The first place I take a visitor is to Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to Coeur d’Alene Lake.

When I crave local cuisine, along with great beer, I turn to Moontime Restaurant.

To escape work I can go for a sunset kayak ride on the lake.

If you come to Coeur d’Alene, get your picture taken on a boat. If you are a golfer, get your picture taken on the floating tee on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at 315 Martini’s and Tapas Restaurant, get the herbal martini.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go to Dockside at Coeur d’Alene Resort and order an ice cream sundae from Gooey’s Dessert Bar. Hudson’s Burgers, 207 East Sherman Avenue, has great old time road food.

Cheap splurge with a view – Gooey’s Peanut Butter Cup Sundae at Dockside Restaurant, Coeur d’Alene Resort

For a huge splurge, I go to Beverly’s Restaurant at Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Photo ops in Coeur d’Alene include a picture with Mudgy the Moose or Millie.

The best vantage points are had by taking the downtown walking tour. Local artist Terry Lee brings author Susan Nipps’ Mudgy the Moose character to life in a full size bronze statue.

The most random thing about Coeur d”Alene is the Floating Green on Coeur d”Alene Lake.

In Coeur d’Alene, an active day outdoors involves sailing, walking or hiking.

My favorite walking route is Tubbs Hill,a beautiful trail along Coeur d’Alene Lake.

Bardenay Restaurant is the spot for distilled spirits made on site and live musical entertainment.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read the Coeur d’Alene Press.

In the summer you should check out the Coeur d’Alene Ironman.

In the fall you should watch the leaves change colors.

In the winter you should go skiing at Silver Mountain Resort - ride the world’s longest gondola.

Take a walk in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and get your picture taken with Mudgy the Moose

Just outside of Coeur d’Alene you can visit Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Harrison, Idaho. This is an all inclusive dude ranch with horseback riding.

The best way to see Coeur d’Alene  is to walk.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Silverwood Theme Park. They have awesome roller coasters and a water park. Save time for a Pirate lake cruise.

What are your favorite things to do in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho?

Thanks to Lisa Gerber and the Coeur d’Alene Visitor’s Bureau for assistance with this post.

An active day in Coeur d’Alene means sailing on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Article and photos by Nancy D. Brown