As the Jacarandas bloom from October to November there's plenty of ways to get into the spirit. Celebrate Jacaranda season with delicious purple cocktails, check out the best places to view the flowers or simply wear pretty purple colours...Stock up on Jacaranda ginPurple flowers popping means Imbibis Craft Distillery has been busy distilling their Jacaranda Gin. The gin has citrus and floral notes and changes colour when tonic is added.  You can pick up a bottle at the distillery on Fridays from 10am to 6pm.Sip on a Jacaranda Gin cocktail at Stony CreekStony Creek Brewing has paired up with Imbibis to serve a special cocktail this Jacaranda season featuring their locally made Jacaranda Gin! 

Haven't booked anywhere for Melbourne Cup day lunch?  Don't worry, we've got a list of venues that are hosting Melbourne Cup Lunches this year.Book a table, bring your friends and pick your horse for the big day, Tuesday November 3.Brothers Leagues ClubBook ahead to celebrate Melbourne Cup with Brothers Leagues Club. The event features Tommy Memphis live, fashions on the field, raffles, sweeps and lucky door prizes. Tickets include a complimentary pink gin spritz on arrival and a three-course lunch featuring smoked chicken salad as the entree, an alternate drop of oven roasted Barramundi or flame grilled grain fed porterhouse and a share plate of cheeses, petite fours, seasonal fruit and more.

Ipswich’s country pubs are worth a little road trip out of town and they’re not too far away if you’re living in Brisbane, on the Goldie or in Toowoomba.These are day trippin’ destinations stacked with charm, history and good old-fashioned hospitality.Expect less neon and more quirk factor, along with publicans and staff who are up for a chat even when the pace is on.

Looking for somewhere to eat in the Greater Springfield region? There’s plenty on offer, and delicious menus to explore too, around this modern and vibrant community.Orion HotelThe stunning bistro restaurant at Orion Hotel offers the finest local produce prepared to the highest quality, while the café and designated kids play area is perfect to catch up for a coffee while the little ones play.  The hotel is a great place for groups, families or couples!Find them at 1 Main Street, Springfield Central

If you're dealing with a picky eater in the family and seeking a place that caters to both your palate and your kids', then explore these family-friendly dining spots in Ipswich. Featuring a play area for the kids or a special menu just for them, here are our current top picks for dining out with your little ones in Ipswich.Brothers Leagues ClubIf the secret to a successful family meal is keeping the kids entertained, Brothers Leagues Club has cracked the code.Home to The Space Place, a colourful cosmic-themed kids' room for little adventurers aged 10 and under, it's easy to turn lunch or dinner into a family outing.

Before you head to Ipswich for an event, check out these 20 reasons why you should stay a little bit longer and explore Ipswich while you’re here.If you're looking for accommodation check our stay page.Soar high on a hot air balloon flightFloating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights offer a scenic one-hour journey over farmland and country landscapes.  Your blissful morning ends with breakfast at a popular local café.  Flights run most days but are weather dependent.

Whether you're looking for a spot to lay out your own spread, or want someone to do all the work for you, you'll find your way to picnic heaven with this list. Soul NookGrab your closest friends and book a luxury bell tent picnic at the Old Church grounds in Marburg.  Soul Nook take care of everything, the styling, the food, the bubbles and even the music with solo artists able to be booked to serenade you for the afternoon.  Just about any type of occasion is catered for, including hens parties and intimate date night settings.

History isn't just something you see during Galvanized, it's something you can taste too. As you explore heritage homes, stroll historic streets and uncover stories from Ipswich's past, don't forget to pull up a chair and enjoy the special food and drink offerings created especially for Galvanized. From heritage-inspired curries and classic pub fare to nostalgic sweet treats, locally crafted brews and cocktails with a story to tell, Ipswich's cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and breweries are serving up a delicious journey through time.Brews with a BackstoryStony Creek Brewing: Limestone LagerFor Galvanized, Stony Creek Brewing has launched a brand-new brew with a story to tell.Limestone Lager pays tribute to the region's earliest days when Ipswich was known simply as Limestone, a rugged colonial outpost established in 1827. Inspired by the explorers, workers, settlers and pioneers who helped shape the region, this crisp local lager celebrates the determination and resilience that laid the foundations of one of Queensland's oldest regional cities.

If you have a day off this Ekka Show Day holiday (Wednesday August 12) – but don't want to face crowds, come out to Ipswich and see what’s on offer around the heritage city and its country surrounds...Taste local delicaciesStart your day with a coffee fix by visiting Ipswich Coffee Roasters – to try the city’s own locally roasted coffee in a warehouse at 31 Challinor Street Sadliers Crossing. Pick up a bag of beans or head to Elderflower Cafe, The Old Butcher Shop Cafe or Bootown Espresso to grab a cup and a tasty treat! Book in for dinner or lunch at The Q, where you can sample a delicious 250g rump steak for $20!

Did you know there are a number of restaurants housed in beautiful historic buildings in Ipswich?  If you love architecture, or have an interest in history they why not book in and visit one of these gorgeous foodie hot spots - book year round, or make your trip extra special and visit during the city's Galvanized festival.Bakehouse SteakhouseBakehouse Steakhouse is located in a heritage building with over a century of stories. The building maintains and celebrates remnants of its past life as Haleys Bakery where its story began back in 1875.As the first chapter of the building’s rich history, it set the foundation for what would emerge as the Bakehouse Steakhouse in the late 70’s. For decades, the restaurant became the place to be and was the setting for a generation of lifelong memories.  Today the restaurant welcomes you to join them and experience a unique steakhouse experience.