October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the New England and North Coast. See all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses offering something special for locals and visitors alike: a Maclean café pairing quality coffee with locally made gelato and local art, a Mid North Coast retreat bringing together beachfront holidays and memorable celebrations, and a Glen Innes favourite combining fresh flowers, homemade cakes and carefully chosen gifts.
Rocky Mouth Cafe
Good coffee, local gelato and a splash of creativity
Maclean, NSW
A good café is about more than what’s in the cup. It’s also about the atmosphere, the friendly faces and having somewhere welcoming to stop and enjoy a little time out.
That’s the idea behind Rocky Mouth Cafe, a new café and gelato shop on River Street in Maclean, opened by Drew, Karen, Emma and Stuart, who have called the Clarence Valley home for many years.
The group brings plenty of experience running local businesses, including previously owning the Minnie Water Store. Their latest venture combines quality Allpress coffee, pastries and locally made gelato in a bright, friendly setting.
Coffee lovers can look forward to carefully prepared brews served with passion, while the gelato offers another reason to pop in for a treat. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up or something sweet on a stroll through town, Rocky Mouth aims to make it easy to stop and stay awhile.
The café also plans to give local emerging artists a place to shine, with vibrant works displayed on the walls to help create a distinctive, contemporary space.
Situated on Maclean’s main street, opposite the Argyle and close to the riverfront, Rocky Mouth Cafe is well placed for locals and visitors alike to take a break and enjoy a taste of the Clarence Valley.
Serenity Diamond Beach
Beachfront escapes, nature and special moments
Diamond Beach, NSW
With the beach on one side and national park on the other, Serenity Diamond Beach offers guests a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a coastal getaway with plenty to do.
Located at Diamond Beach on the Mid North Coast, the retreat offers villas to suit a range of budgets and needs, alongside facilities designed for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a gym, tennis court, children’s play area, day spa, onsite bar and restaurant, and complimentary yoga.
For those who prefer to explore, the natural surroundings are a major part of the appeal. Guests have direct beach access, walking trails nearby and opportunities to kayak along the creek towards the ocean, with local wildlife adding to the experience.
Serenity is also a destination for weddings, celebrations and events. With reception facilities and onsite accommodation for up to 150 guests, it offers couples and event organisers the convenience of bringing people together in one coastal location.
General Manager Melanie Berriman brings extensive experience in resort and event management, with a particular passion for creating memorable guest experiences and destination weddings.
Whether it’s a family holiday, a relaxing break or a milestone celebration, Serenity Diamond Beach brings accommodation, hospitality and the outdoors together in one special setting.
Rhubarb & Rosie
Flowers, baking and thoughtful gifts to make people feel special
Glen Innes, NSW
In the heart of Glen Innes, Rhubarb & Rosie celebrates the simple pleasures of home – fresh flowers, home baking, indoor plants and thoughtful gifts.
Owner Janie Kent is a born-and-bred Glen Innes local with a passion for baking and gardening. Taking over the business around eight years ago, she has gradually expanded the traditional florist into a welcoming store filled with flowers, plants, pots, homewares and gourmet hamper products.
There’s a kitchen at the heart of the business, where cupcakes and specialty cakes are baked from scratch, without packet mixes. From personalised wedding and birthday cakes to beautiful floral arrangements and carefully assembled hampers, the focus is on creating something special for every recipient.
Customers can also add extras such as chocolates, wine, balloons and bears to their orders, with delivery available five days a week to Glen Innes, Inverell, Armidale, Tenterfield and Guyra.
For Janie, it’s all about bringing together the things that make a house feel like home – and helping people celebrate the people who matter to them.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
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