Creston
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Phil Best photo
Just a block from downtown Creston, two huge grain elevators stand overlooking the wide Creston Flats. The elevators are idle, but agriculture continues to play an essential role in the town today. This is evident is Creston's many farms and orchards, and their involvement in the slow food movement.
However, there is much more to Creston than agriculture: Witness first-hand a flourishing creative community on a tour of artist studios and galleries. View incredible bird species at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Play a challenging round of golf at one of the area's courses.
Creston (population 5,246) is a country town with a sizeable backyard. Go south into the rural communities of Erickson, Canyon, and Lister and discover the agricultural heartland of the valley. Here, the landscape is marked by cherry orchards, dairy farms, and more recently, vineyards. Sample some excellent Creston Valley wine at the Skimmerhorn Winery and Vineyard, or tour the Columbia Brewery where Kokanee Beer is brewed.
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Consistent with Creston's agricultural heritage, the people here are down to earth, hard-working and innovative. A group of local farmers grows a variety of grains that are pre-purchased by shareholders in a community supported agriculture program. A relatively new wine industry is taking root on Erickson's south-facing slopes.
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Creston sits on a terrace on the eastern edge of the valley. On the west side, the Kootenay River meanders through the 6,880ha/17,000ac Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. These important wetlands are the major attraction for millions of migratory birds that break from long journeys to rest in the valley. Serious birders flock here too.
Where to Begin
For more information about things to do, dining and accommodation options, and the area's history, and geography, stop by the Creston Visitor Centre (on the west side of Highway 3, between the grain elevators and downtown).
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