DAY TWO

It was interesting to learn that Big White (the sister resort of Silver Star) was awarded the “Best Family Resort in North America 2004” by UK based “Good Ski Guide” and that Big White and Silver Star have combined forces so that lift tickets are now valid at both locations. With $127.9 million dollars worth of resort expansion developments in 2004 this massive destination resort offers 13 lifts, Night Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Canada’s largest Tube Park, and with the December 18, 2004 opening of Telus Park, a state-of-the-art all terrain park that is capable of handling Olympic calibre competitions, the resort will be a training ground for athletes for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Hundreds of Condominium rental units, vacation homes and hotels provide overnight accommodation for over 13,000 people and there are extensive restaurant, bar and lounge options. Great resort value packages are readily available mid- November to mid-April.

One hour later, back in downtown Kelowna, we stopped for lunch as guests of the prestigious, award winning, “Vintage Dining Room” in the Coast Capri Hotel of the Coast Hotels and Resorts group. A diverse upscale menu featuring seasonal local specialties, complemented by superb service and sophisticated atmosphere made for a truly enjoyable mid-afternoon experience. A further tour of this conveniently located downtown hotel highlighted their extensive meeting space, year-round outdoor swimming pool, a full service day spa and choice of 185 tastefully appointed rooms and suites. The Coast Capri is a perfect starting point for business or pleasure while visiting Kelowna.

Next we visited one of the most popular wineries on Val’s regular tour itinerary; the much talked about Summerhill Winery. Upon arrival, we were impressed to find that the proprietor of the winery, Steven Cipes, has created award-winning vintages that have taken top honours at tough competitions in France and have also been exclusively served at stellar Academy Awards private parties. One of his secrets is said to be the fact that he houses all wines produced at his winery for varying lengths of time inside his 8% scale replica of the Great Pyramid at Giza onsite. Check out this Pyramid Power and more by booking one of the Wildflower Trails and Wine Tours daily excursions.

While in the Kelowna area, also be sure to take in the diverse and eclectic Cultural District. Self Guided Walking Tour Maps are freely available in this fascinating reclaimed six-block area of what was once the fruit-packing district. Much like revitalized warehouse areas in other cities, the Cultural District is now home to theatre, entertainment, museums, art galleries, artist lofts and trendy upscale condominium developments. This is a great area to spend an afternoon or evening of tasteful exploration.

By early evening, I said a heartfelt thank you to Val as she dropped me off at Doyle House B&B in downtown Kelowna. Doyle House is a popular 1908 vintage Victorian home offering three comfortable rooms with private bathrooms at very reasonable rates in a pleasant residential area within walking distance of urban attractions. The proprietors Daryl and David extended a gracious welcome and also had made arrangements for dinner reservations for Daryl and I at a nearby popular upscale French restaurant Bouchons Bistro for later in the evening. Bouchons Bistro was fantastic, the food was exquisite in a style that only the French can master and our charming French-speaking server didn’t miss a beat. Blissfully satisfied after dinner, we returned to Doyle House where upon retiring, I found out that they had booked me into their one room with a retro “water bed” mattress; a great surprise and an even better sleep!

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