Cheers to St. Patrick’s Day!
March 12th, 2012 | 1 Comment
I'm excited for the St. Patty's Day Parade and Fun Run!
Drinking beer at an Irish pub is almost synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day; while microbreweries have become the trendy thing in the Northwest.
Historic Wallace, with its roots as a rough and tumble mining town with plenty of booze and brothels, has a long history of producing beer. In fact, in 1910 the mayor ordered the town to only drink beer after a major fire tainted the water supply. Paying homage to the town’s past is an assortment of smooth, balanced micro-brews from the Wallace Brewing Company.
The brewery produces beers that are named to reflect Wallace’s outlaw history:
Rock Head Lager: American standard, brewed with Idaho Pilsner malted barley and rice making an undemanding, refreshing beer. Lightly hopped with Cascade hops for low bitterness.
Dirty Blond Pale Ale: American Pale Ale, brewed to be slightly less malty, but conspicuously hoppy. The aromatic hops are grown here in the historic Silver Valley making it slightly more dirty than blonde.
Redlight Lager: Red Honey Wheat Lager brewed with pale malt, white wheat and sweet honey malt for the dark color. There’s no cloudiness in this filtered lager, just a deep sensuous red color and unique flavor.
Jackleg Stout: Cream Stout evolved from Irish Porters. Jackleg is smooth and as dark as the underground. The roasted coffee flavor and aroma come from chocolate and debittered black malts.
Wallace Honeys: The little sister to the Red Light. A filtered honey wheat ale without cloudiness. Brewed with pale malt, white wheat and honey malt for a satiny-sweet unique taste.
Vindicator IPA: Named after the Vindicator mine in the Silver Valley, it is their biggest beer to date. A refreshingly mild flowery start with a nice rich, malty sweetness that balances the citrusy hop finish.
Learn more at Wallace Brewing and Visit Idaho for a list of microbreweries.
More St. Patrick Day Festivities:
March 15 @ 6:30pm: Irish Band Dervish to perform in Hailey at Liberty Theater; getting you ready for St. Patrick’s Day.
March 17: 7th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration. This year’s theme is “A Day in the Life of a Leprechaun.” Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Parade starts at 4 pm.
March 17: Want to know where to find the bag pipers in Boise on St. Patty’s Day? Here’s the full schedule.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run at Julia Davis Park, Boise.
Many Idaho communities will have a SPD parade… see Visit Idaho events for more info.
PS: If your idea of “green beer” involves food coloring and shamrocks, it’s time to think again. Lower your carbon footprint and support the local economy by drinking local beer. Blog posting from the Nature Conservancy along with Brewery Map.
13 Ways to Celebrate with your Valentine
February 4th, 2012 | No Comments
1) Sweetheart Sunset Dinner Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene
A romantic dinner on the lake that includes prime rib, chicken piccata, Caesar salad, au gratin potatoes, fresh fruit and a special Valentine’s dessert, served with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Saturday, February 11th | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, February 14th | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
2) Wine Tasting and Chocolate Pairing at Sawtooth Winery
Enjoy an array of Sawtooth Winery’s wine paired with
The “Chocolat” Bar’s chocolates, for a most enjoyable taste treat.
Saturday, February 11 |12:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday February 12 | 12:00pm to 5:00pm
3) Stay & Spa – Mountain Decadence at Shore Lodge in McCall
Steal away to Shore Lodge with the one you love. Shore Lodge has prepared the perfect evening of decadence for you and yours. Decadence package includes: One-night stay in a Lake View Suite; Two one-hour spa treatments of your choice at The Cove, an authentic McCall Spa; in-room champagne and strawberries nightcap.
Be forewarned! The Decadence package is stronger than Love Potion #9. Plan accordingly.
4) Romance Package at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg
Luxurious condo, chilled champagne or huckleberry wine, two complimentary wine glasses, bath salts for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates. Deluxe romance package includes his and her massage and dinner for two at Noah’s Canteen.
5) Celebrate with your Valentine in Sun Valley
Forever Plaid will serenade your sweetheart in the Boiler Room.
Swing back through time to the 1950’s with the Plaids as they revive close-harmony hits such as
Moments to Remember, Crazy ‘Bout Ya Baby, and Love is a Many-Spendored Thing!
Tuesday, February 14 | 7: 30 pm
Cocktails at fire pit 2 hours before show time
6) Trinity on the Beach in Sandpoint
Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials.
Tuesday, February 14 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm
7) His & Hers Valentine Special at Hotel 43 in Boise
Spoil each other this Valentine’s Day with a special night .
You will be treated to two nights in a Capitol level room, “Hers” night is tickets for two on Friday, February 17th to La Bohme presented by Opera Idaho plus “His” night tickets for two on Saturday night to the Idaho Stampede basketball game. To top it off, enjoy breakfast for two on both Saturday and Sunday from the Metro Café. Valet parking for two nights, plus special Hotel 43 Valentines treats will be waiting for you upon arrival.
8) The Whole Ski Bang!
Skiing, pampering and tasty treats, this getaway to Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs in eastern Idaho promises quality couple time and a lot more! The Whole Ski Bang! package for two includes: a two night stay at Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs; a day of skiing at Pebble Creek Ski Area; a half hour of facilitated stretching and sports massage, day passes for soaking in the hot springs pools, soothing massages after a day on the slopes; Grounds for Change brand organic coffee, Chocolove chocolate bars, bottled water; chilled champagne or cider and more!
9) Inn-Credible Idaho!
Seeking a bed & breakfast that is intimate, romantic or rustic? Browse through “Inn-Credible Idaho” to find the accommodations that are right for you and your valentine!
10) Sweet to Spicy at the Idaho Botanical Gardens in Boise
Mustard is the king of condiments. From Dijon, France to Boise, Idaho and from sweet to spicy, the possibilities are endless. Join Sylvie Ryan to discover the wonders of cooking with mustard. Sample different mustards, including local products, and prepare a few simple recipes that are sure to bring sweet and spicy inspiration to your Valentine’s Day Feast!
Thursday, February 9 | 6:30 p.m.
11) “The Chocolate Affair” in Downtown Coeur d’Alene
The sweetest ‘Walk’ of the year ~ for the chocoholic. Join in the tasting.
Friday, February 10th | 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
12) Sweetheart’s Weekend at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg
Speed dating session on chair 3 and cupcake tasting paired with wines from Cupcake Winery.
Saturday, February 11
13) Oh Fudge! Make your Valentine’s Day even sweeter with this decadent fudge.
Idaho’s “Black Canyon Fudge” makes mouthwatering sweets with real cream and butter.
Bordellos, BBQ and Brews
January 25th, 2012 | No Comments
As noted in an earlier post, I had the opportunity to spend a few days recreating in and around Wallace in northern Idaho, where much of the city is on the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoor recreation is everywhere, but I would be remiss if I overlooked Wallace’s downtown amenities.
As a buy-local kind of guy, I look forward to the local digs that only small towns can offer. 
To my pleasant surprise, there are two outstanding breweries in Wallace. Walking along the well-known Bank Street, just down the road from the center of the universe, I noticed large brew kettles (coppers as they say in the “biz”) through the glass windows.
Wallace Brewery is a three year old brewery that prides itself on keeping its beer relevant to the history of Wallace. Rumor has it that there were a handful of extra special women who worked in the Bordellos during the early 1900s. It seems only fitting that the coppers be given sometimes colorful names like Stella and Roxy to represent the different types of beer being brewed. While beers named Dirty Blonde, Jackleg Stout and Orehouse Amber honor Wallace’s rich mining and bordello history.
I also visited North Idaho Mountain Brew on the opposite side of town. Established in 2008, the owners of North Idaho Mountain Brew brought a dream to reality after years of home brewing in Alaska. The brewery has five brewed delights on tap that relate to northern Idaho including Mountain Top Amber, Summit Gold and Loft Honey, all with significance to the local ski resorts. Beer from both breweries can be found in pubs across northern Idaho. The breweries host home brew get-togethers so stop in for a sampler, bring in some of your own personal masterpiece to share and tempt your taste buds with these flavorful beers!
My final hours in Wallace took me to the south side of town. Ready for a snack, I stopped in at D & G Bakery. If you’re looking for a fresh baked treasure like your mom might make, this is the place: breads, cakes, cookies, espresso…you won’t be disappointed. After a mouth-watering chocolate chip cookie I made my way down 5th Street where a delicious scent filled the air. A large, old fashioned smoker sits outside the Smoke House BBQ and Saloon, calling to empty bellies and beckoning one and all to experience an entree along with the aroma. If it’s not mealtime, pop inside anyway, have the beverage of your choice and admire the building’s history. You can’t miss the 100 foot wildlife mural on the back wall painted by John Hart in 1980. I am told he was compensated for his work with beer…sounds like a great deal to me!
With the sun setting, creating a beautiful sunset glow over the hills, it was time to enjoy dinner at the 
1313 Club. It’s pretty interesting how it got its name: first, its original bar was 13 feet high by 13 feet wide and second, it was the 13th bar built in Wallace and deserved a snazzier name than “The 13th Bar”. The 1313 Club serves local Wallace brews and has a large menu to satisfy any appetite. The 1313′s great food, fun atmosphere and historic touches speak for themselves.
When in Idaho, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the small town (4 blocks long by 9 blocks wide) of historic Wallace. During my one day in town, I was only able to experience just a few of the wonderful breweries, shops and restaurants, but there are many more hidden treasures I look forward to visiting on my next trip to this inviting little city.
Part II, written by guest blogger Austin Rogerson
Love Craft Beer? A Place For Adults To Hang Out in North Idaho
December 2nd, 2011 | 1 Comment
I am always in search of a place for grown ups to be able to sit and enjoy some great brews and be able to have conversations here in the North Idaho area.
What always happens is I find a place that has great Craft Beer choices, but it is just not a place to sit and hang out with friends and be able to have conversations. Or…I find a place that is good to hang out in, but the beer choices are minimal or they just don’t have any craft beer at all (why I have no idea!).
My recent find is Mulligan’s in the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn. If you have lived in the area for a long time you will remember that at one time Mulligan’s formerly known as Roxy’s was a hot spot in the area in days past. It is well past it’s Roxy days (thank goodness-pukers need not apply), but with the addition of a new GM to the hotel he is wanting to put Mulligan’s back on the radar. He has added a couple Laughing Dog Brews to his taps and is going to rotate in other regional craft brews in the future.
Now the beer choices are not elaborate, but at least they have started on the right path. So with some good brews on tap, decent food, and a quiet environment that you can sit and enjoy conversations with friends it just may be one of my new hang out spots. Oh…and did I mention they have a magician that is in the bar entertaining folks a few night a week?
What places have you found that you like to spend time in here in the North Idaho area? Maybe we need to get a list going!
Guest Blogger: Jamie Lynn Morgon, Bikes and Brews Northwest
Lamb Dine Around, Street Food, Potato Vodka Tour. Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time
September 21st, 2011 | No Comments
Week 6: October 3-9
The harvest season is in full swing, supplying farmer’s markets with endless edibles and fall decorations, and vineyards with a bounty of fruit. Blazing reds, gold, and orange dapple the countryside creating a natural palette of breathtaking beauty.
Celebrate the gifts from the land.
All Week: B-29 Streatery, Caldwell and Nampa
The brain child of Chef Dustan Bristol of Brick 29 Bistro, B29 Streatery is a mobile kitchen offering local ingredients and white tablecloth quality cuisine in a street food format.
All Week: Potato Vodka Tour, Caldwell and Coeur d’Alene
Bardenay Distillery and Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene
Koenig Distillery and Winery: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for tastings and tour.
October 7-9: Lamb Dine Around at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum & Hailey
Indulge your taste buds with exquisite lamb dishes in the Wood River Valley.
October 8-9:Clearwater Corn Maze, Lewiston
Vandal fans, this year’s corn maze is shaped like Joe Vandal’s head.
October 8-9: Harvest Festival at Botanical Gardens, Boise
Enjoy live music, hay rides, games, and kid’s activities. Shop the farmers market with a variety of local vendors and fresh ingredients. Fun for all ages.
Enjoy local food and wine at these Idaho restaurants.
Farmers Market Guide
A Harvest Guide to farm festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Culinary Event Calendar for August 29 – September 5
Culinary Event Calendar for September 6 – 11
Culinary Event Calendar for September 12-17
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
A Plethora of Food, Wine, Beer, and Events: Harvest Idaho; One Bite at a Time
September 12th, 2011 | 1 Comment
Week 5 September 26 – October 2
Get-togethers and festivals are synonymous with the fall season. The cool crisp temperatures combined with the fall harvest create a celebratory atmosphere. Our taste buds crave warm hearty dishes paired with full-bodied libations. We hunger for a “last summer hurrah.” Savor the season. Tap into the local flavors and celebrations and Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time. Cheers!
September 28th: Fall Tapas Class, Basque Market, Boise
This class will feature one of our most popular tapas, green olive tapenade. Classes begin at 6pm and include tapas, a tasting of 3-4 wines, and of course, you get to eat whatever we make during the class.
September 30 – October 1: Oktoberfest, Coeur d’Alene
Festivities include: 12 tasting stations featuring over 20 craft brews, traditional German style food, live music, and a variety of contests.
October 1: Farm to Table ~ Year of Idaho Food, College of Idaho, Caldwell
Dinner will feature a delectable meal prepared with local foods, followed by a Farm to Table presentation, and concluding with local comedy-acting duo, The Fool Squad (Joe Golden and Tom Wilmorth). Local food never looked so foolish!
October 2: Oktoberfest and the First Annual Amateur Wine and Beer Competition, Woodriver Cellars, Eagle
Bring your homemade brews to be judged by our very own winemaker. This is the perfect chance to put your wine making and beer brewing to the ultimate taste test. Enjoy Idaho’s local brews, authentic German food, and dance the afternoon away to the sounds of the Treasure Valley’s Musik Meisters Omm Pa Pa band.
October 2 – 8: 7-Day Wine Tasting Getaway, Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison.
Sample over 30 regional wines, be delighted with chef prepared meals, and enjoy a wide range of guided adventures including: horseback riding, sporting clays, kayaking, and boat tours.
Culinary Calendars and more information:
A Harvest guide to farm festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Culinary Event Calendar for August 29 – September 5.
Culinary Event Calendar for September 6 – 11.
Culinary Event Calendar for September 12 – 17.
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25.
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
Idaho’s Bounty, First Day of Fall, Oompah Band, and Oktoberfests: Harvest Idaho; One Bite at a Time
September 6th, 2011 | No Comments
Week 4 September 18 – 25 
Are you epicurious? Vacation food adventures in mid-September are especially rewarding for your taste buds. Orchards overflowing with ripe fruit. Local produce at farmers markets. Premier epicurean celebrations. What are you waiting for? Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time.
September 18– 24: 7-Day Wine Tasting Getaway, Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison.
Sample over 30 regional wines, be delighted with chef prepared meals, and enjoy a wide range of guided adventures including horseback riding, sporting clays, kayaking, and boat tours.
September 22: A Carnivore’s Dream – A Five Course Tasting Menu from Idaho’s Bounty and Local Farms with Guest Chef Dave Martin (from Bravo’s Top Chef Series) at Elkhorn Springs Restaurant, Ketchum
This is the opening dinner for the annual Sun Valley Harvest Festival. Seating is limited – Advanced reservations recommended.
September 23: Pasta – Tre d’Amore, Adult Cooking Class from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Boise.
Sheer bliss awaits your palate as tonight’s menu features not one, not two but three types of pasta.
September 24: Summer’s Last Hurrah, Adult Cooking Class from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Boise. Enjoy classic Italian culinary delights as we transition into a season of more hearty fare. This menu will serve you well, whether you are hosting a warm weather affair or looking to hunker down for a crisp, cool weather autumn meal.
September 23 – 25: Sun Valley Harvest Festival
Taste offerings from regional Idaho farmers, chefs, wine makers, distillers and brewers. Learn about the newest marketplace items, cooking techniques, wines, and ideas. Enjoy gourmet food, wines, spirits, and beer.
September 24: A Taste of Harvest, from 1 pm – 5pm, Caldwell.
A celebration of Idaho’s fall harvests.
http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/administration/development/events/tasteoftheharvest/
September 24: Oktoberfest in McCall
Alpine Village Plaza transforms into a one-day German style Oktoberfest complete with an oompah band! This is a fundraiser for MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter.
September 24 : Portneuf Valley Brewing Oktoberfest, Pocatello
Roll out the barrel and have a barrel of fun! Join the street party from 4 pm – midnight.
For more information and culinary event calendars:
A Harvest guide to farm festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Culinary Event Calendar for August 29 – September 5
Culinary Event Calendar for September 6 – 11
Culinary Event Calendar for September 12 – 17
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
Cooking Classes, Spuds, Suds, Paella, Whitewater and Wine at Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time
August 22nd, 2011 | No Comments
If you’re into food, wine and locally sourced menus, it’s time for you to Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time. Beginning August 29 running through November 6, you can spice-up your travel itinerary with a unique gastronomic experience unsurpassed by any, featuring local brews, eats, vino and sweets.
The calendar below (September 4 – 10) will introduce you to upcoming food events, activities and chefs giving you the opportunity to experience Idaho’s exceptional harvest season in a variety of ways – and don’t forget to look for the Idaho Preferred seal of approval when purchasing products. Idaho Preferred supports local farmers, ranchers, processors, and communities.
Follow the events on Twitter.
September 4 – 10: 7-Day Wine Tasting Getaway, Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison.
Sample over 30 regional wines, be delighted with chef prepared meals, and enjoy a wide range of guided outdoor adventures . http://www.redhorsemountain.com/packages/wine-tasting-weeks/
September 7th and 9th – Paella on the Patio, Basque Market, Boise.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy a heaping bowl of delicious seafood, chicken and chorizo paella with freshly baked bread. Arrive early to secure a seat and enjoy a glass of wine or a bubbly Spanish soda while watching the paella preparation, or take it to go. The paella disappears quickly so don’t be late! http://www.thebasquemarket.com/paella
September 7th : Paella and Tapas Class, Boise
One of the Basque Market’s most popular classes! This class will feature one of our most popular tapas, green olive tapenade. The traditional technique of preparing delicious seafood paella will be shown and enjoyed during the class as well! Classes begin at 6pm and include tapas, a tasting of 3-4 wines.
http://www.thebasquemarket.com/classes-events
September 9 – 11: Pend d’Oreille Winery’s Annual Harvest Party in Sandpoint. Food sampling, wine tasting and live music going on all weekend. http://www.powine.com/
September 9 – 11: Festa! Celebrate the Bounty! Caldwell
Spend the weekend enjoying the annual fall event hosted by the Sunnyslope Wine and Food Trail to celebrate this year’s harvest. Wine tasting, live music, delicious foods, and various festivities will fill the valley. http://sunnyslopefesta.blogspot.com/
September 10: Wine and Dine Dinner Train, Horseshoe Bend. Experience a uniquely crafted culinary and wine tasting event on Thunder Mountain Line. Dinner will feature a variety of local vineyards from Idaho’s Southwest Region with exquisite Idaho gourmet meal. Each train ride is 3.0 hours (round trip). http://www.thundermountainline.com/WineandDine2011.html
September 10: Spuds and Suds Festival, Grand Targhee Resort
Highlights the ubiquitous Idaho potato and local brews from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Grand Targhee Resort. Brew tastings from Snake River Brewing, Wildlife Brewery and Grand Teton Brewing. http://www.grandtarghee.com/the-resort/news-events/1759/SpudsandSudsFestival.php
September 10: A Taste of Tuscany with Chef Gruber, Shore Lodge, McCall
If you haven’t been to one of Chef Gruber’s cooking classes, make sure to attend this themed evening event- ‘Flavors of Tuscany’. Please contact Cindy @ cbray@shorelodgemccall.com
September 10-14: Cooking Adventure – Culinary Whitewater Series with Row Adventures
Five-days on the famous Snake River through Hells Canyon. ). Carving the deepest river gorge in North America and featuring the best autumn whitewater in the West. Participants will be taught by ROW Adventures’ talented guide staff as well as a skilled chef to learn how to prepare gourmet meals in the wilderness http://www.rowadventures.com/cooking-adventure-culinary-rafting.html
Culinary Event Calendar August 29 – September 5
Culinary Event Calendar September 6 – 11
Culinary Event Calendar September 12 – 17
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time
August 15th, 2011 | 1 Comment
In the Fall, Idaho is a spectacular venue for not only dramatic fall foliage, but also a plethora of diverse food and libations. Forty-three wineries, nineteen commercial craft brewers, five distilleries and 140 different crops change Idaho’s pristine landscape into an endless edible banquet.
This year brings the first annual Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time. Beginning August 29, the events run through November 6. The calendar below will introduce you to upcoming food events, activities and chefs – so that you can experience Idaho’s exceptional harvest season. Follow the events on Twitter.
August 28 – September 2: Wine & Whitewater on the Main Salmon River
A very exclusive week on the Main Salmon River, where guest hosts, Pug Ostling and Lisa Whisnant, will teach you to mix, match and “marry” your food and wine like a pro. Enjoy six days of vintages and victuals that say “I do”. Whether you’re a gourmet or a gourmand, give your knowledge a boost and your taste buds a treat, in this pristine setting of world-class whitewater and unspoiled wilderness.
http://www.canyonsinc.com/specialtytrips.raft
August 31-September 4: Cooking Adventure – Culinary Whitewater Series with Row Adventures
Five-day Scotch and (white) Water™ adventure on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.
http://www.rowadventures.com/cooking-adventure-culinary-rafting.html
September 1 & 3, from 3 – 4 pm: Wheels & Wine Historical Tour in Sun Valley .
Enjoy a leisurely historical bicycle tour through Sun Valley… with the perfect ending… a hosted wine tasting.
http://blog.sunvalley.com/2011/07/wheels-wine-historical-tour-pete-lanes-bike-shop/
September 3 from 6 – 10 pm: Harvest Moon Dinner at the Grove Plaza, in downtown Boise. A celebration of local food and wine presented by the Capital City Public Market. Prepared by local chefs, the meal is $100 for six courses and dessert.
http://www.nwfoodnews.com/event/harvest-moon-dinner-2011/
September 2 – 4: Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch September Wine Weekend
Meet John Alonge, The Wine Heretic, and learn the art of “Pairing Wine and Food” and “How to Blend Your Own Wine”. The holiday weekend will 
exercise your five senses and please your palate. http://www.visitidaho.org/vacation-package/idaho-rocky-mountain-ranch-september-wine-weekend/6516/
September 3 – 4 : Schweitzer Mountain Resort Fall Fest Celebration
Schweitzer’s 19th annual outdoor microbrew and music festival offers tasting tents featuring regional microbrews, wine and soda. http://www.schweitzer.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/fall-fest-feat-northwest-microbrews/
September 5: Day of Idaho Food
Celebrating Idaho’s rich agricultural heritage and abundance in the Treasure Valley. Whet your appetite and explore the variety of Day of Idaho Food menus at local restaurants a list of participating restaurants is available at http://www.nwfoodnews.com
September 4-7: Cooking Adventure – Culinary Whitewater Series with Row Adventures
Four-days on Idaho’s Salmon River Canyons (River of No Return). Combines hands-on learning of campfire and Dutch Oven cooking focused on Northwest Regional Fare. Participants will be taught by ROW Adventures’ talented guide staff as well as a skilled chef to learn how to prepare gourmet meals in the wilderness. A moderate class III whitewater rafting trip featuring camps on huge white sand beaches.
http://www.rowadventures.com/cooking-adventure-culinary-rafting.html
Culinary Event Calendar August 29 – September 5
Culinary Event Calendar September 6 – 11
Culinary Event Calendar September 12 – 17
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
Dover Bay Bungalows
July 11th, 2011 | 2 Comments
Written by guest blogger Danielle Gruden
Sometimes you experience places that give you that white-picket fence, shuttered window, forget-me not garden type of feeling- perfection. These places find a corner, forever in your memory.
Dover Bay, about two miles outside of Sandpoint, ID sits on Lake Pend Oreille. I headed here for my birthday – by myself. My travel partner dropped out last minute – which I was initially worried about, as were
my parents. A mid twenty-something wrestling with the road and the wilderness. But once I arrived at Dover Bay Bungalows my frown instantly turned upside down. Who needs a travel partner when you have trails, boats and food? This little slice of heaven was all mine to enjoy – from the shores to the trails – with no agenda or plan in mind or on paper. I climbed out of my car, much like the people in the commercials climb out of their SUV’s – ready for danger, ready for an adventure, ready for whatever came my way..
I grabbed my camera and went exploring. From my first step from the ground to the dock, I wished I had planned a longer vacation.
Although it was a rainy weekend, the view was still one for the story books. I walked around the grounds and lay on docks to warm the bones when the sun decided to peak through. I also ventured to
Sandpoint – stopping at some of the town’s hot spot like Eichardts and Monarch’s coffee. Here I read a book that I picked up from Vanderford’s Books. I met a few of the locals and enjoyed conversation and food with a few strangers turned friends.
I spent the nights sipping Pend Oreille Winery wine, sitting by the fire and doing nothing much more than laying low – chilling out – for once. It became more natural as the time to check out approached.
I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday getaway – the view was perfection, the calmness was empowering and the people were the typical Idaho sweethearts. Looking forward to another solo adventure.
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