Welcome to the beautiful Idaho Panhandle.
Panhandle tours offers high quality panoramas and virtual tours for the Real Estate market in and around Sandpoint Idaho.
We take a lot of pride in our tours. You will not find pictures with wierd curves or that make you feel dizzy. Come and enjoy Idaho!
2-4 Wait Until Dark. Sandpoint High School drama students’ fall production, 7 p.m. in the auditorium. See Hot Picks, above. 208-263-3034
2 Open DeeJay Nite. Spin tunes at Synergy during Open DeeJay Nite every Thursday. Bring and play anything you please, beginning at 8 p.m. Any music mediums accepted. Live beat matching not required. Open to those 21 and older. No cover charge. 208-255-4412
3 Live Music. Indie/Americana artist Amy Bleu performs modern folk music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
3 An Evening with Dr. Len Horowitz. Dr. Horowitz is an internationally renowned humanitarian voted “World Leading Intellectual” by the World Organization for Natural Medicine in 2006. The award-winning author is now heralding what he believes was missing from Dan Brown’s famous novel and movie, The Da Vinci Code. He comes to the Panida Theater at 7 p.m. for a presentation on the contents of his own recent book, The Real Da Vinci Code, offering his opinion in a lecture on several topics: the musical mathematics prompting creative genius and divine communion, right brain creative freedom, healing technologies based on supreme intelligence and more, including the same exercises da Vinci used to expand his prophetic vision, artistic mastery and scientific brilliance. Cost is $10, and benefits North Idaho’s Vaccination Liberation Organization and local activist groups campaigning for natural alternatives to herbicide use in Lake Pend Orielle. See DrLenHorowitz.com. 208-255-2307
4 Live Music. Fun rock trio Two of Us Plus One performs covers from artists like the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Simon and Garfunkel from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
4 Anomaly. Ski and snowboard film by Teton Gravity Research, 7 p.m. at the Panida. Presented by U S Telemark. 208-263-9191
4-5 Holiday Art Market. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents the second annual Holiday Art Market at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The event features more than 70 booths with the work of artists from all across the western states, as well as food vendors, music and children’s art activities. See Hot Picks, above. 208-263-6139
4-5 Frostiana and Friends Concert. The North Idaho Community Chorale, under the direction of Myron S. McKitrick, present their fall concert at two different locations: Nov. 4 at the Sandpoint Library and Nov. 5 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint. Featured music includes works by Randall Thompson along with other guest artists. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. and have no charge, although donations are accepted. 208-263-6930
5 Blues & Jazz. Bruce Bishop plays smooth blues and jazz every Sunday at the Hope Market Cafe from noon until 2:30 p.m. Hope Market Cafe carries an extensive array of artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, fine wines and ales, with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. No cover charge. 208-264-0506
6 Monday Night Blues Jam. The Blues Jam, hosted by Truck Mills, has been an ongoing Sandpoint music tradition for more than 12 years. Weekly at Eichardt’s, 212 Cedar Street. The pub and grill also features an extensive variety of microbrews, an upstairs game room, wine list and complete lunch and dinner menu. Starts at 8 p.m., no cover charge. 208-263-4005
8 Open Mic Night. Weekly open mic for poets, songwriters, comics and performers of all kinds at Downtown Crossing, starts around 9 p.m. 208-265-5080
9 Veteran’s Day. American Legion Color Guard ceremony and speech by Sandpoint Mayor Ray Miller in the Healing Garden at Bonner General Hospital, 1 p.m. 208-263-1441
9 Open DeeJay Nite. Spin tunes at Synergy during Open DeeJay Nite every Thursday. Bring and play anything you please, beginning at 8 p.m. Any music mediums accepted. Live beat matching not required. Open to those 21 and older. No cover charge. 208-255-4412
9-10 Little Miss Sunshine. This curiously moving film is an American family road comedy that shatters the mold. Brazenly satirical yet deeply human, the film introduces audiences to one of the most endearingly fractured families in recent cinema history: the Hoovers, whose trip to a pre-pubescent beauty pageant results not only in comic mayhem but in death, transformation and a moving look at the surprising rewards of being losers in a winning-crazed culture. This film plays in the Global Cinema Cafe series at the Panida Theater at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $5 for senior citizens, students and youth. See more about Little Miss Sunshine on the Movies page. 208-263-9191
10 Santa’s Workshop Arts & Crafts Fair. Lots of fun Christmas gift ideas at the Brown House at Bonner General Hospital, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 208-263-1441
10 Live Music. 2FOR2, an acoustic retro with a light and mellow sound, performs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
10 Wines & Food of Spain. Di Luna’s Cafe hosts a six-course Spanish dinner paired with six different Spanish wines, with live music by flamenco guitarist Abe Kenney. Cost is $65 all-inclusive; reservations recommended. 208-263-0846
10 SHS Jazz Band Concert. Sandpoint High School’s jazz band performs in the auditorium at 7 p.m. 208-263-3034
11 SARS Ski Swap. Schweitzer Alpine Racing School’s annual Ski Swap at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family. To sell items, drop them off Nov. 10 between noon and 7 p.m. See SARS.net. 208-263-1081
11 Live Music. Two-piece jazz ensemble Maria Larson and Bill Reid perform lounge music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
11 Greg Brown Concert. Greg Brown was born in the Hacklebarney section of southeastern Iowa and raised by a family that made words and music a way of life. His seasoned songwriting, storytelling, and music are deeply rooted in that place. He moves audiences with warmth, humor, a thundering voice and his unpretentious musical vision. He performs with alternative country and roots singer/songwriter/producer Bo Ramsey at the Panida Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24 in advance and $27 at the door. Sponsored by Mountain Fever and KPND. See GregBrown.org and BoRamsey.com. 208-263-9191
12 Blues & Jazz. Bruce Bishop plays smooth blues and jazz every Sunday at the Hope Market Cafe from noon until 2:30 p.m. Hope Market Cafe carries an extensive array of artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, fine wines and ales, with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. No cover charge. 208-264-0506
13 Monday Night Blues Jam. The Blues Jam, hosted by Truck Mills, has been an ongoing Sandpoint music tradition for more than 12 years. Weekly at Eichardt’s, 212 Cedar Street. The pub and grill also features an extensive variety of microbrews, an upstairs game room, wine list and complete lunch and dinner menu. Starts at 8 p.m., no cover charge. 208-263-4005
15 Open Mic Night. Weekly open mic for poets, songwriters, comics and performers of all kinds at Downtown Crossing, starts around 9 p.m. 208-265-5080
16 Holly Eve Silent Art Auction Preview. See art up for bid in the silent auction at Holly Eve two nights before the event, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Panida. Admission is free. 208-263-9191
16 Open DeeJay Nite. Spin tunes at Synergy during Open DeeJay Nite every Thursday. Bring and play anything you please, beginning at 8 p.m. Any music mediums accepted. Live beat matching not required. Open to those 21 and older. No cover charge. 208-255-4412
17 Live Music. Paul Thomas performs classic, folky rock from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
17 SHS Symphonic Band Concert. Sandpoint High School’s symphonic band performs in the auditorium at 7 p.m. 208-263-3034
18 Live Music. Monarch Mountain Band performs fun and funky bluegrass/folk from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
18 Holly Eve. It’s the 26th annual holiday fashion show and gala benefit for the Panida and Festival at Sandpoint, with epicurean delights, auction abundance, fantastic fashions and local entertainment, 6:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater. Tickets are $20. There is a free preview of the silent art auction Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. See Panida.org. 208-263-9191
18-Jan. 1 Holidays in Sandpoint. Traditional tree lighting ceremony and caroling opens the holiday season in Sandpoint, followed by store specials and entertainment throughout the season, sponsored by Downtown Sandpoint. 208-255-1876
18-26 Thanksgiving Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual fall fishing contest. Click to see more information. 208-263-0424
19 Blues & Jazz. Bruce Bishop plays smooth blues and jazz every Sunday at the Hope Market Cafe from noon until 2:30 p.m. Hope Market Cafe carries an extensive array of artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, fine wines and ales, with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. No cover charge. 208-264-0506
20 Monday Night Blues Jam. The Blues Jam, hosted by Truck Mills, has been an ongoing Sandpoint music tradition for more than 12 years. Weekly at Eichardt’s, 212 Cedar Street. The pub and grill also features an extensive variety of microbrews, an upstairs game room, wine list and complete lunch and dinner menu. Starts at 8 p.m., no cover charge. 208-263-4005
22 Open Mic Night. Weekly open mic for poets, songwriters, comics and performers of all kinds at Downtown Crossing, starts around 9 p.m. 208-265-5080
23 Open DeeJay Nite. Spin tunes at Synergy during Open DeeJay Nite every Thursday. Bring and play anything you please, beginning at 8 p.m. Any music mediums accepted. Live beat matching not required. Open to those 21 and older. No cover charge. 208-255-4412
24-25 Wine Tasting. Syrah Futures and Library tasting at Pend d’Oreille Winery. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
24 Live Music. Josh Hedlund, a soulful singer/songwriter with a soft, sweet and mellow sound, performs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
24 Tree Lighting. Annual celebration for the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, with two choirs performing and appearances by Santa Claus and Mayor Ray Miller, plus cider and cookies, 5:30 p.m. at Jeff Jones Town Square. Sponsored by Downtown Sandpoint. 208-255-1876
24 West Cost Boogaloo. Premiere of ski film, 7 p.m. at the Panida. Presented by Ground Zero. 208-263-9191
25 Live Music. Just Plain Darin, a bluesy Christian rock quartet, performs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, located downtown with award-winning wines and no cover charge. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
26 Blues & Jazz. Bruce Bishop plays smooth blues and jazz every Sunday at the Hope Market Cafe from noon until 2:30 p.m. Hope Market Cafe carries an extensive array of artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, fine wines and ales, with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. No cover charge. 208-264-0506
27-29 Sip & Shop for Charity. Throughout Pend d’Oreille Winery’s annual Sip & Shop program, ten percent of all sales between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on select nights goes to different organizations in the community. On Nov. 27, the charity is Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Nov. 28 is Angels Over Sandpoint, and Nov. 29 is Arts Alliance, Inc. The program continues Dec. 4. See POWine.com. 208-265-8545
27 Monday Night Blues Jam. The Blues Jam, hosted by Truck Mills, has been an ongoing Sandpoint music tradition for more than 12 years. Weekly at Eichardt’s, 212 Cedar Street. The pub and grill also features an extensive variety of microbrews, an upstairs game room, wine list and complete lunch and dinner menu. Starts at 8 p.m., no cover charge. 208-263-4005
28 Ballet Idaho’s Nutcracker. This timeless holiday spectacle returns with approximately 80 talented young dancers from the Sandpoint region. It has become a popular holiday tradition to witness the imaginative storyline, colorful sets, dazzling costumes and spectacular dancing of The Nutcracker. This live performance is held at the Panida Theater at 7:30 p.m., during the Pend Oreille Art Council’s 23rd annual performance season. See BalletIdaho.org; look up ArtinSandpoint.org for tickets and other info. Sponsored by Sandpoint Title Insurance. 208-263-6139
29 KPND Ski & Board Party. Radio deejay Jonny Knight and Mike Deprez co-host this series of ever-popular parties with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes and music, 5 p.m. at MickDuff’s Brewing Co. See MickDuffs.com. 208-255-4351
29 5:01 After Hours. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce monthly business after-hours social will be at Duke’s Cowboy Grill, beginning at 5:01 p.m. 208-263-0887
29 Open Mic Night. Weekly open mic for poets, songwriters, comics and performers of all kinds at Downtown Crossing, starts around 9 p.m. 208-265-5080
30 Festival of Trees Family Night. Entertainment, raffle items, visit with Santa Claus, at the Sandpoint Airport in a hangar; follow the balloons from Great Northern Road, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This free event is a fund-raiser for Kinderhaven. 208-263-4429
30 Open DeeJay Nite. Spin tunes at Synergy during Open DeeJay Nite every Thursday. Bring and play anything you please, beginning at 8 p.m. Any music mediums accepted. Live beat matching not required. Open to those 21 and older. No cover charge. 208-255-4412
Schweitzer is a pristine jewel situated in the Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho Panhandle. Overlooking the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain has long been famous for its massive bows and breathtaking views. . This mountain boasts 2,500 acres of the most beautiful, breathtaking scenery imaginable, with views of Canada and two states. There are 2350 acres of skiable terrain, an average of 300 inches of snow.
Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced Pon-duh-ray), is Idaho’s biggest lake and is the fifth largest lake in the western United States. The name of the lake originated from French hunters from Canada, the French term meaning “looks like ear” because Pend Oreille is shaped like an ear, not that you can tell that when you are on the water. Lake Pend Oreille is approximately 65 miles long and 15 miles wide at the widest spot at the North end of the lake and it can create its own weather. With 111 miles of of breathtaking shoreline, Lake Pend Oreille boasts world class fishing, boating, and water sports.
In prehistoric times, Lake Pend Oreille was part of a massive inland sea called Lake Missoula, which was formed by an ice dam created by huge glaciers protruding down the Purcell Trench that extends down from Canada through the Kootenai Valley. An ice damm standing about 3,000 feet high formed at the cabinet gorge area holding back the waters of Lake Missoula. When the ice dam collapsed and in less than 48 hours Lake Missoula was drained. The force of the 2,000-foot wall of water shooting out of Clark Fork stripped away soil, moving large boulders, and creating deep canyons, or coulees, in the bedrock. There the rush of water was slowed by a narrow passage called the Wallula Gap. This narrow gap caused the waters to back up and a 1,200-foot lake was formed.
Lake Pend Oreille is presently 1,100 + feet deep and at 2,063 feet above sea level. During the Second World War the largest Navel Base in the World, Farragut was here an Lake Pend Oreille. Presently it is an acting Sonar Testing Navel Base and the 4,000 acres of the base ground is a Idaho State Park with many wonderful camping and recreation spots. For our bird lovers the lake is home to Bald eagles, osprey, herons, hawks, kestrals, and is an anglers paradise. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, northern pike, bullhead, Rocky Mountain whitefish, pygmy whitefish, squawfish, tench, longnose sucker, large-scale sucker, redside shiner, longnose dace, sculpin and peamouth. White sturgeon and burbot and Kamloops, also known as a Gerrard rainbow .
The Clark Fork river and Pend Orielle were once well revered for its kokanee — a land-locked subspecies of sockeye salmon native to the Pacific Northwest but not to Lake Pend Oreille. They arrived in 1933 when a spring flood swept them out of Flathead Lake in Montana. By the ’50s a commercial kokanee fishery evolved with 1 million fish harvested annually. In 1995, Jim Eversole caught the largest game fish ever taken from Lake Pend Oreille, a 43 lb. 6 oz. mackinaw also known as the lake trout. The lake also claims the world record for a rainbow trout, a 37-pounder caught in 1947 by Wes Hamlet. No matter where you fish in Lake
Pend Oreille, it’s a good bet you’ll have a great day on the water.
Welcome one and all!
This blog will introduce you to the Idaho Panhandle, one of natures prettiest places on earth. Truly a recreational paradise, our area offers beautiful pristine lakes, rushing rivers, world class sking on snowcapped mountains, camping, fishing, backpacking, and almost every other outdoor activity you can imagine. I will include information about Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Hope, Priest River, Priest Lake, Coeur d’ Alene. I will post about everything from real estate for sale, photos of the area, attractions, events and more.
Midas
Stunning views. 5 acres with lake access!
Shepherd’s Hills Estates.
Merril Martin Road 1
Merril Martin Road 2
Merril Martin Road 3
Merril Martin Road 4
Merril Martin Road 5
Last fall, the Pend Oreille Arts Council came up with the idea for a winter version of the popular Arts & Crafts Fair held at the City Beach each summer. So they headed to the Bonner County Fairgrounds with dozens of regular Arts & Crafts Fair vendors and other regional artists for the first-ever Holiday Art Market, a two-day event with precious handmade artwork perfect for shoppers’ indulgence, or even more perfect for holiday gifts. And, as would be expected in Sandpoint, it was a smashing success. This weekend, the Holiday Art Market is back for a second season of stunning, expertly-crafted artwork, food vendors, music and children’s art activities. More than 70 artists from all across the western states will have booths set up, featuring sculpture, ceramics, metal, fiber, photography, paintings, furniture, holiday decor, edibles and more. The second-annual event is held in the main exhibit hall at the fairgrounds, always on the first weekend in November. It’s open Nov. 4-5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s website at ArtinSandpoint.org or call (208) 263-6139 for more information.