USA TODAY 10 picture-perfect mountain towns

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/11/28/mountain-town-winter/3769789/

 


10 picture-perfect mountain towns

Caroline Costello, SmarterTravel.com8:03 a.m. EST November 28, 2013





(Photo: Nathan Bilow, AP)




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There's something impossibly charming about a mountain town in winter. Lantern-lit cobblestone streets, glowing cafes filled with friendly locals, and intimate family-run inns warm

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Most Beautiful Town Rand McNally

Most Beautiful Town honors from among an initial 600+ nominees. Read the July 21, 2011 USA Today story

 

 





By Bob Riha, Jr., USA TODAY
Majestic views of the forests and Lake Pend Oreille near the Schweitzer Mountain Resort await visitors in Sandpoint, Idaho.




Most beautiful
Sandpoint, Idaho
Team that visited: Daniel and JoAnne Schaub ("The McNavigators") of Cary, N.C.
What made it stand out: Located on pristine Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho

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2015 Tucson Gem and Mineral list of 41 shows

This years 2015 Tucson show was comprised of 41 different shows many of which had hundreds of vendors. hotels, parking lots, sports complexes, convention centers are all filled with Rough rock, crystals, beads, equipment, finished gemstones, jewelry, jewelry making supplies,findings, arts and crafts.

 


22nd Street Show
600 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85745
22nd Street & I-10
January 29-February 15
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Christine Coyle, (516) 818-1228;
Wholesale and

2015 Tucson Gem and Mineral list of 41 shows

The best bead show Tucson Arizona 2015

Show Location:
Intersection of E. Ajo Way & Forgeus Ave.
1,700 feet West of Country Club Rd
Across the street from University Physicians Hospital







Admission Fee: FREE!







Exhibitors




Booth






* Check back for updates & additions! *
*Please see above notation for new location codes*


Abelman Art Glass
G-112


ABR Imagery
PS-201/203


Accent Bead Design
G-300/302a


Afghan Gem Jewelry
TBA


Akonye Kena
Gym


Ancient

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The best bead show Tucson Arizona 2015

Show Location:
Intersection of E. Ajo Way & Forgeus Ave.
1,700 feet West of Country Club Rd
Across the street from University Physicians Hospital







Admission Fee: FREE!







Exhibitors




Booth






* Check back for updates & additions! *
*Please see above notation for new location codes*


Abelman Art Glass
G-112


ABR Imagery
PS-201/203


Accent Bead Design
G-300/302a


Afghan Gem Jewelry
TBA


Akonye Kena
Gym


Ancient

Read more ...

USFS in back yard lake views 9.8 acres Cocolalla Idaho

 
US forest service land in your back yard and lake views in the front! The trees are growing but seller willing to help clear a building site to recapture those beautiful lake views. Outstanding mountain views, peak a boo lake views, grand rock outcroppings. Power and Phone in the road, great year round access and adjoins hundreds of acres of forest service land. Has passed a passing Perc test in past and owner may carry. End of the road privacy and the perfect place to build

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Weltanschauung Strange word with a world of meaning

Weltanschauung Strange word with a world of meaning

Active Rain encourages its members to blog regularily and has posted a challenge for January. One of the items on the challenge was to write about weltanschauung. Since I didn't even know that we had one I had to go read through it.

 

Weltanschauung pronounced “welt·an·schau·ung” World View, or Guiding Principles and Philosophy of a group of people. Active Rain's Weltanschauung can be found at

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Big doors swing on little hinges.

I remember as a kid visiting the Art Museum in Centennial Park in Nashville Tennessee. For those of you that havent been there they have created a full scale replica of the Greek Parthenon and the 42 foot statue of Athena. It is truely an amazing sight and not something you expect to see in Tennessee. One of the things I remember the most was that there was a set of huge doors at each end. Each door was 7 feet wide, 24 feet high, one foot thick and made of bronze. Each of these

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168 hours in a week, how do you spend your time?

There are 168 hours in a week yet I feel like I have no time. I am one of those people that friends are amazed by what I get accomplished all while I am kicking myself for not getting something done. I am without a doubt a work-a-holic. I run a business am a real estate agent and I have a family and own a ranch. The various forms of work take up alot of time. I am constantly doing something yet at the end of the day I always see 20 things I wish I could get done. Maybe if we

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Best deals in Real Estate Nice Hud foreclosure in Spirit lake

This one makes the best deals list only $120,000!!!! This 4 bedroom 2 bath built in 1995 on .52 acre is a #HUD foreclosure. 2 car garage, forced are heat, propane and not even on the mls yet. I sold the house 4 doors down and it appraised for $210,000 Want to grab this great deal call me at 208-610-0011 for a showing. This sits behind the high school on the edge of town. Walk to spirit lake close to Spirit lake shopping.
 

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1029"

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9.8 acres electric, phone lake views borders USFS

 

 

9.80 acres adjoinging US forest service land. The trees are growing so clear a home site to recapture those beautiful lake views. Year round access, peak a boo lake views, outstanding mountain views and rock outcroppings. End of the road privacy with power and Phone in the road. Has passed a perc test in the past and owner will consider financing. Enjoy hundreds of acres of forest land, or fish, swim, water ski or go boating in Lake Cocolalla

 





POSTED

almost 10 acres with views for sale in Cocolalla Idaho

What should I pin on my real estate pinterest site?

If you have been following my last few blogs about Pinterest then.....

You know what pinterest is and set up an account.

You have some ideas for your real estate pinterest site

You know how to use hashtags

You know the best times to post on pinterest

You have a pin it button for your browser

The next step is to start pinning!

 

So what should I pin on my pinterest site?

 

Pinterest is addicting and fun and it shouldn't be all about work. You

What to pin on Pinterest

The best times to post on pinterest and other social networks

By now many of you are either starting a pinterest site of tending to the ones you have had for years. Pinterest is addicting and such a good way to connect with people and build your brand. If you are like me I tend to work on social media platforms late at night when things are quite and I can have fun with it.

Here are the best and worst times to post on Pinterest and other social networks.



 

 

 

 



POSTED BY


Search

When to post on Pinterest

How to use #hashtags on pinterest

The next section of the Pinterest series is on Hashtags. What are they and how to use hashtags on Pinterest

 

A keyword is a word that you want to be found under when someone uses it in a search.

 

Hashtags are a pound sign # immediately followed by a keyword. They’re used for categorization on social media. Hashtags are used for social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr GooglePlus and Pinterest.



I just went to pinterest and put in my

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Ideas for your real estate pinterest site

In the previous blog I went over the basics of what pinterest is and how to set up an account. Next it is time to start building the site. The idea behind this is you want to pin pictures from you blog or website as there will be a link to lead visitors back to your page. Let visitors get to know a little about you from the things you feel are worthy of a pin. Tell about the area that you live in so others can want to live there.

Follow along with me and make your Pinterest

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Pinterest for Real Estate agents Series

I have heard of pinterest but what is it?

Pinterest as most of you know is a social media platform using groups of pictures to share with others. Think of it as a picture list divided up in different categories of all your favorite things in one place. My son created a pinterest site http://www.pinterest.com/gemstonecabs/ to show of his favorite lapidary gemstones that we created over the years. Even though I worked on each of these stones, I love going and seeing all the colors and

Read more ...

I have heard of pinterest but what is it?

Pinterest as most of you know is a social media platform using groups of pictures to share with others. Think of it as a picture list divided up in different categories of all your favorite things in one place. My son created a pinterest site http://www.pinterest.com/gemstonecabs/ to show of his favorite lapidary gemstones that we created over the years. Even though I worked on each of these stones, I love going and seeing all the colors and

Read more ...

Here Are 3 Tips to Help You Secure a Favorable Mortgage Rate

 

 
The best way to ensure you get a good rate on your mortgage is to become an informed buyer. The more you know about mortgages, the more you'll be able to save, and that doesn't just mean knowing where to find the best interest rate.
While interest rates play an important role in determining the price of your mortgage, there's always more to a mortgage than just the interest rate. Here are three things you need to know about mortgages to make sure you secure a favorable rate

Get a lower mortgage rate

How to get multiple offers on your house for sale.

The Price Is Right

A house priced too high will languish on the market. Before listing your home for sale, make sure the price is appropriate.

Look at the prices of recently sold homes in your neighborhood. Focus on houses of similar size and condition to yours to find the best comparable sales prices. Also, it may be worth having your home appraised to ensure that the list price is close to the actual market value.

Lean, Mean, Cleaning Machine
Prospective buyers want to see a

get multiple offers on your house

Pay attention to the terms, not just the price

Giving and Getting: Why the Terms of a Home's Sale Are Often More Important Than the Price Paid

 

One of the most important points that home buyers and sellers focus on when buying real estate is the negotiated sales price in the purchase and sale contract. While the sales price is undeniably important, the fact is that other terms in the sales contract may have more far-reaching and significant effects on the transaction.

With a closer look at some of the most important terms,

terms of a purchase

Preparing Your Roof for the Harsh Winter

 

 
While the days may be sunny right now, the transition to fall and winter will soon be upon us. Winter weather can be harsh, and it can also be destructive to your property. From the snow and ice to the frigid temperatures, winter can wreak havoc on a property.
If you haven't already done it now is the time to restore your roof to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. This effort today will minimize damage that the home may endure throughout the cold months of the year. Here

roof

Coats for Kids program in Sandpoint Idaho

Coats for Kids program. Winters coming and Baby its cold outside. Each year we collect new and gently used coats to give to children in the area. Hats, gloves and snow boots are also needed. Please dig through your closets and bring your warm weather items to the
Selkirk Board of Realtors
325 S. Marion, Sandpoint, Idaho.

There is also a drop off point at the library in Clark Fork Idaho

For those of you in other areas, the coats for Kids program is Nation Wide so be sure to find your

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Low price wooded lot offers the perfect vacation rv spot.

Congratulations Melody and Kevin on their purchase of 1.03 acre lot.

[caption id="attachment_1001" align="aligncenter" width="636"] Lot in spirit lake[/caption]

NICELY TIMBERED lot in the town of Spirit Lake. Very private location on the corner of 14th and Maine Street. A great place to get away from it all for an affordable price of only $9,500. This section of town has not been improved so there is no water or power to the property. Septic tanks are not allowed in the

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The appraiser wants a heater in every room. Envi Heat saves the day!

How often do we get almost through an escrow and the appraiser wants a heat source in each room. The worst are log homes where a hard wired installation is an expensive ordeal.

 

As an experienced agent you may have prepared your sellers for this but most of us have had this hit us like a bomb at least a few times in our careers. While there are several options for the installation of heaters, I have a new favorite that is low cost, quick and easy to install, meets the

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Thinking About a New Floor? Five Reasons to Choose Hardwood Flooring

Time to update your flooring? How about hardwood flooring for your home. A new hardwood floor will give your home an impressive look and prevent scratches and stains. Here are five very good reasons why you should consider a hardwood floor for your next remodeling project.
Hardwood Is More Durable than Other Materials

Hardwood is much more durable and longer lasting than many other flooring materials. If there's a lot of traffic in your home, hardwood floors are less likely to get scratches

Read more ...

Selling your house? Bring the warm colors of fall into your home

Autumn Home Staging: How to Set Your Home Up to Match the Warm, Rich Colors of Autumn
Autumn is not only a great time to enjoy changing colors and cooler weather, but it is also a perfect time to sell a home. If you want to sell your house this autumn, these home staging tips will have buyers pounding down your door.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is easily the most important factor when it comes to selling a home, and it is even more important in the autumn. Maintaining

Read more ...

Selling your house? Bring the warm colors of fall into your home

Autumn Home Staging: How to Set Your Home Up to Match the Warm, Rich Colors of Autumn

Autumn is not only a great time to enjoy changing colors and cooler weather, but it is also a perfect time to sell a home. If you want to sell your house this autumn, these home staging tips will have buyers pounding down your door.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is easily the most important factor when it comes to selling a home, and it is even more important in the autumn. Maintaining

Read more ...

Get a Discount on Your Mortgage

Get a Discount on Your Mortgage

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014



Lending giants Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup reportedly will offer mortgages at discounted rates to stir more lending among low-income borrowers and those with subprime credit histories. The loans will be originated through a program by the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America, a national nonprofit group that primarily assists low- to moderate-income borrowers.
Credit Standards

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New York Times, July 2007, Idaho: The Last Wilderness.

By TIMOTHY EGAN
Published: July 1, 2007
The last wilderness


CURIOUS it may be, but there is not a single national park in Idaho, a state with more public forest land, more wilderness, more white water than any other in the country outside of the superlative-trumping asterisk of Alaska. It has two dozen sites as part of a national historical park dedicated to the Nez Perce Indians, but nothing on the order of a velvet-roped shank of mega scenery.










Map

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Business Week, July 2006, Best Places to Retire

Beyond Florida And Arizona

Storybook villages, quaint harbors, and a thriving arts community make Door County, Wis., a cozy spot for retirees. But for adventurous people like David E. Nevalainen, there's lots more: plenty of land -- Nevalainen built a 3,000-square-foot log home on 70 mostly wooded acres with two private ponds -- opportunities to indulge such hobbies as blacksmithing and target-shooting, and intriguing folks with whom to socialize.
Nevalainen, 62, and his wife, Jean Barrett,

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Sunset Magazine June 2014 42 perfect summer trips

42 perfect summer trips









Treat yourself to one of these great drives, islands, beach towns, lakes, or wilderness escapes











Cool and blue: Priest Lake is the least developed of northern Idaho's trio of lakes.
Brown Cannon III













Pristine waters in Idaho's lake country



Deep, blue, and busy are three words that sum up three of the West's most beautiful lakes: Coeur d'Alene, Pend Oreille, and Priest. Each has its own character

perfect summer trip

National Geographic Idaho's Last Stand

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/08/weekend-getaways/sandpoint-idaho-text
Idaho’s Last Stand
Lakefront living in a tight-knit mountain retreat.
Text by Sarah Tuff



The only drawback to life in an idyllic adventure haven is that, inevitably, some glossy magazine comes through town and blows its cover. But we wager to say that, given the local character, quiet Sandpoint (pop. 8,100) will continue to fight off land rushes and unsightly sprawl. Anchored in Idaho’s wild

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CNN Travel lists Schweitzer Mountain Resort as one of 7 Underrated Ski Resorts

CNN Travel lists Schweitzer Mountain Resort as one of 7 Underrated Ski Resorts, noting that it’s unlikely you’ll wait more than five minutes in the lift line, in a Feb. 24, 2012 feature
(CNN) -- You've heard of Aspen, Jackson Hole and Whistler, but how about Copper Mountain, Grand Targhee and Revelstoke? These ski resorts may lack the buzz of their more glamorous neighbors, but they make up for it in snowfall, value and fewer crowds.
So hop on a lift before winter winds

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Second homes: Having it all in Sandpoint, Idaho USA Today

SANDPOINT, IDAHO






Best for: Lake sports, winter skiing, year-round arts.
Claim to fame: The annual Festival at Sandpoint, in its 28th year, is a non-profit music event featuring performers such as Clint Black, Boz Scaggs, the Subdudes and Blues Traveler.
Don't miss: The Floating Restaurant, known as "the floater," off the beach in Hope has been a landmark for 25 years.
Getting there: The airport in Spokane, Wash., is 75 miles away (about a 1½-hour

Second homes

Travel Channel on Lake Pend Oreille

 



http://www.travelchannel.com/daily-escape/lake-pend-oreille

Who said you need an ocean to go surfing? The 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, ID, has become popular for wakesurfing -- the watersport where you ride the crest created behind a motorboat. Here you can practice your moves from morning to night while taking in the scenery from 3 surrounding mountain ranges. When you’re finished, relax on one of the lake’s sandy beaches. The best part? No need to worry

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http://www.travelchannel.com/daily-escape/lake-pend-oreille

Who said you need an ocean to go surfing? The 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, ID, has become popular for wakesurfing -- the watersport where you ride the crest created behind a motorboat. Here you can practice your moves from morning to night while taking in the scenery from 3 surrounding mountain ranges. When you’re finished, relax on one of the lake’s sandy beaches. The best part? No need to worry

Read more ...

Why use landscaping stones?

Using landscaping stones in your design can produce a pure natural beauty to your yard, full of texture, color and provide a focal point.

You can use landscaping stones to accent certain portions of your yard, give it depth, you can even plant some plants to make it look more natural. They look great round the patio and the fence and you can even get colored landscaping stones to bring more color into your yard. This kind of color is especially nice to have in winter when everything is so

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Why use landscaping stones?

Using landscaping stones in your design can produce a pure natural beauty to your yard, full of texture, color and provide a focal point.

You can use landscaping stones to accent certain portions of your yard, give it depth, you can even plant some plants to make it look more natural. They look great round the patio and the fence and you can even get colored landscaping stones to bring more color into your yard. This kind of color is especially nice to have in winter when everything is so

Read more ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get a great landscaping picture

Most people have a hard time coming up with a great landscaping plan. Take a look through books, magazines, and online resources like pinterest and Houzz. Once you find all your landscaping pictures you will be that much closer to designing your yard, just like that. This landscaping picture will give you all of the inspiration that you need to come up with the most gorgeous and eye

Read more ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get a great landscaping picture

Most people have a hard time coming up with a great landscaping plan. Take a look through books, magazines, and online resources like pinterest and Houzz. Once you find all your landscaping pictures you will be that much closer to designing your yard, just like that. This landscaping picture will give you all of the inspiration that you need to come up with the most gorgeous and eye

Read more ...

I thought a fun way to get my listings seen and to get a buyers perspective would be to have a little contest.

 

Take a look at the home at 842 KOOTENAI TRAIL ROAD Naples Idaho 83847http://www.northidahosandpoint.com/listing/mlsid/548/propertyid/14-4360/



 

Then answer the questions at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZSLJ9H3 .
There are no right or wrong answers, but the person who comes closest to guessing the sale price of this home will get a $25.00 gift card when

Read more ...

Guess the price this home will sell for and win a $25 gift card

I thought a fun way to get my listings seen and to get a buyers perspective would be to have a little contest.

 

Take a look at the home at 842 KOOTENAI TRAIL ROAD Naples Idaho 83847http://www.northidahosandpoint.com/listing/mlsid/548/propertyid/14-4360/



 

Then answer the questions at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZSLJ9H3 .
There are no right or wrong answers, but the person who comes closest to guessing the sale price of this home will get a $25.00 gift card when

Read more ...

2 homes overlooking river on 19.75 acres $164,900

 




2 homes on 19.75 acres with views of Moyie River. 3 bedroom 2 bath built in 1989 overlooks River, garden and fantastic mountain views. A 2 car garage with extra shop for all your projects. Utilities include electric plus a back up generator and a spring fed water system. This is a perfect getaway retreat or survival property with a great feel. There is a second 2 bedroom mobile Gazebo, fenced garden area, arched gated entry, fenced pasture, porch swing, dog kennel, storage sheds

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Download KW APP for a chance to win 50k code KW2BF901G

Win $50,000 by downloading home search ap
Do you have a smart phone?
 
Keller Williams is trying to promote the new mobile APP and they are offering a $50,000 grand prize in their sweepstakes. Just go to http://app.kw.com/kw/index.php?tcode=KW2BF901G&ctmpl=kw
Download the AP and put in code KW2BF901G for your chance to win the $50k
GOOD LUCK!

Rain Silverhawk

 





 

 
Connect with me on:
Keller Williams | 130 S. 2nd Ave Suite A | Sandpoint

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Best Deals $53,000 3 bedroom 2 bath basement, garage on .45 acre in Clark Fork Idaho

 

See the bank owned auction listing at 204 Railroad Clark fork Ave 83811 http://www.northidahosandpoint.com/listing/mlsid/548/propertyid/14-1016/

$53,000 3 bedroom 2 bath basement, canning / utility room, formal dining, basement, garage on .45 acre in Clark Fork Idaho



This is now a bank owned property to be sold at auction on Feb 10, 2014.

Bright and roomy 3 bed 1.75 bath, magnificent hardwood floors, updated kitchen and baths. Unfinished daylight basement and shop, deck

Read more ...

Waterfront home with horse set up and pool Bank Owned Deal

Great deals come in all different sizes. I have always loved this home and now it is on the market as a bank owned foreclosure. Once listed for 1,9 million it is now on the market for $829,000
 

Randal Franz at remax has this waterfront estate complete with a 4588 square foot Caribou Creek log home, indoor pool, garage, horse set up, shop, barn, dock on 24.60 acres. It is rare to find a waterfront parcel so large.


This magnificent 3 Bedroom/2.5 bath Caribou Creek log home has

Read more ...

Waterfront home with horse set up and pool Bank Owned Deal

Great deals come in all different sizes. I have always loved this home and now it is on the market as a bank owned foreclosure. Once listed for 1,9 million it is now on the market for $829,000
 

Randal Franz at remax has this waterfront estate complete with a 4588 square foot Caribou Creek log home, indoor pool, garage, horse set up, shop, barn, dock on 24.60 acres. It is rare to find a waterfront parcel so large.


This magnificent 3 Bedroom/2.5 bath Caribou Creek log home has

Read more ...

Biggest home seller mistakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1-26-2014



Rain Silverhawk

Keller Williams Sandpoint

208-610-0011

Rain@lakeandhomes.com

http://www.northidahosandpoint.com





BIGGEST HOME SELLER MISTAKES

Survey of 1,000 Real Estate Agents Reveals the Top Six Ways to Sabotage the Sale of Your Home

 

Sandpoint, ID: The most common reasons that a house will not sell in a good market are often well within the control of the home seller according to a recent survey by

Read more ...

Biggest home seller mistakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1-26-2014



Rain Silverhawk

Keller Williams Sandpoint

208-610-0011

Rain@lakeandhomes.com

http://www.northidahosandpoint.com





BIGGEST HOME SELLER MISTAKES

Survey of 1,000 Real Estate Agents Reveals the Top Six Ways to Sabotage the Sale of Your Home

 

Sandpoint, ID: The most common reasons that a house will not sell in a good market are often well within the control of the home seller according to a recent survey by

Read more ...

Anglers Paradise North Idaho

North Idaho is an anglers Paradise filled with Rivers, Creeks Ponds, lakes, sloughs and waterways. No matter if you are a serious Angler looking for the Big One or you just want to take the kids for a sure fire fishing experience, North Idaho is the place for you. You can get out the down riggers for those big fish in the depths of Lake Pend Orielle, cast your fly fishing rod on the many streams, or bundle up in the winter months for a little ice fishing. No matter what your fishing style,

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Campgrounds of North Idaho

Boundary & Bonner Counties
Albeni Cove
Oldtown (US ACofE)

Alpine Park
Hwy 95 & Sagle Rd, Sagle ID
phone: (208) 265-0179

Bartoo Island (boat access only)
Priest Lake Ranger District, Priest Lake (USFS)

Beaver Creek Campground
Priest Lake Ranger District, Nordman ID 83848 (USFS)

Beyond Hope Resort
1267 Peninsula, Hope
phone: (208) 264-5251

Blue Lake RV Park Inc
242 Blue Lake Rd, Bonners Ferry 83847
phone: (208) 267-2029

Carriage House Inn & RV

Read more ...