Here are 10 hints for a great Columbia Basin Culture Tour
By CBT
Passed on from a seasoned “Culture Tourist” who has been every year:
1. Start with a full tank of gas – some of these spots are off the beaten track!
2. Take your ‘Backroads of BC’ or other detailed map, if you have one. The CBCT Directory maps are good, but sometimes a bigger picture will be helpful.
3. Be prepared to get a little lost – or at least think you are. One way streets and cul-de-sacs can be hard to find sometimes – but don’t give up – they might have the greatest place to visit! I have a friend who calls this being an ‘adventure kitty’.
4. Bring a friend or family member or two – there will be lots of activities and events for all ages. But leave the dog at home please – it may not be welcome at some of the venues and it is usually hot on this weekend.
5. Take your restaurant and hotel coupon book if you have one – this is a great chance to visit some new places to eat, and who knows? You might want to make this an overnight trip! The Sandman Hotel in Castlegar has a special Columbia Basin Culture Tour rate if you choose to make a weekend ‘mini vacation’ of it.
6. Take your cheque book – some of the studios are not set up to take credit or debit cards. ‘Small’ money for small purchases will be appreciated.
7. If you see something you like, buy it! It may not be there if you wait for next time, and many of these locations are not open regularly. Don’t be surprised if you save the sales taxes – many home based artisans do not have to collect GST and/or PST, so purchasing directly benefits both the customer and the vendor (they aren’t paying commission to a commercial outlet either).
8. Wear comfortable walking shoes – you will be doing some wandering through gardens and yards to get to studios.
9. Sun screen and a hat aren’t bad ideas, either. Maybe even some AfterBite and a bottle of water or two – staying hydrated keeps your energy up.
10. Plan to spend one day, at least! Events start at 10 am and run to 5 pm, both Saturday and Sunday.
For more information on the tour, click here.
See you on the tour!
