Stories
Featured
The calm after the storm. Pouring water on glowing embers, the remnants of a fun evening with friends. Walking home to the beat of your own footsteps echoing off the sleeping houses lining either side of an empty street. Sliding into a warm, cozy bed, humming the evening's soundtrack before drifting off to sleep.
That same music awaits as the sun peaks through the window to announce a brand-new day. Stepping outside, you're surrounded by a symphony of birds and insects, busy about their business in the fresh morning air. Their presence complements the stillness of the early hours as dew drops shimmer on the petals and leaves of your colourful garden. It's a fine start to the day.
This holiday season, skip the big-box stores and give the gift of Naramata! Our curated Holiday Gift Guide features one-of-a-kind finds from local businesses that capture the charm and creativity of this special community. From handcrafted goods to boutique wine and beer, there’s something for everyone on your list. Supporting local isn’t just a feel-good choice—it’s a way to share the spirit of Naramata with those you love.
“WINTER IS NOT A SEASON, IT’S A CELEBRATION.” ~ ANAMIKA MISHRA
For those of us who have visited parts of Europe during the festive season, it's pretty clear that European Christmas markets are tough to beat. Holiday vibes, smiling faces, friends and family, crafts, food, wine - it's like an amusement park for the senses with a dash of coziness to boot.
Now, this may be a biased opinion, but here in Canada, we really know how to celebrate Christmas. It's in our blood. Aside from having the right climate for it, we're a country that loves being social, even when days shorten and things start to cool down. This begs the question, then: why, with our connection to Winter and partial European heritage, do we not host markets to the same degree?
The answer is: we do!
As the winter months roll in, the Naramata Bench becomes a playground for snowshoeing, hiking, and exploring. Trails like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail offer snow-dusted views over Okanagan Lake, and a brisk hike here is sure to refresh the spirit. Afterward, cozy up by a fire with a glass of local wine or hot cocoa.
We’ve talked about the buzz of Summer. Also, the short window when Summer ends. But there's something else we'd like to tell you about. Another little secret we'd like to let you in on. Are you ready?
Naramata is more than a one-season destination.
That's right! Naramata has something for everyone all year long and Autumn, an unsung season itself, is now upon us. Shortening days and cooler evenings mean an annual sense of coziness has begun. Sunny days remain abundant only minus the summer heat. Colours are changing, bringing a new vibrancy to the local landscape. Restaurants, accommodations, activities and tasting rooms remain open, and without the line-ups of the high season, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the locals a bit more.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
