Penticton, A City To Fall In Love With
By Marc Smith.
What’s your favourite place in the Okanagan? I know picking a favourite is like picking your favourite child, it’s hard and no one likes to admit it but we have one. Penticton is my mine. I love this town. It’s has enough happening to keep me busy yet is small enough so that you know your neighbours, even after being in town for a couple of days I start to run into people I know.
I’ve been to the city a couple of times this summer and each time I’m back I don’t want to leave. So close to the Naramata Bench Wineries I love plus it is almost equal distance to Kelowna and Osoyoos so the entire Okanagan is within an easy drive.
During my last visit I ticked a couple adventures off my Penticton bucket list. Kayaking on Okanagan Lake, shopping the Penticton Farmers Market and dining at Time Winery & Kitchen.
Penticton Lakeside Resort modern Meets Location
My very first visit to Penticton years ago I stayed at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. I loved the location but wasn’t in love with the rooms or the decor. Well since that visit things have changed. With the addition of a new building the resort now offers a modern and very comfortable room choice.
The view of the lake is a bit of a “peek” but I don’t spend too much time in my room anyway. Check it out.
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Kayaking On Okanagan Lake
When the sun begins its rise in the sky some love to start the day with a morning run, others love a Yoga stretch, but for me it has to be an early morning kayak. The water is calm, there are no jet boats roaring past and I am at one with my paddle and the water. It’s magical.
Hoodoo Adventures is a very short walk from the Penticton Lakeside Resort and doors open at 9am. You can rent a kayak and go out on your own or book the Kayak Brunch Tour which includes rentals, guide, water/coffee/tea and Brunch prepared by The Bench Market (a local favourite).
Our two-hour paddle was magical and one I would happily do again and again.
Shopping The Okanagan’s Best Farmers Market
I don’t think there would be any argument in me stating that the Penticton Farmer’s Market is the best in the region and one of the top three I have ever visited.
Best of all there is not one market but two of them. The Downton Community Market takes place right beside the Farmer’s Market and runs the same time 8:30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.
Located on Main Street right up from the Penticton Lakeside Resort I recommend you stop at one of the coffee vendors, fuel up on caffeine and shop the stalls. There is produce, artisans, baked goods, live music and even some fashion vendors. There is literally everything available for sale including wine, craft beer, and a local distiller. It’s your one stop shop for the week.
During our visit we loaded up on fresh from the farm cherries and peaches.
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Wining and Dining in The Heart of Penticton
Celebrating it’s one year anniversary this summer, Time Winery & Kitchen is one of the best places to dine in the city. Best of all you can add a wine tasting to the experience, before or after your meal.
Just like you’d expect from any great wine bar they offer charcuterie and cheese boards. Here at Time Winery though you get to “Build your Board” from over 20 selections of meet, cheese, vegetables and breads. If you’re like me and can’t decide pick them all. We made up two boards and cleared them in no time.
When it comes to your main entree you can’t go wrong. I ordered the Time Burger and fell in love with the Bacon Jam. A decadent burger that can get a bit messy, ask for more napkins.
When it comes to the wines available you won’t be disappointed. The entire Time and McWatters portfolio of wines are available offering something for every palette. From big bold reds like the McWatters Meritage to the brand new Brut, Time Wineries first Sparkling wine.
Are you starting to see why I love Penticton so much? Plus there is still more for me to explore. I still have to do the Kettle Valley Railway and I’ve not floated down the canal in an inner tube yet either. I guess I’ll have to come back soon.
