Travel Tips & Route Through Idaho and Washington: Visiting Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Chelan and Leavenworth

Thursday, April 29, 2021


My boyfriend and I headed on a much needed vacation to the Pacific Northwest to see the mountains, spend time at the lake, and hang out with his friends! We were beyond stoked to get away for some adventure and relaxation.



Our trip was fantastic! The only thing I would change is the amount of time we stayed there — I wish it were longer.


I highly recommend checking out this part of the world if you fancy lakes, mountains, and the outdoors. I'll be visiting Idaho again this summer.


Short version of the trip:

- Flew from DFW to Spokane
- Drove to Coeur d’Alene and spent the day there
- Spent the nigh in Spokane, got breakfast and drove to Chelan
- Spent 3 days in Chelan and drove to Leavenworth
- Spent 1 day in Leavenworth
- Drove to Wenatchee to fly back to Dallas





Coeur d’Alene, ID

We flew into Spokane early on a Friday morning and my boyfriend's friend picked us up from the airport in Spokane and we drove to Coeur d’Alene for the day. It was about a 40 minute, easy drive.

We got brunch at a little dive-ish bar near Coeur d’Alene Resort and after brunch we headed to the lake. 

We enjoyed the sunshine, water, and a little hiking. Be sure to wear sneakers because it's a rocky trek to get to some little of the nooks around the lake and close to the shore. 

The resort and surrounding Airbnb's were expensive so we decided it was easier and smarter to head back to Spokane and spend the night there but before heading to bed, we showered off and hit the town!

Here's a look at our trek to get a better gauge on the area:

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Spokane, WA

We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Spokane Downtown in Spokane. It was really nice and had a Starbucks in the lobby so no complaints there–lol.

We all showered, napped and got ready to get dinner at Veraci Pizza, which was an amazing pizza spot! The waiters were really friendly and they have gluten free options. I got the chicken pesto pizza and it was *chef's kiss* good.

However, we did have a 2 hour wait for Veraci and they don't take reservations so I suggest doing what we did and walk next door to Nectar Wine and Beer and grab some drinks while you wait! They have indoor and patio seating. I had the Three Thieves Pinot Noir (it was good, nothing too special) and the boys had The White Lodge by Holy Mountain Brewing and would not stop talking about how great it was for the next 3 days so safe so say that's a good one to try. Plus, it's hard to find in the area so be sure to get that if you like trying unique beers. 

If you get a bartender who looks like Chris Daughtry in his mask - let him know. He'll love it.

The next morning we got brunch at Chaps before heading to Chelan. It's this super cute place with an outdoor patio and is located on the side of a mountain. I think the building used to be an old home or mansion because all of the areas inside seem to be sectioned off like a home and each "room" is decorated a little differently. It has a hipster and vintage vibe.

Chaps is known for it's baked good but since I eat gluten free, I got an omelette (which was huge and delicious) + hash browns that were the best I have ever had - seriously. You have to get them if you go there. The table next was also raving about their oatmeal and said it was the best they ever had. All the baked goods looked delectable so I think Chaps is one of those restaurants  

Tipsy Canyon Winery Chelan WA
Tipsy Canyon — Chelan, WA

Chelan, WA

Wine Tour

Chelan is known for it's wine so a wine tour is a must. There's a wine for everyone and the sights are beyond gorgeous.

The tour consisted of Radiance Winery, Tipsy Canyon Winery and Succession Wines. They were all a blast. I unfortunately didn't document which wines I liked best but I can attest to them all being beautiful, lively, and worth your time!


Lake Day 

Sunday we had a lake day with a bunch of their friends and it was very gorgeous! There were mountains,  vineyards and cliffs on all sides the mountain so you always had an extra pretty view. Again, the water was really chilly but we all still got in and had a great time!


Eating & Drinking

We got dinner at Mexican place in downtown Chelan called Marcela's Cocina Mexicana margaritas were divine and the food was good but nothing to rave about to be honest.

After dinner, we went to a bar called Laela's which was cute and the owner was incredibly nice. It's so fun when you get to visit small town spots and get the "local" treatment because Lord knows there aren't many places like that in Dallas. Our restaurants are always packed and you never even know who the owner is.


Leavenworth, WA

Leavenworth. Is. Beautiful.

Just Google it and you'll see how cute the town is!

While we were only there a short time, I am so happy we stopped here on our way out of town. 

Leavenworth is the cutest little German town. It is very Oktoberfesty and the surrounding lake and mountains are breathtaking. We went hiking then quickly grabbed beers and a charcuterie board at Icicle Brewing before heading to the airpot.

I would highly recommend stopping here if you're in the area for a day of fresh air, sightseeing, and to be in awe of God's creation. 

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