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IN THE BEAUTIFUL COLUMBIA VALLEY

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PLAYSTAY N

Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

A rider takes a short break in the long grass while enjoying a trail ride in the surrounding mountains.

Photo by John Niddrie

2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 27, 2008

This trail above Luxor Creek near Spur Valley reveals views of the Columbia River and Lake Windermere.

Photo by Alex Cooper

Valley views spectacular from the back of a horse

By Alex Cooper Pioneer Staff I hadn’t been on a horse since I was ten. That was the time my friend’s horse rolled on him and he broke his ankle.

So I was quite nervous and unsure of what to expect when the Pioneer staff went on a trail ride at Luxor Creek Corral, located just off the highway less than ten minutes north of Edgewater.

We were all beginners, but owners and guides Doug Goodwin and Cheryl Condy seated us in our saddles and gave us a quick lesson that taught us what we needed to know to feel comfortable on the ride.

Actually, I didn’t ride a horse, but a mule called Dreamwalker, or more affectionately, Dreamy. According to Mr. Goodwin, Dreamy is a descendant of one of three asses gifted by the King of Spain to George Washington over 200 years ago. That’s quite the lineage.

We started off along the Christmas tree path, so called because of the pine trees that line it. After several minutes we reached the top of Luxor Canyon. The ground sloped away steeply on one side, and the rushing water of Luxor Creek could be heard below.

We continued away from the canyon and began an easy ascent into the foothills of the Brisco Range of the Rocky Mountains. Dreamy had no problem with the climb, and would trot easily up the slope.

I got a little nervous on the downhills, as Dreamy

would accelerate, but Mr. Goodwin gave me some tips to help control him, which made it easier.

We entered an area known as Buzzle’s Burn. The name comes from a forest fire that ravaged the area in 1985. The forest opened up and was replaced by more open fields filled with young saplings and beautiful wood lilies.

Dreamy was a little stubborn, possibly due to his royal bloodlines, and enjoyed munching away on the grass and leaves lining the trail. A solid whack on the rear would get him moving again.

As we climbed, we were treated to beautiful views of the Columbia Valley. Lake Windermere was visible to the south and the Columbia River snaked through the land until it disappeared beyond the horizon to the north.

We peaked at Photo-op Ridge. The views from there were stunning. We stopped our horses to take in the view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Mount Muledeer dominated the scenery to the east, and the views of the Purcell Mountains on the opposite side of the Columbia Valley were spectacular.

We then descended back to the corral and ended the evening ride around the campfire as we discussed our ride.

Getting out in the mountains was a great experience. I did get a little nervous every time my mule took on some speed, but overall it was a great way to see parts of the valley that would have been difficult to get to on foot. I highly recommend it.

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 3

June 27, 2008

Where to take a trail ride

By Alex Cooper Pioneer Staff If you’re longing to hit the open trail on the back of a trusty nag, here are a few options.

The Cabins at Whitetail

The Cabins at Whitetail offers day trips, as well as three-day and five-day excursions into the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy.

The three-day trip goes into the Dutch Creek Area. Guests will spend two nights at cabins along the trail before returning home But it’s the five-day trip that’s really wonderful, says owner Brent DuBois.

“I always encourage the five-day trip,” he said. “It’s something everybody should do.”

The trip goes right to the source of the Columbia River and guests stay at cabins along the way “It’s not a trail ride, it’s a back country adventure,” said Mr. DuBois.

There’s no experience necessary to go on the trips and all groups are accompanied by experienced guides. Guests are encouraged to take part in everything on the trip. “It’s the total outdoor experience,” he said.

Day trips are offered for large groups and must be booked in advance.

For more information visit www. thecabinsbc.com or contact Brent DuBois at (250) 342-1430.

Deuce of Diamonds Trailrides

For those interested in a short trailriding experience, Deuce of Diamonds has something for you.

Recently purchased by Diane Turner, Deuce of Diamonds has been providing trail rides for over 20 years.

Located on Fairmont Resort road, it provides at least two hour-long rides and two 90-minute rides daily. The rides follow a path along the ridge leading to Fairmont Mountain.

A maximum of 10 people is allowed per group, and pre-booking is recommended. Children as young as six are welcome and no experience is necessary.

For more information, contact Diane Turner at (250) 688-0363.

Findlay Creek Outfitters

Findlay Creek Outfitters has been offering horseback riding trips for close to ten years.

The company, owned and operated

by Mike and Shannon Christensen, offers three-day and five-day trips around Findlay Creek.

The three-day getaway is centred at their base camp 20 kilometres west of Canal Flats. Guests stay at a rustic cabin and make day trips along the creek and into the wilderness from there.

The real experience is the five-day trip, which goes deep into the Purcell Wilderness to the height of the land between the East and West Kootenays.

“It’s a wilder country than the national parks,” said Mr. Christensen. “In most seasons, the only people there are people I take.”

Findlay Creek Outfitter’s operates several cabins in the wilderness area for guests to stay overnight.

“They’re true rustic trips,” said Mr. Christensen. “We have an old-school way of doing things for people interested in history.”

A maximum of eight guests is allowed, and they will be accompanied by three guides.

Findlay Creek Outfitters also offers day trips if nothing else is scheduled.

They must be booked in advance.

For more information, visit hwww. findlaycreekoutfitters.com or contact Mike and Shannon Christensen at (250) 341-1477.

Luxor Creek Corral

Luxor Creek Corral has been operating trail rides in an area north of Edgewater for the past year.

Owners Doug Goodwin and Cheryl Condy operate a range of trails that go along Luxor Canyon and into the surrounding hills at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Rides last about one to three hours, depending on the skill level and interest of the group. They also take bookings for multi-day trips based out of their cabin near Muledeer Mountain.

Trail-riding lessons are available as well. Call (250) 688-0280 to book your trail ride.

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4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING

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Other courses avilable.

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Experience the valley at your own speed, with an affordable ride from MicRidge! next to Dairy Queen

342-9700

June 27, 2008

Get ready to restock your shelves at the BIG Book Sale Submitted by Friends of the Library Boxes of used books are coming into the Invermere Public Library every day. Columbia Valley residents are responding to a call from Friends of the Library to donate their used books for the BIG Book Sale scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, at Invermere BIG BARGAINS – Great books will be at the BIG Book Sale on Saturday, July19th, Community Hall. at the Invermere Community Hall. Bring used books to the Invermere Library now.

Browsing through the Friends of the Library ask you to bring your gently donated books is a delight.

In the thriller category, Bag of Bones by Stephen King, used books – fiction or non-fiction – to the library Dr. Death by Jonathan Kellerman and The King of Torts before July 17th. Volunteers are waiting to sort the

by John Grisham are all in mint condition. Bestsellers books into categories in preparation for the sale. All include Anita Shreve’s The Pilot’s Wife and Quentins by funds raised at the BIG Book Sale support Invermere Public Library.

Maeve Binchy.

Please do not bring computer manuals, The Canadiana section reveals gems like Stories from the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean, The Tiger Claw encyclopedias, magazines, textbooks or damaged

by Shauna Singh Baldwin and Headhunter by Timothy books. The Friends of the Library are also looking for Findley. Books about gardening, crafts, cooking, volunteers to set up for the Book Sale on July 18th history and parenting are a few of the offerings in non- and for the sale on July 19th, which is also Valley fiction. And there is a shelf of coffee-table books full of Appreciation Day. Please call Christine at 342-0470 or leave your name at the library. For information, call amazing photographs.

But a BIG Book Sale needs LOTS of books. The Lynda Tutty at 341-3185.

Kids will ‘read all over the map’ at the Summer Reading Club Submitted by Invermere Public Library Children are invited to “read all over the map” this summer at the Invermere Public Library.

Young ones can celebrate British Columbia’s 150th anniversary when they join the 2008 Summer Reading Club every Friday at 1:30 p.m., beginning July 4th running until August 29th.

This year, participants can read in the northern wilderness – or maybe on the railroad, climb into some cool mountain reading, dig into an exciting gold rush book, soak up a good book on the riverbank, get swallowed in a whale of a tale or soar away with high-flying stories.

Children of all ages can join this free, summerlong program and receive a reading log and bookmark to start them on their trip into history.

The reading log is a fun way to keep track of the books that children read throughout the summer and each child can receive stickers and great prizes.

At the end of the summer, all readers who complete their reading log will receive prizes.

This exciting and educational province-wide program encourages children to read over the summer holidays while school is out, thus helping youngsters to maintain and develop the literacy skills that they acquired during the school year.

Studies show that voluntary reading is the number-one factor in establishing good reading habits in children. This is best accomplished when children get to choose their own books in a reading environment like the public library, where there is a wide variety of books available to them. The Summer Reading Club reaches over 65,000 children in British Columbia every summer and is sponsored by the British Columbia Library Association, with the assistance of the Public Library Services Branch, Ministry of Education.

For more information, contact the Invermere Public Library on 342-6416 or drop in for a visit.

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 5

June 27, 2008

Pick up your passport for area’s first Arts Tour

A N D N E W S PA P E R

Submitted by Columbia Valley Arts

P R E S E N T

majestic

Mark your calendars now. Sunday, August 3rd is the first annual Columbia Valley Tour of the Arts. This exciting event is a self-guided tour of six studios and gardens spread from Lillian Lake to the Hoodoos at Dutch Creek. The Resident Artist at each site, as well as guest artists, will demonstrate, explain, and display their artistic crafts.

The Columbia Valley Arts Council is very pleased to present 33 participating artists chosen by a juried process.

The artists work in a variety of media, including wood, paints, glass, clay and S P O N S O R E D B Y metal. Artwork is for sale at each site.

Tour of the Arts sites will be easy to find with the map highlighting each of the sites. The map is part of a $20 passport that is your admission to each site.

Travel at your leisure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with your passport that will be stamped at each site. At the end of the afternoon, tour patrons and artists are all invited to a reception at Pynelogs www.columbiavalleyarts.com $20 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Passport holders who collect all six The Columbia Valley Pioneer is proud to be a sponsor of this exciting new Tour of the tour stamps are eligible for a special draw Arts, hosted by the Columbia Valley Arts Council, featuring 33 local artists. Pick up prize (Tin Horn Creek Winery and Golf your $20 passport now at participating businesses.

Package in the Okanagan). Passports go

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Good time for Coolers and Ciders!

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Whether it’s challenging whitewater, family rafting or wetland float trips – Kootenay River Runners will fulfill your spirit of adventure!

• Raft world-class whitewater on the Kicking Horse River • Bring your family for fun, food and adventure on the Kootenay River • Experience Toby Creek Whitewater Fun • Enjoy the Columbia River Wetlands Float

Drop in for a majestic wine tour!

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on sale Saturday, June 28th at Pynelogs, Essentials, One Hour Photo and Bliss Hair & Esthetics in Invermere; Trims and Treasures in Fairmont; and N’Deco in Radium. All proceeds support the programs of Columbia Valley Arts.

Pat Luders of Labyrinth Studio in Dutch Creek, who chaired the Artist Liaison Committee for the Tour, says: “Local artists have embraced the idea of the tour enthusiastically. We’ve had a wonderful response. We believe this event has the potential to draw visitors to the valley specifically for the art.”

Tour of the Arts patrons will also experience hidden treasures – spectacular scenery, lovely properties and secluded neighbourhoods. Visiting the lush gardens at the tour sites will be an extra bonus on a beautiful summer day on August 3rd.

A committee of volunteers has worked on the tour for months to create a major artistic highlight for local residents as well as visitors from Alberta and the Kootenays. We urge you to volunteer with this exciting art show by calling 342-4423. Volunteers are needed for tasks such as parking directors, admission desks, reception personnel and other short-term tasks.

Proud supplier of

6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LONG LONG

WEEKEND SPECIAL 2 Green Fees for 1 when you rent a power cart

Restaurant • Driving Range • 18 Holes

250-427-4161 Hwy 95A, 7 kms South of Kimberley

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June 27, 2008

It's never too early to get your kids golfing If your kids are hanging around the house or the cabin this summer, start them out with a sport they can play and enjoy for their whole lives. Here are some easy ways to begin at a course right here in the valley.

Private junior golf lessons cost $35 for a 30-minute session or $95 for three 30-minute lessons. Semi-private lessons are available if you would like to take lessons with the whole family. The cost is $25 per person in a group for 30 minutes, or $65 per person for three 30-minute sessions.

Copper Point Golf Course: (250) 341-3392 Copper Point will run camps for juniors all through July and August. The camps run for three days, from Fairmont Mountainside Course: (250) 345-6514 A kids camp will run from July 8-August 26. Sign Tuesday to Thursday. Cost: 5-9 years, $69; and 10-16 years, $89. Also available is “play with a pro,” which up in the Spa located in the Fairmont Lodge. Cost $159 plus GST. involves playing a round of golf with a professional.

Eagle Ranch: (250) 342-0562 Junior camps run from July 14-15, and August 45. Future Links Little Swingers Camp is for kids 5-10 years old. For $75, the kids get two sessions of twohour instruction, plus rules and etiquette of golf. A gift is included.

Future Links Junior Camp is for kids 11-17 years old and includes two hours of instruction each day and nine holes of golf. This camp also goes over rules and etiquette, and includes a gift and lunch for a total of $175.

Fairmont Creekside Golf Course and Riverside Golf Course: (250)345-6660, (250)345-6346 Three-day golf lessons will run through July and August. (July 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, and August 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28). The lessons are designed for kids from 7-14 years old, and cost $159 including two golf lessons and a round of nine holes with a golf pro. Included are two lunches and an adventure program after the lessons, with games featuring survival skills.

Continued on next page . . .

Elevate Your Game 16th Annual Coca-Cola Parent & Child Golf Tournament 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13th, 2008 at the Resort Course per Team of 1 Adult & 1 Junior (Junior must be 16 or younger) Chapman Two Ball w/Callaway Scoring System (No Handicaps necessary) 18 Holes of Golf – Dinner – Prizes – Fun! Call Resort Course Pro Shop 347-6266 to enter.

Bring Bring aa Kid Kid to to Golf Golf Exceptional Golf, Exquisite Dining and Service Beyond™ This 4.5 star, player friendly venue winds it’s way through spectacular ravine terrain, all the while showcasing some of the Valley’s finest views of the Rockies, Purcells and Lake Windermere. Eagle Ranch is truly elevated, perched high above the Columbia Valley Wetlands, offering pristine fairways and the perfectly manicured greens.

The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch is open year round with tempting, health conscious fare featured in Saliken Fine Dining and the Trader’s Lounge. A selection of designer resort wear is always on display in the Golf Shop. Add our commitment to Service Beyond™, and you’ll agree Eagle Ranch is a magical place and the ultimate golf experience.

Location: The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch, 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail (From Hwy 93/95, turn at traffic lights. Entrance is on the right. From Invermere, turn left on Eagle Ranch Trail, off Athalmer Road)

Call 250-342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com

1 Adult & 1 Junior play 18 Holes for $ 4700 at Resort Course only $6900 at Springs Course Valid at from Sun. to Thurs. after 1:00 pm

Resort 347-6266 / Springs 347-6200

Junior Golf Camps 8900 - Two Day Camps

$

Designed for Juniors age 6 - 13 Taught at Resort Course on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout July and August.

3 hours of instruction each day with the emphasis on fun. Lunch, games, and prizes daily.

Call 347-6266 to register

Reservations/Information

1-800-667-6444 • (250) 347-9311 www.radiumresort.com

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 7

June 27, 2008 . . . Continued from previous page

Also running will be “Bring a kid to golf ” which includes 18 holes of golf for and adult and child. This costs $69 for the pair from Sunday to Thursday after 1 p.m.

Greywolf: (250) 341-4100 Future Links Camps will run through the summer starting every Wednesday and lasting for three days.

Two different camps will be running, Spur Valley Greens: (250) 347-6500 Kids can golf for free from July 7one for kids aged 5-9, and one for kids 13 at the Spur Valley course. aged 10-16.

Radium Resort: (250) 347-6266 Running through July and August there will be two-day kids’ camps every Tuesday and Wednesday. The camp is for kids aged 6-12, and for $89 will include six hours of golf instruction, lunch, games and prizes. Golf clubs are available if needed.

Also running will be “Bring a kid to golf ” which includes 18 holes of golf for and adult and child. This costs $47 for the pair from Sunday to Thursday after 1 p.m.

Radium Springs: (250) 347-6205 Running through July and August there will be two-day kids’ camps every Tuesday and Wednesday. The camp is for kids aged 6-12, and for $89 will include six hours of golf instruction, lunch, games and prizes. Golf clubs are available if needed.

Windermere Valley Golf Course: (250) 342-3004 Three-day Introduction to Golf camps run every Tuesday to Thursday (July: 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; August: 5-7, 12-14). The lessons start at 10 a.m. and run until 11 a.m. for ages 5-8.

This costs $45 and includes a gift.

Future Links program: • Level one: This three-day program goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $60 (July: 8-10, 15-17, 2931; August 12-14.)

• Level two: This four-day program ends with a round of golf with a pro.

It goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $100. Limited space available.

(July 8-11 and August 12-15).

Always available are private lessons costing $25 for a 30-minute session, $70 for a series of three and $110 for a series of five.

It’s a Great Drive

Tee Times: (877) 427-7077 or BootlegGapGolf.com

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Canada Day Tent Sale Join us at Greywolf this long weekend for our 4th annual blowout tent sale.

On Saturday June 28th to Monday June 30th (10am-4pm) we’ll be offering huge savings. The sale will feature: • FREE Greywolf logo hat ($25 value) with every purchase over $50 • Clothing up to 90% off!

• Demo and rental club blowout • Greywolf logo hats are all $9.99 • All purchases are entered in a draw for 2 rounds at Greywolf and a Taylor Made Burner Driver - $850 value

Summer Specials For Junior Golfers Take A Kid To The Course Week Between July 7–13, 2008, Greywolf and HUNDREDS of participating courses across Canada will offer one FREE round of golf (after 1:00pm) to kids under the age of 16 when accompanied by a paying adult.

CN Future Links Junior Golf Development Program Starts at Greywolf July 2nd CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf development program designed to “Ensure The Future Of Golf”. The 3 day program (Wednesdays to Fridays) consists of multi-level instruction and rewards, clinics, camps, and support materials.

Call the golf shop to book or visit greywolfgolf.com for more information.

Tee times and/or lodging packages: (250) 341-4100 or 1-888-473-9965. Visit greywolfgolf.com for more information.

8~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

June 27, 2008

Golf course clubhouses offer delicious dining

WV

INDERMERE ALLEY (PMG $PVSTF

Whether you’re out for a round of golf, or you just want a new place to eat, check out these golf course dining spots.

Player Friendly, Walkable & Affordable 18 HOLES - $2950 MONDAY - NINE & DINE $2600 9 Holes of Golf with a Sirloin Steak Sandwich

KARI’S KITCHEN is open for your convenience

Tee Times • (250) 342-3004

THE PIONEER

The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

Copper Point’s The View: (250) 341-3392 The View menu revolves around local, fresh food. prepared by chef Cliff Huck. On the pub side, the chicken sandwich with feta cheese and roasted red peppers is popular. Cliff recommends the tomato salad with bocconcini cheese and house-made balsamic and maple vinaigrette served with focaccia bread. For dessert, try the sticky date pudding with cinnamon ice cream and roasted apples, covered in a whiskey toffee sauce.

Coy’s Par 3, Fairmont: (250) 345-6504 Every Thursday head into the clubhouse for steak at $29.95 including the golf.. Or try a Tuesday round of golf and finish with ribs also $29.95. Waitress Amber Belcher said that the best seller tends to be Saturday and Sunday morning golf and breakfast for $16.95. “A lot of people really enjoy our burgers,” said Amber.

Eagle Ranch Golf Course: (250) 342-0562 Always a favourite in the clubhouse are the beer and appy specials. Go in and enjoy the sun and spectacular view of the river and Lake Windermere on the patio anytime.

Kari’s Kitchen, Windermere: (250) 342-3004 Open mainly for a breakfast and lunch cuisine, the clubhouse has different specials every day. Homemade burgers and soup are always a favourite, and growing in popularity is the Sunday morning eggs benedict special.

Spur Valley Luxor Creek Cantina: (250) 347-9510 Luxor Creek Cantina has a wide range of Mexican cuisine with burritos, enchiladas, tacos and nachos, all of which are popular.

Also a favorite are the homemade desserts such as the drumstick ice cream pie and the baked New York cheesecake. Different lunch specials are served every day.

Continued on next page

GOLF, HIKE, SWIM, SOAK, SPA, EAT, SLEEP. fairmonthotsprings.com

Indulge your passion. Feed your spirit.

Who said golf is just a game? Treat yourself to a breathtaking round at our championship 18-hole Mountainside or Riverside courses. Then discover the many other indulgences that await you.

To book your tee time, call 1.800.665.2112

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 9

June 27, 2008 Mountainside Trophy Dining: (250) 345-6514 Theme nights on Wednesdays offer such items as Chinese food. An all-new dinner menu starts at 5 p.m. Try the bruschetta and hummus, or the marinated steak. Or try Chef Josh Cummin’s favorite dishes, grilled shrimp cocktails or the Fairmont Scampi – a dish of sauteed shrimp. Finish off your dinner with the simple delicacy of strawberries and cream.

your meal with the in-house peach pie and vanilla ice cream. “We let the guests tell us what they like, rather than telling them what they should like,” said Food and Beverage Manager Ken Aubertin.

Radium Resort: (250) 347-6268 Come for Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and create your own omelette. Popular is Pasta Frenzy on Wednesdays, with the all-you-can-eat pasta.

Saturday, enjoy a traditional roast beef buffet with Riverside Atrium Restaurant: (250) 345-6346 Fridays and Saturdays offer a three-course Alberta mashed potatoes, salad bar and dessert. Available any prime rib dinner for $25. Chef Marion Yovdoshuk has evening is the nine and dine special, with nine holes of added an Asian flare. Her favorite dish is the new tequi- golf and a New York steak sandwich. la marinated salmon salad. For dessert menu, try the banana tower, Asian-flavoured bananas between layers Radium Springs: (250) 347-6205 Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Springs of banana bread and drizzled with caramel sauce. restaurant serves dishes made from scratch with quality ingredients. Breakfast features all the favourites, Riverside Sportsman’s Lounge: (250) 345-6346 This restaurant features many of the same dishes as plus pancakes made with real berry sauce.

All sauces are created in the kitchen, with variety the Atrium. Try the all-day pizza or pop in for Wednesday wing night. Thursday jam nights offer pig wings, of salad dressings such as creamy dill, melon or berry similar to turkey drumsticks but made of pork covered vinaigrettes. The dinner wine list gives an optimum in barbecue sauce. Saturday night features Louisiana, variety for its price range, said Food and Beverage Manager Vernon Victoor. Have a glass with the trout Cajun and garlic shrimp from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or the “melt-in-your-mouth” pork tenderloin.

Carrick’s at Greywolf (250) 341-4100 Weekly specials include barbecued ribs and Edgewater Hilltop: (250) 347-6502 You’re going to find quality homemade food here, smoked chicken tortellini. Friday’s special, the baked tilapia served with mango salsa, is a staff favorite, along something owner Jeanette Lautrup believes is quite After a round of golf at Edgewater Hilltop Par 3, enjoy a slice of Jeannette Lautrup’s homemade pie. with the famous Greywolf turkey club sandwich. End special. Try out the soups or the famous pies.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

Red, White and Copper - The Perfect Combination...

For a Canada Day celebration Copper Point style!

Our Great Canadian Balloon Extravaganza, June 27 to July 1, is a great way to celebrate Canada Day. We’re filling Copper Point with red and white balloons, each containing a special Canada Day prize; pop a balloon and see what you’ve won! s Free rounds of golf at Copper Point and The Ridge s Free golf lessons with one of our PGA Golf Professionals s Free appetizers at The View Restaurant s Discounts of 10% to 100% at our Golf Shop s Discounts on golf equipment at our Golf Academy

copperpointgolf.com

A Taste of Canada at The View Copper Point’s culinary team is pleased to offer their Taste of Canada Menu, featuring premium ingredients that are distinctively Canadian. This five-course menu, inspired

by Canada’s best foods, is guaranteed to be a celebration for your palate.

Daily starting at 5:00 pm June 27–July 1

Reservations Recommended Call 341-3392

10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Huge Watersports Gear Sale

All 2007 Gear 30-50% off Rental eet blowout.

June 27, 2008

Dave indulges his guilty pleasures Wakeboards, Surfboards, Waterskis, tubes, ropes, life jackets, wet suits, helmets and more!

Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday & Monday 1783 Victoria Ave, Windermere right on the lake.

250-342-8799 • www.shadybrookresort.com

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER SPECIAL PUBLICATION

To find your way around the valley, pick up the 1

or visit: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com 2008 Colum

bia Valley Map

Book

N E W S PA P E R

CO LUM B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N

Looking for a great place to eat?

Pick up your new

Dining Guide

at valley businesses or call our office at…

N E W S PA P E R

(250)

341-6299

By Dave Sutherland Pioneer Staff The valley’s chock full of great places to nosh, from hole in the wall cafes with go-cups and paper napkins to full-blown dining rooms with great linen and more utensils than you have fingers.

If you don’t see your favourite here, it’s simply because there isn’t room this time around. Here, in no particular order, are my guilty pleasures.

1. Maple or pecan sticky buns at the Meet On Higher Grounds coffee shop in Radium. I indulge my sweet tooth only occasionally and these sweet, sticky and delectable treats fit the bill perfectly. Sunday mornings, chances are you can find me at Higher Ground nice and early, so I can get one of these while they’re fresh out of the oven.

2. Gyros (donairs) at Tony’s Greek Grill in Fairmont. Tony’s is a seasonal gem of a place and the return each year of Tony and Vivian Stirgiou is like a harbinger of summer. The gyros come with either a sweet or traditional sauce; I like ‘em both. Try them with a side of greek salad or some calamari.

3. Caesar salad at Portabella Restaurant. As well as a great dressing, Nick Gibbs infuses new life into the stalwart standard with the addition of crisp red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese and cherry tomatoes.

4. Kick-Ass Coffee ice cream at Gerry’s Gelati. Coffee and ice cream, two of the major food groups, together in one signature dish. What a concept!

He may be mayor of Invermere one day, but for now Gerry will have to settle for being the King of Ice Cream.

5. Pizza. Copper City Saloon. Peppi’s Pizza. Fat Boyz. Three brands, three great styles of pie. If you think I’m waffling here, you’re absolutely right, but

that’s because with the choices of toppings available, you never have to eat the same pie twice.

Pizza infinitum.

6. Soft-serve, chocolate dipped cone at DQ. Cracking through the thin veneer of chocolate to get to the ice cream beneath transports me instantly back to my childhood, when my dad would load us all into the car and drive out of town and up the highway to the only joint in Humber Valley, Newfoundland that served this brand new (to us) style of dessert. It may be just ice cream to you, but to me it’s instant nostalgia.

7. Strawberry/rhubarb pie at the Edgewater Hilltop Par 3 golf course.

Jeanette Lautrup’s justly famous pies are one of those valley secrets that are no secret at all. Think your mother makes a better pie? Maybe she does, but I haven’t had your mother’s pie, so I’m going to stick with Jeanette’s. Once again, timing is everything. It is truly serendipitous if you chance to walk in after nine holes just around the time that one of these delights has cooled enough to be cut and served.

8. Sunday brunch at the Lakeside Pub. Great food in a friendly place, with one of the nicest views in town, summer or winter. Comfort food defined.

9. Wings at the Hoodoo Grill. My wife swears by these and for sure there’s some wicked voodoo at work here. The hot ones are my fave, and they seem to taste even better with the addition of live music and a cold beer.

10. Windy Café dumplings. Definitely one of those desert island dishes.

You know, if you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring a finite number of items with you? Let’s see, a swiss army knife, matches, and Windy Café dumplings, with that special chile oil. The ultimate survival kit.

Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer ~ 11

June 27, 2008

Elinor chooses some valley food favourites I’m not a foodie, and I don’t even like to cook.

But I do love to eat almost everything.

Over the years we have eaten everywhere in the valley and have narrowed our choices down to a few perennial favourites. Don’t take my word for it, though, because there are plenty of options I have probably missed.

Starting with our “special occasion” choices, here are some of my personal favourites: 1. Liver and onions at Helna’s Stube in Radium.

My mouth starts to water just thinking about liver the way Helmut prepares it – perfectly cooked, topped with a stack of crisp bacon and golden onions. The name “Helna’s Stube” comes from the amalgamation of the names of the two owners – Helmut and Natascha Kendler, plus the word Stube (pronounced Schtoo-buh) meaning “kitchen” in German.

2. I like everything at Portabella Restaurant in Invermere, but my husband swears by their rack of lamb. Apparently it’s to die for, as lamb goes. I usually order the six-ounce filet.

3. About once a year I order the mushroom schnitzel at Black Forest Restaurant near the crossroads, the one with the German murals painted on the exterior.

It’s a very prosaic name for such a delicate dish – tender pork, with fresh mushrooms and béarnaise sauce.

Turning to the more lower-priced items: 4. California Pizza at Peppi’s Pizzeria in Invermere, just down a few doors from The Pioneer office. I love artichokes, and this pizza is loaded with them.

5. When you’re in the mood for a great hamburger, try the Lakeside Burger at the Lakeside Pub

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in Invermere; or the Scotty Burger at Pynelogs Café, which is a little different because it is stuffed with cheese and filling, sort of like a cordon bleu hamburger. Very different, and my husband recommends it.

My favourite hamburger, and the one I have been eating since I was a teenager myself, is the Teen Burger at A&W. It hasn’t changed over the decades and still tastes like the burger that all others must imitate.

6. Speaking of the Lakeside Pub, one of the unique items on the menu is their locally-famous house dressing. You have never tasted salad like any salad soaked in the Lakeside dressing. The recipe is a secret, but customers may buy it by the bottle.

7. If you’re running late and need a meal at the last minute, try the stuffed chicken breasts from Grant’s Foods in Invermere. Frozen in four-ounce or sevenounce portions, the breasts are stuffed with Brie and cranberries; or cheddar and broccoli. After 30 minutes in the oven, they’re ready to eat.

8. Bread baked by Andi Schoni at his home in Invermere. Schoni Artisan Wood Oven Breads come in a variety of flavours. I love his fruit bread. Warning: fresh bread and butter is addictive. Andi and his wife Suzanna Woodley can be found every Saturday at the Farmers’ Market. While you’re at the market, check out all the beautiful, fresh, local produce.

9. Dave’s Hot Pepper Jelly. Our staff loves to eat this in a number of ways. Zephyr often lunches on peanut butter and strawberry hot pepper jelly sandwiches. To order some, call Dave at 341-1939.

10. Last but not least, sacher torte from the Quality Bakery in Invermere. Of all the special cakes we have ordered from The Quality over the years, nothing matches the sacher torte (pronounce the “ch” sort of like clearing your throat). It’s rich chocolate layered with jam, originally created by a bakery inVienna.

My apologies to everyone I have missed, and I will try to catch up with you next year. For more information, pick up the red-covered 2008 Columbia Valley Dining Guide at local businesses.

Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher

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12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer 3 6 H O L E S O F G O L F | P I N OT G R I L L | S PA & F I T N E S S C E N T R E | C A F É S O S P E S O | YEAR ROUND HOT POOLS & INDOOR POOL

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June 27, 2008