Sandpoint

Sandpoint is a region in transition. From humble timber and fishing beginnings, Sandpoint has been rocketed to among the top destinations in Idaho. It was number one on USA Today's List of Unforgettable Summer Vacations, as well as Sunset Magazine's top small Western Town, along with numerous other distinctions.
The small communities lining highways 2, 95 & 200 in east Bonner County
are generally referred to Sandpoint. The largest of these being the actual Sandpoint. Excluding Sandpoint, they are the following:

• Careywood 18 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95.
• Cocallala 12 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95.
• Westmond 10 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95.
• Dufort 8 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95.
• Algoma 6 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95
• Sagle 5 miles south of Sandpoint, Hwy 95
• Ponderay 3 miles north of Sandpoint, sandwiched between Hwy 95/2 and Hwy 200.
• Kootenai 4 miles north of Sandpoint, Hwy 200.
• Sunnyside 6 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200
• Oden Bay 8 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200.
• Trestle Creek 14 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200.
• Hope 16 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200.
• East Hope 17 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200
• Beyond Hope 21 miles east of Sandpoint, Hwy 200
• Dover 3 miles west of Sandpoint, Hwy 2.
• Wrencoe 9 miles west of Sandpoint, Hwy 2
• LaClede 14 miles west of Sandpoint, Hwy 2.

Climate

Located just north of the 48th parallel, Sandpoint's climate is unique in the region. Although found not far from the deserts of Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho is on the rainy side of the next mountain chain - the Rocky Mountains. Many climate maps show Sandpoint as arid or semi-arid but this is not accurate. With long, usually cold winters (average temperatures are generally below freezing, and dip to -20°F for a week or two in February) and short, hot summers, (80-90°F is the average, but be prepared for up to 100°F for short periods) Sandpoint resembles a hemiboreal or even boreal climate, similar to the southern interior of Alaska (Fairbanks and the like, with milder winters).
Winter lasts from late November to March, whereas summer weather doesn't hit until July and peaks in August. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September-early November) are generally rainy and cool.
Storms are common - thunderstorms are the norm for hot summer afternoons and windstorms strike the most in spring.

By plane

Sandpoint's airport is only served by charter planes. Getting in and out is complex and expensive.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is about 2 hours southwest of Sandpoint, it is a hub for Horizon Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, and Big Sky Air, and airlines like United and Southwest also fly there. Most flights bound for, and departing from, GEG leave from/go to Seattle/Portland, so be prepared to fly to Seattle or Portland even if you are heading east. You can get a flight directly to Minneapolis, but expect to pay more.

By car

• From Seattle/Portland Driving east from the west coast, you have two options. I-90 eastboand is the fastest, but it is mostly barren steppe and scrubland. In Coeur d'Alene, take Hwy 95 north to Sandpoint. The scenic alternative to I-90 is Hwy 2- which winds through northern Washington and drops you off right in Sandpoint. It is slightly longer, though.
• From Boise Take Highway 55 or 95 north through the state. Though it is two-lane most of its length, it is the shortest route, and takes about the same or slightly less than the alternative through eastern Oregon and Washington.
• From the East I-90 westbound is your best bet. Same drill- take 95 at Coeur d'Alene. For an alternative, Hwy 200 winds through northernwestern Montana, following the Clark Fork River gorge.

By train

Sandpoint has a small Amtrak station served by the Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and Seattle/Portland and services most of the northern Midwest and Northwest. All trains depart arrive and depart at from Sandpoint late at night. is at 450 Railroad Ave, just next to the marina. The doors on the station are locked, but unlock automatically 1 hour before the train is scheduled to arrive. Inside the station is a heated waiting room and a bathroom.

By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines operate a station in Coeur d'Alene, a large town south of Sandpoint.

Although Sandpoint bills itself as a walking town, you can't really see everything without a car, or even a bike if you're athletic.

Public transportation

Spot Bus serves Sandpoint, Dover, Ponderay and Kootenai.
Other buses are privately owned ones that take you up and down Schweitzer Mountain during ski season.

Taxis

• Bonner Cab Company

  phone: +1 208 263-7626

• Sandpoint Cab Company LLC

  phone: +1 208 610-6212

Car rental

For car rentals from the airport, see Spokane.

• Hertz Car Rental

  phone: +1 208 263-9102
  address: 1100 Airport Way
  Sandpoint's only full-service fixed-base operations for aircraft big and small. Hertz Car Rentals are available on the field.

• Thrifty Car Rental

  phone: +1 208 255-7909
  address: 31466 Highway 200

• Festival at SandpointYearly music festival.

• Farmers Market at Sandpoint

  address: Farmin Park
  Rockin' good veggies, flowers, crafts and food. Real people doin' real things.

• Wings Over Sandpoint

  phone: +1 208-263-9102
  address: 1100 Airport Way
  Annual, family friendly fly-in event showcasing aviation in the northwest including classics and home built aircraft. Every August!

• Travers Park

  address: Pine St
  24.5 acres, 3 full-size softball diamonds, medium size baseball diamond, soccer fields, football fields, and 2 tennis courts. Kids' play area includes slide, swing sets, and youth climbing apparatus.

• Wings Over Sandpoint

  phone: +1 208-263-9102
  address: 1100 Airport Way
  Annual, family friendly fly-in event showcasing aviation in the northwest including classics and home built aircraft. Every August!

• Wings Over Sandpoint

  phone: +1 208-263-9102
  address: 1100 Airport Way
  Annual, family-friendly fly-in event showcasing aviation in the northwest including classics and home built aircraft. Every August!

Art galleries

• Art Works Gallery

  phone: +1 208-263-2642
  address: 218 N. First Ave
  A huge collection of fun and funky art, running the gamut from glass jewelry to handmade soap to computer generated fractals, and everything in between. A Sandpoint must-see.

• Cedar Street Bridge Public Market

  phone: +1 208-263-5101
  address: First and Cedar (can't miss it)
  Located on the world-famous Cedar Street Bridge, this collection of small shops has something for everyone, and the European style cafe at the front serves premium crafted (gourmet) gelato to boot.

• Hallan's Gallery

  phone: +1 208-263-4704
  address: 323 N. First Ave
  Featuring the work of famous Sandpoint photographer, the late Ross Hall, one of the oldest stores dating back to 1906. See Sandpoint as it used to be!

• Janusz Studio by the Lake

  phone: +1 208-264-5153
  address: Hope
  Beautiful lakeside studio, open for tours during the summer. Call beforehand.

• Panhandle Art Glass

  phone: +1 208-263-1721
  address: 514 Pine St
  Specializing in gorgeous glass works of art, including light fixtures and sculptures.

• Wonderland Studio & Imaging

  phone: +1 208-263-7688
  address: 300 Bonner Mall Way Suite 63, Ponderay
  Featuring the photography of local Bob Gregson. Also does portraits and custom framing.

• Fine Art Tile

  phone: +1 208-263-0826
  address: 806 Oak St
  Beautiful hand-painted tiles for use on signs, in your kitchen/bathroom, or anywhere else that needs some ceramic sprucing-up!

• Hen's Tooth Studio

  phone: +1 208-263-3665
  address: 323 N. First Ave
  Featuring the work of Sandpoint native Ward Tollbom, also offers custom framing.

• Sunshine Goldmine

  phone: +1 208 263-6713
  address: 110 S 1st Ave
  Sandpoint's largest jewelry gallery, specializing in gold but offering other precious jewels and medals too.

Clothing shops

• Bella Jezza

  phone: +1 208-263-1116
  address: 324 N. First Ave
  Fun and funky women's fashions- also sells hats, incense, and jewelry!

• Bizarre Bazaar Upscale Resale

  phone: +1 208-263-3400
  address: 105 Vermeer Drive, Ponderay
  Upscale fashions in a laid back, consignment style atmosphere. Proceeds benefit the Sandpoint Community Assistance League.

• Coldwater Creek

  phone: +1 208-263-2265
  address: 311 N. First Ave
  The headquarters of a nationally acclaimed chain and catalog company, Sandpoint's Coldwater Creek features women's styles in a beautiful brick building downtown with a wine bar upstairs. This is a Sandpoint must-see, if only because CC gives back extensively to the community in the form of building us a new animal shelter, a new college campus, and more.

• Eve's Leaves

  phone: +1 208-263-0712
  address: 326 N. First Ave
  Among Sandpoint's pricier clothing stores, but nevertheless worth a look. Chock full of beautiful dresses and casual women's wear. Check out the sale rack for some great deals!

• Snow River, UGGs And More

  phone: +1 208-263-4472
  address: 117 N. First Ave
  Snow River has a great selection of authentic UGG boots and footwear year round. Their handmade sheepskin slippers have a loyal following from all over the world. They also have comfortable clothes. A really nice store to visit!

Athletic

• Outdoor Experience

  phone: +1 208-263-6028
  address: 314 N. First Ave
  With a large stock of all sorts of outdoor necessities, from clothing to kayaks, OE is a great place for athletic tourists and locals alike.

• The Alpine Shop

  phone: +1 208-263-5157
  address: 213 Church St
  Specializing in skis and snowboards, come summer this diminutive shop on busy Church street transforms into a water sports paradise. Also stocks various styles of athletic apparel.

• Athletes Choice

  phone: +1 208-263-8158
  address: 102 Cedar St
  This large store stocks mostly athletic shoes, but also carries a variety of clothing and athletic equipment.

• Finan McDonald Clothing Co.

  phone: +1 208-263-3622
  address: 305 N. First Ave
  Athletic apparel is the order of the day here, but Finan's also stocks natural fiber clothing in men and women's styles, plus kids sizes. Check out their neat shoes, too!

Grocery stores

Chain

• Safeway Food & Drug

  phone: +1 208-263-9638
  address: 702 N. Fifth Ave

• Wal-Mart Supercenter

  phone: +1 208-265-8332
  address: 3300 Highway 95 North, Ponderay

• Yoke's Fresh Market

  phone: +1 208-263-4613
  address: 212 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay

Locally owned

• Flying Fish Co

  phone: +1 208-255-5837
  address: 620 N. Fifth Ave
  Featuring a wide variety of delicious fresh fish and other seafood.

• Sandpoint Super Drug

  phone: +1 208 263-1469
  address: 604 N Fifth Ave
  Sandpoint's original drug store, Super Drug has everything you never knew you needed, (and some stuff you do know you need) including a pharmacy, a large selection of boxed chocolates, and all sorts of toiletries.

• Mountain Market

  phone: +1 208-255-2557
  address: 155 Village Lane, Schweitzer Village
  Quaint general store atop Schweitzer Mountain with sporadic hours, catering to the ski-type folk.

• Winter Ridge Natural Foods

  phone: +1 208 265-8135
  address: 703 Lake St
  Specializing in natural and organic foods. Organic produce, bulk grains, natural soaps, gluten free products, a bakery, deli, and smoothie shop can all be found here.

• Truby's Health Mart

  phone: +1 208 263-6513
  address: 113 W Main St
  A large selection of organic and natural foods is the specialty here, but Truby's also has a lovely café.

For a small town in a relatively remote region, Sandpoint contains a disproportionate number (60 but not all are listed here) of restaurants of all sorts, likely because of its strong tourist economy. In addition to locally owned restaurants listed below, Sandpoint hosts several fast food chains.
Sandpoint holds two food festivals annually- A Taste of Sandpoint in February (part of the Winter Carnival) and Sandpoint Summer Sampler in late June. Both feature many local restaurants in a fun and artsy setting. Foster's Crossing Antiques holds a fudge contest during the Winter Carnival, and for a small fee anyone can test then judge entries.
Every town has a specialty, and Sandpoint's is huckleberries. From huckleberry pie to huckleberry syrup to huckleberry daiquiris, you can find just about everything in huckleberry come summer. Local stores often carry some of the prepackaged stuff, like huckleberry candy bars, and restaurants usually serve some sort of huckleberry dessert. Huckleberry Ice Cream in particular seems to be the local favorite.
All of Sandpoint's restaurants are casual, that is to say none of them have dress requirements. Even the most expensive restaurants will let you in wearing ripped jeans, but you may get some looks. That being said, you will probably also see many others dressed as you are!
Price guide for an average entrée: $ = $20

• The Tunnel Cookery + Drinkery

  phone: +1 208-255-4169
  address: 202 1/2 N.1st Ave
  Great food, great wine and beer, kitchen always open late! Great venue for live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Menu is very affordable and offers something for everyone.

Grills and barbeque

• Spuds Rotisserie & Grill

  phone: +1 208 265-4311
  address: 102 N 1st Ave
  Perhaps Sandpoint's most well known local restaurant, Spuds' lunch menu is chock full of freshly made sandwiches of all sorts, plus delectable rotisserie chicken and, of course, lots of potatoes. At night, they pull the curtain on their walk up counter and do table service, with steaks, rotisserie chicken, tri-tip, and all sorts of other savory meals, plus several to-die-for desserts. $

• Cricket Original BBQ House

  phone: +1 208 265-9600
  address: 212 N 4th Ave
  This cute roadside stand has an excellent location- across from Farmin park. They serve up all sorts of barbequed meats, plus wraps and sandwiches. Particularly observant visitors may notice their truck around town, which has a large menu strapped to the back. $

• The Hydra Restaurant

  phone: +1 208 263-7123
  address: 115 E Lake St
  Located in a beautiful blue house on the corner of Lake & 2nd, just far enough from the bustle of the main strip, the Hydra is well known for their steaks, but their seafood and pasta dishes are also excellent, as well as their extensive dessert menu. $

• Duke's Cowboy Grill

  phone: +1 208 263-0600
  address: 30340 Highway 200, Ponderay
  Out in Ponderay, Duke's serves up barbequed everything, from pulled pork to chili to chicken, along with all the chips and salsa you can eat, in a very authentic Texas-style building. $

• Eichardts Pub & Grill

  phone: +1 208 263-4005
  address: 212 Cedar St
  Gourmet burgers seem to be the order of the day at Eichardts, but they also feature sandwiches, salads, and a full service bar. Sitting upstairs is recommended, especially with children. $-$

• Bistro at the Inn at Sand Creek

  phone: +1 208-265-2277
  address: 105 S. First Ave
  Serving up Northwest cuisine with a seasonally changing menu the Bistro has an extensive wine program and a full bar. Casual environment with a summer patio and fireplaces in both dining areas. open every evening at 4PM closed on Tuesday.$-$$

• Slates Prime Time Grill & Sports Bar

  phone: +1 208-263-1381
  address: 477272 HWY 95, Ponderay
  Slates has moved into their new location off of Hwy 95 just north of Sandpoint, more than just a sports bar, more like a sports restaurant. Beautiful log building, fitting for northern Idaho. Popular restaurant with the locals, serving gourmet burgers, steaks, seafood, pasta and salads.

• Beyond Hope Resort Restaurant

  phone: +1 208-264-5251
  address: Off Highway 200, Beyond Hope
  Located right on the lake with a beautiful lawn, this upscale restaurant offers all sorts of entrées, from steak and chicken to appetizers and a full service bar. $

• Captn's Table

  phone: +1 208-265-6351
  address: 16469 Garfield Bay Road, Sagle
  Off the beaten path in Sagle, the Captn's Table is a modern take on a wild west saloon, complete with first class meals and a bar. Their specialty is their homemade cheesecake. $

• Chimney Rock Grill

  phone: +1 208-255-3071
  address: Selkirk Lodge, Schweitzer Village
  Specializing in Northwest cuisine, this grill has incredible views of Sandpoint, along with fresh fish, steaks, and a large dessert menu. $

• Dock of the Bay

  phone: +1 208-264-5057
  address: Holiday Shores Marina, Hope
  This restaurant on the water features unbelievably fresh fish and other goodies, in a gorgeous wooden Alaska-themed building with a nice patio right on the bay. $$

• Sunset Saloon

  phone: +1 208-264-6004
  address: 126 W. Main Street, Hope
  Located in the historic Hope Hotel, this cute little diner features an array of burgers, steaks, salads and more, with a full service bar. $

• Long Bridge Grill

  phone: +1 208-265-7929
  address: Highway 95 South, Sagle
  Right at the Sagle end of the Long Bridge, you will find this fun family restaurant, with steaks, seafood, and other typical steakhouse fare. $

• The Pastime

  phone: +1 208-265-1535
  address: 209 N. First Ave
  Steaks are the order of the day here, but you can also find lots of other meals, including salads and fresh sandwiches. Upstairs is the Synergy Nightclub. $

• Floating Restaurant

  phone: +1 208-264-5311
  address: Highway 200, Hope
  Bonner County's only restaurant not actually attached to the ground (hence the name), the Floating Restaurant serves all sorts of Northwest specialties and is a great restaurant, but beware: the restrooms are on their own separate (small) floats, and during choppy water seasickness may be induced. $

Asian

• Bamboo Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 208 263-9593
  address: 417 Church St
  Located on busy Church street across from the Post Office, Bamboo Chinese restaurant is a great place for lunch, but parking can be an issue. $

• Bangkok Cuisine Thai Restaurant

  phone: +1 208 265-4149
  address: 202 N 2nd Ave
  A local favorite, Bangkok is a hole in the wall place that serves up all sorts of authentic Thai meals in a delightfully decorated building. $

• Golden Dragon

  phone: +1 208 265-5425
  address: 100 Tibbetts Dr, Ponderay
  With a huge menu and lots of tables, this is the best Chinese place to go when you have a crowd. It's often overlooked, and is never crowded, but the food is excellent. Just make sure you are very clear with your order, as the staff speaks very little English. $

Italian

• Arlos Ristorante

  phone: +1 208 255-4186
  address: 330 N 1st Ave
  Sandwiched between the Cedar Street Bridge and Eve's Leaves, this is perhaps the most underrated restaurant in all of Sandpoint. Their fresh homemade marinara sauce is full of ripe tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and tons of other goodies. Don't leave without having a slice of their Chocolate Mousse Pie or a Chocolate-Chip Cannoli. $

• Ivanos Ristoranté & Café

  phone: +1 208 263-0211
  address: 102 S 1st Ave Ste 101
  Formerly located in the in the house that now houses the Blue Moon Café, Ivanos serves up Italian dishes of all sorts with a lovely outdoor patio and a cute little café and bakery. $-$$

Pizza

• Second Avenue PizzaSandpoint's classic pizzeria, Second Avenue features pizzas piled high with toppings as well as all sorts of local beers in a cute building filled with 50s memorabilia.$-$

• Old Ice House Pizza

  address: 140 W. Main Street, Hope
  Although Hope is about a 20-minute drive from Sandpoint, it is well worth it with spectacular views of the lake and wetlands. Located on the side of a mountain overlooking the lake, Ice House Pizza serves up great pizza in a fun atmosphere, with occasional live music and a ping pong table. $-$

• Thor's Pizza

  address: Schweitzer Village
  Perched atop Schweitzer mountain among some of the best skiing the west has to offer, Thor's has been serving up excellent pizza for years. $-$

• MickDuff's Brewpub

  phone: +1 208-255-4351
  address: 312 N First Ave

• Bistro at the Inn at Sand Creek

  phone: +1 208 265-2277
  address: 105 South First Ave
  full bar, extensive wine list, regional micro brews. open 4PM Wednesday - Monday. closed Tuesday

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 208-263-1222
  address: 363 Bonner Mall Way
  Located near the base of Schweitzer Mountain Ski Area with log cabin style rooms with premium 'log' furniture. Amenities include sauna and hot tub. Hotel is pet-friendly.

• The Lodge at Sandpoint

  phone: +1 208 263-2211
  address: 41 Lakeshore Drive Sagle

After all, there's way more to the region than just Sandpoint! In fact, Sandpoint makes a great hub from which to visit smaller (or sometimes larger) communities. Here are some places to start...

Hwy 95 Northbound

• Bonners Ferry Slightly smaller than Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry is a short drive from the Canadian border. It has a cute downtown full of shops and also the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, where you can hike numerous trails or take a driving tour.
• Porthill/Rickerts About the only thing interesting about these communities is that they lie exactly on the border and house the US/Canada customs. Unlike many more urban customs offices, waits are not usually long, but remember to bring birth certificates for all minors and identification for all adults, plus passports all around if your vacation falls in 2008 or after.
• Cranbrook, BC Cranbrook is a fun little town not far from the border, whose main attraction is Fort Steele. Fort Steele is a famous re-enactment/museum of pioneer life, complete with exhibits and tradespeople such as tin and blacksmiths, excellent views of Cranbrook, and many exhibits. A must see for all passerby.

Hwy 95 Southbound

Hwy 200 Eastbound

Hwy 2 Westbound

• Priest River/Lake Past LaClede is the small timber town of Priest River. Priest River is home to a cute downtown, Albeni Falls Dam (which supplies the region's power) and plenty of wilderness ripe for discovering. Head north from Priest River, and you will find Priest Lake, a tiny resort town in the middle of nowhere.
• Newport, WA Just over the Washington border lies Newport, also on the Pend Oreille river. Newport has lots of shops and a classically themed movie theater.
• Beyond If you stay on 2, you will eventually end up in Sedro-Woolly and Burlington at the junction of Hwy 2 and I-5. Along the way you will pass through such famous destinations as Winthrop and Republic, all within a days drive of Sandpoint... or Seattle.