http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com Ripe with surprises Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:27:14 +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/2010/07/hit-the-beach/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/hit-the-beach/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:27:14 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1308 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/hit-the-beach/feed/ 0 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/echinacea-farm-blooming/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/echinacea-farm-blooming/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:24:55 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1303 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/echinacea-farm-blooming/feed/ 0 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/cherries-have-arrived/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/cherries-have-arrived/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:42:02 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1291 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/cherries-have-arrived/feed/ 1 cherries,farms,fruit stands,Kelowna,Lake Country,market,Okanaga,u-pick,West Kelowna Hurray for July! This is the time of year (well, now until fall, really) when Kelowna gets to seriously show off... that's because this city shines when it comes to beautiful fresh fruit. Cherries are the first out of the gate, Hurray for July! This is the time of year (well, now until fall, really) when Kelowna (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/) gets to seriously show off... that's because this city shines when it comes to beautiful fresh fruit. Cherries are the first out of the gate, and I'm here to tell you that it's Cherry Time! Come out to the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market (http://www.kelownafarmersandcraftersmarket.com/)this weekend for a cherry party... Where better than to throw a "Welcome Home" party for cherries than at the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market (http://www.kelownafarmersandcraftersmarket.com/)? With over 165 stands, this market is the biggest farmers' market in BC, and lots of the farmers here have cherries for sale. As part of the party, there will be a Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, cherry-themed games and prizes, and of course, tons of cherries and cherry products for sale. The Farmers Market is at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield Roads, across from Orchard Park Mall. It runs on Saturday and Wednesday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm, and on Thursday evenings from 3 pm to 7 pm. If you can't make it to the Farmers Market this Saturday, don't fret. You can still find cherries at lots of the local fruit stands and farms around town.  Gatzke Orchards (http://www.gatzkefarmmarkets.com/FarmMarket.html)is great place to find delicious cherries... including those yummy yellow ones and split-resistant ones. I also just discovered a great farm market on Rose Rd in East Kelowna that will have cherries for sale. Roseridge Orchards (http://www.roseridgeorchards.com/)is a family-run operation and I loved their website. There are also lots of u-pick orchards around, so check the local classifieds for listings. One of our favourites at Tourism Kelowna is Kempf Orchards at 1409 Teasdale Road. Shelley and Herb Kempf are so personable, and the orchard is open 7 days per week for u-pick and farmgate sales. They will have cherries until the first week of August. They can even accommodated buses! If you're in West Kelowna, check Paynters Fruit Market (http://www.payntersfruitmarket.ca/products)for sweet plump cherries. The picture of cherries on their products page (linked) just makes my mouth water!  In Lake Country, there's Petals and Leaves Garden Centre and Fresh Farm Produce (http://www.petalsandleaves.ca/in-season.html).  I love their website because it lists what's in season right now (as you can see on the link I provided) and also great recipes of how to use that produce. Very useful! So you see, there are lots of places you can find ripe, succulent local cherries. No matter if you pick them yourself or buy them freshly picked at the farm, you can be sure that there aren't many places in the world where better cherries are grown. So come on down to celebrate the arrival of the cherries at the Farmers' and Crafters' Market this weekend! The glory days have arrived! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 3:21 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/lavender-farm/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/lavender-farm/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:30:08 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1281 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/07/lavender-farm/feed/ 1 farm,festival,Kelowna,Lavender,Okanagan,Tourism Kelowna blog You've probably noticed all the beautful lavender around the boulevards and parks of Kelowna. It's in bloom right now, and it is so fragrant! You may not know, though, that we actually have a lavender farm in Kelowna: the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. You've probably noticed all the beautful lavender around the boulevards and parks of Kelowna (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/). It's in bloom right now, and it is so fragrant! You may not know, though, that we actually have a lavender farm in Kelowna: the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/index.htm). This time of year the farm is in it's full glory, with its rows of lavender all vibrant purple and blooming. This is why the farm puts on Lavender Discovery Days in the summer, to celebrate the useful and attractive (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/Lavender.htm)herb. First a bit on the farm itself. It's a 3.5 acre farm that features lavender in neat rows, a hedge maze that families love, a u-pick lavender section, and a brand new hospitatlity facility with their lavender shop and reception space (this new building is just in its final completion stages, so it'll be open later this month). The farm is owned by the McFadden family (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/About%20Us.htm), who are so passionate about the plant that they hav all kinds of lavender workshops and informational sessions to help others grow the beautiful flowers. The farm follows organic practices, although it isn't formally certified, which accounts for the pesticide free gardening workshops they are putting on at the farm this Saturday. At their lovely country store you can buy all kinds of lavender items (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/shop.htm): sachets, soaps, room sprays, culinary mixes, teas, and lots of other lavender products. All the items are made at the farm using the McFadden's lavender, so you always know exactly the quality and care of the product that you're buying. This Saturday is the first of their Lavender Discovery Days (the second happens in August), and it will feature special events like wine tastings, information sessions on lavender (planting, caring for, and cooking with the herb), xeriscape gardening (low water usage gardening), and pesticide free gardening.  Events and admission fees are outlined on their website at this link (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/harvest_festival.htm). To get to the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, take Bedford Rd to Takla Rd in South East Kelowna (again, directions are on their website (http://www.okanaganlavender.com/Directions.htm) linked here). If you haven't been up yet, it's a fabulous way to spend a morning and lots of fun to families with kids of all ages. Enjoy this hot weather and all the beautiful flowers that are coming into their prime along with it! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:16 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/canada-day-2010/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/canada-day-2010/#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:50:38 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1263 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/canada-day-2010/feed/ 5 Activities,Canada Day,festival,Kelowna,Okanagan,Tourism Kelowna blog,Waterfront Park Today on Juicy Tips, Mark Morris and I are talking about all the events taking place next week over Canada Day in Kelowna... and there are lots of things happening! All you have to do is wear your red and white, Today on Juicy Tips, Mark Morris and I are talking about all the events taking place next week over Canada Day in Kelowna... and there are lots of things happening! All you have to do is wear your red and white, and head to Waterfront Park/Prospera Place and you'll find lots of action. Here's a brief run-down for you... Everything gets going at about 10 am on Thursday, July 1. There are all kinds of pods in Waterfront Park where different activities (http://festivalskelowna.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=21)will be taking place organized by Festivals Kelowna and their partners. Right across from Prospera Place, there will be a Kids Zone with 23 different activities for kids and a stage with kids performers all day long. next to this area (in front of the Dolphins Fountain), you'll find an artisan marketplace called Made In Canada where you can find all kinds of great locally-made keepsakes. I know of one vendor who will be there because I like to find her at the Farmers' Market - Jazzy Yas is the name of her stand. She has great hand-made beaded fashion accessories like hair adornments and intricate foot jewellery. Behind the Made in Canada Marketplace, youll find Community Group Displays which give insight into some excellent civic resources we have in Kelowna. Nearing the bridge at Waterfront Park you'll find the Taste of Canada Food Fair, then a Canada Day "Bizarre", the Mainstage with acts all day long, and beach volleyball. A third stage is located at the Island Stage in Waterfront Park. You can see that there will be lots of activity and entertainment here all day (http://festivalskelowna.com/images/docs/cda%20day%20program%202010.pdf). The day culminates with the Fireworks display at 10:30 - which will once again be choreographed with music. Festivals Kelowna will announce their 2 main acts on Tuesday, so watch for that news (and we'll post in on this blog, too). I'm told that one is a Juno award winner known to the Okanagan and the other is a blend of Canadian, African, and Celtic music which is dancy and fun. In all there will be 20 performers that day on the 3 stages. So, tons going on! My suggestion as far as parking goes would be to try the Parkade in front of the library (if you get there early), or simply leave the car at home: bike down, take public transit, or walk if you can. Stay tuned for news on the performers, and see you on Thursday at Waterfront Park! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 3:24 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/city-chase-coming-to-kelowna-june-26/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/city-chase-coming-to-kelowna-june-26/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:03:45 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1259 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/city-chase-coming-to-kelowna-june-26/feed/ 1 City Chase,Kelowna,Mitsubishi,Okanagan,race,team,urban adventure This week on the Juice, Mark Morris and I talk about City Chase, an urban adventure race coming to Kelowna on June 26. Mark will be taking part in the race, so I give him a few little (okay, big) hints about a "Chase Point" that he will have to do... This week on the Juice, Mark Morris and I talk about City Chase, an urban adventure race coming to Kelowna on June 26. Mark will be taking part in the race, so I give him a few little (okay, big) hints about a "Chase Point" that he will have to do... listen to the show today at 5:10 PST on 103.9 FM or click listen live on The Juice (http://www.1039thejuice.com/)! I thought that the best way to give you all the info on this super fun event would be to share with you some info that the organizers sent me. But a few quick pointers from me first. Number one: if you are intending to take part, then register right away because organizers anticipate that the event will sell out. You can do that from the home page of The Juice  (http://www.1039thejuice.com/) and if you quote "juice" in the promotion line, you'll get $50 off your registration! Okay - now here's the info you need to know: WHAT IS CITY CHASE? Do more in six hours than most people do all summer!! City Chase is an urban adventure that requires teams of two to exhibit teamwork, resourcefulness, determination and the ability to make decisions on the fly as they search for physical, intellectual, adventurous and humorous ChasePoint challenges scattered in unknown locations throughout the city.  Focusing more on the journey than the destination, participants will learn about their city, their teammate, and themselves as they enjoy a full day of Laughter, Adventure and Discovery through an original urban race experience!!  The 2010 Series will host 8 events in Canada between May and August, culminating with an epic 48 hour Canadian Championships adventure, where the winning team will win a pair of 2010 Mitsubishi Outlanders.  Edmonton   May 29th| Calgary       June 12th Toronto        June 19th  (100th event) Kelowna      June 26th - stopping in Kelowna for the first time! Montreal       July 10th Ottawa          July 17th Toronto          Aug 14th Vancouver    Aug 28th  HOW IT WORKS: The event starts with teams of two receiving a clue sheet detailing a variety of physical, intellectual, adventurous and humorous challenges, designed to push comfort zones, showcase local history and culture, and provide a truly memorable experience. To conquer this 4-6 hour urban event, teams run, walk and use public transit to navigate their way throughout the city. Teams may also contact friends and family for assistance as well as accessing the Internet, and employing the assistance on complete strangers. The first team to locate and complete the required ChasePoint challenges and cross the finish line wins!! Hint: the cat's out of the bag... one of the Chase Points in Kelowna will involve at 144 ft rappel off a prominent Kelowna hotel... listen to the radio this afternoon to find out!  PAST CHASEPOINT HIGHLIGHTS: Strip bowling in Vancouver, navigating mini bikes in Edmonton, climbing the 802 stairs of the Calgary Tower, touring with rickshaws in Toronto, white water rafting in downtown Ottawa, rappelling 31 stories from The Omni Hotel in Montreal, aerial ski jumping at the North American Championships in Quebec City, and a thrilling ride on the highest zip-line in the Western Hemisphere during the World Championships in Salta, Argentina.  OFFICIAL CHARITABLE PARTNER: RIGHT TO PLAY Right to Play uses specially-designed sport and play programs to improve the health, build life skills, and foster peace for children and communities affected by war, poverty, and disease. Working in both the humanitarian and development contexts, Right to Play has projects in more than 20 countries; Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. In 2009, City Chase Inc., and Chasers from across the country, raised more than $175,000 for this amazing organization. This year, in 2010, our goal is to raise more than $225,000 which would provide an additional 4000 children with a full year of program support.  For more information, please visit us online: Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 2:25 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/kids-festivals-kelowna/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/kids-festivals-kelowna/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:57:50 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1246 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/kids-festivals-kelowna/feed/ 1 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/house-of-rose-delights/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/house-of-rose-delights/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:30:04 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1219 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/06/house-of-rose-delights/feed/ 2 Black Mountain,East Kelowna,Golf,House of Rose,Kelowna,Okanagan Golf Club,Tourism Kelowna blog,Tower Ranch,wine,wine tour,winery This week I was showing a golf writer around Kelowna, and while he wasn't much of a wine connoisseur (other than to enjoy wine), he was curious about the wineries in the area. After a round at Tower Ranch, I took him to a great family-owned boutique wi... This week I was showing a golf writer around Kelowna, and while he wasn't much of a wine connoisseur (other than to enjoy wine), he was curious about the wineries in the area. After a round at Tower Ranch (http://www.mytowerranch.com/golf/), I took him to a great family-owned boutique winery called House of Rose (http://www.houseofrose.ca/). And that's what Mark and I talk about this week on our Juicy Tips radio segment at 103.9 The Juice. House of Rose is owned by Aura Rose (hence the name of the winery) and Wouter, her husband. Aura is the wine maker, and Wouter was pouring for us at the counter. He poured some wonderful whites (http://www.houseofrose.ca/Wines.htm)including the easy-drinking Summer White and the semi-sweet dessert wine, Winter Wine (which has a little Icewine in it). Then Wouter showed us their new release which comes in a fun bottle and bears an even funner (new word) name: Hot Flash. While clearly this wine is geared to a certain demographic of the population at a certain stage of life - it's actually a really delicious, "big" red which would pair beautifully with a steak or flavourful barbeque. At $17.90 a bottle, this is also a great price-point. My guest later told me that he really enjoyed the experience because it was so inviting, personal, and un-intimidating. Having Wouter explain how the wine goes from vineyard to bottle and finding out the history of the winery really gave him a great introduction to wine touring. For me as the DD, it was also a gem of a stop that was pretty close to the golf course (as it would be for Black Mountain Golf Club (http://www.blackmountain.ca/golf/), the Okanagan Golf Club (http://www.golfbc.com/find_a_course/okanagan), and others in the area) and close to a number of other interesting stops like wineries located in East Kelowna. The other treat we discovered at House of Rose was their Vintage Okanagan Port. A silky texture, this dessert wine got the thumbs up from my counterpart. All in all, this is a super stop to add to your tour or your apres-golf. Ladies, you can just imagine the twinkle in Wouter's eye after he got to say to my guest (a man): "There, now you've had your first Hot Flash!" House of Rose is located off Belgo Rd in the East Kelowna/South Rutland area of Kelowna. Click here to see a map (http://www.houseofrose.ca/contact%20us.htm)on their website. Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 3:51 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelowna-actors-studio/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelowna-actors-studio/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 22:23:35 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1211 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelowna-actors-studio/feed/ 1 dinner theatre,Helen Keller,Kelowna,Kelowna Actors Studio,Okanagan,play,Randy Leslie,The Miracle Worker,theatre,Tourism Kelowna blog Imagine that you cannot see, cannot hear, and cannot really speak. This was the reality of Helen Keller, who ended up a Radcliffe College graduate (with honours), a famous author, lecturer on the speaking circuit, Imagine that you cannot see, cannot hear, and cannot really speak. This was the reality of Helen Keller (http://www.kelownaactorsstudio.com/Kelowna_Actors_Studio/Press_Releases/Entries/2010/4/20_KAS_presents_The_Miracle_Worker.html), who ended up a Rad... Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 4:05 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelownas-bb-scene/ http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelownas-bb-scene/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 23:23:02 +0000 Catherine http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/?p=1197 http://www.kelownasjuicytips.com/2010/05/kelownas-bb-scene/feed/ 7 A View of the Lake,accommodation,B&B,Bilodeau,Kelowna,Mill Creek Manor,Okanagan,Okanagan Lake,summer,Tourism Kelowna blog,West Kelowna Wow - this year is just flying by! It's already the May Long Weekend this weekend - the traditional kick-off to Kelowna's high tourism season. This has prompted me to think about unique accommodations - mainly because lots of us are starting to get fri... Wow - this year is just flying by! It's already the May Long Weekend this weekend - the traditional kick-off to Kelowna's high tourism season. This has prompted me to think about unique accommodations - mainly because lots of us are starting to get friends and relatives planning their summer visits, and sometimes it's nice to have some good suggestions for those friends who'd like their own space. Or maybe you've got a summer wedding coming up, and need a few suggestions for your guests who would enjoy unique accommodation. Well, the good news is that we have a wealth of B&Bs in Kelowna, so all you have to do is find a B&B gem near to your home, and you're all set. For now, here are some examples of great B&Bs and their areas of specialty... I'm a dog owner, and I know how important it is to find a good B&B that is pet-friendly. In our family, Pet Friendly is right up their with criteria like Roof-over-head, or Comfortable-Bed. Mill Creek Manor (http://www.millcreekmanor.ca/)is a pet-friendly B&B in Kelowna that is really nicely situated on Ethel St. (walking distance to downtown restaurants, etc.). This B&B is great for special events like weddings. The breakfasts here are a treat as Innkeeper Kris is a registered nurse and tuned into nutritional requirements. Mill Creek Manor can also tailor breakfasts to dietary needs like Celiac, Vegan, Diabetic, or other special requirements. Named for the devastatingly stunning view of the lake that this B&B gets from its east side, A View of the Lake B&B (http://www.aviewofthelake.com/home.php) is comfortable and modern, and offers guests an unforgettable dining experience. This is because owner Steve Marsten is a gourmet Chef, and Steve and Chrissy have designed their West Kelowna home and B&B around a food-loving clientele. If you get the chance to book a cooking class with Chef, you should do it – it's a great experience which is entertaining, delicious, and inspiring. It takes place in his demonstration kitchen (*Warning: will cause kitchen envy) and you really won't believe how time flies when you're watching this Maestro at work (and being entertained by his and Chrissy's witty banter). The third B&B I wanted to mention is Bilodeau B&B (http://www.bilodeaubednbreakfast.com/), which is located on Springfield Rd and backing onto Mission Creek. The unique aspect of this B&B is their spa capability. Besides their great central location, and the fact that you can walk to the Farmers' Market (http://www.kelownafarmersandcraftersmarket.com/)from this B&B, you can enjoy a range of spa services like a steam in their specialty Aroma Steam, or a massage or reflexology treatment. The other bonus about this B&B: it backs onto Mission Creek, so you have direct access to this fantastic walking trail right from the back door. There are a number of other fantastic B&Bs (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/wheretostay/listings.php)in this city, with prices ranging from moderate to high end. Here's the link to their listings (http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/wheretostay/listings.php)on our Tourism Kelowna website - be sure to check out the ones closest to you as it's always nice for guests to have their own space while being able to walk back and forth to your place. Have a great May long weekend! Kelowna's Juicy Tips no 3:57