You go to Spokane and then drive east until the mountains rise and the lakes appear.
This October I had the opportunity to travel to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I say opportunity now but considered it in a less than favorable light when business demanded the trip. In all fairness to Northern Idaho, my preconception was colored by a not-so-great trip to Spokane last year and Coeur d’Alene’s troublesome history with domestic terror organizations. But, to my pleasant surprise, my assumptions were proven wrong.
Getting to Coeur d’Alene reminds me a bit like the directions to Jerusalem in Ridley Scott’s epic, “The Kingdom of Heaven.” You to go Spokane and then drive east until the mountains rise and the lakes appear. It’s literally that easy - take US Interstate 90 east until you get there.
Coeur d’Alene, like just about every other town in the United States, has its share of national big-box retailers. But as a tourist town that has been around since the frontier west, it also has a quaint old town near the lake, a lovely resort, and a famous golf course. But what turned me into a believer were the people; genuinely friendly, lovely people. When you add the beautiful surroundings of the Lakes, neighboring towns, and good food, then you’ve got a solid formula for a nice trip.
As long were on food (and, of course, wine) let me share a few must-experience venues. I was in Coeur d’Alene for three days, with only one day of work (it’s a long story) so I had time to enjoy wine during my evenings. And, the place to start for wine in Coeur d’Alene, for me, was “the dinner party.” The proprietors, George and Mary, have a nice little shop on North Government Way (3520 N Government Way, Coeur d'Alene), with a selection of very nice wines, and other things useful for a well-appointed dinner party. They will take the time to help you select the right wine, or wines if you have three days of consumption time, and are, just really pleasant to talk to.
For foodies I recommend lunch at Café Carambola (610 West Hubbard, Coeur d”Alene) for their delicious lunch sandwiches and salads with a unique South American twist; Satay Bistro (2501 N. 4th Street, Coeur d”Alene) for lovely appetizers and food, beautifully presented, in a comfortable setting; and, Beverly’s (7th floor of The Coeur d”Alene Resort, Coeur d”Alene) for a gorgeous view of the Lake, excellent service, extensive wine selection, and, my mouth is starting to water, Bison Carpaccio. There’s plenty more on Beverly’s menu, but the Carpaccio stole the show. And, I would be out of my culinary mind if I failed to mention my favorite restaurant of the trip, Fleur de Sel (4365 Iverness Dr., Post Falls). Excellent French food, a very small and cozy atmosphere, and superb staff made this dining experience one to remember.
In addition to work, drink, and food, I was lucky to have the time to drive around Lake Coeur d’Alene as the colors of the season were changing. It was very nice, and a couple stops in very nice small towns along the way made it a worthwhile experience. And, on my final day of the trip, I traveled to Sandpoint, Idaho, for the final debunking of my incorrect impression of Northern Idaho. Sandpoint, to my surprise, has an energy and atmosphere like Port Douglas in Australia, or Carmel in California. Although I didn’t stray much from 1st and 2nd Avenue, I was impressed with the many 19th-century historic buildings that were carefully preserved and still in use. I also enjoyed lunch at Spud’s Rotisserie & Grill (next to Starbucks on 1st Avenue, Sandpoint), and a visit to the Litehouse Blue Cheese Factory (on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Lake St., Sandpoint).
All-in-all, I was very impressed with Northern Idaho. Its mountains, lakes, and scenery were beautiful, and its people were kind and welcoming. I mean, Northern Idaho, right? Who knew?
(The photograph, such that it is, was taken by me. All rights reserved.)
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