Category: Travel

The Family Road-Trip SUV: Our Penticton & Osoyoos Adventure in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

There’s a certain magic to summer road trips — the way the miles roll by, the scenery shifts from lush valleys to desert hills, and everyone settles into that rhythm of togetherness. For our latest getaway, we packed up and headed from home to Penticton and Osoyoos in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design.

And honestly? I think I might have found my new favourite road-trip vehicle.

A Route Made for Scenic Driving

Our journey took us along one of the most beautiful drives in BC, winding through lakeside towns, rolling vineyards, and sun-baked desert hills that seemed to shimmer in the heat. The CX-5 handled it all like a dream; smooth, quiet, and confident on every curve.

One of my favourite things? We had both heated and air-conditioned seats. It sounds like a small detail, but when you start the morning with crisp, cool air in Penticton and end it in Osoyoos’ desert warmth, you really appreciate that instant comfort at the push of a button.

Space to Stretch Out (Even in a Car Seat)

There was plenty of space in the back, plus dedicated air vents to keep the smallest passenger cool and having enough room for road-trip activities meant no one felt cramped.

My go-to road-trip hack is packing a small bin of I-Spy books, colouring supplies, tissues, hand wipes, lip balm, and snacks so that my little can help themselves. This time, it worked so well there wasn’t a single “are we there yet?” — a true vacation win.

The Stops That Stole the Show

Penticton charmed us with its lakes, sandy beaches, and lively markets. We wandered the Penticton Farmers’ Market, played at LocoLanding Adventure Park, and cooled off with Cherry on Top’s over-the-top Crazy Shakes.

In Osoyoos, we explored the Osoyoos Desert Centre’s boardwalk and learned about the area’s unique ecosystem. The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre gave us a deeper connection to the land’s Indigenous history — and unknowingly set up one of the highlights of the trip.

The next day, while driving home, a sign for Spotted Lake caught my eye. The day before, we’d seen it featured in a film at Nk’Mip, and even the most reluctant of drivers agreed we had to stop (anyone else with a husband who doesn’t believe in scenic stops while road-tripping?). It was the hottest day of the trip, the lake shimmered in the sun, and it felt like stumbling into a postcard.

Safety That Lets You Focus on the Fun

While there wasn’t a single “close call” moment on this trip, there was a sense of calm behind the wheel — that feeling when you know your vehicle has your back.

The CX-5 Sport Design comes with i-Activsense safety features: blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, smart brake support, and a 360° view monitor that made parking in unfamiliar spots effortless. Add in Apple CarPlay for navigation and playlists, and the drive felt seamless from start to finish.

The Little Luxuries That Made a Big Difference

Some features I thought I’d barely notice ended up being game-changers. The one-touch power liftgate was a lifesaver when juggling market bags or beach gear. The air-conditioned seats? I may never road-trip without them again. And that 360° camera? Tight downtown parking spots no longer feel like a gamble.

Would I Road-Trip in It Again? Absolutely.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design delivered a smooth, fuel-efficient ride, plenty of cargo space, and the comfort to enjoy every mile. It let us soak up the magic of Penticton and Osoyoos without the fatigue that can sometimes come with long drives.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV that balances safety, style, and comfort, the CX-5 Sport Design is ready for the open road — whether your trip is a quick weekend getaway or an epic cross-province adventure.

A Day Trip to Remember: Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway in the Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

There’s something about driving the Sea to Sky Highway that never gets old. No matter how many times I make the trip, the winding roads, the mountain views, and the salty ocean air make it feel like an adventure every time.

So when we had the chance to take the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning on a little day- trip to Shannon Falls, I couldn’t pass it up. A day spent exploring the great outdoors, coffee in hand, with the smooth, quiet drive of an electric truck? Sign me up.

First Impressions: The Future of Trucks is Here

Before hitting the road, I had to take a moment to check out all the F-150 Lightning’s features—and trust me, there are plenty. One of my favorite things? The front trunk (or as Ford calls it, the “frunk”). Instead of an engine under the hood, there’s extra storage, making it the perfect place to stash our bags for easy access. A quick press of a button, and the trunk pops open effortlessly.

Inside, starting the truck was just as seamless—push-button start, a massive touchscreen, and the kind of quiet you don’t expect from a pickup. Once we were on the road, it was smooth sailing all the way to Squamish.

Shannon Falls: The Perfect Day Trip Stop

A stop at Shannon Falls is a must on any Sea to Sky road trip. As soon as we parked, the kids took off running toward the falls, excited to explore. The view never disappoints—cascading water, lush greenery, and that fresh mountain air that instantly makes you feel more relaxed.

And while most people think of trucks for hauling gear or moving things, the F-150 Lightning turned out to be the perfect spot for a quick lunch break. The spacious truck bed became our little picnic area, proving that a pickup can be just as great for relaxing as it is for heavy lifting.

After fueling up, we headed into Squamish for a coffee stop before making our way to a nearby charging station.

Charging Made Easy with the Ford Power Promise

One of the biggest concerns people have about switching to an electric vehicle is charging. But with Ford’s Power Promise, it’s easier than ever to make the switch.

For a limited time, Ford is offering a complimentary home charger and standard installation with the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or E-Transit electric vehicle. That means more convenience and serious savings compared to filling up with gas.

Other perks of the Ford Power Promise include:
✅ 24/7 live support, including charging assistance
✅ Access to the BlueOval™ Charge Network, so you can charge on the go
✅ An 8-year/160,000-km battery warranty for extra peace of mind

We found a charging station conveniently located right outside a cute park, so while the truck charged, the kids got to play—a total win-win.

This promotion is only available until March 31, so if you’ve been thinking about going electric, now might be the perfect time.

The Drive Home: A Reminder of Why We Love Where We Live

With the truck charged up and our coffee in hand, we made our way back home, taking in one last look at the Sea to Sky Highway’s breathtaking views. The drive was quiet, smooth, and best of all—zero emissions.

This trip was the perfect reminder of how lucky we are to live in BC, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and endless opportunities to explore.

Where’s a drive that never gets old for you? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore.

Unforgettable Family Experience: Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

Calling all families local to and visiting Victoria, BC! Are you ready for an unforgettable experience fit for royalty? Look no further than Fairmont Empress, where they roll out the red carpet for your little princes and princesses with their enchanting Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea.

Our family visited Victoria, BC over the Mother’s Day weekend and I knew I wanted to do something memorable with my daughter. We were staying at the Fairmont Empress and my daughter already thought we moved into a castle, so I thought Afternoon Tea would definitely put the finishing touches on her royal experience. It definitely didn’t disappoint.

Fit for Young Royalty:

The Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea is tailored to suit the tastes of your tiny travellers, aged five to twelve (my little one is four and she was quite happy with the offerings. Our server Yosef was so kind and accommodating which helped with my nerves about having my four year old in such an elegant setting.

The Prince and Princess menu includes:

  • ORGANIC PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY brioche bread
  • SLOW ROASTED TURKEY ON ISLAND HARVEST BREAD tender smoked turkey breast
  • ENGLISH CUCUMBER ON BRIOCHE sweet local cucumber
  • BLACK FOREST HAM & CHEESE orange cheddar cheese, 7 grain bread
  • SIGNATURE EMPRESS SCONE
  • CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIR
  • VANILLA CAKE POPS
  • LEMON MERINGUE CUPCAKE
  • FRUIT GUMMIES

Savour Every Bite:

But let’s not forget about the grown up food – because it’s fit for a king or queen!

The Afternoon Tea menu includes:

  • SMOKED SALMONlocal sockeye, caper berries, citrus smoked crème fraîche, blini
  • GRANDFATHER HAM & CHEESE shaved ham, rosemary honey mustard, swiss, brioche
  • TRUFFLED MUSHROOM QUICHE free run egg, heavy cream, cultivated mushroom, thyme, mount moriarty gruyère (this was my favourite)
  • CORONATION CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH house-roasted farmhouse chicken, curry infused sweet onions, brioche
  • ENGLISH CUCUMBER dill whipped cream cheese, apricot, fennel pollen & pink peppercorn, marble rye
  • FRESHLY BAKED EMPRESS RAISIN SCONES served warm with house-made clotted cream & strawberry-vanilla preserves
  • BANANA AND TONKA BEAN CRÈMEUX banana confit, rum whipped ganache
  • PISTACHIO OPERA almond jaconde, pistachio buttercream
  • PEAR MACARON caramel and pear ganache
  • CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MADELEINE dark chocolate ganache
  • BERGAMOT AND ROSEWATER TART yuzu pearls

For tea, I selected the tea that was boasted as Princess Diana’s favourite tea, an elegant rose tea, and my daughter had the Orange Vanilla tea. I’ll admit I was bracing myself for my daughter to spit out the tea because she’s never had tea before, but Yosef was correct in his recommendation and she polished off the whole pot!

Book Your Royal Rendezvous:

For how thoughtfully curated the menu was for both kids and adults, and with the overall experience giving “bucket list,” I thought the prices were pretty reasonable. Thanks to a friend of mine who’s pretty enthusiastic about afternoon tea/high tea, I have frequented many tea experiences over the past couple years, and this one definitely takes the cake!

Prices for this experience are:

Afternoon Tea
$109 per person

Champagne Tea
Add a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Cuvée $151 per person

Royal Champagne Tea
Add a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé $157 per person

Prince & Princess Tea
$60 per person

So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your family vacation in Victoria (or even a special experience for locals), make sure to book your table for the Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress. It’s an experience your little ones will treasure forever.