Walk Coeur d'Alene
You can easily spend a day walking around downtown Coeur d'Alene with the added attraction of Lake Coeur d'Alene in a stone's throw.
8:30-9:00am Enjoy a breakfast at one of many downtown eateries. The City Parking Lot, enter 3rd & Front, has free parking for 2 hours and a whole day for a few dollars.
9:00-10:30am Walk 2 blocks south where you'll discover McEuen Field (next to the City Parking Lot) and a view of boaters using the 3rd Street launch. On the south end of the trailer parking lot you'll find the trailhead for Tubbs Hill. This scenic trail takes you out to the point or, if you have time, all the way around the hill. There's even trails to the top if you really want to explore. Take your camera as Tubbs offers great views of the lake and the city.
10:30-11:30am From Tubbs go back to Front Street and stroll east. Along the way check out Mix It Up, 601 Front, before you turn left on 7th Street and come back down Sherman. Don't miss Christmas by the Lake, 519 Sherman, where it's always the Holiday season. The Art Spirit Gallery at 415 Sherman is just one of a number of fine galleries in the area.
11:30am-12:30pm Have lunch at the world famous Hudson Hamburgers, 207 Sherman. Get there before noon to beat the lunch rush and enjoy the local decor. The burgers are worth the wait, be patient. Be warned... they only take cash and have only counter seating.
12:30-3:00pm Head west on Sherman toward City Park. There are a number of ways to enjoy the afternoon near the park and waterfront. The Museum of North Idaho is next to the park and has a collection of artifacts and seasonal displays. If you have kids they will want to spend some time in Ft. Sherman Playground on the west side of City Park. The sidewalk next to the seawall is part of Centennial Trail and you can follow it west onto Rosenberry Drive which goes around North Idaho College. On the water side of the road you'll find plenty of beach area and the N.I.C. Outdoor Pursuits rental center where you can play a little volleybal or rent sports equipment. On the inland side in the N.I.C. campus and a small park marking the place where the Coeur d'Alene Indians gathered centuries ago. This is also the site of Fort Sherman and the Museum also operates both the Ft. Sherman Chapel and exhibits in the original armory building on campus. Returning back to city center, take time to enjoy the view from Independence Point.
3:00pm-whenever. You may be ready for a refreshment and you'll find plenty of places to choose from in the downtown area. Seasonally, many of them have sidewalk seating, including the Moose Lounge, Cricket's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, The Iron Horse and The Beacon. Kick back and watch the locals while you consult The Guide to North Idaho for what to do tomorrow.
