The hub of the area is the quaint village of Clarens, which offers river rafting, quad-biking, horse riding, game farms, hiking, golf, fly fishing, archery and a range of other outdoor activities. There are also numerous art galleries and pottery shops along with a selection of excellent restaurants.

The town also hosts a number of events throughout the year. The Cherry Festival takes place every November, while the National Hot Air Balloon Championships fills the sky in May/June.

If you need a break from the rat-race and reckon Clarens is the place to do it, try these great places to stay first.

Rosewood Corner B&B
Situated in the centre of the village, Rosewood Corner is within walking distance of restaurants, galleries and shops. With mountain views, sunny en suite bedrooms offer TV, heaters, tea trays an other amenities. Set in a beautiful garden, all rooms have their own entrance, and there are two braai facilities available. A cottage with kitchenette offers limited self-catering. A lock-up garage is available on request.
http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/rosewoodcorner/

Brookeside House
Brookeside House offers everything you need for a truly unwinding and rejuvenating getaway experience. This establishment is beautifully decorated, and each room has its own theme. The rooms all have queen-size extra-length beds, under-floor heating, electric blankets and each have a private outdoor deck. Under cover parking is also provided.
http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/BrookesideHouse/

Riverwalk Bed & Breakfast
Situated in a cul-de-sac to guarantee peace and tranquility, Riverwalk has with pectacular views of the mountains and wooded areas, accompanied by the sound of water running over cobbles. You'll be woken by the call of guinea fowl and the smell of freshly brewed coffee, although you’re just five minutes' walk away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Clarens and the finest art galleries in the country

Five of the six rooms open onto a veranda from a private entrance. Riverwalk offers a luxury stay to corporate or leisure travellers— you can look forward to tea, coffee, homemade biscuits and rusks, mineral water, a decanter of sherry and homemade truffles. All rooms are equipped with under-floor heating and/or wall heaters for the chilly nights of the Free State and our large bathrooms are a trademark.

The dining room is situated on the second level with French doors leading onto a verandah with vistas of mountains, poplars and willows. A delectable breakfast is served to our guests; from croissants to smoked salmon omelettes and Eggs Benedict to frothy cappuccino. A Buffet is served for breakfast on weekends

Riverwalk offers seven luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite with corner angular baths and overhead showers (no shower in room 5, and room 6 has only a shower). All rooms have television sets with all SABC channels, ETV and MNet. The finest percale linens are used for bedding and all beds have electric blankets. We have just completed our boardroom, seating eight delegates, which overlooks its own private garden. Riverwalk has been awarded four-star status from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and Highly recommended by the AA Quality Assured Accommodation programme.
http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/RiverWalkBedandBreakfast/

Millpond House
A lovely Bed & Breakfast situated in the quaint little village of Clarens in the Eastern Free State. It is a haven of peace and tranquility set in a large garden offering spectacular views of the sandstone mountains with their interesting rock formations. The village centre is a mere ten minute stroll away, where one will find a profusion of art galleries, restaurant and shops. On our doorstep are squash and tennis courts and the start of a couple of hiking trails. The rooms are tastefully decorated, well appointed, fully-serviced and offer home-from-home comfort.
http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/MillpondHouse/

Sir Henry’s Guest House
This upmarket Guest House provide homely accommodation in comfortable surroundings. The six charming en-suite bedrooms, each with its own verandah, capture the indulgence of a bygone era whilst sunny porches ensure your stay will be a truly relaxed and contented one. Each carefully decorated room is equipped with slippers, gowns, hair-dryers and bath luxuries, to ensure a comfortable stay. Fire places in some of the rooms ward off the chill of the Free State nights. In summer, enjoy an outside shower or dip in the pool, or perhaps just a stroll in the well-tended garden.
http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/SirHenrysGuestHouse/