Festival in Sandpoint: August 2-12 2012
The Festival at Sandpoint celebrates its 29th annual summer concert series, August 4-14, with eight nights of eclectic music under the stars on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho. This year's summer line-up welcomes back two of last season's most popular artists -- Brandi Carlile and Michael Franti & Spearhead -- for "encore performances" each Friday, as well as other headliners who have been on our wish list for years: Rickie Lee Jones, Chris Isaak, and Rodney Crowell as well as rising stars Josh Ritter, David Nail, Lukas Nelson, Jason Spooner and more. http://www.festivalatsandpoint.com/index.html
The Panida Theater
Whether hosting local performers, recording stars such as Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, Wynton Marsalis and Mitch Miller, or internationally renowned artists like Gunther Schuller, the Spokane Symphony, San Francisco Opera, the Cavini String Quartet or the Paris Chamber Ensemble . . . the Panida theater continues to bring the best in entertainment to the people of North Idaho. You can also catch an independent film.
http://www.panida.org/
City Beach
Unlike many other city beaches, Sandpoint city beach is clean and safe. It is however very crowded in the summer. It is located 2 blocks from downtown, which makes it a convenient place for families to hang out. The beach is a small peninsula. On one side is a flat, shallow beach perfect for kids who do not swim yet. On the other is a deeper, steeper beach with a platform in the water for older, water safe kids to jump off and play. In between is a huge tree shaded grassy area with picnic tables, bbq's and a playground.
Shopping In Sandpoint
Main St. runs through downtown Sandpoint and is about 3 blocks long. You can easily stroll through local shops in an afternoon. Of special interest are Jezza Bella, Cabin Fever, Finan McDondald, Blue Lizard and the Cedar St Bridge shops.
Hiking/Swimming/Outdoors
Grouse Creek Falls
This is a Dardine family favorite! The falls have a total drop of less than twenty feet in a series of steps, first five feet into a small pool, then another small plash. It's a 30 minute drive NE from Sandpoint on Highway 95 toward Bonners Ferry about 8 miles, right on Colburn-Culver east about 5.5 miles; then to Grouse Creek Road, which turns into Forest Service Road 280 (dirt road), and about 6 more miles. Look for the sign to the trail to Grouse Creek.
It's a short hike to the falls, but it's a little tricky getting down to the first pool as there is no real trail, however kids (even small ones) can do it with help. There is a waterfall with a natural slide down into a pool large enough for swimming. At noon the sun will shine straight down into the gorge, by late afternoon the shade makes it a bit chilly. Bring a picnic!
Rapid Lightning Falls
The falls are one of Jade's favorite childhood hangout spots. Located just past her parent's store The Pack River Store, is a great swimming hole. Stop by the store for some lunch, visit the Emu farm next door and then head down to the falls for a dip.
From Sandpoint: Turn east onto Hwy 200 from US Hwy 95 and proceed 6 miles, Turn left onto Colburn Culver Rd, drive 2.9 mi. Turn right at Northside School onto Rapid lightning Creek Rd and continue 3.4 miles. The falls are on your right at a non-descript turn-out. There are often cars parked in the turnout. Stop at the Pack River Store (a little over a mile past Northside school on Rapid Lightning Rd) for more help with directions.
Pack River Float
Grab some tubes at Walmart and spend the day in the sun floating down the pack river. Start on Colburn Culver Rd and float down to the Pack River Store (4 hours) or Start at the store and float to the lake (6hrs). We will plan a group float from Colburn Culver Rd to the Pack River Store on Thursday 8/9/12 starting at 12pm, details to follow.
Schweitzer Mountain
Our local ski resort offers a number of summer activities including: Horseback riding, zip lines, a climbing tower and bungee jumping for kids, hiking/huckleberry picking, mountain biking (bike rentals available)
http://summer.schweitzer.com/
Western Pleasures Ranch- Horseback Riding
Located on 1100 acres of summer pastures with tall pines and breathtaking views of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges is the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. A fourth generation cattle ranch that has been operating on the same land since 1940. The ranch is located in Idaho's scenic Panhandle region, about 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho. The Western Pleasures Ranch also has a number of cabins and guesthouse lodging. This would be perfect for someone who wants to "get away from it all."
http://www.westernpleasureranch.com/
Hope Marine Services
Hope Marine Services is located on the east side of the lake. It is Jade's favorite side of the lake, with fewer people, less traffic and beautiful views. The marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals as well as fishing equipment, a boat launch and a delicious floating restaurant. It's a beautiful drive around the lake and the restaurant can be a fun destination.
http://www.hopemarine.com/
Diamond Charters Fishing Tours
Interested in a unique Idaho experience? Fishing with Diamond Charters is sure to be fun and exciting. "Ever lay in bed at night before going fishing and fall asleep dreaming about catching the giant rainbow? You know, 24, maybe 25 inches and the great fight that would go with it? Well, we throw those back!!! BAIT! Or shakers as we call them. What we fish for at Diamond Charters, located in Hope, Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille, are world class Gerrard Rainbow Trout in the twenty-pound range. These trout are land locked and have little in common with Steelhead except for the spots." http://www.diamondcharters.com/
Action Water Sports Water
Water sport lessons, stand-up paddle boards, sea-doos, kayak rentals
http://actionwatersportslessons.com/index.php/rentals
