There are loads of eateries, historical sites and stores to discover, and business owners have been eager to interact with customers face-to-face once again.

Residents outside the region have had the opportunity to explore the town and support local businesses for the past week, now that restrictions have eased.

The historic town won Australia's Small Tourism Town Award at the end of October.

The Southern Highland News asked three businesses what they have noticed in Berrima since more people have been allowed into the town.

Thread Botanica

"I think everyone is happy to have the opportunity to be out and about," said Thread Botanica owner Sally Carmichael.

"Since Sydney has been out, it's made a difference but locals have been very supportive."

Ms Carmichael said she noticed more people the town and "things will build slowly as people get more confident."

The store owner said online sales were pivotal during lockdown, and that she also ran a click-and-collect service for locals.

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Thread Botanica was closed for most of its peak season in winter and early spring.

"I have noticed different people coming in to get fabric," she said.

"People have not had a chance to do retail therapy.

"A lot of people prefer to wait and pick fabrics in the shop to determine colours."

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"Overall, Berrima feels very positive, locals are eager to come out again," said manager Erika Smith.

"It's definitely been fabulous to be back, wonderful to see people, people are very positive to be out."

"We had people coming back, and we had new visitors," said manager Danielle Riccobono.

"They are really mindful they're in a small business, they want to shop in the village."

Ms Riccobono also said the town was buzzing on November 6 "in terms of how Berrima usually is".

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The store has been in the town for two and a half years, and has dealt with the bushfires and all of the stages of the pandemic.

Both managers used lockdown to "spruce things up", and the store sold most of their products online.

Baked in Berrima and the Berrima General Store & Café

Business owner Diego Arata said that there were more Sydneysiders in the town, and more people were coming to Baked in Berrima after weddings.

"We have definitely seen a difference of pace, there are more people coming into town," he said.

"More locals are coming down for a cake or pastry and upstairs is slammed for breakfast.

"It is nice to see several people catching up and it is a very good feeling."

He said the General Store has had an increase in visitors and he was happy to be open again.

The business owner also said it was important to support older businesses in the area and stores that did not have an online presence.

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