How lucky we’ve been so far this winter—warmer than expected winter temperatures and lots of sun, the perfect climate for ambling around downtown and enjoying the lakeviews, shops and cafes.
Speaking of food (OK, I do think about food a lot), the 10th annual Thompson/Okanagan Wine & Dine is coming up, from Jan. 18 to Feb. 5.
Many of our downtown restaurants participate in this wonderful event by providing two-or three-course menus at fixed prices of between $15 and $35.
It’s the perfect opportunity to check out an intriguing place you haven’t been to yet. And let’s face it, we could all use a night out at a good price at this time of year.
For more information on participating restaurants and menus, go to www.bcrfa.com.
Blackfish Apparel has recently made the move from Pandosy to Bernard, and owner Chris Murphy couldn’t be happier with her beautiful new spot.
She and her miniature poodle, Sammy, would love you to come by for a visit.
The shop has a very upscale feel, with wood floors, an exposed brick back wall, rich wall colours and funky chandeliers.
Some of Murphy’s top-selling lines are Cartise, Sandwich, Papillon, Lole and Miss Carreli jeans.
She tries to stock as many Canadian lines as she can find—watch for the return of Chlorophylle outdoor and urban wear in the spring.
She is also proud to display artwork from downtown gallery and framing shop Picture Perfect, so don’t forget to check out her walls as well when you drop by.
A brand new store that just opened in December is Lakehouse: A Home Store, at 510 Bernard Ave.
I popped in for a visit last week, and I can tell you that I felt like the proverbial kid in a candy shop.
Owners Ben and Sue Boschman have created a really hip, urban home store (think Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma) right here in our downtown. Everywhere you turn, there’s a new delight to check out—from comfy furniture to imported wool carpets and other home accents to a full line of kitchenware.
The small appliance section is incredible, featuring top of the line toasters, blenders, coffee and cappucino makers from KitchenAid, Viking, Breville and Nespresso to name just a few.
Lakehouse also boasts a full working kitchen where they’ll be presenting chef’s demos starting in the spring.
I was also impressed with their section of specialty foods and teas. If you’ve got plans to feather your nest a little this winter, this is definitely where you want to start!
Here’s a tip for those of you looking for a fun evening out to beat the winter blahs: Head to the Rotary Centre For The Arts on Thursday nights.
You can spend the entire evening there having fun at very little cost.
Start with the Live After 5 Jazz Jam in the atrium from 5 to 7 p.m. You can enjoy a fabulous live local jazz band, and the RCA Bistro will also be open for wine & food.
When that ends, head to Sizzling Salsa Thursday down the hall at 8 p.m. For a $5 drop-in fee, you get a half-hour salsa lesson and then time to dance your heart out to the lively salsa rhythms.
And if you have any time left over, you can browse the original art by local artists in the galleria and studios.
What a fun way to enjoy some culture and get active all on the same night. But what else can you expect downtown—it’s just the place to be.
Jan Johnson has co-owned Tigerlily Fashions downtown for 25 years now. If you have any news about downtown business openings and/or events, please email them to her at tigerlilyfashion@shaw.ca or call her at 250-762-8384 1
