Girls’ Okanagan Road Trip is Electric

On your mark. Get set. Go! And our girls’ “Two for the Road” discovery of Canada’s Okanagan begins. The main characters in this cast include myself and my redheaded colleague, friend, and bestie named Nancy. In the past our escapades have been likened to Lucy and Ethel’s on I Love Lucy (any idea who plays the zany back-in -the day comedienne?). Hint: not me. Like the famous twosome, every day is a new adventure and every adventure is a fun one. So, follow me through our four days in British Columbia’s most prolific wine and produce region via Route 97.

Day 1

Upon landing at Kelowna International Airport, I admit I’m surprised. Though one of Canada’s busiest landing fields, it’s almost quaint for an airport that greets more than 1.6 million annual passengers. It seems to foreshadow the warm and welcoming reception we receive from everyone in the Okanagan.

Cue the Tesla, or more specifically, cue the Tesla Model S P85D sedan all-wheel driving vehicle known for an acceleration capability of zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Delivered directly to us at the airport by Ryan, owner of Power Trips (a local company specializing in electric luxury car rentals), he proceeds to give us the SparkNotes version of the user’s manual. Once we’re apprised of features like slide in/slide out door handles, lane departure warnings, parking sensors and (most importantly for an electric car) charging tips, he hands us the keys and we’re off in our $150,000 vehicle (yes, he shared the price tag, too).

Following an itinerary formulated around sights, points of interest and charging stations, with hotel attendants always eager to charge it for us (this is Canada, after all), Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” plays as we head toward Route 97 and our first stop, Sparkling Hill.

Perched on a granite bluff at the top of Mt. Royce, this aptly-named resort is known for its $10 million investment of 3.5 million Swarovski crystals that are incorporated into its design. The vision of Mr. Gernot Langes-Swarovski, patriarch of the well-known crystal brand, the resort fulfilled his dream of bringing a lavish European style wellness spa to Canada. Called KurSpa, it offers it all –  from a Cryo Cold Chamber treatment to its 4 Nature Themed Experience Showers (four settings with scents and sounds) to an indoor salt water pool with underwater music and a Swarovski crystal-starred ceiling. Our choices here are based on the European spa philosophy of heat, cold, rest, repeat, alternating hydrotherapy water-stepping through warm water followed by icy-cold plunges (for I Love Lucy fans, think the grape stomping episode).

The on-site PeakFine Restaurant replicates fine dining and is known for its lavish brunches, and fresh farm to table selections by Chef Romaine Newell (a Jamaican who arrived in the Okanagan via Thailand, Toronto and Saskatchewan).  I find it interesting that robes are encouraged at breakfast to inspire mingling. So, mingle we do.

Day 2

We call for the Tesla (charged overnight), buckle our seat belts and look out for pedestrians as electric cars give no warning of movement till you’re moving. This morning the Beatles play as we head along Route 97 to Vernon for lunch at the Midtown Bistro, known for its down-home feel and food. As impressive as the café’s Blue Cheese and Bacon Jam sliders is Nancy’s parallel parking job, mere inches from the curb, causing a passerby to notice the car and inquire of its cost. “About $150,000, right Cynthia?” Nancy responds ever so nonchalantly.

Lunch is followed by a short trek to the Historic O’Keefe Ranch, a 150-year-old Western-Victorian combo known for a unique outdoor offering called “Yoga with the Goats.” Here’s the drill. With approximately 20 other yoga devotees, Sam, our mellow instructor, says to follow your instincts: “Do yoga, skip yoga and hang out with the goats, or practice a mix of the two. And keep in mind, goats like the zippers on warm-up suits.”

Davison Orchards Country Village is an 84-year-old, four-generation, family-owned and operated farm where on any visit you might find Grandpa Bob driving the tractor-drawn train through the orchards or Nana teaching piemaking (sharing tips for her famous deep-dish apple pie). It’s known for its 25 varieties of apples and produce such as peaches, plums, tomatoes, corn and pumpkins.

After our “Swing Like a Girl” golf lesson at Predator Ridge from a petite female golfing dynamo, our selection from the dinner menu at the Range Lounge & Grill – self-described as “fresh, local, better” (do you see a theme here?) – is its popular double-cut striploin with loaded potato, bacon, demi glaze and baby vegetables.

Day 3

My morning begins perfectly – with a bubble bath in the custom crystal-shaped soaking tub next to a crystal faux fireplace and adjacent to the bath’s wall of windows facing east to watch the sunrise.

With Sinatra crooning in the background, our first stop off Route 97 is The Chase Winery, located on the Scenic Sip Wine Trail and overlooking Okanagan Lake. Our experience at this low production winery (2,400 cases in 2017) is courtesy of owner Dennis O’Rourke, winemaker Adrian Baker and Chef Travis Ashley. It’s a must-stop for outstanding wine, great food and an all-encompassing view.

Next stop is Mission Hill Family Estate along the Westside Wine Trail – one of the most popular wineries in this region called “Napa North.” Also overlooking the lake, it’s known for many superlatives, from its manicured grounds with one-of-a-kind sculptures (including a Henry Moore) to a Greek-style amphitheater for summer concerts featuring well known entertainers like Michael Bolton and Chris Botti. Their Reserve Chardonnay is paired with a divine white cheddar & truffle popcorn.

The day ends in Penticton, a town bordered by lakes, and an Under the Tuscan Sun-style experience – an alfresco wine and food pairing atop a cliff, situated at a long table beneath trees strung with twinkle lights and with a breathtaking view. The setting is God’s Mountain Estate and our 30 or so tablemates agree – it’s magical.

Day 4

It’s cold and windy and we’re tempted to nix biking along the Kettle Valley Railway. Thanks to the welcomed intervention of our breakfast server, however, who insisted that we not miss this treat, an hour later we’re pedaling in Penticton. Cycling effortlessly on electric bikes from Freedom Bike Shop atop the east bluffs high above the lake then through the vineyards is a leisurely task.

Day 5

On our way to the airport (Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye” should be playing at this point, but it’s not), we sneak one last view of Okanagan Lake and ensure easy access to our final bottle of Davison Orchards’ apple juice (to drink pre-security). No need to top off the tank before returning our rental. Ah, the joys of electricity and the joys of the Okanagan!