Coeur d’ Alene Resort

By Heather Caro

Photos Courtesy of the Coeur d’ Alene Resort

According to Coeur d’Alene lore, the city in northern Idaho got its name from French Canadian traders and their description of indigenous Native Americans’ keen trade practices with European settlers.  Translated literally “Heart of the Awl” or “sharp hearted,” Coeur d’Alene has a rich history filled with tales of a pioneering spirit.

Today the thriving resort community bears little resemblance to its name’s historical roots.  In fact, the town of 41,000 christened “The Playground of the Northwest” has become synonymous with the idea of luxury and year-round outdoor recreation.  That reputation is due in large part to The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Towering above the marina on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, flanked by the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains with the city’s downtown sprawled neatly at its feet, the resort has drawn tourists from around the world.  Renowned for its summer water recreation, fine dining and world-class golf course, the resort has become a favorite winter destination as well, and boasts one of the largest holiday light shows in the country.

The light show, which begins Nov. 27, kicks off with sleigh rides through downtown, Christmas caroling and a lighted parade before a fireworks display over the lake.

“It is a fantastic evening,” says Gay Glasson, the event coordinator for the Downtown Association of Coeur d’Alene.  “There is nothing more marvelous than watching fireworks in the snow.”

 

 

This year, more than 1.5 million glittering lights will transform the picturesque bay into a holiday wonderland, which will remain lit nightly through Dec. 31.

Visitors to the city can enjoy the scenery along the lakeside boardwalk or wander down to the marina and climb aboard a “Journey to the North Pole” cruise to see the floating light displays up close.  Frosty the Snowman, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and several other live characters make appearances on the 40-minute, family-friendly cruises, which tour across the lake to the “North Pole” and the world’s tallest living animated Christmas tree.

The Coeur d’Alene grand fir, which rises 162 feet above the city, is more than twice as tall as the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza and is illuminated by more than 40,000 LED lights. Glasson says the resort’s holiday celebrations are family-based and have a community feel – perfect for visitors and locals alike.

“The greatest part is that we have families that have been doing this for 20 years,” she said.  “And we now have kids coming home from college because they wouldn’t miss this weekend.”

Holiday visitors to the area can also enjoy some stellar cuisine at the resort, with restaurants ranging from the family-friendly to the extravagant.

Perched on the 7th floor of the Lake Tower, Beverly’s serves gourmet food against the panoramic backdrop of the 25-mile-long lake and surrounding wilderness.

“No matter where you are seated, every table in our restaurant enjoys views of the lake and the trees,” says Vera Saint, an assistant manager of Beverly’s.  Consistently listed as one of the top restaurants in the country by Distinguished Restaurants of North America-an organization that recognizes fine dining establishments-Beverly’s is known for its lavish presentations and an astounding $2 million dollar wine inventory.

 

 

Another local favorite that’s a little easier on the pocketbook is Dockside, located on the Lake Tower’s lobby level.  Dockside offers casual dining with views of the marina and the Boardwalk.  The Sunday brunch has become a Northwest favorite (think apple cinnamon sausage and brown sugar bacon), and Dockside’s signature dessert bar, Gooey’s, offers elaborate confections.

The Cedars – a restaurant that actually floats – is located on Lake Coeur d’Alene at Blackwell Island.  The Cedars specializes in Northwest cuisine, serving up dishes that sound both exotic and delicious, like Sashimi Yellow Fin Tuna or Prosciutto Chicken finished with a pancetta béchamel sauce.  Service is also first-rate: Cedars offers dockside parking for its boating patrons.

The resort is located within walking distance of downtown shopping, or visitors can take the sky-walk to the Coeur d’Alene Shopping Plaza and find specialty stores, antiques and an art gallery.

To round out a fun-filled – and holiday-light-filled – weekend, the resort boasts its Spa Coeur d’Alene, offering massage, hydrotherapy, and signature Oh! (only here) treatments in addition to a full salon menu.  The 15,000 square-foot spa was recently renovated and includes its own version of an upscale man cave – a men’s-only barber area with a Ferrari-red Italian leather barber chair and a conservatory-style quiet room overlooking the lake.

Coeur d’Alene is a mere 3 1/2 hours from Yakima, making a trip to the resort over a long weekend quite possible – not to mention enjoyable.

If You Go:

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

115 S. Second Street, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Directions from Yakima:  Take I-82 toward Ellensburg merging onto I-90 E toward Vantage/Spokane.  Take the Exit 11/Northwest Blvd., toward city center.  From there, follow the directions to downtown and watch for the resort on your right.

Reservations: 800-688-5253

Hotel Information: 208-765-4000

www.cdaresort.com

• “Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole” Holiday Light Show Cruises

Holiday light show displays nightly, Nov. 28-Dec.31

Cruises depart at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.  Prepaid reservation required.

Ticket prices:  Adults $15.75   Seniors (55+) $14.75

Children 12 and under complimentary

• Lighting Ceremony/Fireworks Cruise

Watch the lighting ceremony and fireworks show from one of the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise boats, Friday Nov. 27

2 hour cruise departs at 5:30 p.m.  Prepaid reservation required

Adults $27.75  Children (6-12 years) $16.75

Children (5 years and younger) complimentary

Additional 40-minute holiday light cruises are available this evening at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 pm

For cruise ticket information contact:

800-688-5253

208-765-2300 ext. 21