Armstrong is one of those quaint little towns, nestled only a 20-minute drive from Vernon, BC full of adventure and beauty. My favourite activity is walking or driving around town and the countryside, getting a glimpse of the past from all the Heritage Buildings. There are 12 buildings that have been designated heritage via the City bylaw and 72 properties with historical interest.
Historical buildings in Armstrong, British Columbia
Full-Day Intinerary in Armstrong, British Columbia
Morning
Start your day off with the cheapest breakfast you will ever have. Brown Derby Cafe has its famous $2.99 breakfast special starting from 6:30 am to 10: 55 am, along with other cheap eats.
Brown Derby Cafe
Once you've gotten your coffee fill, head over next door to explore Armstrong's past at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery which functions as a museum, art gallery, gift shop, and a used bookstore.
Displays inside the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery
If you're looking for brochures/maps, pop into Armstrongs Spallumcheen Visitor Centre located right next to the museum. As you're exploring Armstrong, pick up the Barn Quilt Trail map which features painted quilt block squares that brings together quilting and farming. There are 40 Barn Quilts on local barns, businesses, and residential homes.
Painted quilt blocks located around town
Afternoon
Buckle up because the afternoon is going to be a busy one! To make sure you have enough fuel to get you through to the evening, stop at Branding Iron Pub for lunch. Don't let the outside scare you away. As you walk through the front doors, the pub transforms into a cozy, rustic western-themed room.
Inside of Branding Iron Pub
After lunch, take a stroll down Pleasant Valley Boulevard to check out a few of the historical buildings, antique/coffee/ice-cream shops, and thrift stores. Head back to your car and drive to Village Cheese Campany Factory where you can get a wide range of artisan cheese! Only local milk from the Okanagan is used in all of their cheeses.
Strolling around Pleasant Valley Boulevard
Take HWY-97 towards Salmon Arm to see the most random, out-of-this-world exhibit. You cannot miss the Log Barn 1912 as they have 20-foot dinosaurs littered across their property along with dragons, a goat walk, and a hay maze.
Enjoying all the fascinating pieces located on the property
As you head back into town for dinner, take a little detour and stop at the Edge of Earth Winery, one of the smallest wineries in British Columbia. With this in mind, their tasting room is inside their living room in their house.
Edge of the Earth Winery
Evening
If you have some time before dinner, take a ride around the area to view the beautiful scenery and to check out the barn quilts. If local craft cider and homemade meals are your things, Farmstrong Cider Company is for you. Located in a heritage barn with church pews, meals using locally grown meat from the farm, and the best tasting cider around.
Farmstrong Cidery Company
To cap off the night, watch a movie under the stars at Starlight Drive-ins. Make sure to buy your tickets online before you go.
Grab your snacks to enjoy the drive-in
Armstrong, British Columbia has plenty of activities for all ages to keep you busy for a day of exploring. I've only listed a handful of activities of what to do in Armstrong but there is more to explore in this small town. What's your favourite one?
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