#4 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 

Population: 45,000

Getting there: The closest major airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG), in Washington, which has connecting flights from most cities in Seattle. From there, Coeur d’Alene is about a 30-minute drive.

This lake lover’s paradise, boasts more than 55 lakes within close vicinity. The heart (pun intended) of Northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is idyllic in its beauty and a year-round destination for families, couples, and singles. The area is host to a rocking summer music festival in nearby Sandpoint which is perfect for winter skiing and snowmobiling at Schweitzer Mountain. There are, as well, plenty of options for fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. It’s also home to a large and thriving osprey and bald eagle population, which is exciting to observe even if not a bird-watching fanatic, as they take dramatic dives into the lake to grab salmon.

Some spots not to miss: Wine tasting Pend d’Orielle in Sandpoint, green eggs and ham at CDA’s Garnet Cafe, fresh zucchini bread and market spice tea at Michael D’s, and the unique pizzas at Fire Artisan Pizza on Main Street.

Where to stay:

The Coeur d’Alene Resort is a destination in and of itself, with luxurious amenities, a beautiful spa, rooms with stunning lake views, and some of the best five-star dining in town at Beverly’s Restaurant. The resort’s sommelier, Eric Cook, is a wealth of wine knowledge, not just from the Pacific Northwest but from around the world. As he should – Cook’s in charge of overseeing more than 14,000 bottles of wine in their cellars.

Side trip: Wallace

Take a 50-minute drive from Coeur d’Alene and you’ll venture into the historic mining town of Wallace. With just 800 people who live in this picturesque little town off the I-90, it feels like a ghost town with abandoned buildings and preserved facades that recall the once bustling silver mining industry. In fact, it produced more silver than any other district in the U.S. in its heyday.  It’s still a great place to buy silver and garnet (Idaho is one of the only places in the world you can find six ray star garnet in its raw and natural form).

But perhaps the top reason to visit? The Oasis Bordello, which was abandoned and preserved exactly as it was when it shut down in 1988, dirty dishes and all. Until then, it had been one of the last functioning brothels in the country. As legend has it, Secret Service arrived in town and everyone scattered never to return. Be sure to check out the “menu of services” for a good raise of the eyebrow.

More info: www.coeurdalene.org, www.wallaceidahochamber.com

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