Fun Day

Yesterday, Bruce and I decided to treat ourselves to a "fun" day. We've been doing chores, working on projects, running errands and shopping. Not that I'm complaining. It's better than going in to work! But every once in awhile, you just need to have fun.

So after our morning chores around the house and yard, we drove to one of our favorite towns up here in the Panhandle: Sandpoint.
Sandpoint is situated at the northern end of Lake Pend Oreille, where it empties into the Pend Oreille River.

Traveling north on Highway 95, you approach Sandpoint by traversing a long, low bridge over the lake.

Pend Oreille is the fifth largest lake in the United States, and is over 1200 feet deep!

Our first stop is the Pend d'Oreille Winery, or as it's known to the locals, POW. As you can see, we have preferred parking right in front!














POW also has the Bistro Rouge Cafe, one of the best restaurants around. Eating here is one of the main reasons we visit POW. That, and refilling our Growliers (or "Growlers", as we like to call them).












The tasting room is beautiful, with a long bar, a shop with lots of wine and gifts, and tables for you to enjoy your delicious lunch.

The staff is so friendly. I could just spend the whole day here!

It's a little dangerous, though. I usually don't walk out with at least a few gifts in my bag. Gifts for friends, family, or...myself!









The first order of business today, though, is lunch. We're hungry!

And thirsty! I enjoyed a glass of Roussane, while Bruce had his usual Bistro Rouge.

Slante!

That's Our Spot.   

Mmmmm, lunch is served. Bruce devours his entire gluten-free Bacon, Gorgonzola and Date pizza. That's balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top.

I had two appetizers: bruschetta with tomatoes, chevre and mint, and ginger-garlic peppered shrimp. Heaven.










Time to walk off that lunch and go shopping! Sandpoint has a charming Old Town with lots of unique shops and landmarks. It definitely has charm!

The Panida (pronounced PAN-I-duh, instead of my preferred pan-E-duh) is a cultural center for theater, music and dance. Bruce and I saw Leo Kottke here last winter. 

Two more stops before heading home...

First is my new favorite store: Big R!
"Almost Anything...Big R's Got It!" Unfortunately, they  did not have the insect headnet I was hoping to find.









So we stopped at the Co-Op Country Store, owned by local ranchers, farmers and the like. They have almost anything too!

Hmmmm, they had a beekeeper's hat and head gear. That was just a little too much for me. I mean, I don't want to look any more ridiculous than I have to. But these flies and bugs are really starting to interfere with my gardening enjoyment. I will keep looking...










Bruce and I agree that if there ever comes a time that we feel we need to leave the country life and live in town, we'd like to move to Sandpoint. Just large enough to have a great selection of stores and restaurants, but small enough to be warm and friendly. Until next month, Sandpoint!