We spent the entire month of June in Idaho and even then we knew it wasn't long enough.
Our first night in the Gem State was spent camping at Bonner County Fairgrounds just outside Sandpoint.Steve found a great hike for us to do to begin our day off right- Gold Hill.With 1,200 ft. elevation gains (mostly at the beginning) over 3 miles, it was a challenge for me. But so worth it at the top.We even discovered a Hidden Mickey.With subtle proof of Autumn here and there.Afterward, we headed to Connie's, a staple in Sandpoint since the 50s.Connie's Café started out as a Conoco gas station with a five-seat lunch counter in 1952. Fred Hartley closed the gas station and remodeled the building to become Fred's Diner in late 1954. Hartley sold the diner to Conrad (Connie) and Donna Balch. Various owners have come and gone but it still has that cool vibe it began with. And the food was delicious.We then spent the afternoon exploring the historic downtown, which lies on the shores of Idaho's largest lake, 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille. The town is surrounded by three major mountain ranges and is home to Idaho's largest ski resort.It is also home to some talented artisans.We popped into Vanderford's Books & Office Products in order to get an up-to-date road atlas (yes, we rely on a paper guide for all our travels).I loved this place: a general bookstore with carefully curated selection of books for all ages as well as a full fine office products department. Cards, art supplies, maps and more. A staple here since 1978.
I appreciate the history (and at times, art) that is found on manhole covers. How old could this General Telephone Systems one be?When we went around the corner and saw this building, we headed to it pronto.It is now MickDuff's Brewing Company and if Steve didn't have driving to do, a beer would have been consumed in history.
Built in 1928, it housed the U.S. Post Office, U.S. Forest Service, IRS, Civil Service and military recruitment offices. In 1973, it was listed on the NRHP for its architectural significance and detailing representing the Spanish Revival style. In the 1980s the city library moved to this location. When the new library was built in 2000, Sandpoint residents transferred thousands of books by forming a one mile book brigade to the new library location on Division Street. I 💓 it!Our idyllic spot for the night was along the Kootenai River in Bonners Ferry. Idaho is charming us again.
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1 comments:
Wow. Check out the camping spot along the river! Amazing. Idaho is a great state! There is so much space, and so much water. Love it all.
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