As a local Vancouverite, I had no idea what to expect when visiting the city of Kelowna for the first time in BC’s interior earlier this year. Any doubts I may have had regarding its size were immediately squashed and replaced by adoration for the charming city and all it offers.
It’s bigger than anticipated with over 156’700 residents.
Kelowna
When we first ventured into the downtown area I felt as though we’d walked onto a movie set. It reminded me of a more modern version of ‘Bedford Falls’ in the famous Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life.
Our stay was short and sweet, leaving us with hopes of someday returning to explore the surrounding area more including the many nature hikes and wineries that add to the general allure of this growing city. Kelowna sits just under a six-hour drive and a mere one-hour flight away from Vancouver making it fairly easy to visit. If you’re flying over after dark make sure to grab a window seat, the views of Vancouver are spectacular as you make your way over.
Rent in Van’ has reached astronomical rates, so branching out into the interior of BC is the logical decision and sometimes the only option for young Canadians looking to start a life and family. Kelowna seems to be the next central hub of BC bound for development and continuous traffic of new residents and visiting tourists.
We were delighted to learn firsthand what makes this city so great.
Pulp Fiction Cafe
One place that makes Kelowna unique is its Pulp Fiction Cafe. This 50’s themed cafe goes all out! Everything oozes 50’s nostalgia, from the menu items to the furniture and music playing when you walk in. The artwork displayed and decorations placed around the fireplace and overhanging mantel complete the illusion that you’ve gone back in time.
The cafe is owned by Max Sloan and located at 1598 Pandosy St in downtown Kelowna.
When we visited the cafe we saw students studying, people conducting meetings, and of course those who were just there to relax over a hot cup of coffee. We fit in with the latter, and ordered a coffee & tea to go. I was confused at first, because I definitely didn’t want to drink my beverage on the go, but my partner was clever to order it that way as it gave us the ability to receive a built-in souvenir: our coffee sleeves.
It’s the little things that bring me joy, and collecting mementos such as this is what I live for while traveling to new places.
Their cups are so aesthetically pleasing!
This cafe is perfect for anyone wanting a quiet escape, as well as anyone who has an appreciation for art and history. There are two adjoining shops that share retail space with Pulp Fiction Cafe, and together they create the trifecta of a bookworms heaven.
Robbie Rare Books + more
Robbie Rare Books and Britannia Antiques share this retail location with Pulp Fiction Cafe. It’s a seamless transition between the cafe, bookstore, and antique merchandise areas of the respective establishments. The combination creates a world of books and knick-knacks you can happily get lost in.
While we wandered the winding halls and back rooms filled to the brim with art and collectibles, we came across countless movie posters, comic books, history books, and old novels. The decor is notable throughout; we’ll never forget the upside-down umbrella with posh-dressed folk looking down on us from above.
All in all this cafe is a must-visit spot that has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Coffee, artwork, a fun atmosphere, and endless stories waiting to be picked up and read await you! I hope you get the chance to visit Pulp Fiction Cafe soon, and enjoy your time in the beautiful city of Kelowna.
Here’s a preview of the kind of art you can expect to see when you visit this unique spot in Kelowna:
Thanks for reading!
Thoughts to Writings 