Free Range Eggs To Farm Fresh Events

Settler's Creek Event Center

Just down the road from our location here in Coeur d'Alene, is an event facility like no other. It is a 100+ Centennial Homestead that has been recently re-purchased by the son of the original owners. The barn has become the center of the event facility and the newly completed gazebo (80 guest capacity) sits like a jewel on the hillside above the huge amphitheatre.

If a large party, special event, family reunion or wedding is in your future, this is the place to host it. Recent events include the Governor's Cup, Farm Girls Dinner and Dance, Weddings and just a few weeks ago, the Harley Davidson Regional Hog Rally.

Not only is the facility unique, the cooking equipment leaves you pondering the question, "What will they dream up next?" Take a look at the over sized BBQ and the apparatus that holds the large cast iron cooking pots and then think about what event you would like them to cook up for you.

Things To Consider:

• Located at 5803 W. Riverview Drive, Coeur d'Alene
• 208-667-0617
• http://www.settlerscreek.com/
• Open year round, weather permitting
• Chris and Shannon Varela owners
• Specializing in catering for 500+ events
• Whole Pigs, Prime Ribs smoked to perfection

Our Local Grape Escape

Enoteca Fine Wine and Beer

This family owned and operated business in Post Falls is our local favorite "Grape Escape" where tasting takes place on Fridays from 4-7 pm and on Saturday from 12 - 7 pm.

Already over 1,000 different wines and the selection continues to grow. The shop also has a large selection, over 400 + , unique beers and there is a special beer tasting held monthly.

We hope to be able to attend a wine maker dinner & educational class soon to learn more about fine wine and beer right at the shop. Our guests tell us the newly remodeled large tasting room and display area is better than ever.

Tell Russell we sent you.

Things To Consider:

• I-90 Exit 5, North on Spokane Street to Seltice Way, E 1/2 block on Seltice


• Right next to the White House Grill in Post Falls


• Great website http://www.corkjoy.com/


• Fun email newsletter @corkjoy.com


• 208-457-9885


• Russell will order anything for you that is not currently in stock

This Tree House Is "Knot" For The Birds

....Even though you might see some
wild turkeys from your perch in "The
Nine Pines Treehouse."

Not your ordinary Treehouse, "Tree House Terrace" is a first class destination
for even the most discriminating high flyers. The sneak preview held the first weekend in September, was attended by our guests from Holland, Romeo and Saskia, who spotted the wild turkeys in the photo above while seated on the deck overlooking the meadow to the East.



Shar is completing some last minute touch-ups and you soon will see what is in store behind the door. Be sure to visit our website in the coming weeks to see photos of what an escape in the pines could look like.






"Treemendous!" We just know that the Swiss Family Robinson would be proud of us!

Things To Consider:

• Rates: March - October $145; November - February $145 weather permitting
• Pack Light
• Full Private Bathroom in main guest house
• Private entrance to main guest house
• Well-lit and maintained path to main guest house
• For reservations, visit www.americancountrybedandbreakfast.com

Branch Out and Stay In A Treehouse

Branch out and take a climb in the pines or go out on a limb and stay in the "Nine Pines Treehouse!"

Brian, age 58, recruited his father, Gene Scott age 80, his brother Bruce, age 60, and together these three grown children made this dream come true!

As a child or an adult, who has not dreamt of staying in a treehouse? Don't miss this unique opportunity to stay where you can play! North Idaho's one and only Bed and Breakfast with a room in the trees!

Set in the pines, let the magic quality of being 12 feet off the ground spark your adult imagination and return you to a childhhod of long lost afternoons filled with secret adventures. Built with almost all reclaimed lumber, but yet insulated and furnished to make this unique room available April through October.

Enjoy the 10 x 12 deck with large comfortable adirondack seating, perfect for viewing the birds and wildlife that live in the area.
Furnished with ammenities for the discriminating treehouse traveler and inclusive of all the fine gourmet breakfasts that are served in the main guesthouse.

Things to consider:

• Don't pack a trunk, treehouse travelers travel light
• Binoculars, local bird and tree identification books available
• No barking, so please no pets
• To view the finished treehouse and make a reservation visit www.//americancountrybedandbreakfast.com
• Open early spring through fall
• Rate $145 March - October; November - February weather permitting

Coeur d'Alene Public Library

Unique Book Nooks

As a former Library Media Teacher, I am always checking out the local libraries wherever I happen to be visiting.

The wonderful Public Library in Coeur d'Alene is practically brand new, opening September 9th, 2007. The 38,500 square feet of this wonderful facility is divided into a myriad of delightful book nooks, and boasts several fireplaces woven throughout!

The views of the lake and McEuen Park invite you to pull up a chair and relax with a great book. If our guests at American Country Bed and Breakfast need some prolonged time on the Internet, the terrace level offers 38 Internet computers.

The Children's Library holds many surprises for visitors.

The wooden sculptures and paintings of Allen and Mary Dee (Dodge Artworks) fill it with whimsy. The carpeting features bear paws and many animals can be seen throughout the captivating murals that fill the walls. Have you ever hidden inside a beaver dam to read a book.....try it out.....it's a very unique feeling. Better yet, purchase your copy of "Mudgy The Moose" and help support the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

Things to consider:

• Location: 702 E. Front Street, 208-769-2315 info@cdalibrary.org
• Hours: M-Th 10-8; F 10-6, Sat. & Sun. 12-4
• Dodge Artworks: 1055 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, Id 83814, 208-765-1777
• Purchase your copy of "Mudgy The Moose" at the library, wear your hiking shoes and follow their adventure by visiting all the wonderul sculptures starting on Tubbs Hill at Corbin Point (you can spot it from the library windows)

TimberRock Winery

This Wine Rocks!

We were enjoying this fabulous wine from "TimberRock Winery" even before the tasting room opened at 107 4th Street in downtown

Coeur d'Alene!

We were introduced to it at "The Whitehouse" and were able to purchase it at one of our favorite local stores, "Gourmet Way!"

After Kevin & Michelle chose to share their delightful wine with everyone, we were thrilled to be able to send our guests from "American Country Bed and Breakfast" to the tasting room!

Happily, this wine is handcrafted right here in Post Falls, Idaho, at their mountain home winery. The Rogers family manages many small wine lots that demand individualized care. The results of their labor of love can be tasted next time you visit!

You won't want to miss their fabulous wine creations! Our favorite is the Cabernet!

Things to consider:

• Call for hours: (208) 667-5155
• Ask about joining the wine club if you like the wine as much as we do
• The tasting room is located inside a wonderful art and handcrafted jewelry gallery "Studio 107"
• Visit the website for more information: http://www.timberrockwine.com/

All Aboard Your Bikes?

Yes, that is a photo of Brian and I with our friends, Drew and Tina Williams, (visiting us at American Country B&B) ready to board our bikes and begin riding along one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country, "The Route of the Hiawatha," in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

We wound through ten tunnels and over seven steel trestles ,up to 230 feet high, that gave us a bird's eye view of the treetops below. The tunnel that started our journey, the St. Paul Pass or "Taft" Tunnel, burrowed for 1.6 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line. This is an absolutely pitch black, cavernous tunnel and lights on your bicycles are a must!

The railroad was carved into the Bitterroot Mountains by the "Milwaukee Railroad." The construction of this Pacific extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad took thousands of workers and was completed in record time in 1911.

Thank goodness the 15 mile ride from the East Portal trail head on this unpaved compacted gravel trail followed a very easy 2% grade downhill, because neither Brian nor I had been on a bicycle for well over 15 years. Of course, we elected to ride the shuttle bus from Pearson back to Roland where we had begun our journey.

Along the trail there are numerous interpretive signs to read that provide information about the rich mining and railroad history. The sharp eyed adventurer will find all types of flora and fauna to photograph.







Things to consider:

• Usually opens on Memorial Day weekend
• Usually open through Ocober 5th from 8:30 AM to 6 PM PDT
• Day Use Pass required: $9 for 13 & over $5 for those between 3 - 13
• Children under 3 are free
• All children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
• Shuttle Bus available between Roland and Pearson Trailheads, charge of $9 ($6 ages3-13)
• More information on many trails available from http://www.friendsofcdatrails.org/
• More information on "The Hiawatha" at http://www.visitidaho.org/
• Located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line 12 miles East of Wallace, ID
• Ample parking at the East Portal (which is in Montana)
• Helmets & proper lighting equipment are required for bikers
• Dogs are not allowed
• Make sure to take food, water, lightweight jacket (it is cold in the tunnels), extra lights, rain gear, and a bicycle repair kit
• There are restroom facilities in several locations along the trail
• Bicycles, helmets and lights can be rented at Lookout Pass Ski area on the Idaho border www.skilookout.com/hiawatha
• Fees go toward maintaining the trail, part of the "Rails to Trails" program
• Contact the U.S. Forest Service for additional information 208-245-4517

Like A Rock In A Park

Q' emiln "ka-mee-lin" Park is Post Falls premiere park. The word Q'emiln is Native American for "Throat Of The River." One of it's big drawing cards is the "Rock Climbing," which several of our guests have enjoyed while visiting the area.

Located on 78.5 acres on the South side of the Spokane River, it is home to some of the finest crags in the Northwest with a single pitch and 5.10 ratings.

The trails are separated by a rock ridge with a face that is fingertip friendly, ranging from beginner to intermediate skill level. Of course, climbing is always at your own risk.

The park serves many other functions for the community. Most popular is the swimming beach staffed with life guards in the summer. The boat launch area is widely used as well, and is a great place to start your water journey East along the Spokane River. The 7,000 square foot Grand Pavilion accommodates many events throughout the year, our favorite is the Fiddle Contest. You can play horseshoes, volleyball, have a barbecue or an old fashioned picnic at this beautiful park.

Things To Consider:

• Located at 12201 W. Parkway Drive at the South end of the Spokane Street Bridge
• More information can be found at http://www.postfallsidaho.org/
• Driving directions: From I-90 exit on 5 and drive South on Spokane Street. Cross the bridge to Parkway Road, turn right.
• There is paid parking inside the park, but you can park outside the pay station or on the street to avoid paying.
• Rocks are a short walk West from the Q'emiln Park Trail System sign in the parking lot
• Rock climbers might enjoy http://www.teamstrannon.com/ for notes on their climb