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 Sandpoint Splendor (from the print edition, May 2012)  Situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho’s largest lake, at 43 miles long, and the nation’s fifth deepest lake), surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, lies the vibrant city of Sandpoint. Recently named Most Beautiful Small Town in the USA by USA Today and Rand McNally, Sandpoint offers a plethora of activities for visitors - from outdoor adventure to cultural events. The city’s historic downtown is brimming with wonderful restaurants and unique shops. The Cedar Street Bridge Marketplace (located on a 400 foot bridge spanning across Sand Creek) is a showcase for handmade giftware and artisan crafts, and the historic Panida Theater, built in in 1927, remains the center of Sandpoint’s theatrical and cultural activities. Pack a picnic and spend a day at the City Beach along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, or take a short drive to nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort for an adventure-packed day on the mountain - hiking, biking, and zip lining. Be sure to ride the chairlift to the summit to take in the panoramic views, and explore old-growth forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and some of the best huckleberry patches in the region. For more information on summer events, activities and lodging options: (800) 800-2106 or visitsandpoint.info. Back to Basics: Vacation Memories from Sandpoint By Tamara Williams (from the print edition, May 2011)  Back in the day, a family vacation might consist of loading the station wagon with bathing suits, beach towels, Coppertone and sleeping bags, then hitting the road for a four-hour car trip to a rented cabin on a lake. Mom and dad in the front, dog and kids fighting for room in the back, playing the alphabet game, and asking every 30 minutes, “Are we there yet…?” No cell phones, no DVD players, no electronic games, just the sounds of your brothers whining, “She’s looking at me….” Now that’s the start of a great family vacation to the lake. In North Idaho, with three major lakes within 100 miles of each other, and countless small lakes along the way, there is a cornucopia of vacation spots to choose from. So recapture those memories of the lake in order to pass them down to your children. Just a 5.5 hour drive from Seattle, beautiful, quaint Sandpoint, Idaho, situated on the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille, is practically on your doorstep. When looking for lodging options, you’ll want to check out Sleep's Cabins, locally owned and operated by Brent and Tawnie Sleep. Located on the South end of the lake’s iconic Long Bridge, these charming lakefront cottages start at just $195 per night (even in high season), with some sleeping 6 or more per cabin. A stay at Sleep’s is like a step back to those childhood summers, when your mornings started in your swimsuit and the evenings ended with a sunburn and fishing off the dock with grandpa. Other great Sandpoint accommodations include Dover Bay Bungalows,which boasts 9 miles of forested lakeside walking and biking trails, a marina and fitness center, and the 1100 acre Western Pleasure Ranch, where horseback riding and hayrides recapture the spirit of the Old West. Of course, great condo-stay alternatives can be found throughout the region: in-town, on-the-mountain, or by-the-lake through Sandpoint Vacation Rentals. After a morning filled with water sports, take a bike ride across the Long Bridge into the old beach town of Sandpoint. The main street is lined with renovated historic buildings featuring the works of many local artists. A great walking community, be sure to hit the local Farmer’s Market in the center of town, running May-October, featuring locally grown produce, food, crafts and entertainment. Throughout the year, Sandpoint hosts a variety of community-supported events. Kicking off the summer season in May is Lost in the 50’s, a three-day celebration that includes a classic car parade, 50’s inspired music, street dance, and other retro-cool activities. A focal point of the summer season is the Festival at Sandpoint, a non-profit concert series offering a range of eclectic musical offerings. Recent performers include David Grey, Ziggy Marley, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Michael Franti. In July, the Wooden Boat Festival features a wooden boat parade along the shoreline and a sand sculpture contest. For those looking to get back to nature, the hiking trails on Schweitzer Mountain are sure to please. A short ride up the chair lift, while taking in the panoramic views of the lake, brings you to trail access points, beautiful picnic spots , and some of the best “top secret” huckleberry patches, where picking is at its best in July and August. Dining in Sandpoint offers something for every palate. Feeling casual? Trinity at City Beach has great waterfront dining in a relaxed atmosphere with a varied menu and daily deals. Bangkok Thai Cuisine offers up delicious Thai fare (including the popular crab-stuffed “silver bags”). New to the Sandpoint food scene is Little Olive, a quaint, Mediterranean-inspired bistro, with ‘al fresco’ garden seating, homemade Tzatziki sauce, freshly made hummus, and their signature appetizer saganaki.Close your day with a fire on the beach, eating s’mores. As the embers of the fire die down…look up into the summer sky. Watch the shooting stars, reflecting on summers past. And remember, if you’re lucky enough to be at the lake…you’re lucky enough. Tamara Williams is a Phoenix based writer who spent her childhood summers on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. She continues to summer in North Idaho at her beloved cabin on the Pend Oreille River.  Perched atop Schweitzer Mountain, just 15 minutes from downtown Sandpoint, is Mountainside, the newest slope-side community adjacent to Schweitzer’s Resort Village. This serene community offers unique mountainside living for families and individuals interested in enjoying the outdoors 365 days a year. Amenities such as patio hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, and concierge service allow owners the benefits of luxury living without the worries of maintenance and upkeep. From summer concerts, hiking & biking to world-class skiing and snowboarding you’ll find it all at Mountainside at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Image Credits: Idaho Tourism, Brandon Sleep; Schweitzer Mountain Resort. |
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