ASK CRUSHABLE: How should I spend 48 hours in Kelowna?
Dear CRUSHABLE,
I'm in Kelowna for two days on a very last minute trip. I don't have a vehicle. Any top recommendations of places within striking distance of downtown? Ideal spot would be a wine bar with a few different offerings of small high quality wines with some good food, but I'm open to anything, tastings, tours, whatever else. If a place or two comes to mind let me know!
Cheers,
Kelowna Neophyte
Dear Kelowna Neophyte,
When I lived in Kelowna, my days off with my partner, Andreas, were the ones I looked forward to most. We’d spend our time hitting up tasting rooms, or sitting at the wood at our favourite restaurants, in between outdoorsy interludes whether it was a beach picnic, or a quick hike.
Here’s what I would do if I only had 48 hours in Kelowna.
Day 1
First, I’d book myself a room at Hotel Zed, smack dab in the middle of downtown. Zed is a super cute boutique hotel with a psychedelic panache (it’s great for locking yourself in one of their rooms, tripping on acid and staring at the wall - but save that for when you have more time.)
I’d start my day sauntering over to Sprout, and grab a latte and pain au chocolat. They’re known for their bread - so get a sandwich for your trip home. It’s not uncommon when I’m in town that my Dad and I will swing by for a coffee where he’ll stock up and buy ten loaves (yes, ten) - they’re that good.
Kelowna is known for its nature above its culture - and since you’re already downtown, it’s time to go for a walk along the water in city park. Start from the Sails fountain on Bernard and head south toward the bridge and back as you sip your coffee - it’ll provide breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to grab lunch - head to Central for a burger. They always have a rotating menu with various themes, from local celebrity dreamt up concoctions to items featuring seasonal ingredients.
If you’re feeling adventurous after lunch - head north to Knox Mountain Park. Walk uphill to the first gazebo where you’ll get a 180 view of the valley. If you’re in the mood for something a little lengthier, you can take the gravel path to Paul’s Tomb, accessible just a few yards from the lookout point you walked up to - it’s a local favourite, that also provides unparalleled views of Okanagan Lake (and a great cliff jumping spot in the summer). It’s about an hour round trip, and manageable for all fitness levels.
Now it’s time to reward yourself again since you burned off all those calories. You can either hail a cab, or walk back down the hill, making your way to Sandhill Winery on Richter Street. The late afternoon sun cascading into the room from the plethora of skylights provides a spectacular venue in which to enjoy a glass of happy hour wine.
Dinner - there’s no other place you’re going than Waterfront Wines. Though the farm-to-table movement isn’t anything new, it hasn’t successfully extended into wine (not in North America, anyway). That’s where Waterfront Wines really shines - they pair their dishes with a revolving list of local wines - they’ve always got something new to try from the Okanagan. Sit at the bar, and book ahead - it’s a busy spot. Expect to rub shoulders with an array of winemakers and local industry.
Day 2
You can’t come to Kelowna and not do a wine tour, and since your first day involved a lot of walking, today you’re going to indulge.
Book a tour with Experience Wine Tours - they offer high end buses in which to shuttle their guests around and employ sommeliers as tour guides, who offer a wealth of knowledge to buttress the information you’ll be learning from the wineries you visit.
Expect VIP treatment at each visit, including expertly prepared charcuterie boards showcasing the bounty of local produce Kelowna is famous for.
Anyone worth their salt knows that it takes a lot of beer to make wine - so once the tour is over, you’re grabbing a pint at Red Bird Brewing.
After you’ve freshened up at Hotel Zed, you’re headed to another Kelowna standby - The Fixx Cafe. Tucked away in the parking lot of Save On foods is yet another local favourite, serving up cockle warming food the likes of escargot, pasta and soup.
If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to sit on their patio. They’re also a 1 minute walk away from one of Kelowna’s famous beaches - Gyro Park. Stop by for a quick swim or moment of respite.
Make sure to pack light, so you can smuggle back as many bottles of wine home, too.
Cheers,
Laura
