Road Trip – Zichron Yaacov
T in Tel Aviv has been to (or thru) Zichron Yaacov numerous times but usually as a quick stopover on the way to somewhere else. The
train from Tel Aviv to Binyamina (7 minutes south of Zichron) only takes 30-40 minutes and cabs are available at the station for the short drive to Zichron.
Before heading into Zichron my travel companions and I took a quick stroll through
Ramat HaNadiv just south of Zichron. Donated and maintained by the
Rothschild Family, the park is a pleasure to visit with its award winning eco-friendly visitors center and beautifully appointed gardens. Make sure you visit the medicinal herb garden – the curry plant is quite odiferous.
Adjacent to the visitors center is a wonderful restaurant –
Kerem Zeitim– a glass structure (pictured below) that allows you to enjoy the surrounding scenary while you eat. The menu is extensive (green shakshuka and other egg dishes for brunch) but even a coffee break before continuing with your day would be worth the stop. (closed on Saturdays)
Once you are in the center of Zichron Yaacov everything to do and see is within walking distance. Wine tasting and tours are available at the
Carmel Mizrahi Winery (English links don’t work!) from Sunday – Friday and must be booked in advance – 04-629-0977. The wine cellars were built in 1892 by Baron Rothschild.
It is worth visiting the
First Aliyah Museum which is housed in a building built by (you guessed it) The Rothschild Family. The film archives include footage shot in 1913 which apparently is the first film footage showing early life in Israel. The Ahronson House, the home of one of Zichron’s founding families is also a must see.
The main street of Zichron is Hameyasdim St. (“the founders”) and is filled with restaurants and shops. Other than McDonald’s discreet signage there are no signs of chain restaurants. Imagine that. A town in Israel without an Aroma, Café Hillel or Coffee Bean! You’ll also see Benjamin’s Pool which was built by the baron to help the locals carry water to their homes. There are the usual touristy shops but also some cute jewelry and knick knack shops. Ginger at the south end of Hameyasdim St. is the local version of
Williams - Sonoma with a nice selection of herbs and cooking utensils. Prices are considerably lower than in similar shops in Tel Aviv.
Although located between Binyamina and Zichron Yaacov, the family owned
Tishbi Wine Cellars offers tours and wine tasting. On Zichron's Hameyasdim St. there is the Tishbi Wine Bar and Shop where the Tishbi wines are sold.
Finally, it was time to eat. We were disappointed to learn that Amigos, a much raved about Mexican fish restaurant had gone out of business. The word is that this place was authentic and tasty, something that is hard to find in Mexican restaurants in Israel. Plan B at #27 Hameyasdim St. turned out to be a good choice –
Ha Nishika ,(“the kiss”) a Zichron culinary institution. Click on the picture below for Daniel Rogov's review. The restaurant's website is in Hebrew only so you'll have to trust
T in Tel Aviv. The food was varied and delicious as was the atmosphere...and the company of course.
I left Zichron on a 15:20 train and walked through my front door at 16:15. Zichron is so close to Tel Aviv it is a shame not to take this easy day trip from time to time.
