Living in the Okanagan is a sensory experience. It’s the warmth of the sun on your skin, the scent of sagebrush after a summer rain, and the taste of a sun-ripened peach plucked straight from the tree. We are spoiled by a culture of world-class wineries and farm-to-table dining. But beyond the vineyards, a vibrant craft culture is shaking things up, offering new ways to experience the valley’s bounty. This week, we’re exploring how to turn a simple evening into a celebration, transforming your home bar into the hottest spot in town with a lakeside mixology masterclass.

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The Art of Living Where You Vacation

This is the heart of the “Staycation Every Day” philosophy. It’s about embracing the idea that you don’t need to pack a suitcase to find an adventure. Here, luxury and leisure are woven into the fabric of daily life. Imagine leaving work on a Tuesday and, instead of heading straight home, you head to a stylish cocktail lounge to learn the art of mixology from the best in the business.

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Shake Things Up in the North End

Tucked away in Kelowna’s burgeoning North End Brewery District, you’ll find Born to Shake, a gem located at 889 Vaughan Avenue. This is more than just a bar; it’s an experiential cocktail company. The moment you step inside, you feel the vibe. It’s chic yet welcoming, with mid-century modern furniture and an atmosphere that buzzes with creative energy. This is where your staycation adventure begins.

Born to Shake offers private cocktail classes that are perfect for a unique date night, a get-together with friends, or a team-building event. The experience is intimate and engaging. As detailed on their site, your group gets private access to the mezzanine, where a welcome cocktail awaits. From there, one of their lead mixologists, or "Chief Shakers," guides you through crafting two signature cocktails. You’re not just watching; you’re shaking, stirring, and learning the techniques behind a perfectly balanced drink.

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A Taste of the Valley: Farm-to-Glass in Every Sip

What makes this a distinctly Okanagan experience is the unwavering commitment to local ingredients. The cocktails you create feature premium spirits, house-pressed juices, and syrups and bitters made right there in-house. It’s a hands-on lesson in the valley’s farm-to-glass movement.

And the star of the show? The spirits themselves, often sourced from local legends like Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. As Western Canada’s original craft distillery, these artisans have been turning 100% local fruits and grains into internationally acclaimed spirits since 2004. With locations in both Kelowna and Vernon, Okanagan Spirits has been named "Distillery of the Year" by the World Spirits Awards in Europe on multiple occasions. A class at Born to Shake might have you pouring their award-winning BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky into a classic Old Fashioned or using one of their aromatic gins to build a refreshing masterpiece.

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Bringing the Experience Home

This is where the dream of living in the Okanagan truly comes into focus. Owning a home here isn’t just about property; it’s about proximity to a lifestyle. It’s knowing that these world-class artisans are your neighbours. The private class at Born to Shake even sends you home with recipe cards and the products to recreate the magic. Picture yourself on the deck of your home, perhaps in a quiet Upper Mission neighbourhood or a modern downtown condo with a sprawling patio. You have friends over, the sun is setting over the lake, and you’re mixing cocktails you mastered just down the road, using spirits distilled from the very essence of the valley.

This lifestyle influences the very design of Okanagan real estate. Homes here are built for entertaining, with open-concept living spaces that flow seamlessly into the outdoors. Expansive kitchen islands become your home bar, and patios become private lounges. You might even find a property with a garden large enough to grow your own mint for mojitos or lavender for a fragrant gin cocktail, completing the farm-to-glass circle.

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Make Your Staycation Permanent

Living here means you don’t have to wait for a vacation to enjoy the best of what life has to offer. The Okanagan is a place where every day can hold a new discovery, a new flavour, a new skill. It’s about creating a life that feels like a permanent holiday. If you’re ready to stop vacationing here and start living here, our team is ready to help. At Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, our mission is simple: we help people. Let us help you find the perfect home to start your "Staycation Every Day" lifestyle.