During the holiday season, our thoughts turn to meaningful and memorable days celebrating the people we care about. This particular holiday season, we are more mindful, maybe more than ever, of the value and importance our local farmers, producers, artisans and craft people contribute to our communities.

In anxious times, we rely on out community connections to find comfort and support. And despite the challenges we face, we can count on each other. We are fortunate to be able to have local markets operating and we encourage you to show your support of our local makers and bakers, knitters and spinners, artists and potters, purveyors and vendors.

We’ve compiled a list of upcoming holiday themed markets. Grab a tuque and some mitts and head out to enjoy some home-made goodies. It’ll do us all some good.  Visit our events calendar for a complete list.

 

As the age old adage goes, wherever we roam, there’s no place like home. Such is clearly the case for Jesse Ziercke. Born and raised in Salmon Arm, at 18, his first job was as a bellman at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort. After some time working in Kamloops, Kelowna and Calgary, in 2019, he returned home with his young family, and now serves in the resort’s top job as General Manager.

Given his serendipitous career path, it’s no surprise to learn that Jesse is an avid hiker and his favourite winter activity is exploring the Shuswap Trail Alliance’s amazing network of local trails. “There are so many great ones. Take Little Mountain for example, you can do a quick 30 minute walk or spend a few hours doing the more challenging outer loop.” Whether exploring on his own or with his family in tow, he credits a good base layer, quality outerwear, and Keen footwear which explains his fondness for Wearabouts on Alexander Street. “Winter hiking is about comfort and warmth and they’ve got a great selection of clothing and gear.”

As for the “apres-hike”, Ziercke is a big fan of the Barley Station Brew Pub. “The Talking Dog Wit is the best and the appetizer selection means there’s something for everyone.” He adds that the take and bake options at the Shuswap Pie Company are fantastic.

His advice for future guests? “Explore a little longer.” The visitors who do are often surprised and delighted when they expand their horizons a bit. From amazing vineyards and farm markets, a compact and walkable downtown, unique merchants and great food (including Cafe Tasse, Don Cherry’s Sports Grill and The Sandbar on site at the Prestige), if you just drive through on the way to somewhere else, you’re really missing out. There’s sure-fire serendipity in Salmon Arm every season of the year.

By Louise Wallace-Richmond