Vernon’s small town charm
Sponsored Content - May 17, 2022 - Think Local

Photo:contributed
Downtown Vernon offers plenty of variety for shoppers and lots of  charm.

When it comes to small-town charm, Vernon is hard to beat.

With a myriad of activities and attractions for both locals and visitors alike, not only is there plenty to do, see and experience, but the friendly and warm welcome extended from both locals and merchants alike will make the experience extra special.

Whether it is mountain biking at nearby SilverStar Mountain Resort, relaxing on a beach in the summer, heading to the local waterpark, learning something new at the Okanagan Science Centre or the Allan Brooks Nature Centre, experiencing the outdoors at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch, savouring the flavour at Okanagan Spirits Distillery or the numerous wineries in the area or sampling a full range of delicious local fare at numerous eateries around town, there is something for everyone.

And that extends to the unique local merchants located throughout the community too.

“We see a lot of locals and they bring in people from out of town,” says Ray Morin, who along with his wife Janet Cody owns and operates Olive Us Oils, a specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar store and tasting room located on Vernon’s main downtown street, 30th Avenue. With its electric variety of oils, gourmet foods and gifts, the store is a must-see stop for the culinary inclined.

“In a store like ours, you get to know your customers over a period of time and you make a personal connection,” says Morin. “In a big city, that might not happen.”

He and his wife moved to Vernon from Vancouver in 2001 in search of a smaller community to raise their then young daughter.

Photo: contributed
Planet Bee includes its own meadery.

Edwin Nowek, who owns and operates Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery loves the appeal of a smaller community.

He started his business in nearby Armstrong 25 years ago, where it operated for six years before moving to Vernon.

He says he likes the size of the community and feels it’s a lot more personable than a bigger city.

At his farm, visitors can learn, tour, taste honey and mead and shop for a whole range of bee-related products from beeswax candles to bee-keeping supplies.

“Our best promoters are local people,” says Nowek. “They bring folks from out of town when their visitors ask what is there to do here.”

The sense of local charm is also evident in many of the city’s attractions. Guided or self-paced walking tours Vernon’s famed heritage murals give a sense of community and a trip to the popular Davison Orchards and Country Village is fun for the whole family in the warmer months.

Back downtown another spot growing in popularity is Furhouse, a one-stop location for arts, crafts, textiles and unique clothing.

“We’ve been very popular since opening (last year),” says Mel Schmidt of The Simple Clothing Company, one of the businesses located in Furhouse, which is located in a large space on 30th Avenue.

Offering an eclectic array of retailer selling goods made by local artisans and artists nd creators such as her, as well as drop-in classes that cater to creative folks aged five to 85, Schmidt said Furhouse has become a popular meeting place in the community and that popularity is spreading through word of mouth.

“We are getting a lot of people dropping by and taking tours,” she says, adding it’s common for folks to bring their friends and family.

Over at the Caetani Centre, a heritage house that is the former home of renowned local artist, writer, mentor and teacher the late Sveva Caetani, known during her life as “the Countess” because of her aristocratic Italian background, Susan Brandoli, the executive director of the centre says the warm, smaller town charm of Vernon is reflected in many of the events held at the 125-year-old house and in its gardens.

“We have collections here and a museum and we offer tours,” she says. In July, the centre will host a music festival.

So, if you are looking for a place with plenty to do and see, friendly folks with a welcome as bright as the Okanagan sun, Vernon checks all the boxes and does it with the so small-town B.C. charm it will bring a smile to your face too.

Photo: contributed
Mel Schmidt of The Simple Clothing Company, (left) helps a customer at her store’s location in the Furhouse in Vernon.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.


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