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 Coeur d’Alene: Idaho’s Lake City (from the print edition, May 2012)  On the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene - a 25 mile lake with over 109 miles of shoreline - sits the city of Coeur d’Alene, North Idaho’s lakeside playground, and the resort center of the region. Wander through the quaint downtown district, and you’ll find unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Be sure to check out the Coeur d’Alene Resort and take a stroll on the world’s longest floating boardwalk. The region boasts a multitude of options for outdoor fun: from boating and swimming to fishing and parasailing. The surrounding hills and mountains are a hiking and biking paradise. Lakeside trails meander through forested glens and sandy beaches near Tubbs Hill. For more challenging terrain (along with some amazing views) hit the nearby Route of the Hiawatha or Centennial Trail, in the Panhandle National Forest. Spectacular golf is right outside your door at the waterfront Coeur d’Alene Resort Course, or a short drive away at Circling Raven, with its gorgeous natural setting, and occasional deer and elk spotting. Just a few miles north is the region’s epicenter of fun, Silverwood - the Northwest’s largest theme park and a family favorite for 25 years. With so many things to do, the only thing you’ll be short of is time to experience all Coeur d’Alene has to offer. For more information and travel planning tips: (877) 782-9232 or coeurdalene.org. Coeur d'Alene: Playground by the Lake By Sholeh Patrick (from the print edition, May 2011)  Now that the mountain passes have thawed and the flower-lined roads smile invitingly, the time is ripe to scratch that travel itch. Western road warriors know well Seattle's epicurean charm, Vancouver's rich history, and Willamette's vast vineyards. But have you headed east? Five hours from Seattle across I-90 is the Northwest's playground: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Aptly named the Lake City, this former logging town boomed after earning an "All America City" designation in 1990. With tourist attractions in surrounding towns, a five-star resort at its epicenter, and stunning natural views, this friendly North Idaho town is a can't-miss. The Famous Lake
Turn right at exit 12 off I-90 and you'll soon see Lake Coeur d'Alene. At the center of town stands the Coeur d'Alene Resort, on the lake’s north shore, celebrating its quarter century mark this year with an 11,000 square foot events center opening in July. Designed with weddings in mind, the outdoor sound system, floating bridge, and panoramic views promise a bride's dream. Add the resort's full-service spa (named "most romantic" by MSNBC) with its effervescent scent of cedar, indoor/outdoor pools, and luxurious ambience and you'll get the picture of opulence this resort offers. Take a stroll on the floating boardwalk (the largest in the country), rent jet skis, book a lake cruise, or let the kids play at the expansive adjacent City Park and beach. Sunday concerts at the park are free and don't forget to bring breadcrumbs; the ducks will love you. The more adventurous can try an above-the-lake parasail with Coeur d'Alene Parasail & Watersports or a seaplane excursion with Brooks Seaplane. Whether cruising by air or "sea" look for bald eagles who live along the eastern shores. Osprey babies hatch in June; their lake nests rest on light poles and old logging posts. The north shores host more than a dozen docks and boat launches, among them Third Street behind the Resort, Blackwell Island (south on Hwy. 95), and Higgins Point (east on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive from Sherman).
Food and Nightlife
Coeur d'Alene has excellent dining. Beverly's, the Resort's signature restaurant boasts a world-class wine cellar (tours available), fine dining, and amazing views.Just steps from the Resort, Tito Macaroni's serves up distinctive Italian pastas, salads and wood-fired pizzas, and Bonsai Bistro features exquisite Asian cuisine and a sensational sushi bar. The Cedars Floating Restaurant offers upscale American fare, as does The Wine Cellar on Sherman, which features live jazz/blues nightly. For lighter fare and drinks try 315 at the Greenbriar Inn or Bistro on Spruce. Bardenay, near Riverstone Cinemas, offers casual dining, including patio seating by the pond. If you like pubs with a down-home feel, don't miss these local favorites: Crickets and Moontime (downtown), and Capone's on Fourth. A short drive west is Post Falls, where the White House offers excellent, affordable Mediterranean (and spontaneous bongo-drum entertainment by chef-owner Raci), and the Oval Office serves up great cocktails and bistro classics. Activities Abound The Coeur d'Alene area has a plethora of options for nature play; rafting, horseback riding, campgrounds, and biking/hiking trails abound. Tourists and locals walk Tubbs Hill (behind the Resort), and discover great lakeside swimming and picnicking spots. Hikers traverse the surrounding Panhandle National Forests or stick close with Canfield Mountain and Farragut State Park. The ambitious tackle the 1,200-mile Centennial Trail, and the breathtaking Route of the Hiawatha near the Montana border. The Coeur d'Alene Tribal Resort and Casino is in Worley, 20 minutes south of Coeur d'Alene. With a new fitness center and sporting one of Golf Magazine's "top 100" courses, this wood-themed resort has a natural, cultural feel. In January the Tribe earned "Green Practices" recognition for offering deluxe comfort with certified minimal environmental impact. Golfers playing at the Casino's adjacent Circling Raven course marvel at the natural scenery and meandering elk. Speaking of golf, enthusiasts love the world's only Floating Green, a.k.a. the 14th hole at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, which Golf Digest ranked No.1 for aesthetics. It's like playing pampered in a pristine park; have lunch delivered at the ninth hole and play through. Where else will you be shuttled to your next shot in a mahogany speedboat? If wine, shopping and art are part of your vacation plans, the region offers a variety of options that are sure to please. Wine lovers have three tasting rooms to explore while perusing a variety of unique shops and galleries. In Coeur d'Alene near Sherman on Fourth is Timberrock, inside Art Studio 107. The first Friday of each month is art walk; downtown galleries serve free wine.
 Next is Coeur d'Alene Cellars, worth the brief drive up 95 (lefts on Kathleen and Schreiber) to sample their many highly-rated wines. Finally, a daytrip to Sandpoint (about an hour) should include a stop at Pend d'Oreille Winery, a nice finale to a downtown stroll with live music on weekends. Speaking of daytrips, Silverwood, the Northwest's largest theme park, is just 20 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene. And a few minutes east on I-90 is the Silver Valley, where you can learn all about the great regional M's: mining, mountains, missions, and madams. First is Cataldo Mission (the oldest standing building in Idaho), for a short tour of the area's origins and riverside picnic spot. Next are Kellogg and Wallace, where you can tour an authentic underground mine and a bordello, respectively. Let's just say those miners worked and played hard. In Kellogg, don't miss the many seasonal activities at Silver Mountain, including hiking, golf, concerts, and an indoor water park. With no shortage of activities in summertime North Idaho is a promising getaway option for travelers. The juxtaposition of nature's simpler luxuries with upscale, but affordable, options for dining and accommodations make Coeur d'Alene an optimum vacation destination. Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Coeur d'Alene Press and has lived in North Idaho for 12 years. Image credits: Idaho Tourism, The Coeur d'Alene Resort; Coeur d'Alene Cellars |
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