Where to go, what to do, who to see
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
I am a little late on this one but better late than tooooooooo late.
At least twice a year (mid-summer and mid-winter) I ramble on about some key fun and funky names and places for tourists and residents alike to visit and perhaps spend their money. This is followed up in spring and new years with a ‘best of’ list of places, names, etcetera. All of the selections are based on mine and Tez’s experiences throughout the year. (Oh yeah – and some of Bryan’s thoughts in regard to Beers with Bryan).
Hopefully visitors will check out some of my suggestions as will locals who need to break out of their routine habits.
First things first, you need to start your day with a good breakfast. Tez and I habitually go to IHOP (International House of Pancakes) or the Bohemian Cafe. For something very special check out the delicious Sunday smorg breakfast at the El Dorado Hotel in the Mission.
Now that you are full you may want to take a hike or find some activities.
If you had brecky at the Bohemian or somewhere downtown Tez suggests an easy walk or bicycle through City Park then head south under the bridge to Abbott Street. Perhaps walk to the The Sails on Bernard at the Lake then meander north along the boardwalk to the bird sanctuary on the City walkway.
Consider taking the family on a trek down a section of our popular Rails for Trails. Another popular walking or cycling sites for families is Brandt’s Creek Linear Park Trail (dogs allowed).
Brandts is also one of our favourite places for meals. Their service is excellent and food yummy. They are one of the few facilities that offer Halibut on their menu.
Other ‘high end’ meals and/or great view restaurants are The Keg Steakhouse and Grill, Oak & Cru, Lakeside Dining Room El Dorado, Kelly O’Bryan’s, King Taps, Earls (no elevator), Craft Beer Market Patio, Cactus Club, Train Station Pub, Manteo.
Kelowna is loaded with a variety of restaurants and pubs filled with fine food choices. Some of our favourites of late include Canadian Brew House, McCulloch Station, Memphis House of Blues, Moxies, Montana’s, Central Kitchen and Bar. Here are a few others by category.
Burgers: BNA, Red Robin Restaurant, White Spot Restaurant, Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger,
Pizza: DunnEnzies, Olympia Greek Taverna, Jack Knife Brewing, Boston Pizza.
Chinese: Yum, Yum Tree (Say hello to Sandy), Dragon King, Mekong Restaurant.
Specialties or Various Cuisines: Mamma Rosa Restaurant, Yamas Greek, Dawett (Indian), Old Spaghetti Factory.
Seafood: Shady Rest Fish and Chips, Codfathers Seafood Market, West Coast Grill.
Now that you are stuffed you probably need to burn off some of that food. Why not go for a rollerblade outdoors on the edge of the lake? Stop in at Stuart Park Roller Skating at 1430 Water St. any day from 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
Skates and helmets are available to rent. Thursday night you can skate to music with Roller Night in Stuart Park on Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All ages and experiences are welcome.
Meanwhile time is running down on the live music at of Parks Alive at Kerry Park
Established in 1997, Parks Alive! is a popular summer long concert series that energizes Kelowna’s parks and public spaces by showcasing live local cultural performances each summer.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Listings are available on the City of Kelowna website or Parks Alive.
Finally, if you are flying home after your holiday make a point of stopping in at the Convair Café (Aviation Café).
The Convair Cafe at the airport site is an exciting aviation-themed eatery that soars above others for creating memories. Families love it as do aviation fans. The facility creates a unique dining experience surrounded by airplane memorabilia. It’s a wonderfully designed restaurant not to feel like a restaurant. Adults and children alike will love the airplane themed menu items, airplane seats, and pictures. The food is made from fresh, local ingredients. This is the ideal way to prepare to soar from one adventure to another.
Next week (most likely) – more Beers with Brian.
