Summerland, across the lake from Naramata Village!

This weekend I found myself Coordinating a fabulous wedding in Naramata. Congrats Lindsay and Tony for being such an awesome couple.

Lakeside at Sandy Beach Resort, Naramata, B.C.

Since I stayed overnight at the Sandy Beach Resort, I thought I would once again Blog about this one-of-a-kind Okanagan lakefront resort because it too, is a WEDDING VENUE, in off season months. Located directly across from Summerland, in laid back Naramata Village.

Sandy Beach Resort Lodge & Guest B & B


Shaded lawns beachside!


Expansive lawns for tenting and wedding ceremonies and receptions!

I took a few minutes to linger and take in the sublime idyllic setting of this resort. Expansive lawns, just steps to a sandy beach (hence the resort's name), waves lapping gently and the warm rays of sunshine on my back. How I adore Indian Summer in the Okanagan. It's the perfect time for a lakefront wedding. Speaking with Gabe the resort's resident manager, they book weddings in the months of April, May and September, October. You can book the entire resort with it's elegant log style cottages and lodge B & B, as accommodations for you and your guests, have the ceremony on the grass with lake views as your backdrop and the Reception in a tent outdoors. Call me about how I can assist you with planning your wedding at this exceptional location.

I had to drag myself away on this sunny Sunday, from this tranquil setting, but after a busy work weekend I thought I would treat myself to a leisurely drive along our Wine Country corridor getting home to Kelowna. Along Naramata road passing fields of sunflowers, their heads hung heavy with the abundance of late afternoon sun. Driving along listening to the folksy renditions of Ari Neufeld, a local Penticton singer/songwriter. His sound so quintessential to the feel of this laid back, historic Naramata community. His music a mirror to the artistic grass roots vibe predominant in this area. He is unique, original and very Okanagan!

My next stop is one of my favorite wineries along the Naramata bench - Elephant Island Winery. Approaching their driveway you don't see the normal acres of grape vines, instead you drive through an avenue of Cherry trees. Known for their amazing fruit wines, I tasted a port style wine they make (Stellaport) from their big, black, juicy Stellar cherries. Aged 8 years in French Oak. They have such earthly delights as Framboise and Cassis fortified wine, Cherry, Apricot and Crab Apple wine and my favorite for this time of year, their Methode Champenoise sparkling wine "Pink Elephant". A granny smith apple cuvee base with a cassis dosage. It is Kir Royale reborn, Elephant Island style. These are not just dessert wines, but pair beautifully with stinky cheeses, spicy curry dishes and chocolate of course. YUM! I can't pass up a visit to their shaded patio and of course to pick up a few bottles to share with friends at a later date.

Above: Sights from Elephant Island Fruit Winery, Naramata

Further ahead I can't but admire the summer scenes I behold along my path. Beaches dotted with people soaking up the last of summer's rays, glistening blue waters, the busy lakefront boardwalk of Peachland reminds me of the many moments I relive of a summer in this lake side paradise. I had to stop as Peachland was a hub of activity with it's regular Sunday market on. A delight for locals and visitors alike. Booths of colorful vendors, the sounds of live entertainment drifting on the air and the smell of authentic Belgian waffles, tickles my nose. Just time for my usual stop at Bliss Bakery for a latte before I get home.

Sights and scenes from an idyllic Sunday in Peachland!

An incredibly blissful day and one I will remember till next summer, when hopefully I can do it all over again. Feasting on ethereal and earthly delights in the Sunny Okanagan! I am rejuvinated for yet another day.

Agatha