Rouxville, Xhariep Region

If you haven't heard of Rouxville, someone you know will have stopped off here on their way to East London on the N6, possibly after overnighting at somewhere like Smithfield. Despite outward appearances, Rouxville, which lies in the southern most reaches of the Free State roughly 170 kilometres south of Bloemfontein, is more than a wee farming village with a petrol station, a bottle store and a shop or two.

Rouxville definitely lacks the attraction of other small towns like Smithfield, where the restaurants and the obvious residence of at least a couple of artists makes it so interesting, but there are other things going for it. First of all it has one impressive view of the Maluti Mountains. It also does have a few things on the go, although not on the main road of the town. In fact the main street of the town is why people continue to drive through without a backward glance. But a street away you'll find a sandstone church, some lovely little historical homes, a couple of eateries and places to stay.

And that's what makes Rouxville such an attraction in my mind. You see, it is really close to other great places - like Zastron, Aliwal North, Smithfield, Bethulie and the Gariep Dam - but it has none of the 'discovered and claimed' atmosphere that seems to bewitch little towns once other arrive to claim it as theirs. It is also in the midst of some wonderful walks, and simple tramping around the village's pretty streets, lined with older houses, half of which have been, or are about to be, restored is worth a stop in Rouxville.