Suds, Snacks & Slow Living: 4 Ways to Embrace Winter in Summerland

If you are reading this, you are likely looking for a way to break the February cycle of grey skies and endless to-do lists without the stress of airport security.

This article is your step-by-step blueprint for a Winter Reset, recreating the recent experience of our guests, John and Kim from Hidden Gems of BC.

John and Kim aren't just travel experts; they are local legends who chose Summerland Waterfront Resort for their honeymoon years ago. They recently returned to see how we’ve mastered the "Slow by Design" philosophy during the winter season. By sharing their personal itinerary and "hidden gem" discoveries, we hope to inspire your own local escape.

In this recap, you will discover:

• The "Hidden Gems" Itinerary: Exactly how John and Kim spent their 24 hours on-site.
• Gourmet Living: Why their full-sized kitchen was a game-changer for a holiday "pause."
• Pet Logistics: How Mikki and Merlot (their pups) handled the "VIP" arrival and boardwalk strolls.
• The Suds & Snacks Recap: A deep dive into the specific pairings that won over the experts.
• Winter Wellness: Their transition from a sunset walk to a late-night hot tub soak.
• Privacy & Space: Why separate bedrooms matter when you're escaping "real life."

If you are feeling the post-holiday slump, steal their itinerary. Here are 4 ways to master the art of the local staycation, inspired by John and Kim's recent visit.

For John and Kim, the anchor of their stay was the Suds & Snacks event. This wasn't just a meal; it was an interactive experience with the "makers." They spent the evening with Brewer Bryan Ekman from Detonate Brewing and Chef Ashley from Chefs With Thyme, learning the stories behind every bite.

The Menu Approved by Wine and Beer-Lovers:

• The Opener: True Blue Lager paired with beer cheese and a soft pretzel.
• The Surprise: Hop Me Up Scotty Hazy IPA with a beer-infused dressing over roasted beets and Brussels sprouts.
• The Winner: Area 50 Amber Ale paired with a mini Yorkie and braised beef (the group consensus favourite!).
• The Closer: Misty Mountain Porter served with a rich, dark chocolate beer cake.
  

The Insider Tip: John and Kim noted that the night didn't end with the pairings. They loved the transition to the Grand Charcuterie Table, where they enjoyed a final pint and socialized with other guests. Whether you attend an event or use your suite's fully equipped kitchen to roast local Okanagan produce in your suite’s oven, the goal is to "Taste the Place" rather than just eating a meal.

Your Action Plan: Check our resort events calendar before you book. If a Winemaker’s Dinner or a Suds and Snacks event is happening, book those tickets immediately as they sell out fast. If you prefer a quiet night, stop by a local Summerland market, grab some Okanagan produce, and utilize your suite’s full oven to roast a meal while watching the steam rise off the lake outside your window.

John and Kim proved that a staycation is better with four legs involved. They brought their dogs, Mikki and Merlot, to experience our dog-friendly suites. As they noted in their review, the "hidden gem" moment for the pups was the check-in, where our front desk team greeted them with a treat.

The Sunset Ritual

Following John and Kim’s lead, your move is to hit the Lakefront Boardwalk as the sun sets. They spent their first evening exploring the property’s holiday decorations and walking the quiet, snow-dusted wetlands. It’s a flat, easy-access trail that connects the resort directly to the natural beauty of the Okanagan.

Your Action Plan: Select a Dog-Friendly Suite during booking. These rooms undergo a multi-point cleaning process to ensure they are pristine. Follow John and Kim’s lead: walk the boardwalk at dusk, then head back for a "rest and refresh" in your living room before dinner.

A major theme in the Hidden Gems of BC recap was the sentimentality of the resort. Because John and Kim booked a block of rooms here for their wedding years ago, they know our floor plans well. They emphasized that a staycation feels like an escape because our suites offer separate bedrooms and living areas.

This layout allowed them to enjoy "sunshine-filled moments" from their private patio in the morning without feeling cramped. Whether you are "Lake Gazing" with a coffee from your in-room brewer or sharing a bottle of Haywire Winery wine by the fireplace, the extra square footage justifies the move from a standard hotel to a resort suite.

What's included in every suite:

• Full-Sized Fridge & Freezer: Perfect for storing local wine and market finds.
• Four-Burner Stove & Oven: For real meals, not just microwave snacks.
• Dishwasher: Because no staycation should involve doing the dishes.
• Ample Dining Space: Enjoy your meal with a lake view, not on the edge of a bed.
• Chef's toolkit: Pots, pans, basic cooking and serving utensils, dishes, wine glasses, a corkscrew, and more.

Your Action Plan: For the full expert experience, choose a Lakefront Suite. The mental health benefits of staring at the moody winter blues of the lake (what our guests call "Lake Gazing") is the ultimate key to February relaxation.

View the Suites

Before checking out, John and Kim made sure to partake in two resort traditions: a visit to the heated outdoor hot tub and a session at the communal puzzle table.

• The Hot Tub Soak: They ended their event night with a dash to the hot tub. Our tubs are open every day of the year, providing a steamy, relaxing contrast to the crisp winter air.
  
• The Communal Lobby Puzzle: This is a "Slow by Design" staple. John and Kim made sure to add a few pieces to the lobby puzzle before heading to The Bistro for coffee and a hot breakfast. We encourage guests to stop by at least once, or linger several times throughout their stay.
  
• The Wellness Wing: For those looking to maintain a routine, our Fitness Center and Wellness Wing offers a bright, airy gym and an on-site sauna. We also provide complimentary guest laundry, which John and Kim noted is perfect for longer stays or refreshing your winter layers. Important note: the washing machines and dryers are free for all guests to use, laundry detergent can be purchased at the Front Desk.

The Walk to Town

While they enjoyed the secluded feel of the resort, John and Kim reminded readers that the Tudor-style downtown of Summerland is just a 5-minute drive or a brisk 30-minute walk away. It’s the perfect distance to grab a hot drink at the Bistro and head out to browse local boutiques.

Q: Are there surprise fees for parking or WiFi?
A: No. Like John and Kim experienced, your parking and high-speed WiFi are included. We want your arrival to be about the view, not the bill.

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Q: What if we arrive after the front desk closes?
A: We have a secure, seamless late-arrival process. If you are driving up from Vancouver or down from Revelstoke and hit traffic, simply email the Front Desk at [email protected] to let us know. We will ensure you have everything you need to access your suite without stress.

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Q: Are the kitchens actually "full"?
A: Yes. As John and Kim noted, these include full-sized fridges, ovens, and dishwashers. You can truly live here, not just stay here.

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Q: Can we see the lake from every room?
A: While we have various views, we highly recommend the Lakefront Suites to ensure you get that "world away" feeling John and Kim described.

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Q: Is there laundry available for longer stays?
A: Yes. Many suites are equipped with their own laundry machines. However, all guests are welcome to take advantage of our complimentary on-site laundry facilities (laundry detergent can be purchased at the Front Desk). This is particularly helpful for families traveling with kids and pets.

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Q: Is the resort too loud for a quiet getaway?
A: Winter is our quietest and most serene season. Our suites are built with high-quality soundproofing, and the "Slow by Design" philosophy means we attract guests who are also looking for peace and quiet.

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Q: Can we rent boats in the winter?
A: Our boat and Sea-Doo rentals are a highlight of the summer season. In the winter, our dock serves as a beautiful viewpoint, but the water activities shift to the guest hot tubs.

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Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: We offer a flexible cancellation policy because we know winter weather can be unpredictable. Check your specific booking confirmation for the "worry-free" window for your dates.

All Hotel Policies

Recreate the Reset: Your Next Steps

If you want to "steal the itinerary" from Hidden Gems of BC, here is exactly how to do it:

1. Book Direct: Use our official link to find the best seasonal rates.
2. The "Hidden Gem" Perk: Booking direct secures you a complimentary bottle of Haywire Winery house wine waiting in your room.
3. Mention the Pups: If you’re bringing your own Mikki or Merlot, let us know so we can have the treats ready!

Click Here to Reserve Your Winter Reset Suite

Our team would like to extend a huge thank you to John and Kim for sharing their story. It’s a joy to have you back at your 'honeymoon home,' and we love seeing the resort through your eyes (and through Mikki and Merlot’s paws!). Your passion for BC’s hidden gems makes this community special. We can't wait to see you for your next reset!

Read the full detailed review and see the photos of Mikki and Merlot at the Hidden Gems of BC Blog: Suds, Snacks & Staycations