What's Nearby?  One of the Mudgy Moose Trail Statues near Lake Coeur d'Alene Arts & Entertainment > Bands on the Boat (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - A summer concert series offered by Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises, with a variety of musical acts, where the concert is held on one of their lake cruise boats! Enjoy a lakeview sunset to the tunes of the night's featured act. > Mudgy Moose Trail (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - A 2 1/4 mile walk along Lake Coeur d'Alene and through downtown with five life-size statues of Mudgy and Millie from the childrens' book about the moose and mouse by local resident Susan Nipp. A fun way to follow along with the story while exploring the city at the same time. > Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (Spokane, WA, 46 mi.) - A Smithsonian associated museum that features five underground galleries, including items from the local Native American tribes, and exhibits featuring the works of various artists. The complex also features the historic Campbell House, offering a look back at early 1900's Spokane, Washington life. Festivals & Events > Car d'Lane (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - The largest classic car cruise in North Idaho that's held in mid-June with a Friday Night parade of nostalgic vehicles through downtown, and a large display of these old school machines all Saturday with awards given to the best vehicles, as well as a voter's choice award. The event also showcases Young Builders Alley where those 25 years or younger can enter their own built cars or automotive projects as they aspire to become the future care takers of classic rides. > Pig Out in the Park (Spokane, WA, 46 mi.) - A Labor Day weekend event held in Riverfront Park with a wide array of foods and treats to try from local chefs, restaurants and vendors. Entertainment can also be enjoyed on multiple stages around the park while you enjoy your eats.  A Pete's Pizza Calzone Food > Gelato by the Lake (Couer d'Alene, 19 mi.) - Within a couple blocks of the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, a place to enjoy a sweet, cold treat on those warm summer afternoons when exploring the town. > Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese (Coeur d'Alene, 17 mi.) - Why have a plain old grilled cheese sandwich when you can have with more to it. Meltz allows you to have a custom sandwich with your choice of various cheeses and items from pepperoni and pulled pork to avocado and grilled tomatoes. You can also try one of their specialty creations like the Wingz Twist, featuring Provolone, Pepper Jack and Blue Cheeses with fried chicken, buffalo sauce and a ranch-celery "slaw". > Pete's Pizza (Spokane, WA, 44 mi.) - The self-proclaimed Calzone King, offering a variety of specialty pizzas and calzones with their in-house made dough and sauce, or you can choose a custom creation as well to enjoy. Landmarks & History > Davenport Hotel (Spokane, WA, 45 mi.) - A hotel with over 100 years of history, and status on the National Register of Historic Places. This hotel was of the luxury variety and features architecture that will immerse you in the glamour of the past. It's also within walking distance of Riverfront Park. > Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA, 44 mi.) - A Jesuit university near the Spokane River that's known for it's basketball program, but also offers a beautiful campus with tributes to spiritual leaders and figures of the Catholic church, and the former home of the world famous entertainer, Bing Crosby. > Museum of North Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - A museum that collects and preserves pieces to share the history of Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding area, from it's past in the logging industry, to the popularity of the area for the lake and it's activities and recreation, and the natural wonders of North Idaho.  The Upper Falls of Spokane Falls Natural Wonders > Lake Coeur d'Alene (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - A 26-mile long lake that's popular for boating, swimming and fishing, surrounded by the incredible landscape of North Idaho. Those without their own boat can rent a variety of vessels from different vendors, or can take a tour with the likes of Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises. > Tubbs Hill (Coeur d'Alene, 20 mi.) - Located alongside both Lake Coeur d'Alene and the city of Coeur d'Alene, the hill features a number of hiking trails that offer lakeside views and a look at the area's terrain and vegetation. > Spokane Falls (Spokane, WA, 45 mi.) - Part of the Spokane River, which flows from Lake Coeur d'Alene, and is the largest falls in an urban setting in the United States, and has multiple viewing spots from the surrounding Riverfront Park. Sports > Avista Stadium (Spokane, WA, 41 mi.) - The home stadium of the Spokane Indians High-A Minor League baseball team, where players hoping to make it to the majors play, including potential future players of the Colorado Rockies, with whom Spokane is an affiliate of. > Bloomsday Run (Spokane, WA, 46 mi.) - An annual 12K road race held the first Sunday of May, coinciding with the blooming of lilacs, for which the city of Spokane is known for. > Hoopfest (Spokane, WA, 46 mi.) - Dubbed the largest 3-on-3 Basketball tournament in the world with over 400 courts, spanning 45 city blocks for 6,000 teams of various age and skill levels to play. The event also features an outdoor festival with shopping, food and entertainment.  Numerica SkyRide passing by the Lower Falls Theme Park-esque Attractions > Couer d'Alene Carousel (Coeur d'Alene, 19 mi.) - A former carnival carousel that found a home at the former Playland Pier of Coeur d'Alene, before coming to it's new home inside of City Park, offering a classic ring grabbing experience. > Looff Carousel (Spokane, WA, 45 mi.) - Another area classic carousel, this one by the carousel carver Charles Looff, which was given to his daughter and her husband as a wedding gift, and had previously operated at Spokane's Natatorium Park. Like the other area carousel, it too offers a ring grabbing component. > Numerica SkyRide at Riverfront Spokane (Spokane, WA, 45 mi.) - A Riverfront Park attraction where you hop onto a gondola that takes you for an elevated view alongside and in-front of the Lower Falls of the Spokane River. Thank you to the Guest Contributors of this Coasting with Culture Guide:
> Matthew Nelson, Park Journey |
