Coeur d'Alene, ID

Luckily, the owner of Percival Carriages, and horse carriage-driver is my father-in-law, and I had a chance to take a peaceful carriage ride out in Wolf Lodge. It was literally soothing enough to put a four month old to sleep. Apparently, the locals and tourists have had enjoyed the rides as much as I have, because I hear some days the lines can get rather long

The holidays are coming. Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations are hung from nearly every home with care, and the streets of downtown are transforming into a winter wonderland. Such a dazzling time of year. Before the locals know it our famous boardwalk will be lit up with waving Santas and jolly snowmen, and Coeur d’Alene will be celebrating it’s annual Resort Holiday Light Show. Last year, it was a proud moment of Coeur d’ Alene’s to receive an acknowledgement from Good Morning America to be one of the best light shows in the nation.
Friends and I joke that people come out of the hills to attend this, and the annural Car Show in July. Parking is nearly impossible. However, if I find a spot my first venture is off to the boardwalk. It’s nearly ¾ of a mile long, afloat, and sparkling with all sorts of holiday decorations. I love taking in all the beauty of the Christmas lights, yet I also find myself noticing the beauty of families spending time together.

Rathdrum, just 14 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene is a great little town and they have a wonderful city park. While visiting family we took our children to the park to get some of their energy out and found the park to be not only fun, but really pretty.

When it is hot outside sometimes you just crave a little ice cream. I have found that the best and most inexpensive ice cream around can be found at the Washington State University Creamery. Not only does the creamery sell ice cream in Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, but they also sell the cheese that is made on site with milk from WSU’s Knotts Dairy.

My family has recently moved to Moscow, Idaho, which is 81 miles south of Coeur d’Alene off of US 95. The drive is relatively short, about an hour and a half, and the scenery is beautiful. On the drive down you pass through several small towns, one of which is Worley, where the Coeur d’Alene Casino is located. I have yet to go there, but I hear they have a really good All-You-Can –Eat buffet. Once you arrive in Moscow it’s a great town with a lot of things for families.

Silverwood, the Northwest’s largest Theme Park is less than one gas tank away. Silverwood is located in Athol, Idaho and boasts more than 65 rides and attractions, three large roller coasters (4th to open soon) Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants and so much more.

We try hard to go out as a couple at least once a month. We both think it is important to get a babysitter and do something “adult”. This week with the weather being so beautiful and Father’s day being the weekend before, we planned a picnic and massage date night. So Friday night after the babysitter arrived we headed to Post Falls, Idaho to have a picnic at Falls Park and then get massages at The Highlands Day Spa.

One of the greatest things about living in a town like Coeur d’Alene are the fun family events that are put on by different organizations throughout the year. One of these events is the Spring Fiesta that the North Idaho College Latin Club sponsors every year. For the second year in a row my family was able to attend and we had a wonderful time. Of course it doesn’t hurt that this event is free to the public.

I grabbed my friend and hopped in the car heading south on US-95 for a quick 30 minute drive to the Coeur D’ Alene Casino. The casino is great for a day trip or you can extend your trip and stay at their resort hotel. The Coeur D’ Alene casino has plenty to offer from a spa, golf course, full bar, a buffet, a restaurant, live boxing, bingo and did I mention 1800 slot machines?

I am always looking for a place to get something hot to drink and just be able to sit and relax with a book, or bring my computer and get some work done. Well, I have finally found the perfect place for all of that and more. At the urging of my husband we stopped in at Calypso Coffee Company at 116 E. Lakeside Ave. on a Saturday night. The place was packed and the music, by Josh Hedlund was wonderful. When we got home I even looked him up on the Internet to find out where else he might be playing. Calypsos is a family friendly coffee house that also features a roaster on site. Coffee is roasted several times a week and is offered for sale by the pound as well as the cup.