Located at the junction of US-2 and US-95 at the northern end of Idaho’s largest lake, Pend Oreille, Sandpoint (pop. 6,835) is a resort community with a relaxed, welcoming feel. The highly regarded Schweitzer Mountain Resort (208/263-9555 or 800/831-8810) north of Sandpoint attracts skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer. The mix of Rocky Mountain scenery and abundant recreation has made Sandpoint a popular place to visit and live; despite the dozens of real estate agents and other signs of potential despoliation, it still feels like a small town.
As you might guess from the name, Sandpoint boasts a fine, quarter-mile-long beach: City Beach, just a few blocks’ walk from downtown at the east end of Bridge Street, complete with volleyball courts and a dock where you can board tour boats to cruise the lake.
The main business district along 1st Avenue fills a half-dozen blocks around the landmark Panida Theater (208/263-9191), where big names and locals still perform. You’ll find a number of good cafés here, plus Eichardt’s (208/263-4005), a beer-drinker’s delight with great food (burgers, sandwiches, fish-and-chips) at 212 W. Cedar Street. Two blocks east, the Cedar Street Bridge was rebuilt as a shopping mall in the mid 1970s and now houses the HQ and showcase store of Coldwater Creek, an outdoorsy clothing company. Besides the $150-a-night rooms and condos at Sandpoint’s resorts, there are many more moderate motels, including national chains like Super 8, Quality Inn, and Best Western.
For more information, or for details of Sandpoint’s festivals, contact the chamber of commerce (208/263-2161 or 800/800-2106).
