To be fair, this mural of Leonard Cohen isn’t situated in Old Montreal…but since we’re talking about charm I had to include it. After all, Leonard Cohen was synonymous with everything charming about Montreal. The self confessed man who was born in a suit was a true gentleman, poet and all around music legend.
This last trip to Montreal was primarily to attend the wedding of a family member but it would not have been complete without an evening in Old Montreal. Montreal after dark is enchanting.
If Paris is the city of light, Montreal gives it a run for its money! The city beams with artistic light installations. One of the oldest and most famous lights in Montreal is the rotating beacon of Place Ville Marie in the downtown core (not shown here).
Old Montreal is the oldest area in the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, dating back to New France. Old Montreal itself is a major tourist draw; with the oldest of its buildings dating to the 17th century, it is one of the oldest urban areas in North America. This pic taken from images.
After dark, the city transforms: the bare stone walls of Old Montréal become history projected, while the Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up in flashes of colour over the St. Lawrence River. Building facades in the entertainment district turn into movie screens, and the power of light to trick the eye gives some of Montréal’s first buildings all new life.
this one is a bit haunting
Spanning several blocks near the waterfront of the Saint Lawrence River, Old Montreal is home to historical sites dating back to the 17th century that showcase the city’s indigenous and colonial past. The district also offers a taste of Montreal’s contemporary cultural standing, from art and food to health. Local musicians and dancers entertain in various areas and the place is alive with a European vibe. Actually Montreal is the most European city in all of Canada.
There may be an American flag but we’re still in Canada.We had just finished watching a flamenco dancer in the square.I love all the outdoor cafés, restaurants & shops along the cobblestone streets.
And then there’s all the ART GALLERIES – a sampling of some of my favourites here:
I’ve been to some fabulous wine tasting parts of the world including Argentina, California, France, Italy & South Africa. It always seems more exotic when you’re far from home, but here in Canada one of the loveliest wine regions which can now compete with the rest, is in the Okanagan – about a four and half hour drive from Vancouver.
Summerhill Winery + Bistro. Photo: d. king
I can’t imagine driving through British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan wine valley (a top producing wine region in B.C.) and not taking the time to stop in to have a look around and do a tasting at one or two or more wineries. It’s not even all about the wine…although…it’s also the locations with magnificent views, top-notch restaurants on the premises, the art & the people and their stories.
Stone Sculpture outside Cedar Creek Estate Winery. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
You cannot possibly visit every vineyard on one trip – there’s just too many, close at hand and far between. There’s always new ones opening up too. From world-class operations to family-run boutique vineyards, the Okanagan Valley wineries are rich in tradition and character, consistently ranking among the world’s best at international competitions.
At Kismet. Photo: d. king
Aside from Summerhill Pyramid winery in Kelowna which I always visit because the proprietor is a friend (the wine is also great), on this most recent road trip I kept it simple and focused on only a few. Summerhill held an amazing Autumn Equinox in the Pyramid which my boyfriend and I attended. After only hearing about it, I can now say I’ve experienced it. It’s a community gathering to celebrate our connection to each other, the earth and the universe, with a guided group
Que Syrah, Syrah at Kismet. Photo: d. king
meditation in the Summerhill Pyramid. Followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner, and drumming and dancing around the sacred fire in the Kekuli. It was dog friendly too so Layla also experienced it. We met some nice new friends.
At Tantalus. Photo: d. kingLounging at Cedar Creek. They didn’t seem to mind that I was wearing my Summerhill t-shirt.At Kismet. Photo: d. king
The other wineries I visited on this trip were Tantalus and Cedar Creek in Kelowna, NK’MIP Cellars in Osoyoos and Kismet in Oliver. These were over several days as we were staying with a friend in Peachland and then onto the Kootenays to stay with another friend.
Tantalus:
Photo: d. king
Tantalus is known as one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in British Columbia.
At Tantalus Photo: d. kingCalendar at Tantalus – Dogs of the Okanagan Wineries. I had the pleasure of knowing Fortuna – RIP. Photo: d. king
I’m a chardonnay lover and heard through the grapevine (pun intended) that they have a really good one. Yes; they do, but I ended up loving the off-dry Riesling as much or even more so. Which is a surprise because I find most Rieslings too sweet – but this one was just right. Overall, the view and location is fabulous, the tasting was really good and the art on the bottles is created by Tahitian, Tlingit artist, Dempsey Bob. I must admit that I like a good label.
Cedar Creek: winner of 2022 winery of
the year award. One more breathtaking view with floor to ceiling windows that look over the Okanagan during a relaxed all-organic tasting.
State of the Art Tastings at Cedar Creek. Photo: d. kingCedar Creek. Photo: d. king
Kismet
My tasting here, like the name, was meant to be – especially since it was not planned. A few people have mentioned this winery to me as having unique wines. I was interested in the sparkling moscato as they use a rare orange muscat varietal which is cold fermented, resulting in a crisp refreshing flavour. I opened it over Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint.
Nk’Mip
Photo: d. king
Time in a Bottle. This is my second time at the very first Indigenous-owned wineryin North America. Located in Osoyoos – the hottest and driest part of not only the Okanagan; but all of Canada.
Nk’Mip. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingPhoto: d. king
The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre of architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside. Discover the fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert and share in the rich living culture of the Okanagan people. Websites below:
Leading up to Canada Day which is every July 1st, I thought it a good idea to showcase some exciting & inspiring local events and businesses.I began with a little write-up on Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” our first-rate Shakespearean theatre group which brings tourists and local community together by filling seats to capacity every afternoon/evening until the finish in September.
Yesterday I decided it was time to do another flying trip over Canada. In a matter of minutes not only did I experience the trip of a lifetime flying over the great rockies, Niagara Falls and more…but I also flew over the American Great Wild West. All without leaving my seat. Let me explain.
Gift Shop + Restaurant on Premises
Fly Over Canada is located at Canada Place – which is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront. We know it as a venue for world-class events, home port to the Vancouver-Alaska cruise lines, Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver Canada, World Trade Centre and more.
Canada Place
FLY OVER CANADAis North America’s leading flying ride.
Last time I was here was at least six or seven years ago where I experienced “Fly Over China.” “Fly Over Canada” experience is always showing, however they add another country or area of interest which shows for only so long before they switch it up. If you’ve never been I urge you to go. A bit pricey but totally worth the trip. You’re strapped to a moving seat suspended, feet dangling, enveloped by a 20-metre spherical screen which gives you the feeling of actually being on the journey as they’ve captured thrilling, authentic footage of real locations so riders experience those locations as they truly are.
Using advanced technology to showcase awe-inspiring sights as you’ve never seen them before incorporating special effects — including wind, mist and scents.
I’ve flown and driven all over Canada as well as the American West like all the places shown on the ride…but I’ve never seen them like this before. Totally Thrilling!
No photos or video allowed.
ABOUT:
THE REAL WILD WEST
Monument Valley, Arizona
Experience the West at its wildest. Glide over vast prairies and towering peaks. Dip into valleys where untamed rivers rush, and buzz through electric urban spaces pulsing with energy. Limited Showing: April 21 – June 26
FLYOVER CANADA
Soar across Canada from coast to coast to coast. Sweep over Niagara Falls, vast prairies and massive mountain peaks to see Canada like never before.
I love stepping into a place that takes my breath away. If there’s rosé to go along with it – all the better.
Here’s another little boutique oasis in Palm Springs that I had the pleasure of visiting. Have a peek at a few photos I took when Chris Pardo, the owner, took me on a little tour.
A Tall Tale (taken from their website):
While traveling in France searching for vintage furniture we happened upon a roadside cart selling flower seeds. Not being fluent in the language we believed we purchased a vintage lineage of seeds. Once back in Palm Springs we planted seeds on property, unbelievably the flowers kept blooming black. Dismayed we had one horticulturist after the other come evaluate the phenomenon with no success. Finally after researching the small town near where we purchased the seeds we came upon an obscure landscaper who we believe they called an expert, the French man named Jacque Cousteau (no relation to the famed underwater explorer). After months of negotiating his travels to the states, he immediately identified the problem was with not the soil but the seedlings which were the fabled fleur noire. The only antedote… Rosé all day.
We spent the better part of the day/evening in this amiable little town which is only about a 35 minute drive from Palm Springs and had dinner at a chic Mexican restaurant called…
La Quinta is a small resort city in Coachella Valley, known as one of the leading golf destinations in the States. Known for incredible year-round warm and dry climate and superb shopping, world-class golf at more than 20 golf courses, biking through the valley among the orchards and vineyards, and dining at a number of first-class restaurants.
Summing it up: elegant boutiques, gourmet dining, wine and olive oil tasting bars, art galleries, and charming cafes. Upstairs are offices and businesses, creating a fine balance between work and pleasure. There is always something going on in Old Town La Quinta, such as music on weekends, the Art Under the Umbrellas art show, Taste of La Quinta, and very popular Sunday Certified Farmers’ Market.
Summing it up: vacationidea.com sums it up best with the best of the best:
Sometimes you’re in the mood for glamour and sometimes you’re in the mood for something a bit more gritty, or something you didn’t even know you were in the mood for…something like the wild, wild West…which has its very own style of glamour. Way out in the desert, on our drive back from Joshua Tree, we came across an enchanting Old West Town that was built in the 1940’s and used as a film set throughout the 40’s and 50’s.
a few of the movie posters from what was shot on location here
from the little museum – a rotating display of many movies that were shot in this area.
In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood investors,including actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. They dreamed of creating an Old West set that was actually a town worth visiting, with 1880s-style false-front façades but interiors that had stuff for visitors to see and do too. Up went (from the outside) frontier stables, saloons, and jails; inside, they housed ice cream parlours, bowling alleys and motels. More than 50 films and television shows were filmed here in the 1940s and ‘50s.
These days Pioneer Town is no longer used to make Old West movies. Instead, it’s a real town with a few houses, restaurants and all the remains of the movie set that you actually walk around. If you’re an old John Wayne and Western movie buff you’ll probably find it quite worthwhile and exciting. At the very least you feel what it was like to live that lifestyle.
While location shooting and businesses here have dwindled, you can still see mock gunfights on Mane Street (pun intended). But the most happening place by far is Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, with surprisingly good live music (Robert Plant and Leon Russell have played here) in a seemingly unlikely setting. This must-see desert find also serves up awesome ribs, plus classic Santa Maria barbecue, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
We enjoyed the newly expanded outdoor market/fair and shops in downtown Joshua Tree. I’ve narrowed down from the plethora of pictures taken.
Starting with “THE END” – that’s the name of the boutique. Art by owner Kime Buzzelli.“Beauty Bubble” – an operating beauty salon and museum.
This unique vendor-run weekly outdoor artisan market is located in downtown Joshua Tree right off Highway 62 at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center. Started Labor Day weekend and runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. We had so much fun perusing the showcase of locally handmade goods, arts, clothing, and many more awesome desert creations as only Joshua Tree can bring you!
Reminds me a little bit of Nelson, B.C.
I bought a hand painted linen blouse & soft hoodie from this vendor.
My neighbor Mindy here in Palm Springs owns this unique boutique – “Kama Clothing.”
There are plenty of good reasons to go wine tasting in the Okanagan in October. For starters:
The wine is always good no matter what month you decide to visit, but come October and over the Fall/Winter in general it’s much easier to book accommodation as the wineries are less busy with everyone back to work and back to school. So may I suggest a not so little gem of a place to stay…Summerhill Pyramid Winery Guest House (shown in photos on this page). Not only is it amazingly spacious with a view to die for, but the winery + bistro is adjacent to the guest house. A hop, skip and a roll home away.
What can be better than spending a weekend over wine, food, fun and friendship?Not much!
This way to a good stay. Photo: d. king
That’s exactly how I spent last weekend – with my dear long time girlfriend Margeaux. We go back to working together over thirty years ago first selling advertising at an established Canadian film publication. Wanting to branch out, we convinced our boss to fly us to Toronto once we didn’t think there’d be a twice to cover the Genie Awards (recognizing the best of Canadian cinema – now merged with the Gemini Awards to include Canadian television…but to my non-Canadian friends, you’ve probably never heard of either). By some sheer godsend in between partying with celebrities like Donald Sutherland & Kim Cattrall at the event, our commentary and photos ended up getting published in the magazine. Later we worked on a Canadian Mad Max style film together But I digress…
Margeaux met me halfway (well almost) in Oliver, British Columbia – Canada’s wine capital.
I see a sign, there must be wine
She drove from Castlegar, BC and I had spent the night before in Lake Country, Kelowna with my boyfriend so I was not too far away. The drive from Vancouver to Oliver takes about 4 ½ hours and we were lucky to stay with a friend on Thursday night and watch the sunset while drinking champagne on a sailboat. I had to set the scene. Sundown was also the end of a holy Jewish holiday; Yom Kippur. Breaking a fast with champagne? Winenot?
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
Margeaux had booked a perfect B+B in Oliver that appropriately goes by the name Uncorkedrun by Ian & Judy Born, a couple originally from small farming communities. Uncorked is located within a 15 minute (if that) drive of 40+ wineries in either direction and a lakeview location with a saltwater pool you can use from May – October.
It’s quiet here and all 3 private entrance rooms have en-suite bathroom and flat-screen TV. The beds are king-size, super comfy with new mattress and deluxe bamboo bedding. After all, you need a good night’s sleep for next day wine tasting. There’s a BBQ, shared lounge with efficiency kitchen and a coffee tray was left outside the room in the morning with the little extras (milk, cream, sugar) and full homemade breakfast included.
Frittata with extras – Photo: d. kingAvocado Toast – Photo: d. king
I was not expecting a menu from which to choose what we’d prefer for breakfast. That was a pleasant surprise. Dietary restrictions noted. Judy’s homemade farm fresh breakfasts are beyond. Coffee, juice, fresh fruit salad, free range local eggs, home grown tomatoes, homemade jams, etc….It was exceptional. As was her advice on which wineries were her favourites (she works at one twice a week which we visited – to be blogged about separately).
As a local, Judy provided plenty of relevant information about small lot wineries (producing less than 5,000 cases) that are excellent that I would probably have passed by had she not mentioned them…including tipping us off to some wineries that are now run by big corps and foreign investors. A few other well known ones that are overblown and such. After our weekend we really appreciated her guidance.
we stopped in hereGarden Room Bed – Photo: d. kingOutside private entrance to room – Photo: d. king
Aside from our drop in to District Wine Village and a vintage shop on Saturday, we managed to visit 7 wineries in total. Two well known wineries where we had dinner and 5 distinctive small lot fabulous wineries we’d never know about had Judy not circled them on our wine map. And as usual, the wine and conversation flowed and the time went way too fast. We decided to do this sametime next year. We’ll stay here again if the rooms are available.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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