Silver Valley 101
Small Town Vibes
Wallace is a charming, tourist driven small town about 15 minutes from Kellogg. Put The Blackboard Cafe in your map and you'll end up at the perfect spot to start.
You can stroll the streets of Wallace for hours exploring shops, museums and restaurants. Blues Festival in summer. Paddle boarding launch site. It's legal to walk around with solo cups of beer from local breweries. So much fun to ride your bikes around the whole town. My kids love taking the walkie talkies and exploring on their own with a little money in their pockets. It is quaint and has a river running through it next to the Trail of the CDA bike trail. Verizon gets good coverage but not many others, so make sure you take screen shots of whatever you need before you go (like this guidebook :). Locals are always more than happy to help as well. Tourism is important to this town and it shows.
Favorite places to eat:
Blackboard for breakfast, lunch and treats. Also great for an elevated dinner.
Muchachos Tacos for well made, spicy tacos. Not conducive to big groups and not a lot for little kids.
Fainting Goat for outstanding food and a tasting bar where you load a card and try as many wines as you'd like in 1-3 oz increments. We had a party of 9 there and they were wonderful. Their pizzas are memorable (we had the margherita and ordered another).
Cogs Gastropub is an excellent place for small plates with BBQ, seafood and a little bit of everything.
City Limits Brew Pub for good hearty food and good for families and groups.
1313 is fun to grab a beer.
Places to visit:
Center of the Universe- Gem store with a black light room in the back that is fun for kids.
Funky Monkey- Quirky, well stocked novelty store. Funny stuff and jewelry, home accessories. Fair warning, lots of adult jokes in this store. Keep an eye on young readers if that would bother you.
Silver Streak Zipline Tours- I haven't been but they have a great reputation. We've had guests go and love it. If you go, I'd love to hear about it!
Oliver's Mercantile- Beers on tap you can take outside and lots of high quality Idaho gear. Perfect place to pick up a souvenir you'll actually use.
N. Pacific Railroad Depot Museum (iconic Wallace building) and the Wallace District Mining Museum are where you can learn more about the history of the area.
Check out the consignment, antique and thrift stores for a one of a kind souvenir.
If you'd like to do an easy, well-worn hike next to a gorgeous stream, check out the Pulaski Trail. Lots of history on this trail. The cover of the guidebook is my kids on this trail.
Bottom line- well worth a day trip!
41 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Wallace
Wallace is a charming, tourist driven small town about 15 minutes from Kellogg. Put The Blackboard Cafe in your map and you'll end up at the perfect spot to start.
You can stroll the streets of Wallace for hours exploring shops, museums and restaurants. Blues Festival in summer. Paddle boarding launch site. It's legal to walk around with solo cups of beer from local breweries. So much fun to ride your bikes around the whole town. My kids love taking the walkie talkies and exploring on their own with a little money in their pockets. It is quaint and has a river running through it next to the Trail of the CDA bike trail. Verizon gets good coverage but not many others, so make sure you take screen shots of whatever you need before you go (like this guidebook :). Locals are always more than happy to help as well. Tourism is important to this town and it shows.
Favorite places to eat:
Blackboard for breakfast, lunch and treats. Also great for an elevated dinner.
Muchachos Tacos for well made, spicy tacos. Not conducive to big groups and not a lot for little kids.
Fainting Goat for outstanding food and a tasting bar where you load a card and try as many wines as you'd like in 1-3 oz increments. We had a party of 9 there and they were wonderful. Their pizzas are memorable (we had the margherita and ordered another).
Cogs Gastropub is an excellent place for small plates with BBQ, seafood and a little bit of everything.
City Limits Brew Pub for good hearty food and good for families and groups.
1313 is fun to grab a beer.
Places to visit:
Center of the Universe- Gem store with a black light room in the back that is fun for kids.
Funky Monkey- Quirky, well stocked novelty store. Funny stuff and jewelry, home accessories. Fair warning, lots of adult jokes in this store. Keep an eye on young readers if that would bother you.
Silver Streak Zipline Tours- I haven't been but they have a great reputation. We've had guests go and love it. If you go, I'd love to hear about it!
Oliver's Mercantile- Beers on tap you can take outside and lots of high quality Idaho gear. Perfect place to pick up a souvenir you'll actually use.
N. Pacific Railroad Depot Museum (iconic Wallace building) and the Wallace District Mining Museum are where you can learn more about the history of the area.
Check out the consignment, antique and thrift stores for a one of a kind souvenir.
If you'd like to do an easy, well-worn hike next to a gorgeous stream, check out the Pulaski Trail. Lots of history on this trail. The cover of the guidebook is my kids on this trail.
Bottom line- well worth a day trip!
Kellogg is the launching place for NW outdoor adventure! You will meet some of the kindest people here who share a love of all things outdoors. Since you are in a valley, you'll have 365 degree mountain views and can easily walk all over town along the river, biking trails and get a bite to eat along the way.
Favorite places to eat: (** walk from the Mural Chalet)
-Hill Street Bistro for street tacos, local beers on tap and welcoming atmosphere.
-The Bean for coffee, top notch grab-n-go food for the mountain or a picnic and real ice cream. It's adjacent to Hill Street Bistro.
**Humdingers for a the best burgers and fries in town. Small town charm. Fantastic ice cream treats. Pick up their version of a Dairy Queen Blizzard to dip those fries in and you won't be disappointed.
**Casa De Oro is a fun Mexican sit-down restaurant with high fresh food, great drinks and good prices. Good for groups and families.
**Garrenteed BBQ- Food truck, go there if it is open. Best BBQ in town. Pretty heavy food but all made to order and the people are fantastic. The Mac/n Cheese is great! Pulled pork is probably my favorite...or the chicken...the brisket is so good too. Hard to go wrong!
-Wildcat Pizza- Listen, we have no idea why this pizza is so good. It's run by the local HS and the proceeds go there. It's just the perfect texture and they always get it right. The salads are fresh too. Order ahead on weekends- they get busy! Take one to the water park- they allow it :)
-Backcountry Cafe- Fresh deli sandwiches piled high. Easily split between two adults. I would get takeout from here. The menu is a bit overwhelming. Just look for something familiar :) There is a really cute gift shop with smoothies across the street.
-Radio Brewing- Fun atmosphere, lots of local beers. Groups and families. You have to go to counter to order in the evenings sometimes.
-Noah's at the resort- The bar side has a huge crackling fire inside and you can eat and drink right in front of it or go outside to one of those fires. The service here is notoriously slow and has been an issue each time I have gone over the years.
Favorite Activities:
- Skiing!! See guidebook.
- Mountain bike at Silver Resort. See guidebook.
-CDA Trail bike ride. See guidebook.
- Ride around on the bike park at the back of the Silver Mt. resort parking lot.
- Check out the large park and public pool in the center of town.
- Explore the many train heads around the town and tell us if you find a great one. Our kids love starting at the field behind the hospital. Consider walkie talkies and bear spray. We don't get really scary sightings in town but the woods are the home of many animals and it is best to be safe.
- There is a swimming hole past Kingston. I have not been yet, but you can ask a local for more information.
- You can rent a paddleboard to go from Wallace to Kellogg.
-Kellogg has a very low crime rate. Consider letting your kids ride around town and explore on their own. It is the perfect place to gain some independence- just point out the landmark path from the resort to Yokes to Humdingers to the Chalet so they can always find home.
If you do something fun that I don't have listed, please let me know!
17 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Kellogg
Kellogg is the launching place for NW outdoor adventure! You will meet some of the kindest people here who share a love of all things outdoors. Since you are in a valley, you'll have 365 degree mountain views and can easily walk all over town along the river, biking trails and get a bite to eat along the way.
Favorite places to eat: (** walk from the Mural Chalet)
-Hill Street Bistro for street tacos, local beers on tap and welcoming atmosphere.
-The Bean for coffee, top notch grab-n-go food for the mountain or a picnic and real ice cream. It's adjacent to Hill Street Bistro.
**Humdingers for a the best burgers and fries in town. Small town charm. Fantastic ice cream treats. Pick up their version of a Dairy Queen Blizzard to dip those fries in and you won't be disappointed.
**Casa De Oro is a fun Mexican sit-down restaurant with high fresh food, great drinks and good prices. Good for groups and families.
**Garrenteed BBQ- Food truck, go there if it is open. Best BBQ in town. Pretty heavy food but all made to order and the people are fantastic. The Mac/n Cheese is great! Pulled pork is probably my favorite...or the chicken...the brisket is so good too. Hard to go wrong!
-Wildcat Pizza- Listen, we have no idea why this pizza is so good. It's run by the local HS and the proceeds go there. It's just the perfect texture and they always get it right. The salads are fresh too. Order ahead on weekends- they get busy! Take one to the water park- they allow it :)
-Backcountry Cafe- Fresh deli sandwiches piled high. Easily split between two adults. I would get takeout from here. The menu is a bit overwhelming. Just look for something familiar :) There is a really cute gift shop with smoothies across the street.
-Radio Brewing- Fun atmosphere, lots of local beers. Groups and families. You have to go to counter to order in the evenings sometimes.
-Noah's at the resort- The bar side has a huge crackling fire inside and you can eat and drink right in front of it or go outside to one of those fires. The service here is notoriously slow and has been an issue each time I have gone over the years.
Favorite Activities:
- Skiing!! See guidebook.
- Mountain bike at Silver Resort. See guidebook.
-CDA Trail bike ride. See guidebook.
- Ride around on the bike park at the back of the Silver Mt. resort parking lot.
- Check out the large park and public pool in the center of town.
- Explore the many train heads around the town and tell us if you find a great one. Our kids love starting at the field behind the hospital. Consider walkie talkies and bear spray. We don't get really scary sightings in town but the woods are the home of many animals and it is best to be safe.
- There is a swimming hole past Kingston. I have not been yet, but you can ask a local for more information.
- You can rent a paddleboard to go from Wallace to Kellogg.
-Kellogg has a very low crime rate. Consider letting your kids ride around town and explore on their own. It is the perfect place to gain some independence- just point out the landmark path from the resort to Yokes to Humdingers to the Chalet so they can always find home.
If you do something fun that I don't have listed, please let me know!
Want to find out why this area was The fastest growing real estate market in the country in 2021? If you are not from the area and have an extended stay in Kellogg, a day trip to CDA is well worth your time. There is a vibrant downtown scene that is highly walkable and gorgeous lake views with a boardwalk.
Tubbs Hill is the most popular and easy access hike. You just start from The Bouy (paid parking very close by in a large parking lot) and you can’t miss the trailhead. It loops around that little peninsula with stunning views and swimming holes and comes out near a park semi-connected to the same parking lot. Check out the public beach to the east side of the resort. Plenty of dock space to jump off and equipment to rent. The winter here is beautiful and FULL of lights.
Shiki sushi is so wonderful but there are tons of food options close by. Crafted is a top choice for patio seating and great beer/food. Hudson’s Hamburgers is the oldest and most beloved, using the same recipes they used 5 generations ago. Dockside in the CDA Resort is perfect for a lake view with the largest ice cream sundaes you’ve ever seen. The kids love the koi fish in the lobby as well. The gourmet coffee scene in the area is worth a Yelp search to find your sty
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Coeur d'Alene
Want to find out why this area was The fastest growing real estate market in the country in 2021? If you are not from the area and have an extended stay in Kellogg, a day trip to CDA is well worth your time. There is a vibrant downtown scene that is highly walkable and gorgeous lake views with a boardwalk.
Tubbs Hill is the most popular and easy access hike. You just start from The Bouy (paid parking very close by in a large parking lot) and you can’t miss the trailhead. It loops around that little peninsula with stunning views and swimming holes and comes out near a park semi-connected to the same parking lot. Check out the public beach to the east side of the resort. Plenty of dock space to jump off and equipment to rent. The winter here is beautiful and FULL of lights.
Shiki sushi is so wonderful but there are tons of food options close by. Crafted is a top choice for patio seating and great beer/food. Hudson’s Hamburgers is the oldest and most beloved, using the same recipes they used 5 generations ago. Dockside in the CDA Resort is perfect for a lake view with the largest ice cream sundaes you’ve ever seen. The kids love the koi fish in the lobby as well. The gourmet coffee scene in the area is worth a Yelp search to find your sty
The Great Outdoors
Our family’s highlights of our favorite Silver Valley activities
Oh this is a bucket list activity for sure! It is one of the most spectacular rail to trail bike rides in the country.
I highly recommend that you start your day early especially if you are doing this on a weekend. It is very popular and you will enjoy much shorter lines for the shuttle if you get going early.
Pack a lunch because there are many beautiful places to stop along the way to eat.
The shuttle is not glamorous so go into expecting a bumpy bus ride and make the best of your time together.
Pro tip- do NOT take a road bike on this trail. It is very bumpy and I’ve been with someone on a road bike with skinny tires and it was awful. The closer you get to a true mountain bike the better. There is a lot of the trail that you won’t even have to pedal because it is downhill so consider if you really need an e-bike.
We usually start at the bottom of the trail and bike the 16 miles up and then the 16 miles back. If you are going to do this, I recommend you go through a guide service unless you are confident in your navigating skills to get to the trail head.
24 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Route of the Hiawatha Trail
Route of the Hiawatha TrailOh this is a bucket list activity for sure! It is one of the most spectacular rail to trail bike rides in the country.
I highly recommend that you start your day early especially if you are doing this on a weekend. It is very popular and you will enjoy much shorter lines for the shuttle if you get going early.
Pack a lunch because there are many beautiful places to stop along the way to eat.
The shuttle is not glamorous so go into expecting a bumpy bus ride and make the best of your time together.
Pro tip- do NOT take a road bike on this trail. It is very bumpy and I’ve been with someone on a road bike with skinny tires and it was awful. The closer you get to a true mountain bike the better. There is a lot of the trail that you won’t even have to pedal because it is downhill so consider if you really need an e-bike.
We usually start at the bottom of the trail and bike the 16 miles up and then the 16 miles back. If you are going to do this, I recommend you go through a guide service unless you are confident in your navigating skills to get to the trail head.
Silver Mt. is the best ski resort in the area in my opinion for consistent snow quality, views, small lift lines and terrain variability. We call it the party mountain due to the laid back vibe and abundance of people who come for the actual snow, not for the cocktail ;) There is no part of the Silver Valley that we know better than this, so please ask away! We'd love to help you enjoy it to the fullest, so tell us the terrain you want and we’ll help you find it.
14 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Silver Mountain
Silver Mt. is the best ski resort in the area in my opinion for consistent snow quality, views, small lift lines and terrain variability. We call it the party mountain due to the laid back vibe and abundance of people who come for the actual snow, not for the cocktail ;) There is no part of the Silver Valley that we know better than this, so please ask away! We'd love to help you enjoy it to the fullest, so tell us the terrain you want and we’ll help you find it.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
National Forest Development Road 456We have done this many times and would love to help with your specific Q's. Riding from the mountain house back down to the gondola is the most fun in my opinion. Gorgeous views and huckleberries abound. Silver provides a challenging downhill terrain with sweeping views. People in my family from ages 7-65 yrs have done it and had a blast!
If you have not done true downhill mountain biking before, it would be well worth your time and money to get a lesson. If you can’t take a lesson, then listen to the following: Stand with your pedals flat and your knees and arms bent as much as possible. The steeper the trail, the more your weight is towards the back of the bike. Keep your hands on the outer edge of your handles to help you avoid trees and at least one finger on each brake. Above all else- look where you want to GO! Want to avoid that rock? Better not look at it :) You can have so much fun with a little preparation!
119 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Silver Mountain Resort
610 Bunker AveWe have done this many times and would love to help with your specific Q's. Riding from the mountain house back down to the gondola is the most fun in my opinion. Gorgeous views and huckleberries abound. Silver provides a challenging downhill terrain with sweeping views. People in my family from ages 7-65 yrs have done it and had a blast!
If you have not done true downhill mountain biking before, it would be well worth your time and money to get a lesson. If you can’t take a lesson, then listen to the following: Stand with your pedals flat and your knees and arms bent as much as possible. The steeper the trail, the more your weight is towards the back of the bike. Keep your hands on the outer edge of your handles to help you avoid trees and at least one finger on each brake. Above all else- look where you want to GO! Want to avoid that rock? Better not look at it :) You can have so much fun with a little preparation!
Ride your bike on the CDA trail west towards CDA or east towards Wallace- either way is beautiful. I think it is more beautiful right away going towards Wallace. You can also park your car at a trail head closer to Wallace and ride from there if you want to get all the way but aren't sure you have it in you. The whole trail is very easy and flat with the slightest downgrade riding from Wallace to Kellogg, which is nice for the ride home. It’s also a great trail for walking and is dog friendly with water access.
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Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
Trail of the Coeur d'AlenesRide your bike on the CDA trail west towards CDA or east towards Wallace- either way is beautiful. I think it is more beautiful right away going towards Wallace. You can also park your car at a trail head closer to Wallace and ride from there if you want to get all the way but aren't sure you have it in you. The whole trail is very easy and flat with the slightest downgrade riding from Wallace to Kellogg, which is nice for the ride home. It’s also a great trail for walking and is dog friendly with water access.
Sightseeing
This is SUCH a fun tour for the family. Request Marty as your guide when booking if you can. Lots of interesting history what put the area on the map before skiing and biking. The gift shop is great too. I enjoyed the tour much more than I thought I would and my kids said it was their favorite thing. We took a group of 12 and everyone had a great time. $16 for adults, $9 for kids and a trolly ride up the mountain and then through Wallace. Well worth it! Be sure to bring cash if you want to tip :)
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Sierra Silver Mine Tour, Inc.
509 Cedar StThis is SUCH a fun tour for the family. Request Marty as your guide when booking if you can. Lots of interesting history what put the area on the map before skiing and biking. The gift shop is great too. I enjoyed the tour much more than I thought I would and my kids said it was their favorite thing. We took a group of 12 and everyone had a great time. $16 for adults, $9 for kids and a trolly ride up the mountain and then through Wallace. Well worth it! Be sure to bring cash if you want to tip :)
여행 팁
관습과 문화
Bumblebee Swim & Explore
Incredible spot to play, swim, fish and explore the river! 14 minutes away, there is a local favorite, Bumblebee. Gorgeous and Vibrant! There is parking, toilets, and trails to get down to the river. There are both shallow parts to explore and deeper parts to swim in. The beaches are large river rocks and are easy to walk on with good sandals.
Head west on the freeway and take the Kingston Exit. Turn right and follow the CDA River Road. Pass The Snake Pit restaurant and 5 min later you'll see a sign to turn Left for "Bumblebee CG". Cross the bridge and you are there- Enjoy!