Coeur d'Alene, ID

The Local Market CdA continues its’ journey throughout the winter months, every Saturday through April 11-3. Many of the same vendors as the KC Farmer’s Market. You’ll find hormone and antibiotic-free beef and lamb, wild-caught salmon, squash and apples, freshly made bread, pasta, salsa, tofu, and hummus. Enjoy your choice of home-made jams, fresh eggs, and honey as well. Santa, crafts and face painting for the kids. Live music, warm cider, and lots of quality crafters is what you’ll find at 210 Sherman Ave, the Plaza Shops across the street from the Resort. Free parking (2 hrs), across the street, at the Tubb’s Hill/ Resort parking.208-659-4213 or www.thelocalmarketcda.com

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.

It was time for the yearly rivalry of the University of Idaho’s Vandals and the Boise State Broncos to play. My friend, a somewhat prideful Boise State fan decided that we would all jump in the truck and head down to watch the game this year

mmediately upon arriving we could see that it would be a wonderful spot. It was beautiful and although it was already fall the grass was still mostly green. The colors did abound as the trees abandoned their golden glittering leaves to the autumn wind. It was a perfect opportunity to point out to our youngest children why we call this season “Fall”.

Coeur d’ Alene’s Local Market has gone indoors. It’s about time. Now while we’re browsing through the Shopping Plaza (at Finan McDonald I almost bought a new hat to replace my 25-year-old crusher, and our 16-year old got starry-eyed at the wedding shop), we can step out into the corridor and buy a bag of apples or a slab of salmon, sample a bit of hummus, enjoy a massage, or even pick up a seasonal wreath.

Silver Mountain held their annual brewsfest event this weekend and my boyfriend and I decided to head up to the mountain and check it out. With our ticket purchase we were granted a ride up the gondola, a plastic collectors mug, 6 beer tasting tickets, free rides on the operating chair lifts and some music being performed in the amphitheater

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.

Farmer’s Markets have always been a great place to get fresh local produce and meet some interesting people and Moscow’s Downtown Market is no different. For the past few Saturdays I have frequented the Moscow Farmer’s Market off of Main Street downtown. I have bought amazingly sweet cherries and some great bread as well as heard some really good music.

Today ended up being one of the best family days we have had since moving to Moscow. We went to the 31st Annual Ice Cream Social that is put on by the Latah County Historical Society at the old McConnell Mansion on Second and Adams Streets. The McConnell Mansion built in 1886 was originally the home to William J. McConnell and his family. William was a merchant and also served as the state’s senator and governor. This event is free to the public and was not only enjoyable but also very educational.