Hayden Lake, approximately 7 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, is a beautiful area with hiking trails, a marina and a beach. Definitely take the time to explore.
Savor your journeys … near and far.
Riverstone Park, adjacent to the Centennial Trail, is a lovely place to walk about and enjoy the surroundings. There are restaurants on the opposite side of the pond, a nearby Main Street with cute shops, restaurants and a favorite book store.
Savor Your Journeys …. near and far.
Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Coeur d’Alene and Boise
Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The 45 mile Centennial Trail stretches from Spokane’s River Front Park to the end of Coeur d’Alene’s Lake Drive. The Coeur d’Alene section is perfect for walking, jogging and stopping at a bench or adjacent park to enjoy the beauty. Continue on the trail to browse the local shops on Sherman Avenue and discover your perfect spot to enjoy a splendid meal. Check out taking a boat ride on the beautiful lake.
Savor your journeys. Take time to explore.
Coeur d’Alene
Last year I did this trip in reverse and it’s very comfortable to return to familiar places. From western Washington take Interstate 90 to Coeur d’Alene, about 30 miles east of Spokane.
I again stayed in the River Front area where there is easy access to the Centennial Trail, the River Front Park, a cute shopping area (with a favorite book store, The Well-Read Moose) and easy access to drive to the town or the I-90 to further explore this gorgeous area. On this journey, I discovered the beautiful Hayden Lake area.
I tried several new places to eat, but returned several times to a favorite, Anthony’s. It’s situated near the pond at Riverfront Park and has a great Happy Hour and dinner menu.
Drive to Boise
To me, the more scenic route (highways 95 and 55) is the better option than back-tracking and taking the interstates. I stopped in Grangeville for lunch and discovered Crema Café, which I highly recommend. It’s a cute spot with friendly and helpful staff offering a nice breakfast and lunch menu. I had a marvelous latte and quiche and would definitely return when in the area.
There are other places to stop, including Moscow, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and McCall. I stopped several times to take photos and was very lucky that it was a clear, beautiful day as it is a very windy road.
Boise
Boise is a neat city to explore, whether for the first time or as a repeat visitor. I went to my favorite spots, including the gorgeous Rose Garden, the Boise River Greenbelt, downtown 8th Street (restaurant row) and Rediscovered Books.
I love discovering terrific new places to eat and that happened in Boise. The Cottonwood Grille, located on the Greenbelt, is terrific. Excellent menu and customer service and how lovely to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine on a beautiful day. I will definitely return.
Another day, we went to nearby Meridian, enjoying lunch at The Yard House, located at The Village at Meridian.
I will have several separate photo posts of places mentioned above, once I sort out my many photos of this beautiful area.
On my return, I stayed on Interstate 84 passing the magnificent Columbia River and the Hood River area. It connects to Interstate 5 north, homeward bound. While a bit longer, the scenery is quite beautiful.
Savor your journeys, discovering new places and re-discovering familiar ones.
Post from last year about Boise and Coeur d’Alene:
Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Boise and Coeur d’Alene
Boise
The easiest way to Boise from western Washington is via Interstates: Highway 18 to I-90 to I-82 to I-84. Boise is a very walkable city, so get set to explore. Stroll along 8th street to check out the many restaurants; you will not be disappointed.
My favorites include Bitter Creek Alehouse (fabulous salmon croquettes, good wine and beer selection), Prost! (enjoy your delicious German food and beer, sitting outside), Ruth’s Chris Steak House and try Goldy’s for breakfast. Meander along the Basque block, checking out restaurants and the museum.
Browse the Rediscovered Bookshop, a favorite place when I visit Boise. Two Favorite Bookstores ~ Idaho
Leave time to explore the impressive Capitol Building where you discover the history of Idaho, displayed on the lower level. While there are tours, I opted to walk about on my own. Afterward, walk about the pretty exterior garden area.
Rediscovered Bookshop, BoiseLocated on popular 8th Street (restaurant row), this is a terrific place to stop in and browse. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, with “staff picks” and book club picks displayed.
There is an excellent selection of books, including mysteries (where I always find new authors), literature, sci-fi and fantasy, philosophy, history, cooking, health and games. There is a terrific classics section ranging from Edgar Allen Poe’s “Tales and Poems” to Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” The children’s section also has a wide range of books, games and toys, including many classics (J M Barrie’s “Peter Pan”).
There is a small sitting area plus a nice selection of cards and cute socks and check out the Water Color Travel Set. It is a small shop but well worth your visit.
Journeys with Eileen Diane 