand (or feet as it were) at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). A carry-over from ancient Polynesian times, SUP has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as a brilliant way to sharpen that balance and exercise on the high seas – and the St Kilda shoreline provides the ideal spot to get into the swing of it in Melbourne. Plus, the sport’s a whole lot easier to master than its gnarlier cousin surfing — one lesson is usually enough to have you paddling like a pro. Once you’ve mastered the art of SUP, head to St Kilda’s favourite casual bar and eatery, Pontoon. There are loads of fresh seafood plates to share and some beachside classics to choose from – absolutely perfect after spending your morning carving up the seas.

A time-capsule within touching distance of Melbourne CBD, Como House is an elegant example of the aristocratic lifestyle of the 1850s. Immaculately preserved following the National Trust of Australia’s acquisition of the property in 1959, nowadays Como House and its stunning gardens is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing Sunday picnic in the sun. Located high above the Yarra River in the backstreets of South Yarra, don’t forget to take a break in the shade and explore the opulent interior of the house. The Armytage family owned the property for 95 years and much of their personal furniture remains on display around the house. Taking a stroll through Como House and around the extensive gardens provides a rare insight into the lives of the wealthy elite throughout the 19^th century – a stylish backdrop to any bone-idle Sunday layabout.

Image: Letícia Almeida.

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