4 Best Places to Shop in The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

As you enter the gardens of Culamoya Chimes, in the Dargle District, your ears will be gently assailed with harmonious chimes of every description. There's a 13-foot chime in the garden as well as other chimes inside the shop that mimic the sounds of Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral down to gentle tinkles of fairy magic. The chimes are handmade and can be shipped to your home.

Established in 1924, Peel's Honey is the oldest honey label in the country. Snack on peanut honey brittle, or other tasty treats, or take a jar of creamed honey with you for padkos (the popular South African word for "road food," to munch as you drive). The new store sits inside a refashioned shipping container and also stocks other regional goods such as Terbodore Coffee. It's just off the N3 below the Midmar Dam.

If you're short on time, but still want to experience some of the best of the Midland Meander's arts and crafts, drop in at the one-stop Piggly Wiggly, where a wide range of shops—all representing Meander destinations and selling their products—are clustered around a central green with a Piggly putt-putt course and train ride for kids. There is a fast-food outlet serving pizza, but be sure to sample the award-winning cappuccino and a slice of freshly baked cheesecake at Piggly Wiggly’s famous coffee shop. On weekends, the reptile show and petting zoo at the Dingo Farm and Reptile Park is sure to keep little ones entertained (R70) while you peruse the antique book shop or lick a nougat ice cream.

Here you'll find a veritable Aladdin's cave of colorful cotton, silk, and tie-dye garments and scarves, leather slippers, silver jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones, homewares, and esoteric gifts. Candles, incense, curtains, chimes, unusual doorknobs, and even hammocks will keep you amused and browsing this fun space. Few things say "Midlands arts and crafts" like this iconic store. There's a garden outdoors if the kids get restless.