March 4, 2012

Adventures in Solitude Tour Returns To BC Interior This Spring


A still from 'The Same River Twice', a counterculturalist movie shot in the Kootenays in 1978

Back in October, I did a fun string of reading dates in Kootenay region of southeastern BC. On that trip I was supposed to do readings in Nelson, Fernie, and Invermere that had to be postponed when it turned out that the fancy gala for Hilary Weston Writers Trust Nonficton Prize thingy conflicted with the readings in those towns. I promised to reschedule.

The make-up dates have been announced for late April and will include stops not only in Nelson, Fernie and Invermere, but also in Kaslo, Fruitvale, and Grand Forks. On the way to the Kootenays I’ll be stopping for an event in Penticton, and on the way home one in Kamloops. I’m very much looking forward to sharing my stories from the book, as well as my updated slides, short film, and a few new stories, at all of these events. You can see the complete list and times here. All events are free.

If you have any suggestions as to what I should do, where I should eat, and where I should stay while in any of these places, please let me know in the comments section below!

Mon Apr 23 – Hooked on Books, Penticton BC, 7pm
Tue Apr 24 – Grand Forks Library, Grand Forks BC, 6:30pm
Wed Apr 25 – Beaver Valley Library, Fruitvale BC, 7:30pm
Thu Apr 26 – Kaslo Library, Kaslo BC, 10am
Thu Apr 26 – Nelson Library, Nelson BC, 7:30pm
Fri Apr 27 – Fernie Library, Fernie BC, 7pm
Sat Apr 28 – Invermere Library, Invermere BC, 1pm
Sun Apr 29 – Bookland, Kamloops BC, 1pm

(9) Comments

  1. Shonica says:

    When you go to Fernie you should to go to Freshies. Lovely people, and atmosphere and they make wonderful soups, sandwiches and coffee.
    The last time we went to Fernie we stayed at Snow Creek Lodge right on the ski hill. On a previous visit we stayed at Stone Creek Chalets but that was for a much longer group of nine people.

  2. Grant Lawrence says:

    thanks for the Fernie tip, Shonica!

  3. Allison says:

    Burger 55 is not to be missed in Penticton! @burger_55 on Twitter.

  4. Grant Lawrence says:

    thanks allison!

  5. Jen says:

    Family lives in Fernie and we live between Kaslo and Nelson, so here are a few suggestions.
    Places to Eat:
    Fernie – I definately second the Freshies recomendation for coffee, breakie or lunch. Dinner – Yamgoya (sushi/asian) is also popular, but just a tip, it opens at 5pm and you should get there at 4:45 – they do not take reservations. The Loaf Bakery and El Guapo Mexican are good choices too.

    Kaslo – the Eggs Benny at the Treehouse are the best in the Kootenays. The Bluebelle is the place to be for coffee and lunch.

    Nelson – so many restaurants, hard to pick just one and probably the most independent coffee shops per capita in BC – a visit to Oso Negro coffee will give you a good little snap shot of Nelson culture.

    Place to Stay

    Fernie: My parents house – Seriously. They would LOVE to have you, my Mom will make you breakfast and send you on the road with a package of the best homemade cookies ever. They have billeted Lots of musicians/performers in the past (Danny Michel, Lester Quitzau and May Moore, Valdy, etc) Don’t want to post their contact info here, but get in touch via email…..

    Kaslo – Guess what? My parents also have a house there

    Nelson – Hmmmmm, the Hume is a classic, but there might also be some pretty funky bed and breakfast places, can’t say for sure on this one.

    Good Luck – Have fun – we’ll try to come out to the night in Nelson

  6. Danielle A says:

    Loved your book, can’t wait for the book signing! Since you are going through to Kaslo, why not stop at the Ainsworth Hotsprings? Not much of an outdoor pool but the caves are spectacular, and a wonderful way to relax and enjoy a view of the lake. I haven’t tried their restaurant but I have heard it is good. In Nelson, if you are up for a more “high end” meal, try Bibo… the duck is quite possibly the best thing I have ever tasted. Also, if you go through trail.. try Trails End. Great service and the Beef tenderloin is unreal! Then again, you may just want to take a walk down baker street in Nelson, there really is so much to choose from. 🙂 Have a beer at Mikes Place – I’ll recommend the NBC Organic Hemp Ale, I mean Hey, it is Nelson after all ;). Enjoy your trip!

  7. Grant Lawrence says:

    Hey Danielle – thanks for all the great suggestions – looking forward to hopefully meeting you in… Nelson?

  8. Grant Lawrence says:

    Hey Jen – thanks for all those awesome suggestions! As far as staying with your parents, thanks for the offer, but I think I am staying at a friend’s cabin in the Fernie area. Cheers, hope to see you – GL

  9. Grant Lawrence says:

    Thanks for all these suggestions – just got home and happy to report that I tried lots of them!

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