Kootenai County Farmer's Market

It Doesn't Get More Farm Fresh Than This

When I'm done preparing & serving breakfast for our guests most Saturday mornings- Spring, Summer and Fall-I sneak off to Northern Idaho's delightful Farmer's Market! The setting is remarkable....on a busy corner of Hwy 95 and Prairie in Hayden, there sits a beautiful grassy corner that is shaded by a stand of old Ponderosa Pines. It seems so out of place, across the street from a busy mall area, but yet there it is..... most incongruously.....yet.....totally what you would hope to find in every small town- as you feel transported to an old fashioned market in the middle of the countryside!

Everything you would expect and more await the early (and not so early) riser, from crafts and flowers to plants and produce. The 50 vendor booths have a rustic buttermilk red paint and the uniformity creates a calmness while the signage allows for the creativity of each marketer. The agricultural products are all local organically grown & produced by family farmers and the food purveyors provide tasty treats throughout the morning. There is a coffee vendor, Jon Lewis, that is much more than what he appears to be....."Long Story Short" is the name of his business, but when you order that latte, which he prepares individually, take a moment to study the artistic details he floats on the surface!

Did I mention the music? Yes, there are wonderful musicians each Saturday on a small stage area with seating nearby. The sounds of the market mingle with the folksy blues performances given by wonderful local artists.

I'm always looking at the wonderful plants Barbara brings to "Nothing But Herbs". My guests enjoy many gleanings from her greenest thumb! "Killarney Farms" always has the most surprising array of fresh produce. The crafts vendors delights are juried and must meet a certain standard to be allowed in the market. I always seem to find just one more thing to add to our elegant country setting waiting for me in the craft booths......I'm hoping one of the triplex birdhouses will find its way to my garden!

Things To Consider:

• Opening Day is usually the first Saturday in May


• The Market is located at Hwy 95 & Prairie in Hayden


• The hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  
• For more information: 208-772-2290 http://www.kootenaicountyfarmersmarket.com/


• The first market opened in 1986 & some early marketers are still with them today


• High attendance is normally from 8-9 when serious produce shoppers arrive


• Don't miss "Feast With The Farmers" August 12th, 2008, 6-9 p.m.


• Fall Fest is September 27, 2008


• The last market for 2008 is October 20th


• Plenty of parking


• Bring a wagon or shopping bag to carry your goodies to the car
  
• Wear comfortable shoes and take a water bottle
  

Tubbs Hill

Find Your Thrill On Tubbs Hill

Right in the center of downtown Coeur d'Alene, on 135 acres of property owned by the city, you will find 2.2 miles of trails to hike year round..."Tubbs Hill". The hill was dedicated to the people forever in 1969. Talk about accessible...it doesn't get much handier than this! Any time of day is the right time to take this hike. The trail head is well marked and is located by the Third Street Boat Launch in downtown Coeur d'Alene. It is an easy walk, and there are many places on the trail to stop, rest and enjoy the views. Imagine...you can start out your morning with a fabulous walk on the hill, have lunch downtown, shop on Sherman and never have to move your car. The parking area is free for the 1st 2 hours and 1.00 each hour thereafter.

Our guests on vacation here often ask if there is a hiking area that can be climbed after breakfast to work off the calories....Tubbs Hill is not only close, it is beautiful!

The views are what it is all about, and this hike will provide you with vistas of the lake that will make you pinch yourself and ask if you may have glimpsed a bit of heaven. The hill is a awash with color from the wildflowers in the Spring, and the Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pines keep the trails cool in the summer. You may catch a glimpse of some of our North Idaho wildlife too.....deer, elk, moose, wild turkey and quail. You might consider a summer evening hike....you won't want to miss the sunsets.

Things To Consider:

• Take along a bottle of water
• Hiking shoes are a good idea
• Parking is free in the downtown parking area for the first 2 hours
• Take a camera
• Allow extra time to soak up the views
• For more information visit http://www.thewhistler.com/tubbshill/history

The Floating Green

Great Golf Getaway

Coeur d'Alene and the Inland Northwest are home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. Our guests often request we procure a tee time for them at the world renowned "Coeur d' Alene Resort Golf Course". This course is one of several destination courses in the area. Golf Digest recently gave it the #1 ranking in the "Beauty & Aesthetics" category, and it is 1 of just 16 courses with a 5 Star ranking.

The bent grass course was designed by Scott Miller in 1991 to be more than a golf course. The setting provides a park-like atmosphere that can't be beat aesthetically! It's designed in and on the pristine lake shore waters of Lake Coeur d' Alene, a forested ridge can be viewed throughout the course, Fernan Creek runs through it and the rolling woodlands provide the perfect setting.

This is a must play course for any golf aficionado visiting the area! The 14th hole is actually a floating movable island green (imagine) and once you hit, you board a boat and are ferried over.

Things To Consider:

• Season usually April to October 31st


• Forecaddie, Carts, Over water practice facility


• Warm Up area


• Complimentary sports massage


• Complimentary custom engraved bag tag


• Restaurant, Beverage Cart, Full Bar


• 900 Floating Green Drive, (208) 667-4653 (800) 935-6283


• Call for tee time and pricing


• www.cdaresort.com/golf


• Par 71; 6,767 Yards

Falls Park

No Ticket Needed At This Water Park

Looking for a great place for a picnic, as well as a scenic hike with breathtaking views? Post Falls has the perfect spot....."Falls Park". We are happy to provide a box lunch for our guests who enjoy taking a picnic to many of the wonderful parks in the area.

Site of the "Head Gate" constructed in the 1880's by Frederick Post, the founder of Post Falls. This gate was the method used to divert water from the Spokane River to provide water power for the largest flour mill in North Idaho as well as the first lumber mill in the area. From this small beginning, the area is now home to 3 dams, one of which can be viewed from the parks paved pathways. The Spokane River actually branches into 3 channels with 3 dams, one in each channel near the park. "Falls Park" was dedicated in June of 1993.

The park is located 9 miles downstream from the mouth of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Things To Consider:

• Located in Post Falls off 4th Street, West of Spokane Street


• BBQ Grills available; Picnic tables; Playground


• Interpretive Signs describing early history of the area


• Fishing Pond


• Scenic View of Dam and Gorge


• 22 Acres


• Accessible Paved Pathways


• Spring viewing recommended


• www.postfallsidaho.org/parks

North Idaho B&B Association Cookbook

Inn-credible Edibles!

First of all I have to brag and let you know that the name of this cookbook was submitted by my husband, among a list of many from other members.....his brainchild was chosen!

Yes, this is a cookbook from over 19 different B&B's in Northern Idaho! The best thing about a cookbook like this one is, all the recipes are tried and true! They are also guest favorites that bring rave reviews! You might think, well....I really don't cook breakfast very often.....no worries, this cookbook has Appetizers, Luncheon & Dinner Entrees, Soups, Salads & Sides along with the variety of Breakfast delights that you would expect to find.

Trust me when I say that I've tried out many of our competitors contributions and I haven't found one that wasn't delicious! You will find a "Praline Pecan French Toast" that is made with Panettone bread, prepared the night before, and frosted in the morning then baked for 45 minutes, that is perfect to prepare for that holiday breakfast when you want to spend time with your family.

Things to consider:

• The cookbook retails for $20.00 which includes tax & media mail shipping


• Available from American Country Bed and Breakfast


• You may pay with a credit card, through pay pal, or with a personal check


• Call to order: toll free 877-664-9650


• 112 pages


• Spiral bound

The White House Grill

This "Whitehouse" Gets My Vote!

You won't want to miss this restaurant if you are visiting the area, just follow your nose! The owner, Raci, will tell you, "If you love garlic, we love you!" This "Whitehouse" has it all, delicious food, affordable prices, wonderful wine list and atmosphere that won't quit! Check this out...on Thursday evenings, about 7 p.m., you might find yourself getting up from the table to join the belly dancing festivities!

The kitchen staff, and owner-chef, have way too much fun to call what they do, work. You can hear them singing and calling out throughout the restaurant. The music is loud, ethnic & fun and you will often find the owner walking through, playing the drum, and asking about your meal.

The food is Mediterranean Cuisine and you must try the Meze (appetizers) before your entre. Our guests enjoy the Turkish "Cigars"....feta cheese and fresh spinach rolled into Filo "cigars" and deep-fried. The menu includes "Tabouleh Wraps" and "Domates Salata"....thinly sliced fresh tomatoes, red onions, basil, Gorgonzola cheese and garlic croutons, tossed with an olive oil vinaigrette dressing. There are some great sandwiches: Gyro's, Chicken Athens and the Lamb Shish-Kebob with rice is fabulous. Of course, everything is prepared with lots of garlic and fresh ingredients, and you can watch while your meal is prepared if you like.

We have to mention dessert, the most wonderful homemade baklava..mmmmmm!

Things to consider:

• Dress is casual
  
• Open Mon.-Thurs. 11a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.


• 712 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls http://www.whitehousegrill.com/
  
• Dining available outdoors on the covered patio in good weather
  
• Reservations or Call-Ahead recommended 208-777-9672

Coldwater Creek Has A Wine Bar

The Best Of Both Worlds


Everyone knows Coldwater Creek has some of the most fabulous clothing around, but did you know that their Flagship store in Sandpoint Idaho also has a wine bar? It is one of our guests favorite day trips from our B&B. A 40 minute scenic drive North on Hwy 95 will put you in the quaint town of Sandpoint. On the West side of the main street through town (First Ave.) sits the historic W. A. Bernd Building, a rustic old brick structure with huge fir beams and rafters. Coldwater Creek renovated this old building, keeping the beautiful bricks and beams and added a slate waterfall to one of the walls. The waterfall has some great leather chairs nearby so the gentlemen can take a break while their spouses model the latest fashions from the store....the waterfall is often jokingly referred to as the "Wall Of Tears."

Imagine...after a few hours of shopping, you can relax on the upper level (accessible by stairs or an elevator) in an engaging environment that feels like another world. This wine bar is truly an escape from reality. You feel as though you have entered an elegant living space in a Western flavored library. Huge overstuffed deep leather chairs and couches spill out into the room whose central focal point is warm inviting fireplace. Low coffee tables are filled with engaging books so you feel as though you've been invited to spend the afternoon lost in a great photo filled book while you enjoy a fabulous glass of wine from an extensive list of varietals.

Did I mention the food? You won't want to miss the panini sandwiches or the wonderful cheese and fruit plate that makes the perfect accompaniment to that great glass of wine.

Things To Consider:

• The address is 311 N. First Ave 208-263-2265


• Business hours are Monday- Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.


• Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  
• Allow time to explore the towns many quaint shops and pubs


• http://www.coldwatercreek.com/
  

Car d'Alene

Big Boys & Girls Toy Playground

Mid June brings "The Classic Car Weekend" to North Idaho! Friday evening from 6-10 p.m. the cruise begins with 100's of 1978 or older, vintage cars cruising downtown. The weather usually cooperates and 1,ooo's of old car buffs fill the sidewalks to watch the event. We really enjoyed seeing our Bed and Breakfast friends dressed in period costumes, driving their 1936 Dodge Touring Car, wooden spokes and all.

The cruise is just the beginning of a festival of fun! Saturday will find the downtown streets filled with beautiful cars as the Downtown Association sponsors a car show from 8-4 p.m.. Many of the cars on the cruise will be there, but many more arrive just for the show.

The weekend is topped off by a Street Dance and Collector Car Auction.

A great vantage point for the cruise and the show is "The Iron Horse." A fun little restaurant with seating that spills out onto the sidewalk. They always have live music and serve some great food.

What a wonderful community we live in...so many great activities and events that involve people of all ages, gathering on the beautiful streets of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Our guest always tell us how much they enjoy the evenings downtown with the great ice cream & gelato vendors on the sidewalks. Now we've added a hot nut vendor who has some of the most delicious candy coated almonds around.

Things to Consider:

• The cruise & show happen rain or shine so come prepared


• You may want to pack a little picnic and soft drinks or waters


• Take some folding chairs and relax while you watch the show


• You might want an umbrella for shade or a hat


• Don't forget your camera


• http://www.cardalene.com/ 208-667-4040