BCBusiness

W E E K E N D G E T A W A Y S S p e c i a l F e a t u r e Country wineries and more to the north in Armstrong and the Shuswap. The rst weekend in November is the Cheese—It's a Natural festival in Armstrong, giving people a chance to experience Vernon-area cheese producers, such as Triple Island, a working farm, and Bella Stella Cheese. Along the way, pick up some cured meats and preserves from so many culinary artisans for a hyper-local charcuterie platter. "Vernon's lush farmland makes for some of the best cheese and produce you'll ever taste," Chew says. "You have all amenities you need with small-town charm." PREDATOR RIDGE A gorgeous ve-hour drive from Vancouver or a short drive from the Kelowna Airport, Predator Ridge might be best known as a golf destination, and for good reason: it's home to two 18-hole championship courses along with a world-class practice facility just outside of Vernon. But it's much more than that. With a 1,200-acre backyard, the resort oŽers an unparalleled vacation experience. Think outdoor yoga classes with sweeping views, spin and Pilates classes, tness facilities, pool and hot tub, ne wine and gourmet food, luxurious accommodations ranging from condos to villas, and more. Then there's nature — such easy access to so much glorious outdoors. "We have 36 kilometres of world-class hiking and biking trails," says Richard Zokol, golf and real estate specialist at Predator Ridge and two-time PGA tour champion. "In the fall, the mornings are cool and the afternoons are warm; there's this instinctual pull to go outside, whether it's golng, hiking or cycling to wineries in our area. You breathe in all that fresh and clean air. "It's a reprieve from the city," Zokol adds. "It's an easy destination to get to, and when you look across the Monashee Mountains in the fall, you see the trees turning bright yellow and you get long fall shadows. You can really enjoy the freshness all around, and you have ne food and our ne Okanagan wine to nish the day oŽ." The resort has 12.5 kilometres of bike- specic trails a with a connector leading to more than 40 kilometres of trails at Ellison Bike Park; rent an e-bike, mountain bike, or crosstrail tness bike to explore the stunning surroundings. A shuttle will take to you and from the newly opened Okanagan Rail Trail, just ve minutes away. Fifteen minutes away is Lake Country's Scenic Sip, a group of world-class wineries. Rental-style accommodations combine elegance and comfort in spaces ranging from 500 to 1,500 square feet. All have full kitchens, balconies and replaces, with pet-friendly alternatives.ŸRight on site are several food and dining options that celebrate all that's local, fresh and in season. Range Lounge & Grill oŽers a farm- to-fork experience and Ocean Wise seafood in an upscale casual setting, while pizza, pasta, antipasti and slow-roasted meats are on the menu at the fast casual Italian themed Pallino's. If cozying up inside your suite is in store, Commonage Market carries locally produced breads, chocolate, salsas, spreads, charcuterie cheeses and meats, and more; it also oŽers premium Okanagan wines, craft beer and spirits. "The resort has all the luxuries and amenities you need to feel pampered," Zokol says. "It's an easy weekend retreat." PAINTED BOAT RESORT While some West Coast resorts oŽer "peekaboo" water views, Painted Boat Resort Spa and Marina on the Sunshine Coast is unique: each of the 30 villas is a waterfront unit with beautiful harbour vistas. Located in the village of Madeira Park in Pender Harbour, Painted Boat is a 20-minute ¤oatplane ride from downtown Vancouver or a two-hour trip by car and ferry. It feels a world away, however, and the sense of relaxation sets in the minute you head that direction. "It's the perfect weekend destination because it's so close to Vancouver, and the views from the ferry, even if you're a local, make you take a deep breath in awe and appreciate the beauty of B.C. The views are amazing," says Walter Kohli, CEO of SOFIEN Management at Painted Boat. "We can all use that ferry journey to transform ourselves. "In the fall, it's a little quieter; you don't deal with the July and August ferry Though best known for golf, Predator Ridge offers many more activities Photo CouR t esy Cit y of V eRnon

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