News from the Inn

A Special Treat for Holidays!

2010-04-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

On special occasions, McFarland Inn guests are treated
to my hand-made cookies!!

Los Angeles Times July 26, 2009

2009-07-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to see a travel article on Coeur d'Alene that was printed in the LA Times on July 26, 2009.
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-coeurdalene26-2009jul26

Golf North Idaho

2009-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Coeur d'Alene area offers several wonderful golf opportunities. There is something for every wallet and skill level. Below are the most popular and well known. Please consult the golf course directly for fees.

Circling Raven Golf Club
A 30 minute drive south of Coeur d’Alene. Circling Raven has quickly been named the best-of or best new course by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Zagat Survey, Men’s Health, The Golf Insider, and Golfweek Magazine, all despite the fact that it is only a few years old. Beautiful setting and award-winning layout. Owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.
**Guests of The McFarland Inn receive a $5.00 discount.
http://www.circlingraven.com/

Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
This course has played host to PGA touring pros and has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal from Golf magazine and was selected by Golf Digest as America’s Most Beautiful Resort Golf Course. It is famous for the world’s only floating, moveable golf green.
**Guests of The McFarland Inn pay: Late April and late October $125, twilight (after 2 pm); May and early October $150, twilight $90; June and September $170, twilight $110; July and August $195, twilight $135. This includes all the amenities that come with your 18 hole round of golf. When you book your tee time directly with the resort, mention you are staying at a B&B.
http://www.cdaresort.com/

Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Club
Established in 1953, Coeur d'Alene Golf Club is one of the finest public courses in the area. An old style layout that meanders through 100' pine trees, is perfect for all levels of players at very affordable prices.
http://www.cdapublicgolf.com/

Avondale Golf Club
Challenging and enjoyable 6,600 18-hole course. Complimented by a driving range, professionally stocked pro shop, cocktail lounge and restaurant with meeting facilities.
Located in Hayden, near beautiful Hayden lake.
http://www.avondalegolfcourse.com/

The Highlands Golf Course
Located on a hill overlooking Post falls and the Spokane Valley, this is a beautiful course about 15 minutes from Coeur d’Alene.
http://www.thehighlandsgc.com/

Shopping Downtown

2009-05-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

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. http://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/

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/

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/

Swimming Beaches and Pools

2009-05-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

North Idaho has lots of beautiful swimming beaches. Be sure to ask Nancy for beach towels and chairs!!!

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. http://www.kroccda.org/

Fitness Centers

2009-05-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

Other Outdoor Activities

2009-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

Water Sports Trips and Rentals

2009-05-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

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

Cycling in North Idaho

2009-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Hiking in North Idaho

2009-05-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

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/.

Restaurant Recommendations

2009-04-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Restaurant Recommendations

Over the course of the past several years, my guests have consistently rated the following restaurants as the BEST in Coeur d’Alene. Most of my favorites are also listed here but there are many other wonderful restaurants and cafes in Coeur d’Alene and the neighboring cities of Post Falls and Hayden. I keep the menus from all the good ones in the lounge for my guests to look over while deciding where to dine.

*The first group lists my favorites and were ranked highest with guests, as well:

Angelo’s Ristorante
Consistently excellent. Only 4 blocks from The McFarland Inn. Features homemade, authentic, fresh, organic Italian cuisine. Reservations recommended. (208) 765-2850
http://www.angelosristorante.net/

Moon Time
Moon Time is a favorite among locals. I love this place! Some of the best food around is served in a casual, comfortable, pub-style setting. A great selection of micro-brewed beer and fine wines are available. Live music on Thursdays. Reservations not needed.
(208) 667-2331
http://www.wedonthaveone.com/

Fleur de Sel
This gem is located in Post Falls at the Highlands Day Spa on the hill overlooking the valley. It is the only French restaurant in North Idaho. Every time I dine there, I am amazed at how delicious all of their offerings are. The wine list is fantastic as well.
(208) 777-7600

The Wine Cellar

This cozy, romantic restaurant has been a popular downtown destination since 1992. The menu features reasonably prices Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list. Recipient of the Wine Spectator "Distinguished Dining" award, Wine List "Award of Excellence" and Wine Press Northwest "Best idaho Wine List". On weekend, this is a popular place to dine while listening to live jazz or blues music. (208) 664-9463 www.coeurdalenewinecellar.com

The following consistently receive high marks by my guests:

Scratch
Only a five minute walk from the McFarland Inn, this Spokane favorite recently opened in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The restaurant is upscale but casual, offering contemporary fine dining. Lunch and dinner are offered. The menu changes every several months and includes small and light plates as well as new and interesting ingredients you won’t find at other restaurants in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 930-4762
http://www.scratchspokane.com/

Tony’s On the Lake
This is one of only a handful of restaurants on the lake. The menu for their Italian cuisine comes from their family’s old country recipes. When weather permits, there is seating outside and tables on the inside have wonderful views of the lake. It is located about 6 miles from The McFarland Inn and is worth the trip. (208) 667-9885
http://www.tonysonthelake.com/

Bistro on Spruce
Located about 1 mile from The McFarland Inn, the menu is “Northwest Fusion”. Check out the menu on line to see what this means. The atmosphere and service are great. (208) 664-1774. Reservations recommended. http://www.bistroonspruce.com/

Cedar’s Floating Restaurant
Another restaurant on the lake. Probably one of the best settings in the area. You can dine on the outdoor terrace or inside where the view is great as well. The menu features seafood, steak and chops. They are locally famous for having one of the best salad bars around. About 15 minutes from The McFarland Inn. Reservations recommended. (208) 664-2922
http://www.cedarsfloatingrestaurant.com/

Wolf Lodge Steak House
The most famous steak house in North Idaho. Located in an old log cabin about 20 minutes from The McFarland Inn. It is extremely difficult to get a reservation in the summer (especially on weekends) unless you book at least 3 or 4 days ahead of time.
Traditional steak house menu with some seafood items as well. (208) 664-6665

Bonsai Bistro and Sushi Bar
Locally popular Pan-Asian restaurant and sushi bar with a nice lake view. Located about ½ mile from The McFarland Inn. Their menu includes Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai selections. Beautiful décor. (208) 765-4321
http://www.bonsaibistro.com/

These are the restaurants my guests gravitate to the most. There are many other wonderful restaurants and cafes in Coeur d’Alene and the neighboring cities of Post Falls and Hayden. I keep the menus from all the good ones in the lounge for my guests to look over while deciding where to dine.

Discounts for McFarland Inn Guests

2009-04-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

When you stay at The McFarland Inn, take advantage of discounts for various activities listed below:

Theatre

Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre

Regular price for tickets is $35.00. Guests of The McFarland Inn pay $28.00. The ticket office requires that the B&B owner reserve the tickets in order to receive the discount. Please visit this web site for production schedules:http://www.cdasummertheatre.org/

Lake City Playhouse

Regular price for tickets is $16.00 for adults and $13.00 for seniors. Guests of The McFarland Inn pay $11.00. Tickets must be reserved by the B&B owner. Please visit the following web site for the production schedule:http://www.lakecityplayhouse.org/Productions.html

Lake Cruises

First time visitors to Coeur d’Alene should seriously consider taking a lake cruise. The most popular cruise is the Daily Scenic Public Cruise that is run out of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. It is a 90 minute cruise and circles the top of Lake Coeur d’Alene. You can check out the following web site for more information:http://www.cdaresort.com/activities/cruises.php Guests of the McFarland Inn can purchase tickets from us at a discount price of $16.00. Current regular rates for the cruise are $19.75 for adults and $17.75 for seniors. No reservation is needed. You can pick up your tickets when you arrive at The McFarland Inn.

Golf

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is a famous world class course. The beautiful course overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene. One of the most popular features of the course is the “floating green”. The course is approximately 3 miles from The McFarland Inn. You can learn more about the course by visiting the following web site:http://www.cdaresort.com/golf The special rate for Bed and Breakfasts includes 18 holes of golf, unlimited driving range privileges on date of play, warm-up massage, cart, forecaddie, and personalized bag tag. The special rates are listed on this blog under "Golf". When you make your reservation be sure to tell them you are staying at this B&B. I can reserve the tee time for you, if you prefer.

The Circling Raven Golf Course

The Circling Raven Golf Course is one of the newest courses in the area and it has rapidly become one of the favorites. The course is located at The Coeur d’Alene Casino about 30 minutes south of The McFarland Inn. The web site for Circling Raven is http://www.circlingraven.com/ The Bed and Breakfast discount is $5.00 less than the rates posted on the web site. Make sure you request this discount when making the reservation for your tee time.

Restaurants

A few of the best restaurants in town have given us coupons for free drinks or desserts. Be sure to ask Nancy about this when you check-in.