http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com Ripe with surprises Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:23:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 en hourly 1 Ripe with surprises Kelowna's Juicy Tips no Ripe with surprises http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/category/radio_show/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/lake-countrys-artwalk-will-shine-this-weekend/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/lake-countrys-artwalk-will-shine-this-weekend/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:39:19 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1788 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/lake-countrys-artwalk-will-shine-this-weekend/feed/ 0 artists,ArtWalk,display,exhibit,festival,Kelowna,Lake Country,Okanagan Lake Country's annual ArtWalk takes place once again this weekend (September 10 and 11), and it will showcase over 3000 artworks by over 300 artists, opening its doors to more than 7000 visitors. - - Every year the ArtWalk selects a special theme tha... Lake Country's annual ArtWalk takes place once again this weekend (September 10 and 11), and it will showcase over 3000 artworks by over 300 artists, opening its doors to more than 7000 visitors. Every year the ArtWalk (http://www.artwalk.ca/)selects a special theme that weaves its way throughout the event. Last year's theme was coffee, and it was dubbed "Gallery Grande" to go with that theme. This year, the theme is more contemporary and the event has the moniker "Eye Tunes - Rhapsody of Art". This event is an amazing community gathering - Lake Country, just 25 minutes' drive to the north of Kelowna (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/), has an impressive number of artisans. The community itself has a strong artistic and creative personality, so the popularity of this festival and the enormous participation of area artists is a big testament to the cultural side of the community itself. The festival began in 1994 (http://www.artwalk.ca/about/history/)and have grown to include a juried show featuring Okanagan artists, photographers and sculptors as well as exhibits by Fine Arts Students, audio visual presentations, musical entertainment, children's activities pavilion and live theatre productions. The list of artists is extensive (http://www.artwalk.ca/participants/), including visual artists, fibre artists, sculptors, photographers, the performing arts, and pretty much any kind of creative pursuit you can imagine!  Musical entertainment is provided continuously throughout both days at all three venues - Courtyard, Community Gym and School Gym. Entertainers are chosen for variety and to enhance the overall art experience. ArtWalk also offers a selection of food vendors situated for convenience mainly in the Courtyard. Check out the ArtWalk website (http://www.artwalk.ca/)for more information, or simply drop by and enjoy the feast for the eyes that is presented at the festival for just a toonie. Just the Facts: What: Lake Country “Eye Tunes - A Rhapsody of Art” Art Walk Where: Lake Country Community Complex When: Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11; 10 am to 5 pm both days Who: Hundreds of works on display by Okanagan artists How much: Just a Twoonie Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:06 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/september-amazing-golf-in-kelowna/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/september-amazing-golf-in-kelowna/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:08:12 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1779 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/09/september-amazing-golf-in-kelowna/feed/ 1 Epic Holes,golf vacation,GolfKelowna,kelowna golf,tee times,tourism kelowna,Wineries Wow - already the Labour Day Weekend! Why does the summer always fly by so quickly? But we have good news! September brings with it fresh mornings, afternoons twinged with gentle breezes, and evenings with that special amber light... in short, Wow - already the Labour Day Weekend! Why does the summer always fly by so quickly? But we have good news! September brings with it fresh mornings, afternoons twinged with gentle breezes, and evenings with that special amber light... in short, the perfect conditions for a round of golf! And with 19 courses in the Kelowna vicinity, there are many, many options! Kelowna is gaining a reputation as a key Canadian golf destination, thanks to our critical mass of golf courses (pretty much one for every 10 square kilometers, per capita), and a wealth of those special extras that make a golf trip memorable (wine country (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/do/wine/wineries), dining, recreation, etc). This year, Tourism Kelowna and 15 local courses teamed up to offer a new golf reservations system at www.GolfKelowna.com (http://www.GolfKelowna.com) which has been popular with visitors. You can actually book tee times, accommodations, and get travel info all from one spot. And because Tourism Kelowna (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/)manages the system, there is a high degree of comfort in the source, not to mention access to 15 courses for tee times at golf course prices. Here's a recent article on SCOREGolf (http://scoregolf.com/articles/news/2011/july/spoiled-for-choice-in-kelowna)by Peter Robinson, which raves about the golf experience in Kelowna. To see other golf articles on our area, check out our Articles (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitor/article)page on the Tourism Kelowna website and have a browse! As you can see, there's quite a bit of excitement nationally about golfing in Kelowna. We are also having fun this year with a campaign called "Epic Holes (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/do/golf/epic-holes)" in which our local courses each selected their signature hole and gave insider tips on how to play it. There's a contest associated with this campaign (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitor/contests-deals/greg-norman-golf-contest)which is still open, so check it out! So if you're a golfer, I probably don't have to tell you how wonderful September is for golfing in Kelowna. We get many visitors coming to vacation for this very reason this month, so be sure to give them a warm Kelowna welcome on the golf course! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:55 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/new-pedi-cab-tours-a-downtown-delight/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/new-pedi-cab-tours-a-downtown-delight/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:25:46 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1773 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/new-pedi-cab-tours-a-downtown-delight/feed/ 1 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/over-1800-triathletes-compete-in-kelowna-this-weekend/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/over-1800-triathletes-compete-in-kelowna-this-weekend/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:13:56 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1767 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/over-1800-triathletes-compete-in-kelowna-this-weekend/feed/ 0 athletes,competition,Kelowna Apple Triathlon,race,Tourism Kelowna blog,triathlon Every year I look forward to the Kelowna Apple Triathlon! I find this event incredibly inspiring (look what these folks can do!!), and I get a thrill to think of the stakes at hand. This is a qualifier for the World Championships in New Zealand next ye... Every year I look forward to the Kelowna Apple Triathlon! I find this event incredibly inspiring (look what these folks can do!!), and I get a thrill to think of the stakes at hand. This is a qualifier for the World Championships in New Zealand next year; and it is also a "points race" for the elite athletes who are trying to qualify for the Olympics next year. Here's what we can expect for this year's event... In case you're not familiar with triathlon distances, athletes will swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, and run 10km – with shorter distances applying for younger athletes and the Try-A-Tri racers. But no matter which level of racer (http://www.appletriathlon.com/events.php)you are, this is no small feat. Each racer must race by themselves in all three sports, so these folks are extremely fit and well-rounded athletes.  The great thing is that the race is very spectator-friendly – in fact, the corner of Water & Clement, all around Prospera Place, is set up for spectators. Here's the weekend's schedule of races (http://www.appletriathlon.com/the-race.php). This year, over 1800 racers from 12 countries have registered for this event, including some of Canada's top triathletes: two-time Olympic medallist Simon Whitfield (Victoria), world number-two ranked Paula Findlay (Edmonton) and three-time ITU Continental Cup winner Kyle Jones (Oakville, Ontario) , will all be competing this weekend. There are some road closures to be aware of, so check this road closures link (http://www.appletriathlon.com/2011RoadClosuresandDetours.pdf)to familiarize yourself with them. New this year, the Kelowna Apple Triathlon (http://www.appletriathlon.com/index.php)has introduced organic wine (http://appletriathlon.blogspot.com/2011/07/customized-apple-triathlon-wines.html)giveaways for the athletes (well, it's Kelowna (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/), after all!). They've also gone to an electronic sign up for volunteers, thus making it much quicker and easier. There is also a fun run on Friday evening for athletes to give them a chance to meet each other and make it a more memorable weekend. Good luck triathletes! Let your accomplishments this weekend be an inspiration to all of us! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:43 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/double-the-fun-2-festivals-in-kelowna-this-weekend/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/double-the-fun-2-festivals-in-kelowna-this-weekend/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:21:57 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1763 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/double-the-fun-2-festivals-in-kelowna-this-weekend/feed/ 0 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/cultural-district-in-kelowna-offers-great-summer-programs/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/cultural-district-in-kelowna-offers-great-summer-programs/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:36:15 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1759 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/08/cultural-district-in-kelowna-offers-great-summer-programs/feed/ 0 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/heli-wine-tours-in-kelowna-offer-wow-factor/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/heli-wine-tours-in-kelowna-offer-wow-factor/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:48:45 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1745 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/heli-wine-tours-in-kelowna-offer-wow-factor/feed/ 1 heli-wine tour,Kelowna,Lake Country,Okanagan,Tourism Kelowna blog,Valhalla Helicopters,West Kelowna,winery touring When I met feisty helicopter pilot Chinook MacLean at a wine tasting event last week, she was sporting a big grin, and here's why... - - Her employer, Valhalla Helicopters, has just launched a great new website that details all the heli-wine tours th... When I met feisty helicopter pilot Chinook MacLean at a wine tasting event last week, she was sporting a big grin, and here's why... Her employer, Valhalla Helicopters (http://www.valhallahelicopters.com/), has just launched a great new website that details all the heli-wine tours they offer as well as the vast array of wineries where they can land. Many of the wineries made special arrangements just for Valhalla, offering them helipads to be able to conduct their high end winery tours – a new way to see Kelowna’s 5 new wine trails (http://www.kelownawinetrails.com/), to be sure. Needless to say, Chinook was feeling proud of the new website, and now at the wine tasting she was enjoying the buzz of her many Kelowna-area winery contacts as they offered her compliments on the new site. Valhalla Helicopters is certainly about more than winery touring, although this is undoubtedly the most fun example of their offerings. The company also does their part in fighting forest fires, providing charters, and working on projects in the forestry business, and Chinook is often flying on assignments such as these. But the beauty of the Valhalla’s wine tours (http://www.valhallahelicopters.com/heli-wine-tours-kelowna.php) is that it makes their helicopters accessible to the general public, and it affords their clients with a birds-eye view of the beautiful valley we live in (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/). I was astounded to see the many Kelowna-area wineries that have linked up with Valhalla Helicopters. Here are just a few examples, although I urge you to check this link (http://www.valhallahelicopters.com/assets/pdfs/Tours.pdf) for the full picture. St. Hubertus Estate Winery (http://www.st-hubertus.bc.ca/) – this winery on the Lakeshore Wine Route is owned and run by two Swiss brothers, Andy and Leo Gebert. A self-professed helicopter nut, Andy even has several helicopter models in his office. A stop at St. Hubertus would include tastings of their delicious and unusual varietals – like Chasselas (a classic Swiss grape), Chambourcin, and their new blend called Goddess.  Ex Nihilo Vineyards (http://exnihilovineyards.com/home.php) – this winery is on the Lake Country’s Scenic Sip wine trail, and is a relative newcomer to our winery offerings in the area. If you watch this video by Shaw Television (http://www.castanet.net/video/654/helicopter-pilot/) on Valhalla Helicopters, you’ll see that Ex Nihilo is the vineyard shown in the shoot. Owners Jeff and Decoa Harder are proud of their elegant whites and big reds, as well as their Sympathy for the Devil Icewine which has been endorsed by the Rolling Stones. SpierHead Winery (http://www.spierheadwinery.com/) – a new winery along the East Kelowna Wine Trail, SpierHead specializes in premium red wines and offers a distinctly artsy flare to any visit with their winery gallery. Mission Hill Family Estate (http://www.missionhillwinery.com/default.asp) – this stately winery on the Westside Wine Trail is no stranger to guests arriving by helicopter. With a permanent helipad above their cellar, the experience of landing at Mission Hill Family Estate could only classify as a serious “Wow” experience. Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:24 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/kelowna-granfondo/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/kelowna-granfondo/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:17:16 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1738 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/kelowna-granfondo/feed/ 0 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/summer-wine-festivalkelowna-this-weekend/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/summer-wine-festivalkelowna-this-weekend/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:40:01 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1727 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/summer-wine-festivalkelowna-this-weekend/feed/ 0 BBQ,cheese seminar,cocktails,festival,Kelowna,mixology,Okanagan,tasting,Tourism Kelowna blog,Volcanic Hills winery,Westside Wine Trail,wine events Summer Wine Festival will feature 10 days of marvelous wine-related events throughout the cities of the Okanagan Valley. This is the first time the Summer Wine Festival is coming to the urban centres - it has been held up at Silver Star, Summer Wine Festival will feature 10 days of marvelous wine-related events throughout the cities of the Okanagan Valley. This is the first time the Summer Wine Festival is coming to the urban centres - it has been held up at Silver Star, and is making its urban debut this year. Can't wait! Here are some events not to miss... (http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wine_Summ001-300x199.jpg) The Okanagan Wine Festivals describe the Summer Wine Festival (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/summerfestival.htm)as "Taste Summer The Way It Was Meant To Be" - and here is the description of what people can expect: Remember Summer? Remember aching for its arrival? Then the big moment: school’s out, Summer’s breathless entrance, the taste of freedom. So what happened? The puppy love ebbed, responsibilities set in, Time shrouded exuberant Summer. But Summer still lives somewhere. She lives in the Okanagan. This is her stronghold, where her exuberance doesn’t fade. And this year, she’s getting a makeover. (http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wine046-300x198.jpg) Yes, The Summer Okanagan Wine Festival is bringing you the almost excruciatingly gorgeous Summer experience: outdoor wine tastings with more bold flavored wines than you could ever desire; summer wine and cheese beach parties; road bike race tailgate parties in vineyard settings; the visceral sound of Spoken Word poetry matched with equally feisty wines. We could go on, but with over 30 eclectic events over 10 days at the height of Summer’s beauty in her own territory, you might find it a bit, um, inebriating. The table is set, the wine is decanted, and Summer is waiting for you. In Kelowna in particular, Pop Goes The Cork (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1504&month=07&year=2011)will take place on Saturday evening outside the Rotary Centre for the Arts, under a Marquis Tent. This will be an amazing evening, with over 40 wineries pouring more wine than you can shake a corkscrew at! For tickets to the event, click here (http://ev10.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ARGP%3ARC1112%3AWF0709%3A&linkID=rgp&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=). Then there's the Bartender Mixology competition (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1509&month=07&year=2011)at the Kelowna Arts Gallery, which will be a sophisticated and competitive affair! You get to be the judge of who creates the most crafty and tasty cocktails! The Wine and Cheese Seminar (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1608&month=10&year=2011)will be held at the Manteo Resort. If you love cheese and if you love wine - this one's for you. The evening will be a glorious line-up of Canadian cheeses paired with some of our tastiest wines. And here's a fun one! Volcanic Hills, a relative newcomer to the Westside Wine Trail, will hold a Summer Sizzler BBQ (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1208)on Saturday between 12:30 and 3 pm. This winery just won a prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence for their Rosé, so you really would do yourself a favour to check them out! The BBQ is free, and their yummy wines are all available by the glass. For more information on the Summer Wine Festival, check out the website for the Okanagan Wine Festival Society (http://www.thewinefestivals.com/index.php). Hope to see you at one of these events! Cheers! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:18 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/best-places-for-ice-cream-in-kelowna/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/best-places-for-ice-cream-in-kelowna/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:30:23 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1718 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2011/07/best-places-for-ice-cream-in-kelowna/feed/ 0