Coeur d'Alene

Beside its sparkling lake, a friendly downtown makes the perfect base for biking an old train route, shopping for antiques, or riding a classic roller coaster.

Area code is 208 except as noted.

TO DO AND SEE
City Park Enjoy summertime concerts, a play structure, and a wide, sandy beach. 415 W. Mullan Rd., 769-2252, parks.cdaid.org [3]. Route of the Hiawatha Bike through the Bitterroot Range on this 15-mile dirt rail trail complete with trestles and dark tunnels. Rent wheels at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, an hour’s drive east of town. Exit 0, I-90, Mullan, 744-1301, skilookout.com/hiawatha [4]. Row Adventures Dip your paddle into Coeur d’Alene Lake on half-day kayak trips led by expert guides. 202 E. Sherman Ave., 765-0841, rowadventures.com [5]. Silverwood Theme Park Feel like a kid again on a wooden roller coaster at this family-owned amusement park 15 miles north of town. 27843 N. Hwy. 95, Athol, 683-3400, silverwoodthemepark.com [6]. Wooden Boat Festival Aug. 21–22. Free. Dozens of gleaming vessels, antique and modern, bob alongside the floating boardwalk at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. 664-3194.

SHOPPING
Figpickels Toy Emporium A magical mix of imagination sparkers, from Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls to hand-carved rocking horses. 312 E. Sherman Ave., 667-2800, figpickels.com [7]. Wiggett’s Antique Marketplace Find a gem worthy of the AntiquesRoadshow in this maze of Victorian glass, majolica, and furniture. 115 S. Fourth St., 664-1524, wiggettsmarketplace.com [8].

EATS
Beverly’s At this sleek, high-end spot overlooking the lake, plates of bison carpaccio, seasonal salmon, and crème brûlée are presented like art. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Seventh Floor, (800) 688-4142, cdaresort.com [9]. Cafe Carambola Jewel-colored Latin fusion salads, quinoa, Brazilian coconut soup, and aguas frescas lovingly prepared in this lunch-only strip-mall gem. 610 W. Hubbard St., 676-8784. Hudsons Hamburgers Simple, tasty burgers, with no toppings beyond cheese, onions, and pickles. Order a double. 207 E. Sherman Ave., 664-5444. Scratch American classics—crab chowder, duck breast, tri-tip—in an urban-chic corner café. 501 E. Sherman Ave., 930-4762, scratchspokane.com [10].

SLEEPS
Coeur d’Alene Resort From $230 for AAA members. Modern rooms, most featuring large windows and petite patios, eight restaurants, a spa, and a variety of shops on-site. 115 S. Second St., (800) 688-5253, cdaresort.com [9]. Greenbriar Inn From $77 for AAA members. Creaky wooden staircases and rooms appointed with antiques maintain the period charm in this restored 1908 boardinghouse. 315 E. Wallace Ave., 667-9660, 315martinisandtapas.com [11]. Holiday Inn Express & Suites From $145 for AAA members. Suites and family-friendly rooms adjacent to a water park, 10 minutes from downtown. 151 W. Orchard Ave., Hayden, 772-7900, hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/psfid/hoteldetail [12].

Photography courtesy Coeur d’Alene Visitor’s Bureau

This article was first published in July 2010. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.