Further Afield Trips asks a local in a town well beyond Vancouver’s city limits where to find the best places to eat, drink, chill, and have a good time. Think of it as the country cousin to The Dishes.

Today, we’re talking to Keenan Thrussell, winemaker and vineyard manager at Sage Hills Winery in Summerland. Keenan grew up in a vineyard and knows the Okanagan well, so we asked him to fill us in on his go-to spots to eat, drink, hike and swim.

Good morning! Let’s get out into nature before it gets too hot. Where should we go?

“Take a walk or jog to the top of Giants Head Mountain. From there you will have a panoramic view of Summerland and the Okanagan Lake from Peachland to Penticton.”

Is there somewhere along the way we can stop for coffee?

“Definitely check out True Grain in Summerland. Organic locally grown grains milled in house for all their baked goods. They serve up locally roasted coffee from Summerland’s own Backyard Beans. Cheesy pretzel or pain au chocolat are my go-tos for a quick coffee and snack.”

Now we’re starving! Where should we eat?

“At the Farmers Market! Summerland hosts two farmers markets per week (Tuesdays at Memorial park, and Sundays on Main St.) Catch tons of local fresh produce and a good selection of food trucks serving up great food. Taste through some of Summerland’s wine, beer, and cider producers as well.”

We’ve got some free time for an afternoon adventure. What do you suggest we do?

“Head out to Garnet Lake and take a walk through some trails, or if you have a canoe take a paddle in the lake to be surrounded in pristine, quite, wilderness.”

That was fun! Now we need a pick-me-up plunge into some cool water. Can you let us in on your favourite secret or not-so-secret beach?

“My go-to spot for a good wake me up plunge is the pier at Rotary Beach in Summerland’s lower town along the lakefront. If you don’t fancy jumping into the water from a dock and prefer sandy beaches, check out Powell Beach in Summerland’s Trout Creek neighbourhood.”

Where should we head for a post-adventure beer, glass of wine or cocktail?

“Seeing as Summerland is home to lots of local beer cider and wine, I suggest checking out Jordan and Tyler at Lightning Rock winery for incredibly delicious wines, or pay Tyler Harlton a visit at TH wines for some seriously good wine. If you’re seeking some shade and a crisp and interesting selection of ciders then Nomad Cider is a must. If spirits are what you’re after then go see Simon at Alchemist for some incredible distillates.”

Dinnertime. Got any suggestions?

“Only a 12-minute drive, Theo’s in Penticton is a must while in the south Okanagan. Grab their house boutari red served by the glass and dive into some amazing Greek/Mediterranean food.”

Any tips on a good lookout to take in the view and watch the sun go down?

“Head up to Munson Mountain in Penticton and catch the best sunset the Okanagan can offer!”