The McFarland Inn B&B is located only ¼ mile (6 blocks) from the Coeur d’Alene’s main street, Sherman Avenue. The entire downtown area is within ½ mile. There are several very nice restaurants and shops in this little area. The restaurant recommendations are listed in another posting on this blog. Below are some of my favorite shops in the downtown area:
Christmas at the Lake - A wonderful store to visit all year. It is hard to go into this store and not buy something, even if it is in the middle of summer. Besides Christmas items, they sell items for Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, etc. 517 E. Sherman Ave. www.christmasatthelake.com
Figpickles Toy Emporium – A wonderful shop with many wooden toys, games, antique reproduction toys, etc. Even if you are not going to buy anythinig, a tour around this shop will bring back wonderful memories of your childhood. 312 E. Sherman Ave. http://www.figpickles.com/
Summers Glass – This store sells unique glass art. They offer some open studio classes on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 5. These classes need reservations so if it interests you, visit their web site and either call them directly or I will make the reservation for you. 211 E. Sherman Ave. 208-665-0875 http://www.summersglass.com/
Daisy J’s – A cute little shop selling unique home décor items. 210 E. Sherman (in the Resort shops mall) http://www.daisyjs.com/
MaryJanes Farm – This unique store is hard to describe so log on to this web site and enjoy. www.maryjanesfarm.org/categories/products.asp 210 E. Sherman Ave. (in the Resort shops mall)
Bruttles by the Lake – A candy shop! Need I say more? 210 E. Sherman Ave. (in the Resort shops mall) http://www.bruttles.com/
Sweetpea Home Interiors – Unique gifts, bath products, pet gift items, childrens clothing and gifts, cards and fun “pick-up” items. 404 E. Sherman Ave. http://www.sweetpea.com/
Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Company – Wonderful infused oils and vinegars, olives, etc. If you are a cook or need a gift for a cook, don’t miss this shop. 117 S. 4th Street http://www.cdaoliveoil.com/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Swimming Beaches and Pools
North Idaho has lots of beautiful swimming beaches. Independence Point Park at Coeur d'Alene's City Beach has life guards and lots of room for spreading out. Also, a nice sandy strip of beach between the docks and the Coeur d'Alene Resort is perfect for wading and splashing.
Hayden Lake's Honeysuckle Beach is open to the public and is family-friendly. From US 95 (between Hayden Ave. and Prairie Ave.) take Honeysuckle eastbound right to the lake.
Q'emiln Riverside Park in Post Falls features a beautiful beach with lifeguards, just 4 blocks from the Spokane Street Exit off of I-90.
Beaver Bay Beach at Farragut State Park is a horseshoe shaped sandy beach that is one of the few places on Lake Pend Oreille where the water is warm enough in the summer for a swim. From US 95, head east on Hwy 54 to the park. Entrance fee is $4 per vehicle.
City Beach in Sandpoint is surrounded on three sides by Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille. Take Bridge St. from downtown.
On the east side of Priest Lake, both Indian Creek and Lionhead have excellent day use areas on large sandy beaches with designated swimming areas.
***There are also a few small beaches in and around Coeur d’Alene. I can show you these areas on a map when you get here.
If you want to swim in an indoor pool, The Kroc Community Center has an Olympic size pool. One day passes for adults are $8.00. www.kroccda.org
Hayden Lake's Honeysuckle Beach is open to the public and is family-friendly. From US 95 (between Hayden Ave. and Prairie Ave.) take Honeysuckle eastbound right to the lake.
Q'emiln Riverside Park in Post Falls features a beautiful beach with lifeguards, just 4 blocks from the Spokane Street Exit off of I-90.
Beaver Bay Beach at Farragut State Park is a horseshoe shaped sandy beach that is one of the few places on Lake Pend Oreille where the water is warm enough in the summer for a swim. From US 95, head east on Hwy 54 to the park. Entrance fee is $4 per vehicle.
City Beach in Sandpoint is surrounded on three sides by Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille. Take Bridge St. from downtown.
On the east side of Priest Lake, both Indian Creek and Lionhead have excellent day use areas on large sandy beaches with designated swimming areas.
***There are also a few small beaches in and around Coeur d’Alene. I can show you these areas on a map when you get here.
If you want to swim in an indoor pool, The Kroc Community Center has an Olympic size pool. One day passes for adults are $8.00. www.kroccda.org
Monday, May 11, 2009
Fitness Centers
Guests of The McFarland Inn can purchase one day passes to the favorite gym in Coeur d'Alene, The Peak Fitness Center. The one day pass is $10 for guests (regularly $15). Weekly passes are $28. The passes are good for all facilities except the tennis courts. Peak Fitness is about a 10 minute drive from The McFarland Inn. Visit their web site at www.thepeakid.com
The Kroc Center is Coeur d'Alene's new community center. This is a multi use facility that includes an aquatic center and fitness area. Day passes are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors. There are no discounts for McFarland Inn guests at this time. The Kroc Center is about a 15 minute drive from The McFarland Inn. Visit their web site at www.kroccda.org
The Kroc Center is Coeur d'Alene's new community center. This is a multi use facility that includes an aquatic center and fitness area. Day passes are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors. There are no discounts for McFarland Inn guests at this time. The Kroc Center is about a 15 minute drive from The McFarland Inn. Visit their web site at www.kroccda.org
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Other Outdoor Activities
Lake Cruise
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers Daily Cruises, Sunset Dinner and Brunch Cruises. See Nancy for discount rates. From May-Sepember. www.cdaresort.com
River Cruise
Red Lion River Queen. A “southern style” river boat offering daily scenic cruises from May-September. www.redlion.com/templins (800) 283-6754
Horseback Riding
Rider Ranch is about a 20 minute drive from The McFarland Inn. They offer guided 1 ½ hour trail rides. The rides are usually offered at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Prices are $40.00 per person /$80 minimum. http://www.riderranch.com/ (208) 667-3373
North Idaho Tours
“Off the Beaten Path” This company offers wonderful driving tours of North Idaho. Visit their web site see all that is offered http://www.northidahotour.com/. (208) 818-0384
Sea Plane Tours
Brooks Sea Plane Service, Inc. Experience the wonder and excitement of a seaplane flight over breathtaking North Idaho. Sightseeing and charter flights available. (208) 664-2842
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers Daily Cruises, Sunset Dinner and Brunch Cruises. See Nancy for discount rates. From May-Sepember. www.cdaresort.com
River Cruise
Red Lion River Queen. A “southern style” river boat offering daily scenic cruises from May-September. www.redlion.com/templins (800) 283-6754
Horseback Riding
Rider Ranch is about a 20 minute drive from The McFarland Inn. They offer guided 1 ½ hour trail rides. The rides are usually offered at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Prices are $40.00 per person /$80 minimum. http://www.riderranch.com/ (208) 667-3373
North Idaho Tours
“Off the Beaten Path” This company offers wonderful driving tours of North Idaho. Visit their web site see all that is offered http://www.northidahotour.com/. (208) 818-0384
Sea Plane Tours
Brooks Sea Plane Service, Inc. Experience the wonder and excitement of a seaplane flight over breathtaking North Idaho. Sightseeing and charter flights available. (208) 664-2842
Water Sports Trips and Rentals
ROW Adventures is the largest adventure company in the area. They their specialty is white water rafting trips but they offer kayaking and fishing trips as well. http://www.rowadventurecenter.com/, 1-800-451-6034
Kayak Coeur d’Alene offers kayak trips as well as day & half day kayak rentals. http://www.kayakcoeurdalane.com/ 1-877-676-1533
North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits rents kayaks, sailboats, Hobie cats, and canoes. They are located on the west side of City Beach. Prices are reasonable and boast can be rented for a day or by the hour. Open June 2 through Labor Day from 10:00 am– 6:00 pm www.nic.edu/activities/pursuits (208) 769-7809
Coeur d'Alene Parasail & Watersports offers parasail rides over Lake Coeur d'Alene City Beach from 10am to 7pm Sunday through Friday beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The cost is $60 for a solo ride and $90 for a tandem ride. They also rent paddle boats, aqua cycles, kayaks and double kayaks. www.cdaparasail.net (208) 765-2999
Island Ski and Board Shop rents a ski boat for $800 per day or $500 per half day. This includes a driver, equipment and everything needed for a day or half day of skiing on the lake. They also rent jet skis and wakeboards by the hour. (209) 666- 1626
Kayak Coeur d’Alene offers kayak trips as well as day & half day kayak rentals. http://www.kayakcoeurdalane.com/ 1-877-676-1533
North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits rents kayaks, sailboats, Hobie cats, and canoes. They are located on the west side of City Beach. Prices are reasonable and boast can be rented for a day or by the hour. Open June 2 through Labor Day from 10:00 am– 6:00 pm www.nic.edu/activities/pursuits (208) 769-7809
Coeur d'Alene Parasail & Watersports offers parasail rides over Lake Coeur d'Alene City Beach from 10am to 7pm Sunday through Friday beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The cost is $60 for a solo ride and $90 for a tandem ride. They also rent paddle boats, aqua cycles, kayaks and double kayaks. www.cdaparasail.net (208) 765-2999
Island Ski and Board Shop rents a ski boat for $800 per day or $500 per half day. This includes a driver, equipment and everything needed for a day or half day of skiing on the lake. They also rent jet skis and wakeboards by the hour. (209) 666- 1626
Cycling in North Idaho
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a multi use recreational trail, which meanders for 24 miles from the state line at the Idaho/ Washington border to beautiful Higgins Point, six miles east of Coeur d'Alene. This scenic trail runs along the Spokane River to Post Falls where it runs through neighborhoods and eventually to wooded areas leading to Coeur d'Alene. At the west end of Coeur d'Alene the trail again meets the Spokane River and follows it to the pristine Lake Coeur d'Alene. The trail then follows the lake shoreline to Higgins Point, an Idaho State Park, which draws throngs of spectators in the late fall and early winter to view the annual visit of bald eagles as they migrate south. This scenic trail composed primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some small segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country. The North Idaho Centennial Trail offers accessibility to walkers, runners, bicyclists, handicapped and people of all ages. North Idaho Centennial Trail Map Guests of The McFarland Inn can pick up this trail less than 1/4 mile from the B&B.
The Route of the Hiawatha It's been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country, and now, the historic converted Milwaukee Road rail bed is one of the most spectacular biking and hiking trails in the world. Visitors can witness rushing mountain streams, deer, elk, moose and an endless vista of the towering Bitterroot Mountains. The 15 mile trail winds through 10 tunnels and over 7 trestles in the rugged bitterroot mountains on the Idaho/ Montana border. The route is best known for the long, dark St. Paul or "Taft Tunnel" that burrows for 1.7 miles under the state line. The best part is - it's all downhill at a mild 2% grade and provides a shuttle service back to the top. When finished, the Route of the Hiawatha trail will extend approximately 46 miles and allow a bicyclist or hiker to ride or walk the Route between St. Regis, Montana and Pearson, Idaho. The conversion of this historic rail line to the Route of the Hiawatha has witnessed the cooperation between hundreds of volunteers and organizations who have donated funding, labor materials and equipment, the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. There is a colorful history of the railroad, forest fires, mining and the early Forest Service and there are signs along the trail that share that history.
The Route of the Hiawatha is operated by the same company that runs the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, which is also on the Idaho/Montana border - right off the I-90 freeway on the state line. Helmets and lights are required, as are trail tickets, and both rentals of equipment (including bikes) and tickets are available at the Lookout Pass Ski area lodge. Call 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com. Map of the Route of the Hiawatha
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a rail to trail conversion which began as a path originally used by the Coeur d'Alene Indians that evolved into a mining transportation rail line operating from 1887 until 1992. It has 72 miles of paved path that stretches from Mullan to Plummer. It is a long but easy ride and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful.The trail crosses 40 bridges and goes through 13 towns. For more www.kellogg-id.org. Map of The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The Pulaski Trail is a two-mile interpretive trail that tells the story of 1910 Ranger Edward Pulaski. The trail begins one mile south of Wallace and culminates at the abandoned mine where Pulaski saved his crew. www.pulaskiproject.org.
The Taft Tunnel Project was completed in 2001 though a joint effort by the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. This area delivers a one-of-kind adventure for riders from around the world. A shuttle from various points in North Idaho (North Idaho Community Express (208) 664-9769) takes you to Lookout Pass and the trail head. Tickets to ride the trail may be purchased at Lookout Pass May -- October Proceeds help renovation project, operating expenses and provide a trail marshal (supervised by the U.S. Forest Service) assuring safe travel for all. For more information contact Look Out Ski Area or the U.S. Forest Service.
Spirit Lake - Larch Mountain, a 7.1 mile loop trail that takes you high enough for panoramic views of historic Spirit Lake, both the town and the lake. North on Hwy 41 from Rathdrum. Access the trail from the public boat launch/city beach area. See Trail grid on page 32 for additional trails and info.
South Fork Coeur d'Alene River Bike Trails is east of Coeur d'Alene near Cataldo. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers through alpine lakes or former railroad tunnels.
Beason Meadows Bike Trail #228, near Potlatch, passes through a variety of plant life as it climbs from the stream bottom. The first mile is marked as part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout.
The Route of the Hiawatha It's been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country, and now, the historic converted Milwaukee Road rail bed is one of the most spectacular biking and hiking trails in the world. Visitors can witness rushing mountain streams, deer, elk, moose and an endless vista of the towering Bitterroot Mountains. The 15 mile trail winds through 10 tunnels and over 7 trestles in the rugged bitterroot mountains on the Idaho/ Montana border. The route is best known for the long, dark St. Paul or "Taft Tunnel" that burrows for 1.7 miles under the state line. The best part is - it's all downhill at a mild 2% grade and provides a shuttle service back to the top. When finished, the Route of the Hiawatha trail will extend approximately 46 miles and allow a bicyclist or hiker to ride or walk the Route between St. Regis, Montana and Pearson, Idaho. The conversion of this historic rail line to the Route of the Hiawatha has witnessed the cooperation between hundreds of volunteers and organizations who have donated funding, labor materials and equipment, the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. There is a colorful history of the railroad, forest fires, mining and the early Forest Service and there are signs along the trail that share that history.
The Route of the Hiawatha is operated by the same company that runs the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, which is also on the Idaho/Montana border - right off the I-90 freeway on the state line. Helmets and lights are required, as are trail tickets, and both rentals of equipment (including bikes) and tickets are available at the Lookout Pass Ski area lodge. Call 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com. Map of the Route of the Hiawatha
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a rail to trail conversion which began as a path originally used by the Coeur d'Alene Indians that evolved into a mining transportation rail line operating from 1887 until 1992. It has 72 miles of paved path that stretches from Mullan to Plummer. It is a long but easy ride and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful.The trail crosses 40 bridges and goes through 13 towns. For more www.kellogg-id.org. Map of The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The Pulaski Trail is a two-mile interpretive trail that tells the story of 1910 Ranger Edward Pulaski. The trail begins one mile south of Wallace and culminates at the abandoned mine where Pulaski saved his crew. www.pulaskiproject.org.
The Taft Tunnel Project was completed in 2001 though a joint effort by the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. This area delivers a one-of-kind adventure for riders from around the world. A shuttle from various points in North Idaho (North Idaho Community Express (208) 664-9769) takes you to Lookout Pass and the trail head. Tickets to ride the trail may be purchased at Lookout Pass May -- October Proceeds help renovation project, operating expenses and provide a trail marshal (supervised by the U.S. Forest Service) assuring safe travel for all. For more information contact Look Out Ski Area or the U.S. Forest Service.
Spirit Lake - Larch Mountain, a 7.1 mile loop trail that takes you high enough for panoramic views of historic Spirit Lake, both the town and the lake. North on Hwy 41 from Rathdrum. Access the trail from the public boat launch/city beach area. See Trail grid on page 32 for additional trails and info.
South Fork Coeur d'Alene River Bike Trails is east of Coeur d'Alene near Cataldo. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers through alpine lakes or former railroad tunnels.
Beason Meadows Bike Trail #228, near Potlatch, passes through a variety of plant life as it climbs from the stream bottom. The first mile is marked as part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout.
Hiking in North Idaho
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a multi use recreational trail, which meanders for 24 miles from the state line at the Idaho/ Washington border to beautiful Higgins Point, six miles east of Coeur d'Alene. This scenic trail runs along the Spokane River to Post Falls where it runs through neighborhoods and eventually to wooded areas leading to Coeur d'Alene. At the west end of Coeur d'Alene the trail again meets the Spokane River and follows it to the pristine Lake Coeur d'Alene. The trail then follows the lake shoreline to Higgins Point, an Idaho State Park, which draws throngs of spectators in the late fall and early winter to view the annual visit of bald eagles as they migrate south. This scenic trail is composed primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some small segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country. the North Idaho Centennial Trail offers accessibility to walkers, runners, bicyclists, handicapped and people of all ages. North Idaho Centennial Trail Map
Tubbs Hill is the "gem of Coeur d'Alene". It is a wonderful park just off the main street of town and offers unparalleled views of the lake, woodland habitats and historical focal points. The self-guided walk follows a two-mile loop, beginning and ending at the south end of the parking lot between McEuen Park and the Coeur d'Alene Resort. This is where the citizens of Coeur d'Alene love to go for their morning walks, picnics and peaceful, quite time by the lake.
Mineral Ridge Trail is a 3.3-mile path that is an outdoor classroom in the forest. There are 22 stations numbered along the trail identifying features found naturally at Mineral Ridge. The trail climbs 735 feet to an elevation of 2,875 feet for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding mountains. The trail begins at Beauty Bay and is accessed off Highway 97.
Cougar Bay Preserve – The Nature Conservancy. Just minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene, visitors walking the trails of the 88-acre Cougar Bay Preserve will discover a virtual wildlife nursery on the northwest shore of one of Idaho’s most beautiful mountain lakes. Bordered by towering coniferous forests and lush meadows, Cougar Bay attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter and deer. The Conservancy is protecting this sensitive lakefront area from development while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Cougar Bay includes 5+ miles of interpretive hiking trails, an information kiosk and a restroom.
Q'emiln Trail in Post Falls is home to marmots, osprey and other wildlife. The set of 14 trails starts at South City Park and winds through four miles of the Spokane River gorge. A map at the trail head marks the route.
Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail #294 is a popular and highly used trail in the area. It is a fairly simple hike and is crossed by five streams while paralleling Priest Lake. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from the path. This trail passes through timber and hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches and isolation.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a vast trail system for hiking or biking. Elevation gain of the mountain trails is 2,400 feet. Bikers wanting a less strenuous ride can take the Great Escape quad chairlift to the top of Schweitzer Peak and enjoy a leisurely ride down the mountain. Equipment rentals are available on site. Helmets are required on all Schweitzer trails. Call 263-9555 or visit http://www.schweitzer.com/.
Tubbs Hill is the "gem of Coeur d'Alene". It is a wonderful park just off the main street of town and offers unparalleled views of the lake, woodland habitats and historical focal points. The self-guided walk follows a two-mile loop, beginning and ending at the south end of the parking lot between McEuen Park and the Coeur d'Alene Resort. This is where the citizens of Coeur d'Alene love to go for their morning walks, picnics and peaceful, quite time by the lake.
Mineral Ridge Trail is a 3.3-mile path that is an outdoor classroom in the forest. There are 22 stations numbered along the trail identifying features found naturally at Mineral Ridge. The trail climbs 735 feet to an elevation of 2,875 feet for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding mountains. The trail begins at Beauty Bay and is accessed off Highway 97.
Cougar Bay Preserve – The Nature Conservancy. Just minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene, visitors walking the trails of the 88-acre Cougar Bay Preserve will discover a virtual wildlife nursery on the northwest shore of one of Idaho’s most beautiful mountain lakes. Bordered by towering coniferous forests and lush meadows, Cougar Bay attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter and deer. The Conservancy is protecting this sensitive lakefront area from development while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Cougar Bay includes 5+ miles of interpretive hiking trails, an information kiosk and a restroom.
Q'emiln Trail in Post Falls is home to marmots, osprey and other wildlife. The set of 14 trails starts at South City Park and winds through four miles of the Spokane River gorge. A map at the trail head marks the route.
Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail #294 is a popular and highly used trail in the area. It is a fairly simple hike and is crossed by five streams while paralleling Priest Lake. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from the path. This trail passes through timber and hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches and isolation.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a vast trail system for hiking or biking. Elevation gain of the mountain trails is 2,400 feet. Bikers wanting a less strenuous ride can take the Great Escape quad chairlift to the top of Schweitzer Peak and enjoy a leisurely ride down the mountain. Equipment rentals are available on site. Helmets are required on all Schweitzer trails. Call 263-9555 or visit http://www.schweitzer.com/.
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