June 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Enderby, Museums
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Traveling through BC I have seen communities proudly display a large (okay, make that HUGE) hockey stick, mining truck, tree crusher and cross-country skis. But, have you ever seen the world's largest lawnmower? I didn't think so.
Well, if you are in the neighbourhood, stop by the Deep Creek Tool Museum in Enderby and meet Herb and Linda - the proud owners and collectors of hundreds of neat, old tools and gadgets. The garage, spare room and yard are jammed with stuff and Herb can tell you whatever you wish to know about all the items - including the ones you can't even begin to guess what they might have been used for! In our fast-paced world of hand-held mobile devices, it was a pleasure to slow down for awhile and look back in time.
June 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Armstrong, Arts, Culture & History Tours
During a recent whirlwind trip through Armstrong I was fortunate enough to have two great food experiences thanks to a chocolatier and a grain mill.
The Chocoliro shop on the aptly-named Pleasant Valley Boulevard was not only a retreat from the mid-morning summer sun, but also a chocolate-lover's delight. The owners create tons of great designs out of chocolate making gift shopping easy whether you are buying for kids or adults. Try out the orange pepper chocolate at the tasting table!
Then it was off to Rogers Foods - BC's only flour and cereal mill. Nestled beside the large factory and semi-trailers delivering Canadian wheat, sits the original home of the company's founders. There are tours of the modern facility available but I preferred to hear about the history of the company from its early beginnings in the 1950s as a family-run operation to how it has grown today - all the while maintaining their commitment to Canadian wheat products. The retail store on-site offers all the Rogers products including the opportunity to learn more about using the variety of grain products available. I enjoy learning more about the sources of my food products and having the chance to visit the facility allowed me to connect to a commonly used local food source. Check it out if you are in Armstrong or Vernon - it is not far from either spot.