1) NATURE IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR DOORSTEP
The natural splendor of Northern Idaho is unmatched anywhere else in the world. There is something for everyone. Whether you want to go mountain biking through the mountains on the CDA Resort – Public Beach Photoshoot (53)Hiawatha Trail, go water skiing across the many beautiful bays of Lake CDA, or simply stroll along the lakeside, riverside, or forest paths in and around town, you’ll be spoiled for choice. It’s difficult not to become a fitness enthusiast in this environment, and it certainly doesn’t necessitate the purchase of a gym membership. My favorite activities are basic — trail jogging, lakeside yoga, and, if the weather is nice, a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding session on the water.
Another aspect of Coeur d’Alene that you won’t find in more populated areas of the Northwest is that when you’re out hiking or exploring, you’ll see a few people (which makes me feel safe and reminds me of that nice sense of community and outdoor camaraderie) but not too many (which makes me feel safe and reminds me of that nice sense of community and outdoor camaraderie) (so you can still enjoy your peace and quiet). I appreciate that there isn’t any overcrowding at this time.
2) YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FOUR BEAUTIFUL SEASONS.
Photoshoot with a resort’s outdoor winter family in the winter (16)
Yes, I’ve waxed lyrical about the splendor of the seasons in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Whether it’s the beginning of spring, the end of summer, the beginning of winter, or the beginning of fall…each season has something unique to offer. Personally, I’d have to say that summer and fall are neck-and-neck in terms of my favorite seasons. Summer provides us with long days, an abundance of locally grown (wild) fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the plucking, and the heat required for a variety of water-based activities like swimming and boating. In contrast, Fall brings with it the most beautiful display of hues, a sharp bite in the air that I like, and the anticipation of snow to be found in the mountains of New Hampshire. Additionally, the town is becoming more tranquil, since the summertime people have scattered to their respective homes.
There are a plethora of reasons to visit Coeur d’Alene, no matter what time of year it is. You just can’t go wrong with this one! If you prefer snow activities, you should definitely come to us in the winter because there are numerous local ski slopes to choose from.
3) ARTISANAL COFFEE MADE WITH LOVE (AND LOCAL BEER, WINE, ETC.) THE SETTING IS OUTSTANDING.
Ever since I started college, I’ve considered myself a foodie, but the definition of that term has evolved significantly with each visit home. Since I am a committed locavore, I appreciate the fact that Coeur d’Alene brings locally-roasted coffee, locally-brewed beer and wine, and other locally-sourced favorites (such as fresh baked bread and CSA boxes) to the table. It’s really easy to get a nice cup of coffee in Coeur d’Alene (check out Evans Brothers or Coeur d’Alene Coffee Company downtown, or if you’re on the north side of town, Anchored Coffee is a good choice).
Furthermore, getting a fantastic lunch here is just as simple regardless of your dietary restrictions. Despite the fact that being a vegan in Coeur d’Alene has proven to be more difficult, keep an eye out for a blog article coming soon in which I’ll shed some light on the vegan scene in this lakeside town. Fortunately, I’ve discovered methods to make my favorite foods at my favorite restaurants even better. Fire Pizza, located in downtown, is a must-visit, especially for the Gordy Pizza. Just put your faith in me. Don’t overindulge because you’ll want to get yourself over to Garnet Cafe the next morning for the most amazing locally produced breakfast you’ll find anywhere in town. If you order a side of nutritional yeast, your taste receptors will be humming with delight. If you’re not a vegan, you should definitely try their delicious homemade lemon curd.
Farmers Market in the heart of downtown (August 2017) (66)
The summer Farmer’s Market, which is open from May to September, is a favorite of the locavore in all of us. The Saturday market in Hayden and the Wednesday evening market in downtown are both worth visiting because they both include a large number of local vendors selling their wares in a relaxed atmosphere. Try the kombucha and the aebelskivers, which are both delicious!
Fourth, the wildlife is diverse and abundant in the area.
Humans were obviously not the first to notice the beauty of this place, as evidenced by the fact that it was discovered by the ancients. The fauna in Coeur d’Alene is very incredible. Since relocating to this area, my parents have become avid birdwatchers, and I’m excited to join them. We see bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, loons, hummingbirds, geese, swans, hawks, sandpipers, mallards, robins, swallows, and a variety of other birds on a regular basis, as well as a variety of other animals and plants. The CENTENNIAL TRAIL is a trail that runs through the heart of the United States (4) In an effort to identify all of the many lake birds that come to visit us, it has turned into a fun game for us. In addition to our avian companions, we have moose, elk, and deer who frequently cross our lawn in dramatic fashion. If you haven’t seen a moose yet, MY GOD, they are enormous and should be approached with caution – yet they are very stunning. As a result of the presence of black bears and a few mountain lion sightings each year, it is not advisable to hike alone during the winter months. However, these colossal mountain creatures tend to keep to themselves in general.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, it’s a lot of fun to explore the natural surroundings of Coeur d’Alene with a camera in hand. If you think of the Pacific Northwest, you probably think of elk, bears, and moose — and we have all of that here! Now (November and throughout the winter) is the best time to see bald eagles in their natural habitat. I’m going out with a camera this afternoon to see if I can get any luck.
It’s not that far to the rest of the NORTHWEST.
My favorite thing about Coeur d’Alene is that it’s a little hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Spokane and the distant centers of Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, BOARDWALK, and other areas…but if you want to go and explore any of those locations, it’s only a half day trip away (or a 45 minute plane ride). It’s quite convenient to have the Spokane International Airport so close, and there’s also a railway station in town, as well as the good ol’ Greyhound bus service. Your options for adventure are virtually limitless if you desire to journey outside of Coeur d’Alene (but why would you want to?). Sandpoint, Idaho and Whitefish, Montana are two of my favorite weekend getaway destinations since they are both little communities with a lot of character and spectacular mountain and lake beauty. I strongly encourage you to visit such locations as well.
Please accept my thanks for convincing you to at the very least notice Coeur d’Alene the next time you hear someone mention this strange-sounding location. I’m quite proud of my community, and I hope you liked reading about it as much as I did!
Summer Resort Exterior Aerial Photography 2018 (23)
Are you curious about the origin of the name? The city was named after a group of Native Americans known as the Schitsu’umsh, which means “those who were discovered here,” who lived along the rivers and lakes of the region and were responsible for the settlement of the area. The indigenous inhabitants were first visited by French fur trappers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and it was these trappers who gave them the name “Métis.” The name Coeur d’Alene translates as “heart of the awl,” presumably alluding to the severe commercial tactics of the Schitsu’umsh tribe who founded the city (they were considered sharp-hearted and shrewd).