Coeur d’Alene, ID
Hellooo Northern Idaho! Not only is it the great state of potatoes but it also holds Lake Coeur d’Alene. Happy Labor Day Weekend to us!
After landing in Spokane, WA on Friday we had about a 45 minute drive. Lesson learned when you leave Parker in charge of the rental car, he will pull up in a BMW drop top (picture the scene of Michael Scott rolling up & saying “it’s Brittany b*tch” - if you don’t watch The Office, ttyl).
We cruised right in to town, checked into our Airbnb, and set out for dinner. But before we could eat, we NEEDED to lay eyes on the lake. The main area of downtown had great mix of shops, eateries, street art, and mountain-esc vibes. We dove into some cheese burgers, obviously needed after traveling, and game planned our weekend. We kept night 1 low key with a couple games of pool, @Parker you owe Liam $$$ for your losses.
Saturday - you can’t hang out ALL day if you don’t start in the morning! There was a great park right on the lake where we hit a sunrise trail run, Rachel is not allowed to lead unless you want to eat her dust!
Run to coffee (must try Coeur d’Alene Coffee co) to the market for boat snacks to the boat!!! Major shout out to our dear friends at Hagadone Marine Group who helped coordinate our day on the lake. The sun was shinning, honestly more than we thought and getting up to 90 degrees but that made the coolness of the water feel so inviting. We did also see in the distance smoke from a wild fire breakout, so we watched countless trips by the Firefighting aircrafts be discharged and shuttle water from the lake over to the fire. Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires - Smokey the Bear.
With good reason after a long day on the water, we refueled with espresso martinis at The Goat Lounge. Looking back this may have been why we closed down the bar… that or because g&t’s were only $5. Or it could have been due to the locals we got to talking to, on the left we had Jean, a young buck getting over heart break and on our right was Chuck Norris’ son (not actually but was fitting).
We were only hurting a litttttttle bit in the morning which called for pancakes and french toast! Followed this up with a scenic drive and hike at Mineral Ridge. A cool down swim was not up for debate so we made our way back to town to jump in.
For Sunday night, we were staying at the Coeur d’Alene Resort which offered a view of the lake like no other. We soaked in the sunset and had ourselves some dinner. While we could’ve gone for another glass of vino, we made the correct decision and got ice cream. Although these ice creams were quite literally equivalent to a tub of ice cream which we found out after ordering them and after ordering individuals.
Monday, the last day of the trip, always the worst. We really really loved this place and really really did not want to leave. We got our first pumpkin coffees of the season as the cool air and cloud coverage took over, walked the streets one more time. We explored the Resort’s golf course and watched countless golfers try to land their drive on the floating green, the only one of it’s kind! Then alas, it was time to go.
Well not until after a minor flight delay which lead to us sitting around a Ramadan court yard section, LOL.
So basically if any one wants to go to Coeur d’Alene, we will GLADLY go with you.
All the best & HEAD WEST!