Seven hours drive south of Vancouver we discovered Hood River, Oregon, a hip recreational town that looks like a page out of a J.Crew catalogue.

sleep
Save money and get in touch with nature by camping at Tucker Park. Situated next to Hood River (the actual river,) this campground has free, hot showers to take the roughness out of roughing it. $20 a night, www.orparks.org

do
A three-hour beginner windsurfing lesson offered by Big Winds—including a wetsuit rental and plenty of praise—got us “tacking” back and forth like a pro. (Okay, maybe we just felt like a pro.) $65 a lesson, www.bigwinds.com

drink
Sniff, sip and spit (optional) through the tasting room at Cathedral Ridge Winery. We couldn’t, get enough of their Rock Star Red ($44), a spicy Cabernet Syrah that left us giddy—in a good way. www.catherdralridgewinery.com

eat
After all that wind and wine, curl up under the stars at the Skylight Theatre and Pub with a slice of pizza, a bottle of locally-brewed ale and watch Will Smith blow things up. www.skylighttheatre.com

Now that's how to hang in your favourite new Hood.

www.hoodriver.org

If you’re privy to the K-Town rinser (a white wine spritzer), you’re already a local at heart. If not, here’s our guide.

eat
The new Cabana Grille brings local nosh to a whole new level with super-star Chef Ned Bell back to his old summer stomping grounds after tours in Toronto and Calgary. The patio has misters to keep you cool (they’re mechanical ladies) but the scene is sure to be smokin’ nonetheless. Cabana Grille, 3799 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, B.C., 250-763-1955, www.cabanagrille.com

sleep
If you love quirky abodes, you’ll be charmed by Tree Tops, a private, two-bedroom retreat at the top of an apple orchard. There are river rocks embedded in the hallway and a dining room table like no other—but the views are expansive, the gardens lovely, and it’s right next door to Tantalus Vineyard (and eventually, its Bing Thom-designed winery). www.treetopskelowna.com

listen
Terry David Mulligan and Jason Priestly broadcast their wine-themed radio show, The Tasting Room, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Dial in to AM1050 in Kelowna to hear their latest oenological adventures, or get caught up online. www.tastingroomradio.com