Exploring the Kootenays

Part 1 

Nelson & Skimmerhorn Winery

As we settle in more and more, we feel now ready to explore our beautiful new homeland a bit.
This last week we spontaneously decided to check out Nelson, a little town nestled at the banks of the Kootenay Lake, and surrounded by mountain ranges.
Nelson is called the coolest city in BC, not because of the temperature but rather it's vibe.
We arrived right in time to have a stroll through the Baker Street Market

 
where local farmer and artisans offer their goods,

and street performers enjoy an engaged audience.

The downtown streets are bustling with life

and radiate an eclectic and uplifting vibe.

It reminded me a lot of downtown Santa Cruz in California, with a mountain culture instead of a beach culture.

After a long stroll through the neighborhood we checked in at our historic hotel, the Hume Hotel, "Nelson’s hip, heritage hotel since 1898"
The Hume Hotel got renovated, I believe in 2005, with great attention to detail and managed to combine modern hospitality with heritage feeling.

We had a newly renovated suite on the 4th floor with a great view.
Unfortunately the hotel restaurant could not keep up with the quality that was promised......

After a delicious organic Belgian Chocolate croissant breakfast at the Kootenay Bakery Cafe, the next morning I went off shopping at the Kootenay Coop, a member-owned cooperative we had heard about at the Permacultur Conference here in Kimberley and that I wanted to check out ever since.
Organic food shopping heaven for me...;-)

Leaving Nelson with the promise to come back soon we headed back home, but not without stopping in Creston to visit the Skimmerhorn Winery. A real highlight of our short trip.

Skimmerhorn Winery overlooks the almost Tuscany like Creston Valley. A so called "banana belt" providing just the right climate for vineyards and orchards.

I was debating if I even should mention it, since I rather would like it to be a well kept secret...the Bistro at Skimmerhorn is absolutely outstanding. Seating only a few guests out on a lovely patio, the ambiance and the food are to die for.
Oliver, my husband, is really hard to please when it comes to restaurants and food, and he is still raving...

After a scrumptious lunch, a wine tasting and stocking up on Skimmerhorn wine it was time to head home...we will be back here, too!!!