Love this little cafe situated right beside the "fairy garden" of Charlestown Square. Great coffee locally roasted, relaxed, hassle-free ordering. They have loads of allergy-friendly foods for kids and grown-ups alike. Great place to let the little ones burn off some steam while you relax with a coffee and nibble. Love the service, always friendly and relaxed. I often grab a take away to enjoy while I roam around the square. They have eftpos but $10 minimum, so bring your change if you just want a coffee.

Approximate cost: $3-10

Great little salon with a personal touch. They do the usual treatments, nails, and spay tans etc. The girls are lovely and the owner Brooke is just divine and very attentive to your needs. Its a family friendly salon too if you have to squeeze in a treatment with bubs in the pram beside you. They always seem to be able to accommodate my needs. They often are very busy so its wise to book in advance if you have something special coming up. Great prices and quality service. Sometimes they are very fast that you are in and out before you know it, so if you want to relax I'd suggest you book in a massage or something other than just your usual personal grooming.

Approximate cost: $20-50

Delicious thai food with great service. You can usually get a table without booking but there is usually a good crowd at this popular restaurant. Live entertainment on most occasions. They make a great fuss if it's your birthday and request it for friends/family. I just love the food. Yum! You can see them cooking through the glass screens with the buzz of flashing flames as you wait for your meal. Good sized tables if you want to bring a crowd of people yourself. They also split bills which is fantastic. Great location too - near the cinema, other great restaurants and also the max Brenner chocolate shop if you have a desert stomach.

Approximate cost: $16-30

Gorgeous little hidden away homely delight. High Tea here is quite a beautiful experience. Somewhere special to bring your mum or a group of gals to enjoy a little homely comfort with delicious treats. Often books out, so make sure you book in advance if you want to go for a special occassion. Can't cater for very large groups, but the intimate environment is what generates the special feel of the place. The ladies cook out of their homely kitchen right there inside the house, so the place smells of the days treats and you know you are getting the real deal. Just lovely!

Approximate cost: $10-50

Great place to bring the kids - both young and old. They have a great under 5's play area for the little ones, and lots of fun and educational hands on things for the older ones. They often have a live exhibit going on so its worth checking the website to see what times the shows are on. The sprout canteen cafe at the entrance is convenient, well prices and delicious food and coffee. Great for a mum's and bubs day out, or the whole family. I would probably avoid on a market day as it can be very busy then.

Approximate cost: $0

Lovely unique gifts for home, bubs, and personal delights. They also sell the beautiful ANNOD beauty product range. The service is lovely and personal, and they have new products on a regular basis. Fantastic for those gifts that are hard to find or unique for the person who already has everything.

Approximate cost: $10-100

Casual and unique setting, very convenient to the Honeysuckle area and the museum. There are also some great deck chairs and umbrellas out the back of the museum you can take your food out there and enjoy it on the grass. Super fast service (although it was a quiet day). Nice coffee, yummy cakes etc. Also main meals that friends had looked delicious. I would go again. Museum under 5 play area is fantastic for the little ones. Great day out for mums and bubs. There are monthly markets along the museum archways monthly so expect a crowd then. More details on the Newcastle Council Website.

Approximate cost: $10-20

I've been coming here for years, after a friend recommended their services to me. I see Ian every time and he greets me and everyone else like an old friend. His service is professional and of high standard, and all the staff are friendly and lovely. I moved to Melbourne a few years ago and after several over-paid disappointing visits to salons there I used to return to Newcastle to get Ian to work his magic. The salon moves with the fashion trends, but will provide you with what ever you desire. I pretty much get the same service but with a slight tweak every time and find that the cost is consistent, so no nasty surprises at the end like other salons. They also don't push products at you like other salons, but will take the time to recommend things if you ask. Suggestion - try to book during less busy times if you want more one on one attention. I find I can just relax and enjoy the experience, complimentary beverage in hand, and trust that they will do a great job for the right price every time. I highly recommend.

Approximate cost: $150