North Idaho offers plentiful places to stay and play
Located less than 40 miles from the Spokane Airport, making a daytrip to Coeur d’Alene is a low commitment venture. While it’s easy to drive over for the day, it might just be a lot more fun to take advantage of all the Lake City has to offer and stay the night. Here are some ideas of where to stay in CDA and beyond.
In Coeur d’Alene’s charming downtown, you’ll find no finer accommodations than THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT with 300+ rooms, all of which have been entirely updated with a fresh and modern twist during a three-year renovation process. Everything is new — from the lighting, carpets, draperies and wall coverings to cozier beds, brand new Ultra HD televisions and charging stations. Unparalleled lake views, the world’s largest floating boardwalk, an outdoor infinity pool and private beach and amazing dining options also add to the appeal.
For a small additional fee, guests staying at the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s sister property BEST WESTERN PLUS COEUR D’ALENE INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER can also take advantage of the resort’s amenities, such as the pool, beach, fitness center and golf and tennis facilities. Families will also appreciate that kids eat free at the onsite restaurant, as well as the indoor pool and pet-friendly policies.
Right off the freeway, and just minutes from the trendy restaurants shops at the Village at Riverstone, is the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES, which offers free hors d’oeuvres three evenings per week. If you want to work off those appetizers, the Idaho stretch of the Centennial Trail, perfect for walking, jogging, skating or biking, runs right by the hotel.
Nearby, and also located on the Centennial Trail, SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT has all the amenities you need for a longer stay, including an all-suite setup and outdoor amenities like a splash pad, putting green, fire tables and barbecues.
For a boutique hotel experience, turn to the BLACKWELL HOTEL tucked in a leafy neighborhood just blocks from downtown Coeur d’Alene. This historic hotel features 10 luxury guest suites and romantic amenities like clawfoot tubs, a wrap around porch and fireplaces.
THE GREENBRIAR INN is also big on charm, and nestled in a neighborhood just minutes from Coeur d’Alene’s popular Sherman Avenue. All of the rooms of this 1908 inn are furnished with antiques, but offer modern amenities like free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the outdoor gazebo and enjoy the live summer music series put on by 315 MARTINIS & TAPAS next door.
In Post Falls, explore the new menu at CURRENT KITCHEN AND BAR inside RED LION HOTEL TEMPLIN’S ON THE RIVER. The restaurant and patio are being overhauled and new owners also have new visions for the waterfront hotel situated right on the Spokane River.
And if recreation is as important as relaxation, you won’t have to travel far from Coeur d’Alene for places offering both. In Hayden, stay and play at TRIPLE PLAY RESORT HOTEL & SUITES, where special offers include one night of accommodations and three two-day passes to the waterpark and family fun parks (starting at $279).
Families will never be bored at SILVER MOUNTAIN’S MORNING STAR LODGE, complete with its vibrant mountain village at the base of the ski resort, and its ginormous indoor water park open all year round. While skiing and boarding are the draws in the winter, mountain biking, golf and ziplining make even the shoulder seasons tons of fun.
Southbound travelers might want to spend several days at COEUR D’ALENE CASINO RESORT HOTEL in Worley, Idaho, which has more places to eat and games to play than you can possibly accomplish in one day!
Can’t get away until warmer weather? No problem. Put these two items on your list for summer: RED HORSE MOUNTAIN RANCH, a bonafide dude ranch, and WOLF LODGE CAMPGROUND within sniffing distance of the historic Wolf Lodge Inn Restaurant.
Special Events
Rebel Junk Vintage Market
MARCH 22-23
Rebel Junk is a gathering of handpicked vendors selling all their best junkin’ goods like jewelry, signs, candles, garden art, antiques and more. This is the top traveling vintage market in the USA, according to the editors at Flea Market Style magazine. $5-$15; Friday 6-9 pm; Saturday 10 am to 4 pm; Kootenai County Fairgrounds; tickets available online at rebeljunk.com/tickets or at the door.
Doug E. Fresh Weekend
March 23-24
This weekend is the fourth annual fundraiser for the Doug Johnson Memorial Fund. Doug was a father of four, a fixture of the Inland Northwest ski and bike industry and all around great dude. The main event is a snowboard/snowskate race against the clock through a handbuilt banked course. To register or for an event schedule, go to visitcda.org.
