BRITISH COLUMBIA’S Best Low-Key Ski Resorts

British Columbia’s low-key Ski Resorts

British Columbia knows a thing or two about winter snow sports. This is, after all, where the world’s best athletes took to the slopes during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The fantastic and celebrated Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is often the focus of attention when it comes to winter sports in British Columbia. And those mountains deserve hefty praise. But this snowy province is home to a smattering of other outstanding ski resorts that get less attention—and fewer crowds. And visitors won’t feel like they’re sacrificing on experience; as these smaller resorts punch above their weight when it comes to excellent skiing and snowboarding, dining, and other winter activities. Here are a few that should be on your radar as winter approaches.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Parked above the town of Golden, in eastern British Columbia. The resort sits on the Powder Highway, which loops through BC’s Kootenay Rockies and links several ski resorts, small towns, and other points of interest. Kicking Horse stands out for its long downhill runs, heli-skiing opportunities, and expert slopes. The resort is home to the fourth-highest vertical drop in North America, with plenty of black diamond and double black diamond terrain. But beginners won’t feel left out—Kicking Horse has space for those still honing their skills. The small village here is easy to navigate, and there are lots of ski-in, ski-out accommodations. For food, Eagle Eye Restaurant is a stand-out option: it’s perched atop the mountain, with alpine views stretching for miles.

Panorama Mountain Resort

Just down the Powder Highway from Kicking Horse, near Invermere, you’ll find Panorama Mountain Resort. This gem may be overshadowed by its neighbors, Banff and Lake Louise, but it’s a worthwhile spot in its own right. The runs are long here, so you’ll definitely get your workout. The resort recently opened up its former heli-skiing area, Taynton Bowl, for in-bounds skiing, and added new developments. But the resort feels intimate, with an accessible village boasting slope-side accommodations. At the center is the Panorama Springs Hot Pools, where you can relax after a long day on the slopes. The pools are large, so there’s plenty of room to spread out.

Sun Peaks Ski Resort

The biggest ski resort in British Columbia’s interior, Sun Peaks is a destination for families, and a great place to learn to ski. The ski school facilities are robust, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy while parents are out on the slopes. This place often feels uncrowded, and there’s plenty of terrain to spread out—Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in all of Canada. The majority of the slopes here are rated for intermediate skiers, though there’s good terrain for experts and beginners, too. Visitors can take a break from the slopes with activities like tubing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Big White Ski Resort

Big White is another great destination for families—it’s easy to get around here, and there are plenty of activities geared toward the whole family at the Kid’s Centre. Big White also has a car-free village that’s designed to be walkable and accessible on skis. This resort’s runs cover a lot of ground, with most of the terrain geared toward intermediate skiers. Experts won’t be disappointed, though—there’s some serious double black terrain here, too. A major draw is the resort’s ice climbing wall, if you decide your forearms need a workout after all the downhill.

Red Mountain Ski Resort

Back on the Powder Highway, Red Mountain flies definitively under the radar. But that means you’re more likely to have the slopes to yourself. This quiet resort is known for its friendly vibe and low prices, proving your ski vacation doesn’t have to drain your savings. Advanced skiers will feel most at home here, as most of the terrain is on the expert side of the spectrum. The nearby town of Rossland retains its gold rush-era charm and makes a great launch point for outdoor adventures in the area.

Sheboygan

Resting on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Sheboygan has been affectionately dubbed the Malibu of the Midwest by the surf crowd for over 50 years. However, Sheboygan has held another unexpected title for over 50 years, Bratwurst Capital of the World.

In 1970, Sheboygan battled Bucyrus, Ohio for the title of Bratwurst Capital of the World. After a grueling duel, the Sheboygan Press reported on August 14th, 1970, that Judge John Bolgert had rendered an official decision bestowing the title upon Sheboygan and barring all other claimers from using it.

A bratwurst (or “brat”) is a sausage usually composed of veal, pork or beef. The name is derived from Old High German Brätwurst, from brät-, which is finely chopped meat and Wurst, or sausage. So how did Sheboygan’s sausage makers, bakers and backyard chefs earn the prestigious title? Well first, you should know that Sheboyganites fry brats on a grill. They absolutely do not grill brats, they fry them…period. To “fry” can mean to cook, not necessarily in oil or fat, but over direct heat. The sausages are roasted in an oven or “fried” over a charcoal fire until browned and served to family and friends. The brat is a social food in Wisconsin. We have brat frys on weekends like folks have BBQs in the south. It is part of a deeply-held tradition.

In the backyard or at a restaurant, that is just simply how it is done in Sheboygan. After frying brats to perfection, they are dressed on a round Sheboygan hard roll (make it a double brat by adding one more to the mix – there’s always room), sprinkled with onion and topped with brown mustard! And if you are feeling fancy, a few pickle slices to top it off.

And there you have it! The secret to the best brat in the world is simply to get it in Sheboygan. Stop at two of the original meat markets left in Sheboygan: Miesfeld’s Meat Market and Brockman’s Meat Market. Both offer fresh meats, homemade sausage, and world-famous bratwursts. Or you can save yourself some frying when you stop by local favorite, Sly’s Saloon, for a traditional brat plate; double brat on a hardroll served with American potato salad and baked beans.

There is simply no way to describe the full culinary experience here. Sheboygan has all the dining and drinking staples one would expect to find in a waterfront destination. Small cafes with charming atmospheres and way-good coffee dot the lakeshore. Classy establishments with waterfront tables and patios proudly offering Italian, English, Mexican, and American style foods. On Mondays, gather at Vollrath Park in the summer for family-owned food trucks that are famous for food on a stick, in a basket, or wrapped in waxed paper. Libations flow just as freely with local bars, breweries and eateries pouring a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. You’ll never go hungry when visiting Sheboygan.

Explore the fall season in Wichita Falls

Howdy! Wichita Falls is ready to greet you with Texas-sized hospitality and southern North Texas charm. Located just twohours North of Dallas with frequent flights from DFW to our regional airport, Wichita Falls embodies a strong sense of community, a culturally-blended one thanks to both Sheppard Air Force Base, home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, and Midwestern State University, a 255-acre public liberal arts college. The heart of Wichita Falls is the revitalized downtown, a must-visit destination with adventures around every corner. They say the best things in life are free, which is true of the parking that places urban-wanderers within walking distance of two wineries, numerous taphouses, the Wichita Falls Brewing Company, boutique

Explore the fall season in Wichita Falls

shopping, and live music venues. Music enthusiasts will feel at home after opening the century-old front door of The Ironhorse Pub and pulling up a barstool at the authentic Irish pub, voted a top ten live music venue in Texas.

If coffee is more your speed, you have multiple options in Downtown Wichita Falls, such as The Duck Coffee Roastery and Tasting Room which focuses on sourcing beans ethically and roasting them to perfection. It doesn’t take newcomers long to feel the sense of community in Wichita Falls, which is evident in the many partnerships downtown. Fans of The Duck Company coffee can also enjoy an Odd Duck coffee stout at Wichita Falls Brewing Company or an Odd Duck Coffee truffle at B Cocoa Artisan Chocolate.

Downtown is always bustling whether you crave night-life adventure, prefer more artsy ventures, or are seeking a family-friendly environment. Many of the restaurants, breweries, wineries, and coffee shops feature patios, some dog-friendly. Families can play a round of cornhole at Wichita Falls Brewery while digging into an artisan pizza from Progress & Provisions’ venue-appropriate brewery menu which is best accompanied by a locally-brewed craft beer. Those who prefer an alcohol-free environment can rediscover their inner child at Maniacs Mansion, an arcade that features all-youcan-play vintage arcade games and a cereal bar that offers an assortment of cereals, milks, and toppings.

As you explore downtown be sure to take a few instagram-worthy photos with the backdrop of striking, colorful murals, or pose for pics next to one of over seventy beautiful fiberglass horses hand painted by local artists that decorate businesses, parks, and facilities.

For a less urban adventure, Morath Orchards has been practicing sustainable family farming on their 90-acre orchard since 1981. Patrons of the orchard relish in the Moraths’ passion for

fresh food, fellowship, and the beauty of wide open spaces. In addition to their ongoing tours, the fall offers adventurers an added bonus to explore their six-and-a-half-acre corn maze and six-acre pumpkin patch. The Morath daughters also host home-cooked Farm to Table dinners in the evenings with a seasonal menu determined by the available fresh produce.

Interested in fresh, local produce but not sure you have time to visit the farm? Morath Orchards brings their produce weekly to the downtown Farmers Market, and Chef Kyle at Progress & Provisions features their produce in his tempting menu selections such as brocollini nestled beside aligot potato and topped with garlic and herb chicken.

Known internationally for the annual Hotter’N Hell Hundred, one of the oldest and largest national cycling events, Wichita Falls especially welcomes its bicyclist guests to experience the thrills of the Wee-Chi-Tah trail and 20-mile-long Circle Trail, both beloved by the local biking community.

The strong bonds of community are at the core of every business and venue in Wichita Falls. Come for a visit. You won’t stay a stranger for long.

Fox Hill is the epitome of the adage “everything old is new again”. The farm to table concept was opened in 2017. It constitutes a lovingly restored, century old home with charming gardens, including cascading terraced beds that were original to the home. What was once a pool has been transformed into a tranquil pond with pathways meandering through native flowers and organic greenery.

Fox Hill is the passion project of native Wichitan John Hirschi who opened the farm-to-table restaurant and urban gardens to provide his community a place to gather and connect around the table. His fervent belief is that it should be our goal to provide food that nourishes and is also sustainable for the environment. With the gardens on site and harvests from local farmers, seasonality is highlighted on the ever-changing menu at Fox Hill.

Chef Anand and his team create

timeless, American cuisine, with special attention to regionality and sustainability. The handcrafted food from the farm fresh ingredients satisfies the goal of creating and serving intentional, delicious dishes that delight and challenge our patrons. As a destination to relax, unwind, and indulge, Fox Hill beckons to those who truly seek to savor their dining experience. In addition to in-house dining, Fox Hill offers events from garden tours to wine dinners as well as ethnic nights. Whether it is enjoying the chef driven “tapas style” small plates or a slow supper on the terrace, Fox Hill delivers elevated nourishment from the farm to the fork, fork to the soul.

Fox Hill is open for dinner throughout the week. Visit our website at www. foxhilltx.com for upcoming events, hours of operation, and menus. We hope to see you very soon and welcome you into our home.

Nacogdoches

As a top-ten tourist destination in Texas, Nacogdoches is known for putting Texas on the table. Unique dining venues range from some of the best-known barbeque and burger purveyors in the region to more upscale dining options. Enjoy a wide variety of cuisines in Nacogdoches’ casual, family-friendly restaurants.

You might not expect to find diverse fare like Asian-fusion or Filipino food in the Oldest Town in Texas, but we’re full of surprises.

Travel deep in the Pineywoods and taste your way through town with delicious options like Barkeeps Eatery & Taps, featuring a variety of Asian-inspired food for every diet. If house-made Pho or Korean Bulgogi Tacos don’t pique your interest, maybe their sister restaurant Maklemore’s Ale House &

Bistro will do the trick with sinfully delicious Fried Mak ‘n’ Cheese Balls. A popular hang out on the weekends, Maklemore’s often has live music and specials on their impressive rotating beer selection.

If you’re in Texas, you’re probably looking for good BBQ. Don’t worry, we have it. Brendyn’s BBQ started as a Food Truck catering events and parking at the local winery. Articles in magazines like Texas Monthly launched Brendyn’s to success and helped him establish his brick & mortar location in Downtown Nacogdoches. Visitors know the name before they arrive, and locals are just as big of fans. Get the Pig Apple with a side of potato salad for the full experience, and if you’re lucky, a fresh batch of jalapeño pepper jack sausage will be on special.

Like good Southerners, we’ve got the fried thing down. The best Onion Rings you’ll ever have are at Clear Springs, along with favorites like Chicken Fried Steak and Fried Catfish. Just next door is Auntie Pastas, an eclectic eatery with craft cocktails and Italian favorites with a twist. Voted as the best place for a first date in Nacogdoches, Auntie Pastas features a “Filet Gorgonzola,” a juicy beef tenderloin topped with gorgonzola cheese and a balsamic reduction.

Visitors are always impressed with the amenities and restaurants at the mid-century modern masterpiece, The Fredonia Hotel. Check out our Restaurant Spotlight in this issue to learn more about the boutique luxury hotel.

Nacogdoches is the proud home to several food trucks, ranging from La Biblioteca Coffee to Shali’s Indian Kitchen on Wheels. The mobile eateries rotate through venues around town like the Fredonia Brewery, Red House Winery and Front Porch Distillery. The food truck scene brought so much diversity to Nacogdoches, that “Nac Snack Friday” became a

monthly event. On the fourth Friday of every month you can find 4-5 trucks parked around the Downtown Square for lunch and dinner, with live music in the evening. To keep things fresh, food trucks from all over the region come to participate. The flavor our food trucks bring is like nothing else, and the personal touches set us apart. The owner of Rice Queen Street Food, Janae Osborn, created her menu from her Korean grandmother’s recipes and added her own twist. Nacogdoches fell in love with her creations like “Bungeo-Ppang,” a vegan sweet waffle in the shape of a fish stuffed with peanut butter, jellies, and other fun fillings. The Rice Queen brings new recipes on a regular basis, always keeping her customers excited to try something outside the box.

Nacogdoches has always been known for History, Charm and Natural Beauty—but there’s another side to the Oldest Town in Texas, and it’s a tasty one. Come visit us for a relaxing vacation and let us dazzle your taste buds. Let us help you plan your trip at visitnacogdoches.org

Since 1955, The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center has been a luxurious oasis in East Texas. Through ownership changes and challenges of a changing economy, the hotel has always returned to its glory. In 2017 the owners gave her a $17 million renovation, breathing life into the historic building. The renovation included the creation of three restaurants: 1st City Café, a lovely spot for brunch with bright colors and a stunning view of the pool; Nine Flags Bar, a gorgeous industrial styled bar with seasonal cocktails and delicious dinners; and The Republic Steakhouse, the finest dining in town with a classic 1950’s flare boasting the best cuts of steak in Texas. The cuisine offered at 1st City Café and Nine Flags Bar is a combination of long-standing favorites from the hotel’s past and new spins on American tradition. With a variety of fresh flavors, there’s some-

thing for everyone. Locals and tourists alike fall in love with the Napa Chopped Salad and appetizers like the “Trifecta” featuring guacamole, queso and salsa. The entrees are always showstoppers with dishes like Shrimp & Grits and Gruene Chicken Enchiladas.

The Republic Steakhouse offers a high-end dining experience that you’d expect to find in large cities, with the historic charm that Nacogdoches is known for. Featuring prime Texas beef, wild-caught seafood, and a well-rounded wine selection, the Republic will leave you wondering if you’ll ever have another meal that tops it. The intimate restaurant is the perfect way to wind down after a busy day. Tip: Try the woodsmoked Old Fashioned.

The mid-century modern boutique hotel is a must-see and do on your bucket list. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girl’s weekend or a business convention, you’re in for a treat. Come hungry!