Coeur d'Alene, ID

You’ll want to bring two additions to the common bike-riding amenities when you ride Black Rock Trail, just north of Coeur d’Alene, ID, off State Highway 3: your camera, and, if you wear them, glasses. The first is due to the spectacular autumn scenery in every color of the spectrum. The second is so that you can avoid squishing the many Woolly Bear caterpillars cruising the trail as well, seeking out their “overwintering” sites. Folklore has it that the size of the brown stripe on Woolly Bears’ backs is a forecaster of what kind of winter it’s going to be.

Every 2nd Friday of the month from April to November, the art galleries along with several restaurants in downtown Coeur d’Alene participate in an Art Walk. This is one of those events that you really won’t know what you’re missing until you finally go. Filled with good art, hands-on demonstration, food samples and free wine tastings, Art Walk fills the sidewalks of Sherman Ave. with adults and children alike.

If you are looking for an adventure with a great view, try hiking into Crystal Lake. With a rugged hike over rocks and down steep paths, the trek to the lake is good exercise and well worth the trip. The lake is a great spot for swimming, fishing, or snorkeling. Crystal Lake is located about 65 miles southeast of Coeur d’Alene at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. At this elevation, it can snow into June, making July and August the best months to visit.

With camera in hand and children in tow, we ventured down to a brand new park today - Riverstone Park just a few miles northwest of downtown Coeur d’Alene Idaho. The park is nestled between the Spokane river and the new Riverstone Theaters and condos. This development is a mix of a corporate park, retail center (one of my favorite restaurants is there Azteca) and upscale condo living. The developer has really done an outstanding job of bringing these elements together.

Even on a cold and rainy fall day the Kootenai County Farmer’s Market on Hwy 95 and Prairie Ave. is a delight. Open Saturdays from the middle of May till the end of October, the market offers wares from various vendors ranging from flowers to birdhouses. What’s more, a lots of also have their own websites, where you can buy their products year round. If you don’t have time to come on a Saturday, see the Farmer’s Market downtown on Wednesdays during the season.

My husband and I were so excited when Big Bear Deli opened up in Post Falls. We have searched far and wide for a deli that we really liked, and had finally found it. Big Bear Deli is located at 700 8th St. in Post Falls, Id. The deli is behind Napa Auto Parts off Seltice Way and is only 7 miles from Coeur d’Alene. The deli is owned and operated by Tim and Cathy Riorden who are quick to remember your name and your “usual”.