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.

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.

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.

Bowling is back in Coeur d’Alene and it is better than ever. After being closed for two years, new owners Mike and Vern Oertel have made a couple changes and reopened Sunset Bowling to the public.

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.