September has begun, and the children have gone back to school after a well-deserved break from their studies. It's an exciting time of year for them.

First, these fizzing bundles of energy race to the schoolyards, eager to share their tales of Summer break with their classmates and friends. Shortly after, they enter classrooms and settle into their desks while being greeted by smiling teachers, fresh and rejuvenated from their own Summer holidays.

Eventually, the back-to-school buzz simmers down, and the focus shifts from swimming, bonfires and ice cream to recess, afterschool snacks and sports… and maybe school work too! With textbooks open and pens in hand, Summer quickly becomes a thing of the past. It's business as usual once again.  

For the rest of us, however, the end of Summer holidays doesn't mean the end of Summer. There are still a few weeks to go before the official changing of seasons, and the weather here in Naramata is as beautiful as ever. The sun is shining, the lake is warm, and everything is still open and operating as usual. In fact, the only difference from one week ago is the amount of people around. It's quiet, with all the benefits and amenities the busiest season has to offer, minus the crowds. 

How wonderful is that? For the next few weeks, visitors to Naramata will get to enjoy their own private Summer.

It's like being at a concert where the rest of the audience has cleared out, leaving the band onstage to play a little longer just for you. Your own little encore.

And not only that, but we have something else we're excited to share with you. The cherry on top, if you will. 

Introducing Discover Naramata Audio Tours

This award-winning collection of audio tours provides visitors with an enriching historical insight into the Naramata area. Accessible via the VoiceMap App, a private tour of our stunning town is available to everyone at any pace and to suit any schedule. A shining example of what NaramataSlow is all about. 

Wait!! Did I just read "Award Winning?"

You sure did! Our recent press release outlines the finer details of this outstanding bit of international recognition:

"Each year, towns from around the world are invited to submit their best practices to Cittaslow International - practices that build strong communities through initiatives that address energy and the environment, hospitality and tourism, infrastructure, agricultural, urban life or social cohesion. 

We are pleased to share that Naramata was awarded one of the top prizes, the Chiocciola Orange Award (or Orange Snail  Award) for the Discover Naramata Audio Tours in the category of Agriculture and Tourism. 

Discover Naramata launched a series of 12 GPS-guided audio tours available to locals and visitors on the VoiceMap App. The innovative walking, cycling, and driving audio tours share many special places and unique stories about our area. 

This free audio tour series aims to enrich our visitor experience while simultaneously creating an oral history for our residents. The tours have a light impact on our community. They encourage people to slow down and enjoy the Naramata way of life. 

GPS-guided audio tours are like mobile phone podcasts: they tell a story as they lead visitors through the region. From cycling on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, discovering Naramata village's charming garden lanes, and understanding wine terroir when driving across the breathtaking Naramata Bench, locals and visitors now have a knowledgeable guide wherever they go. 

Discover Naramata's GPS-activated audio tours can be downloaded for free onto mobile phones through the VoiceMap app. Just choose a tour, download it, go to the starting place, and press play. The audio guide leads the listener along a route, narrating automatically at each location, using satellite technology. Even if you've lived here for years, there is something new for everyone to learn. Check it out!"

Whether you're a local, a returning visitor, or a first-timer, our new audio tours will deepen your knowledge of and connection to our lovely little village. 

Private Summer, personal guided tours, international awards! Does it get any better than this?

Oh, it certainly does! But you'll have to visit to find out.

The school bell may have rung, but we're still in full-blown summer mode. Come see us in Naramata and enjoy the rest of the Summer season in style. We're excited to show you around. 

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Mike Bilodeau