Idaho is home to many bed and breakfast accommodations to satisfy your need for adventure while exploring this hidden jewel of the Pacific Northwest.
Idaho has more state highway miles than interstate. This fact helps keep Idaho in the off-the-beaten-path, hidden jewel of the Northwest category. It is home to some famous people such as the author of Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs; television inventor, Philo Farnsworth and actress Lana Turner.
It is also home to the deepest gorge in America, Hells Canyon - remember Evel Knievel tried jumping it once. It also leads the nation in potato production and has more whitewater than any other state in the Union.
These are just a few reasons to plan a trek to the Gem State.
Beginning in the far north, we find Bonners Ferry. Located about 20 miles south of the Canadian border, it shows evidence that white settlers came to the area came much later than the other 47 contiguous states. The Kootenai Indian tribe owns the largest motel in town and it has a casino. For a smaller, more cozy home feel though, try the Paradise Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast. It has five rooms, all with private bath, and a full gourmet breakfast is offered each morning. There is also a separate and very private garden cabin, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Sixty miles further south finds us in Sandpoint. It is a resort town located on the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille and home to the spectacular Schweitzer Mountains. For your visit to Sandpoint, a stay at the Coit House Bed and Breakfast is recommended. The 1907 Victorian home was restored in 1994 and offers four guest rooms. It is conveniently located downtown, a block from Main Street, and near shopping and restaurants. All the rooms are tastefully furnished with antiques. A full breakfast is offered each morning in the cozy dining room and the wraparound porch provides a quiet place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Moving on to the largest city in northern Idaho, we find Coeur d'Alene. This area holds Idaho's title for the most bed and breakfast inns in the state, with over a dozen open currently and more on the way. One of the most elegant and historic homes that has been converted into a BnB is the McFarland House. It is located on a quiet side street and is walking distance to downtown attractions as well as the lake and park. There are five guest rooms all with private bath. A full breakfast is served each morning and the inn offers a 24-hour guest snack bar.
Farther south, in the little known town of Cottonwood, we find one of the most unusual BnB's in Idaho. It is the Dog Bark Park Inn and is home to Sweet Willy and Toby, the largest beagles you've ever seen. The idea for this beagle-shaped BnB came from the artistic owner's dog carvings that he sells all over the world. Sweet Willy is 35-feet tall and houses bed and breakfast accommodations for a family of four. The main bedroom, along with a table and breakfast bar are located in his stomach, the bathroom is in his hindquarters. And the adventurous or kids will find a another sleeping space in the loft that is actually Willy's nose. A continental breakfast buffet is available and includes a variety of muffins, coffee, teas, fruit, cereal, milk, pastries and breads. While you are there, you can visit the artist's studio where they create chainsaw art in many shapes: dogs, cats, wildlife, and Lewis and Clark themes.
In Salmon, you will find the Greyhouse Inn. There are antiques in every room including the four guest rooms. It is nearby to many of the area's recreational activities including whitewater rafting, fishing, bird watching and hiking. A full country breakfast is included in the room rate and features berry pancakes, fresh ranch eggs, coffee, tea, and fruit juices.
In the capitol city of Boise you will find the Shaw House Bed and Breakfast Inn. It dates back to 1900's, has three floors that house five guest rooms all with private bath. It is located in a quiet residential area. A full gourmet breakfast is served as well as afternoon refreshments. There is much to see and do in Boise, anything from theatrical productions to sports events to walks along the Boise River Greenbelt.
In a little known or traveled corner of Idaho is Jarbridge, located just north of the Nevada border. Campers, hikers, horseback riders and other outdoor adventurers swear this is the last paradise. The town of Jarbridge is so small you can walk the length of town and see all the dozen or so homes and the few businesses. The Tsawhawbitts Ranch Bed and Breakfast is worth an overnight visit. There are six rooms in the main house as well as three cabins. A full breakfast is served each morning and guests are encouraged to explore this little seen part of Idaho.
Another lesser known area is Albion, which is actually the former home to one of the leading teacher-training colleges. Nowadays, the local residents preserve the grounds as a park. The Mountain Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn is located downtown. It has three guest rooms available with private bath.
In Pocatello, the Black Swan Inn is a perfect place for anyone who has everything or thinks they have seen everything. There are 13 theme suites at this very special bed and breakfast inn. Each suite features a big screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, gas fireplace, and shower with jetted tub big enough for two. Each morning, you will find the makings for a continental breakfast available in your room. This is a place to let your imagination run wild with suites named the Pirate's Suite, Rocky Mountain Cabin Suite, Tropical Paradise Suite, or the Wild West Suite.
Another perfect getaway in paradise can be found in Fish Haven and is called the Bear Lake Bed and Breakfast. There are five guestrooms, three with private bath, the other two share a bathroom. There are lots of lake activities to keep you busy and this restful, casual inn to come back to after a hard day of fishing, parasailing or a guided tour of the caves. And if you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Bear Lake Monster, the snakelike apparition that is said to resemble the Lock Ness monster of Scotland. Sightings of the monster date back to the days when the area was strictly inhabited by the Native Americans that call this area home. It has been speculated that the creature could even be the legendary Nessie, who travels by way of underwater tunnels between here and Scotland. None of this has ever been substantiated and all sightings should be reported.
On the road headed east to the Grand Teton country, you will find the quaint little town of Driggs and the Pines Motel and Guest Haus. This BnB is fashioned out of a remodeled home in the midst of an acre of groomed lawn, with seven guest rooms available. There is a large outdoor hot tub. A hearty country style breakfast will fuel you for a day of exploring the area's sights and various activities like hiking, fishing and a good old fashioned melodrama in nearby Victor.
Idaho may be called the Gem State for mining reasons, however these previous establishments are just a few of the gems you will find here.
