Sandpoint, ID

The signs at the edge of town make it clear: Sandpoint, Idaho, is a “Walking Town.”
For every interesting thing you can find to do in this northern Panhandle community, there’s a crosswalk that will take you safely to it.
Today we were zeroed in on the Farmer’s Market. I had just finished a mile swim in the local pool, and my fuel stores were running low. I needed sustenance.

There was a time when engine displacement was measured in cubic inches, rather than sissified “cc’s.” There was a time when people understood what you meant when you tossed random, big numbers around in idle conversation—383, 427, 440 Mag, Boss 302, 454, etc.
I thought those times were gone forever until two weekends ago, when Sandpoint, Idaho, rolled out its 23rd annual “Lost in the 50’s” celebration.

Late May through early June, you can watch controlled chaos unfold, all in the name of sports and sportsmanship. They start ‘em young here in Sandpoint when it comes to international sporting events. Of course, I am talking about Sandpoint Youth soccer games. Played in the Farmin/Stidwell fields on Division Street in Sandpoint, this is the training ground for the talented high school teams Sandpoint turns out later. Teams are organized according to age, ranging from under 5 to under 18. But mostly you’ll see grade schoolers going head to head in the quest for local renown. Hopefully, they also learn some good lessons and skills on the side.

I pried my eyes open at 2:45am this morning. No it was not a mistake, it was time to go fishing. My boyfriend, although I have tried to convince him to go at a more acceptable hour, is adamant about fishing early in the morning, apparently it is the only time the Mackinaw fish bite according to him.

This is often what runs through my mind as I stroll with my young daughter through Travers Park, because at this park you can do exactly all those things! This park is a fantastic resource located right in town, yet it’s a large park (almost 25 acres!) so you don’t feel crowded. We go at all times of the day and we’re usually surprised by how few people are there. But I think that’s just because the people that are there are spread out doing various activities.

We arrived at Café Trinity and we were greeted by the owner at the front door. He seated us on the back deck overlooking Sandcreek. It was a nice warm day, so outside seating was an excellent choice, however inside seating can be nice as well if you are looking for a more romantic location, or you can sit at a bar and watch the chef prepare your meal. I like Trinity because not only do they offer good food that is Cajun inspired, but also you can order from the Oishii Sushi bar that is connected next door.

If I could spend a little bit of time every day at the Healing Garden, I would probably be the most relaxed person ever! The Healing Garden is a sweet little spot tucked into a wooded grove next to the hospital. This open garden was created by volunteers from the community as a spot where one could come to reconnect with oneself and with others.