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September 25, 2011 12:39 PM Subscribe
Where should we go for Thanksgiving weekend near the Tri-Cities in Washington state?
My honey and I would like to do a little getaway on Thanksgiving weekend to someplace within a 4- or 5-hour drive of the Tri-Cities of eastern Washington. We're looking for somewhere green to do a little hiking and window-shopping and have a nice Thanksgiving dinner. Availability of interesting walking, bus, or boat tours a plus. We're leaning more toward small, scenic towns rather than big cities.
Leavenworth is a possibility, but we've been there many times and would prefer someplace new. We're currently considering Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, as it's got hiking, river cruises, and an old mine nearby that you can tour. What's fun to do in Coeur d'Alene? Any ideas on where to go for Thanksgiving dinner there?
My honey and I would like to do a little getaway on Thanksgiving weekend to someplace within a 4- or 5-hour drive of the Tri-Cities of eastern Washington. We're looking for somewhere green to do a little hiking and window-shopping and have a nice Thanksgiving dinner. Availability of interesting walking, bus, or boat tours a plus. We're leaning more toward small, scenic towns rather than big cities.
Leavenworth is a possibility, but we've been there many times and would prefer someplace new. We're currently considering Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, as it's got hiking, river cruises, and an old mine nearby that you can tour. What's fun to do in Coeur d'Alene? Any ideas on where to go for Thanksgiving dinner there?
Are you ok with hiking in the snow? Because if not then hiking will likely be out if you go to North Idaho.
If you do head to Idaho I would recommend checking out Sandpoint instead. It's a charming small town with a fantastic ski resort (don't ski? The drive up is worth it for the view, but they also have a great restaurant at the top), a unique small theater, and a beautiful lake. It doesn't have the river cruises that CdA does, but honestly I would avoid the cruises. They're packed during the holidays, and I have a feeling you're probably not looking for being trapped on an crowded boat with overpriced drinks and mediocre food. There are other companies that do boat charters as well as scenic flights.
CdA is experiencing some growing pains. The downtown really caters towards people who have a lot of money to blow on things that they don't need, if that makes sense. And the rest of the city is your typical big box stores and chain restaurants. There really isn't much I would recommend doing in CdA itself, save for walking around the boardwalk. Most of the things you mentioned are going to be out of town, either North towards Sandpoint or South towards Kellogg.
posted by helloknitty at 8:37 PM on September 25, 2011
If you do head to Idaho I would recommend checking out Sandpoint instead. It's a charming small town with a fantastic ski resort (don't ski? The drive up is worth it for the view, but they also have a great restaurant at the top), a unique small theater, and a beautiful lake. It doesn't have the river cruises that CdA does, but honestly I would avoid the cruises. They're packed during the holidays, and I have a feeling you're probably not looking for being trapped on an crowded boat with overpriced drinks and mediocre food. There are other companies that do boat charters as well as scenic flights.
CdA is experiencing some growing pains. The downtown really caters towards people who have a lot of money to blow on things that they don't need, if that makes sense. And the rest of the city is your typical big box stores and chain restaurants. There really isn't much I would recommend doing in CdA itself, save for walking around the boardwalk. Most of the things you mentioned are going to be out of town, either North towards Sandpoint or South towards Kellogg.
posted by helloknitty at 8:37 PM on September 25, 2011
Response by poster: Yeah, I was wondering about the weather, helloknitty; according to Weather Underground, the daytime highs at that time should be around 35-40 degrees, so any snow may or may not stick . . . a little snow would be all right, but it is a risk.
I'll look into Sandpoint; thanks for the tip.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 10:12 PM on September 25, 2011
I'll look into Sandpoint; thanks for the tip.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 10:12 PM on September 25, 2011
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Yes, a lake cruise would be the best option IMO.
I can recommend the Wolf Lodge Steak House. Pretty drive to get there and I like the funky-rustic-western theme. You can often see bald eagles in that area.
I can't really think of anything else except to get out on the lake somehow. Rent a boat?
posted by cda at 2:14 PM on September 25, 2011