Leanna & Scottie
Things To Do
Mickinnick Trail Head (Hike)
Hands down Leanna's favorite hike near town. If you want good views but don't want to hike the whole thing (7 miles / 2,000+ ft vert), there's a nice lookout spot with a bench about half way up making for about an hour total hike.
The Longshot (Natural Wine Bar)
We are regulars here for their Friday night wine flight and smash burger special. We love the burger and the retro vibe they have going on :) Say hi to Brandon and Tanner who run the place and are super knowledgeable about natural wines all over the world.
MickDuff's Brewing Company
This place has a delicious burger and ahi appetizer! Great place to sample local beer too. They recently moved into a new swanky location and its become a favorite hang-out spot for both locals and out of towners.
Joel's (To-Go Mexican Food)
We average at least one breakfast burrito per week from Joel's. Get the egg, potato and bacon for breakfast and get it to go with an extra side of salsa. The fish tacos are really tasty too!
Sandpoint City Beach Park
This public beach is a 5 minute walk from downtown and is a favorite hang out spot for some sun and a quick dip in the lake.
Gold Hill Trail (Hike)
The drive along Bottle Bay to the trailhead alone is worth doing this hike! It's one of the most popular hikes near town at 5.6 miles out-and-back with 1,500 ft vert.
Miller's Country Store (Sandwiches)
A Mennonite-run neighborhood market, deli and bakery with some of the best sandwiches in town. Also a good place to shop for local goods and gifts.
Evans Brothers Coffee
The go-to hangout spot to sip coffee and chill. Get the vegan GF carrot cake - it's mind boggling how good it is!
Pack River General Store / Best Restaurant in Idaho
No words explain our love for this place. It's a convenience store / gas station serving up hands down the best food in Sandpoint and possibly all of Idaho. Alex, the head chef and co-owner with his wife Brittany, took over the store from his mother after spending years cooking in the Bay Area and working at Chez Panisse. It's a 20 minute drive (or a really awesome road bike ride :)) from Sandpoint and totally worth the trip.
Sandpoint Boat Rentals
Our favorite summer activity is boating around the lake. We highly recommend renting a boat and exploring Bottle Bay. If you have all day, navigate over to Ivano's Restaurant at Beyond Hope Resort for lunch.
Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail (Hike, Bike, Walk)
If you're into running, this trail is a nice and flat 5k right along the water. Typically lots of people walking their dogs in the morning and around sunset time.
Beet and Basil (Restaurant)
Everything here is fantastic. We especially love the pho. The food is healthy and fresh - expect international street food dishes with high quality ingredients. They also have great wine and a lovely outdoor patio.
The Hydra Steakhouse
A Ken Lynch favorite and the best (and only) steakhouse in Sandpoint :)
Pine Street Woods (Hike, Walk & Bike)
Great place for a quick walk in the woods and an even better place for mountain biking trails. Just drive all the way up Pine Street and you'll see the parking area. From here you can take Greta's Segway up to the trail heads. Alternatively, you can drive to the top where there is a parking area to access the trails. If you're lucky, there may be goats grazing up there!
The Idaho Club (Golf)
Leanna is not a golfer but Scottie has golfed here with his brother and they had a fantastic time. It is a challenging course, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Eichardt's Pub Grill & Coffee
You'll be surprised how delicious the food is at this dive bar slash restaurant. We actually think it's one of the best food options in Sandpoint but expect a heavy meal. Ask what the special is, if it's the meatloaf absolutely get it. You might even catch some live music.
Oak Street Court Food Trucks
Great selection of food trucks and outside seating areas. Check out Heart Bowls for yummy vegan eats and delicious smoothies. Hit La Catrina for Mexican street food and burritos.
Trinity At City Beach (Restaurant)
This is the spot to eat if you want lake front views and likely live music on the grass.
WE Yoga Sandpoint
WE is a vinyasa yoga studio in a beautiful space with high-ceilings, big windows and infrared heaters. Leanna teaches here Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:35pm if you happen to be around during the week.
Industry Coffee
If you're into matcha lattes, this cute lil spot is for you! A Japanese woman and her husband own it (and live in the house directly behind it). Great place to go for drive-up coffee.
Scotchman Peak (Hike)
This is a full day hike. Drive an hour from SP to the trail head (through Clark Fork) and start your 7.6 mile, 3,700 ft vert climb - 99% guarantee you'll see mountain goats at the top! Grab coffee at Scotchman's Coffee before and stop for a well earned beer and feast at The Squeeze Inn after.
The Squeeze Inn (Restaurant)
If you find yourself out in Clark Fork (which is probably only if you choose to hike Scotchman's Peak) - don't miss this spot. They have delicious pisco sours which you can enjoy in their quaint beer garden with some gorgonzola filled roasted mushrooms as an app.
The Fat Pig (Restaurant)
Very fun vibe and menu full of delicious (& spicy!) dishes. We love the sweet & spicy belly bits, bang ban cauliflower salad, pork belly mac n' cheese and szechuan chicken. FYI - they only serve beer & wine, no full bar.
Matchwood Brewing Company
Great spot to enjoy lunch and a beer outside. Usually there's live music as well.
Bluebird Bakery
We love Jill, the owner. She bakes some killer sourdough bread and the breakfast pizza is to die for. Great place for a light breakfast and coffee.
Second Avenue Pizza
Admittedly not the best pizza in the world (which is especially true if you know Jet's in Detroit) but as we all know there is no such thing as bad pizza. Pile on some ranch and sriracha and enjoy.
Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge
If you're not super into hiking but want to experience a rad outdoor adventure, take the quick road trip to Montana to check out this swinging bridge. It's a very short hike to the bridge but very nice scenery to pack a lunch and hang out.