Sandpoint Attracts Seniors

Sandpoint, in the northern tip of Idaho, is no ordinary senior vacation destination. Located on magnificent 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille (the fifth deepest lake in the US), surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, and with Schweitzer Mountain ski resort minutes away, Sandpoint is blessed with outstanding attractions.

Visitors will find plenty of things to do such as Bike tours, Air tours, Driving tours and a visit to the Laughing Dog Brewery. And check out the Farmers Market, take a tour of the Albeni Falls Dam, go horseback riding or enjoy a cruise on Lake Pend Oreille. Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway, 33.4 miles of spectacular water views on Highway 200, meanders east to the Montana state line along the rocky shores of Lake Pend Oreille.

Senior Railroaders…

For those of you seniors who enjoy railroading, like my brother-in-law who has a miniature railroad in his backyard, Sandpoint  is one of the West’s greatest railroading towns.

The Burlington Northern, Montana Rail Link and Spokane International rail systems all converge to create “The Funnel,” an amazingly active rail crossroads with more than 40 trains a day traveling through.

Sandpoint was featured on the national scene in the June issue of Country Living, and Where to Retire magazine had a five-page article on Sandpoint. The Sandpoint, Idaho real estate market is stronger than other areas, and it makes sense: Idaho was named the nation’s 8th healthiest and 14th happiest state in the country.

Obviously, there is a reason for all this attention from the outside world…a peaceful and tranquil arcadia in an absolutely stunning natural setting. No traffic congestion, thousands of acres of forests with trails for hiking and biking, and ski slopes and golf courses just minutes away.

Senior Golfers and Oenophiles and Festival Goers…

Senior visitors enjoy the classic beach and park activities at Sandpoint City Beach, an 18-acre park surrounded by water on most sides.

You can lounge on the beach, play volleyball or horseshoes, picnic, or stroll the path that encircles the park. The 29-year-old Theodore Roosevelt visited “Sand Point” in August, 1888, on a hunting trip to the Selkirk Mountains and remarked about how “rough-and-tumble” the area was.

Sandpoint’s Winter Carnivals are  said to be “a sure cure for cabin fever.” Then there is the Festival at Sandpoint, a summer concert series that is held every August. Oenophiles can enjoy wine tasting and tours at the award-winning Pend d’Oreille Winery.

With two golf courses in Sandpoint, including a Jack Nicklaus signature course, and over 20 courses within a two-hour drive, anyone ready to hit the links can be assured their skill level can be matched.

 So make plans to spend a few days in Sandpoint enjoying all the sights and many attractions. jeb