Idaho's City Near The Mountains Is A Perfect Outdoor Adventure Hub With Fun Shops

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Ponderay is the sparkling jewel of the Gem State. Equal parts rugged and polished, this natural treasure boasts some of the most wondrous wilds the Idaho Panhandle has to offer, hugged by the skyscraping Northern Rockies, which harbor some of America's best parks and outdoor experiences. But the beauty doesn't end there.

The little city of some 2,000 folks sits right smack dab on the banks of the sprawling Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake and recreational paradise. There's plenty of fun to be had between all the outdoor outings, too, because Ponderay is chock-full of eclectic shops and tasty eats. The city straddles the junction of U.S. Highway 95, Interstate 2, and Highway 200. One of the nearest major airports — the Spokane International Airport (GEG) — is only about an hour and a half away. According to the city's official website, Ponderay is famed for being the "proud gateway" to one of the best family-friendly ski spots in the Northwest: Schweitzer Mountain Resort. 

The winter retreat sits a few miles north of the city and has largely stellar reviews on Tripadvisor. One past guest raved about the "awesome snow, beautiful lodging, top-notch service, excellent views, a huge variety of terrain, lovely pool and steamy hot tubs, a full service spa, easy to navigate rental shop, and lots [of] great food." You can find a slew of other accommodations within the city limits. The Best Western Plus Ponderay features a "Wonderful" rating on Booking.com. The Hotel Ruby and Outdoors Inn also come top-rated on Tripadvisor.

Outdoor romps are all but mandatory during a trip to Ponderay. And at the top of the adventure bucket list is Lake Pend Oreille, which hugs the city to the south. This massive puddle of water is actually Idaho's largest lake, stretching across the state for roughly 43 miles. It's pretty deep, too, sinking more than 1,100 feet. Kayaks, jet skis, and other watercraft can be rented on-site. Several beaches, picnic areas, and public parks can also be found sprinkled across the banks. The beach park in Sandpoint, an Idaho city with a thriving arts scene, is one of the closest, situated just minutes away. There, you'll find picnic tables, a swimming area, walking and biking paths, and of course, plenty of art on display.

You can also admire the scenic canvas of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the surrounding Kaniksu National Forest with a hike along the plunging peaks. With more than 2,000 feet of elevation, the Mickinnick Trail will definitely take you vertical. The woodsy route isn't that long, covering about 6.5 miles out-and-back, but it still makes for quite the strenuous challenge. As one hiker shared on AllTrails: "There are a number of rocky sections. As one reaches the upper section the trail is icy. And with snow to start right away, I'd recommend boot chains from here on out. It's mostly, but not entirely an unrelenting trek upwards."

Need to stock up on outdoor essentials before setting out on your Ponderay excursion? North 40 Outfitters has you covered, with watersports gear, camping supplies, hiking provisions, and the like. Thrill seekers can also splurge on motorsports equipment at North Idaho Rec & Marine, located on the outskirts of the city. Of course, Ponderay's fun shopping scene extends far beyond the outdoorsy staples.

Hunt for cool vintage finds at local antique stores like The Rusty Trunk, which is "a great place to find that long lost treasure," according to one Google review. Support a good cause as you peruse the shelves at the Better Together Animal Alliance Thrift Store. Or shop an assortment of clothes, jewelry, home goods, and other trendy items at the Wildflowers Resale Boutique. The cute consignment and thrift shop carries a "mix of new and used" stuff, including handmade earrings, candles, and soap, an online review reads.

There are even more shops at Bonner Mall, which is just minutes away from the boutique. The shopping center also boasts a movie theater if you're in the mood for a fun flick. While you're out and about, pick up some locally-sourced produce from The Peach Man, which sells fresh fruits and vegetables in season.