Category: Spring

Hayden Lake

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Coeur d'Alene, Fall, Family, Friends, Ironman CDA, It's Free, Kids, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Pets, Spring, Summer, Towns, Visitors, WinterTagged , Leave a comment

An expert from Sixth Lit Times

Love of Idaho and Vacation Rental Authority are proud to present another story from the 6th grade literature class at Charter Academy.

The Amazing Life in Hayden Lake

By:  Sydney

   Where can you find fresh water fish and aquatic plants?  One place is in the waters of Hayden Lake, Idaho.  Many people find these things daily when they’re out fishing in this lake.

If you want to know what fish you’ll find when you’re out fishing on Hayden Lake, here are a few examples of people’s favorites.  You could catch a rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, cutthroat trout, or a bullhead catfish.  Other favorites that you can find in Hayden Lake include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, or yellow perch.  As you can see, you’ll most likely catch a fish that you will be proud of and find delicious.

Not only are there fish in this lake, but plants, too!  Some of the most commonly found plants are the Robbins’ pondweed, elodea, large-leaved pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil, and flat-stemmed pondweed.  Other, less commonly known plants include coontail, musk grass, northern water milfoil, slender naiad, nitella, and yellow pond lily.  More aquatic plants that live in Hayden Lake include leafy pondweed, variable leaf  ponweed, floating leaf pondweed, whitestem ponweed, clasped leaf pondweed, white water buttercup, and wild celery.

Next time you go out on Hayden Lake look for these fish and plants.  Though not everyone likes the taste of fish or these water plants we still need to look for the environment and our community.

North Idaho Wildlife

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Coeur d'Alene, Fall, It's Free, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Photography, Spring, Summer, Towns, Visitors, WinterLeave a comment

An excerpt from Sixth Lit Times

Love Of Idaho is proud to present a series of stories written by the 6th grade class of Charter Academy. Watch for all our postings from “Sixth Lit Times”

Wildlife of Northern Idaho: The moose and the Grizzly Bear

By: Ben

   There are many are amazing animals that live in Northern Idaho.  Two of the most famous of all them are the noose and the grizzly bear.  These two North Idaho favorites have unique qualities.

The bull-moose has antlers that can grow up the six feet in

family vacation ideasdiameter.  They can live up to fifteen to twenty year old.  Moose are naturally extremely good swimmers.  They can swim continously for several miles.  Moose can hold their breath under water for thirty seconds or more.   A moose can measure roughly six and a half feet tall, measured at the shoulder.   Moose can run at 35 mph, and trot at 20 mph.  Also they can weigh up to 1800 pounds, being the largest wilder herbivore in Idaho.

Grizzly bears are the largest bears in North Idaho, as well as the largest predator.  The easiest and most obvious way to tell grizzly bears from other bears is not their size but the distinct hump on their back.  That hump is made of pure muscle connected to their frontal paws, giving them enormous strength for digging and clawing.  Also, unlike other bears they have long claws, up to four inches long.  A grizzly bear’s color can be blond, black, or brown.  Adults can grow up to three to four feet tall on all fours, but when standing on their back paws they can be six to seven feet tall.  A grizzly bear’s average weight is 300 to 600 pounds and some can weigh as much as 1000 ponds.  Grizzly bears can live up to 30 years.  They are very agile animals. Can climb trees, are good swimmers, and can run at 35 mph.  Originally the grizzlies were hunted to near extinction.  The United States added grizzly bears to the endangered species list, illegalizing hunting the grizzly bears.  But today in the Northwestern United States they are no longer endangered, but in some places, like Idaho, they are still illegal to hunt.

Like most traits, there are advantages and disadvantages.  For example, a moose uses its large antlers in a wide space to rut (fight) with other moose or to fight off predators.  A disadvantage to these antlers would be in confined spaces a moose’s large antlers could get it stuck.  An advantage a grizzle bear has is that it can fun very fast, up to 35 mph, but only for short bursts.  A disadvantage would be, if a grizzly does use that burst of speed for too long than they become extremely tired and fatigued.

Northern Idaho is fortunate to be home to such massive animals.  The moose live in the forests and the wetlands while the grizzlies live in the forest and in mountainous terrain.  And it’s because of Idaho’s low population that the grizzly bears and the moose have such a large habitat.  Both of these animals are amazing, and both of them are native to Northern Idaho.

Sources:  Natgeo.com, Be Bear Aware. Org pamphlet, and Idaho Fish and Game.com

North idaho wildlife photo
Idaho black bear

Looking for a North Idaho Adventure, Visit Vacation Rental Authority to find great FAMILY VACATION IDEAS.

How to Spend a Tasteful Day in Spokane

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Business, Fall, Friends, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Spokane, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Admittedly, I’m an Idahoan at heart and am passionate about all Coeur d’Alene has to offer visitors.  Our neighboring city of Spokane, however, has a remarkable allure and worthy attraction all its own.  The afternoon spent there yesterday, on my first “culinary tour,” was definitely worth repeating!

foodie tour of Spokane, near Coeur d'AleneNot knowing what to expect, I figured a culinary tour would entail huge meals, over indulgence and leaving with the regret of an overly full stomach.  This couldn’t have been further from our experience with Savor Spokane, as the food stops were more like fun breaks, well-timed refreshment along our walking tour of the town.

A small group of us were lead on a sight seeing, story telling, history learning, river viewing, culinary tasting, friend making delight of an afternoon. The time passed quickly, as we walked a lovely path along the river, through town and from local restaurant to local restaurant.

Along the way we learned the significance of various art, buildings, people, events and geological structures.  Far from stuffy, it was a light-hearted, friendly environment, purposely crafted and energized at each step, by our knowledgeable guide Lesley.

Personally, I will join this tour many times more in the future, bringing local friends and sharing the experience with guests who visit from across the country.  Is there anything better?  Don’t know, I hear there’s also a wine tour….

Idaho Fishing Guides

Posted on Posted in Coeur d'Alene, Fall, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Spirit Lake, Spring, SummerTagged , , , Leave a comment

Idaho Fishing Guides

Fishing Guides in Coeur d’Alene

You can find fishing guides and book fishing trips, boat rentals and so much more with Vacation Rental Authority, Find fishing guides for Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and our local rivers.

Contact Robert or Cheryl at 800-679-3661 or email info@vacationrentalauthority.com

FREE Vacation Rental Services

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Fall, Ironman CDA, It's Free, Love Idaho, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , Leave a comment

 

 

 

Image

Sometimes it’s easy to make the right decision.  In the last post we talked about how a personal shopper can not only save you time and money but make your vacation funner and so much easier. 

Vacation Rentals earn their income when they book your reservation and provide your lodging. If your booking agent is not being helpful enough, you should shop around. Vacation Rental Authority offers free booking, listing and marketing for our vacation rentals and on top of that we offer an abundance of services for guests who are looking for FREE and paid services to make their vacation perfect. 

Don’t hesitate to click the button above. It’s FREE. 

1 Step to an Easy Vacation

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Fall, It's Free, Love Idaho, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , Leave a comment

Stress Free Vacations

How exciting is it to have a vacation to plan for. Your next adventure is just around the corner and you are thrilled to be planning all your activities, tours and culinary experiences in a new, fun destination. So what can you do to make all the planning just a little easier?  How can you be sure your plans are going to come off just right?  As head of the 1 person planning committee you have a lot of responsibility and several people trusting you to do a good job of planning the itinerary.  Vacations are always to short and you want to make the most of every second.

Your guide to flawless vacation planning.coeur d'alene vacation rentals

STEP #1   Ask for help.

It really is as simple as that. Ask for help, professional help and it does not have to cost you a single penny.  Many local businesses offer FREE services or packages to help guests find their services.  Seek out a helpful vacation rental manager and ask for those services you plan on shopping for yourself.  You will be surprised at the response you will receive from some small business owners.

Top 6 Questions to ask your vacation rental manager

  1. Ask for a “professional quality activity guide”.  Not a note jotted on the back of an envelope or a collection of flyers left over from other travelers.  Ask for a quality activity guide so you can review the latest tours, attractions, restaurants and rental providers. An excellent guide will be recently composed, contain contact information and description of the event, attraction or service. Great images are a must have and it should be easy to use.  Ask your vacation rental agent to email you their activity guide and if they don’t have one then shop around before you find out what else they do not have.
  2. Ask for a vacation package. You are very likely to purchase event tickets, ski passes, rent a boat, and dine out.  Ask your booking agent for a vacation package that includes at least one of these items. Be sure to ask if your agent marks up the price of your requested item, a good booking agent will not mark up these types of services. Vacation Rental Authority offers services like these for the same price you will pay if you purchase directly.  In some cases you will save money and make your vacation easier.boat rental coeur d'alene, coeur d'alene vacations
  3. Ask your booking agent for help finding things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Send a list of things you plan on doing while on vacation and ask your agent for advise on what to do and who offers the best services.  Be sure you booking agent lives locally and then trust their judgement. Who would know better than a professional tourism provider in their own home town?
  4. Ask for dining suggestions and even take out menus.  your LOCAL vacation rental agent will know where to dine and what you can expect. If you want good local food at reasonable prices, your local agent will know.  If you are looking for fine dining with exquisite service with a stunning view, your agent will know.
  5. Ask your booking agent to do your grocery shopping for you.  Yes, your agent should be doing this at a very low cost if not, shop around for a helpful agent.  Arriving at your vacation rental with all the condiments and groceries you will need for a couple meals is a great way to start out your relaxing or adventurous vacation. Have your coffee and bagels ready!  Again trust your local agent, they will know the best places to find quality local baked goods, fresh produce and meat.
  6. Request a gift certificate for yourself or family member that you can use on a return trip.  Returning guests are likely to receive a discount coupon if they are going to be coming back.  Ask before you book and let your agent know you would like a nice certificate to offer friends and family.  Be sure to ask before you book and you may be surprised at the results.

Our 6 ideas for stress free vacations just begins to touch on the options and services you can get for FREE. Lets consider the value to you in the following example

  1. Free Local Attraction Guide to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho           $ 0.00
  2. 5 day boat rental for 10% off                                     $ – 400.00
  3. Grocery shopping and delivery                                         $ 29.00
  4. Free restaurant advice and menus                                     $ 0.00
  5. Itinerary for tours, trips and events                                    $ 0.00
  6. $200 in Gift Certificates for family and friends                $ -200.00

Total Savings for asking for help                                                                            $ 371.00

You just saved $371.00 on your vacation by asking your super helpful booking agent to do exactly what an agent should do.  Your groceries are in the fridge when you arrive, your boat will be delivered at a discount, your family and friends are getting great gift certificates and you have a wonderful amount of insight about the local fun, dining and adventures available during your stay. Not only did you save money but you saved something more valuable, time.

Ask for an activities Guide  from Vacation Rental Authority.

208-660-3944

info@vacationrentalauthority.com

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Coeur d’Alene Destination Weddings

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Fall, Family, Friends, Indoors, It's Free, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , , Leave a comment

Are you planning a wedding in Coeur d’Alene?

Coeur d’Alene has become a destination city.  Our resort town is well known and in high demand for those precious summer days.  What a pleasant thing to note, Coeur d’Alene is your destination wedding opportunity.Image  If you are looking for a location to have an incredible, unforgettable event, Coeur d’Alene is the place for you.

All four seasons offer the unparalleled beauty of stunning outdoor scenery unlike anything you can find elsewhere.  Planning your event in Coeur d’Alene has become easier as local small businesses reach out to brides to be.  Red Letter Event Planning and Vacation Rental Authority offer a combined service that can provide everything brides and yes, grooms need to tie the knot.

Many venues are available throughout the year but proper planning is critical to finding the best location at the best price.  Summer is going to require booking early, a year ahead of time is a good idea.  Fall, Spring and Winter weddings can be stunning and unique for those who want wonderful prices and something fun and different.

coeur d'alene weddings

 

Vacation Rental Authority offers extraordinary homes for your wedding.  Relax in luxury while your wedding party prepares for the big day.  Enjoy jetted tubs, spas, master suites and fireplaces.  Your caterer can use the gourmet kitchens and formal dining rooms to prepare for the event and rehearsal dinners.  Family and friends can gather for dinner or relax in the theater room to get away from it all.  Sleep in beds with fine quality linens and be rested and ready for your special day.

The outdoor venues are spotless and manicured to provide room for your guests.  A full range of services and rentals are available and managed so you do not have to worry about those details.  Just set your expectations and let VRA and Red Letter Events see that it gets done.

Vacation Rental Authority private rentals are excellent, professionally cleaned and staged.  Every service you may choose is available with worry free management from Robyn at Red Letter Event Planning.  Rest comfortable in luxury in preparation for your wedding with Vacation Rental Authority and Red Letter Event Planning.

The Hayden Lake Estate-6180

The Hayden Lake Estate-6182

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Fall, Family, Friends, Indoors, It's Free, Kids, Love Idaho, Post Falls, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I recently visited the oldest building in Post Falls, a historical landmark beautifully restored.  Previously 2 church buildings, it now houses an active arts and cultural center.

Beautiful historic building in Post Falls, ID

With art shows upstairs, in lovely light, plus performing arts, musicians, cooking classes and much more, this local gem is a “must visit” for everyone in the area.

Keep an eye on our events calendar, and visit their website for upcoming performances.  This Friday is a Jazz Concert…can’t wait!

Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center

Mineral Ridge – a popular hiking destination for locals

Posted on Posted in Coeur d'Alene, Fall, Family, Friends, It's Free, Kids, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Spring, SummerTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment
View toward Silver Valley
View of Lake CDA from Mineral Ridge

Delightful Morning of “Books & Coffee” in Spirit Lake

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Fall, Friends, Indoors, Kids, Spirit Lake, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , , , , , 1 Comment
Bagels, Coffee, Spirit Lake, Books
Largest Bagel in Idaho
SAM_0422
These bagels are unbelievable – homemade, chewy & flavorful.
Spirit Lake Coffee & Books Award of Excellence
Award of Excellence
coffee & books in Spirit Lake, ID
Coffee & Books Welcomes You
books & coffee in Spirit Lake
Did we mention books?

Watch Idaho the Movie!

Posted on Posted in 4-Seasons, Business, Coeur d'Alene, Fall, Family, Friends, It's Free, Love Idaho, Outdoors, Post Falls, Sandpoint, Spring, Summer, Towns, Videos, Visitors, WinterLeave a comment

North Idaho Eagle

I’m excited about a new documentary about the wonders of Idaho, by someone who loves Idaho as much as I do! Can’t wait to see the full movie.

A quote I love from the trailer is “If you’re tired of Idaho, you’re tired of life. There’s always something different, something surprising…” SO TRUE! View the Trailer here: http://vimeo.com/44546590

 

Remembering Rough Waters on Lake CDA

Posted on Posted in Coeur d'Alene, Friends, Outdoors, SpringTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Heirloom Kayak on Lake CDA - windy day in spring 2012A strong wind came up one day in early April, the sun was up and spring was here. The water temperature was still very cold but it was just what I was waiting for. I couldn’t wait to try out my new kayak in the rough waves. At least as rough as it gets here in Idaho.

I loaded up the two boats and we headed out to the lake. In no time at all we were in our boats in paddling out in the waves. We stayed close to shore we knew we weren’t experienced enough to be out there in those conditions. We had a great time splashing around trying not to tip over in the waves that crossed over the bows of our boats. Constant use of our paddles was required to keep the kayak upright and heading in the right direction.

We aimed at the high waves, driving through the one to crash down into the next. The kayaks rode the water well; the long boats would slash in the waves rising over each as the water washed over the bow. As we traversed along the beach, sideways to the waves, the boats would rise and fall with the waves supported by their secondary stability. The rounded bottom allowed the boats to remain in an upright position as we creased wave after wave.

We were soon tired from constantly having to keep ourselves stable using our paddles as quickly as we could to recover from each wave. The water was too cold on this early spring day to take any chances so we stayed close to shore and paddled to and from shore enjoying the splashing and exciting waves. Now anybody that has been in a sea kayak knows that they are very stable once you are in but they can be difficult to get in and out of while staying dry.

We paddled over to the beach having decided that we needed pictures of this great albeit tame adventure. In a moment of genius I decided to try and hand Cheryl my truck keys while still in our boats. I felt things were going well as I was able to fish my keys out of my back pocket and hold them out to Cheryl. Now remember,  constant use of our paddles was needed to maintain position and keep the boats heading into the waves.

I took a moment to grab my paddle and position my boat carefully alongside Cheryl who apparently felt she was already on shore enjoying a nice ice tea or lemonade in the summer sun. Forgetting her kayak was not an Adirondack chair she upended the kayak exposing the fine artwork along the keel.

Cheryl came up shocked from the cold water and out of breath. We were only a few feet from shore and in shallow enough water to walk out of. The fun of playing in the water quickly became a lesson in safety. We had been careful to stay close to shore and with the air temperatures well above 70 we were able to continue the fun.

I continued to hit the waves and try to surf my 18 ft sea kayak while Cheryl snapped the pictures we needed to remember that wonderful day.

Why Travelers Love Vacation Rentals

Posted on Posted in Fall, Family, Friends, Spring, Summer, WinterTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Why Vacation Rentals Infographic

Idaho Outdoors for Kids!

Posted on Posted in Fall, Family, Love Idaho, Spring, SummerTagged , , , Leave a comment

This is more of a link than a blog post, but I found this great site for connecting kids to nature in Idaho & had to share!  Check it out & let me know what you think.

Idaho Outdoors for Kids!