Location: Ponderay
Top Things to do in Ponderay
10 Things to Do in Ponderay That You Shouldn't Miss
Ponderay is a city in Bonner County, Idaho. The population was 1,137 at the 2010 census, up from 638 in 2000. Ponderay's city motto is "Little City with the Big Future". As of 2012, the city of Ponderay has the highest crime rate in the entire state of Idaho.
Restaurants in Ponderay
1. Schweitzer Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Mountain and ski area located in northern Idaho.
Reviewed By Shy P
Everything about this place is incredible! How close it is to Sandpoint, the views are to die for, amazing skiing and snowboarding trails, people are beyond kind, service and food is amazing pretty much anywhere you choose to go! Cozy coffee shops, atmosphere is fantastic! Can’t wait to come back!
2. Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Cente
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Mary-jo W - Cranbrook
This is North Idaho's best kept secret. It is a fascinating place with many aircraft, cars and artifacts. The invention center is educational and has great original displays. Dr. Forrest Bird and Dr. Pamela Bird have created a wonderful place and they will be sorely missed by all who loved them and appreciated what they have done in their lives.
3. Laughing Dog Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By rancheria - Roseburg, Oregon
It's true, Laughing Dog has changed! The beer is as great as always, so that's the most important part Not to have changed. The first change last winter, that I was not in favor of, was the raising of the beer prices, via adding on the 6% state sales tax seperately in addition to the standard price, versus including it in the price of a pint or growler, as before. This was an automatic 6% price rise and more work for everyone in dealing with making change and figuring out the tax. I'm not sure why this changed, as every other place in Sandpoint and Ponderay that I know of did not do this with their beer. Food sales tax, Yes, Beer No. Seems like more of a convenient accounting change leading to a 6% raise in company revenue, more than anything else. In a way, I thought it was sort of a tacky move.
I really miss visiting with customers dogs! How could you not miss this; having fun with the fellow customers' dogs and my dog kept this wonderful brewery even more legendary and matched the name and idea from the inception,- to a Tee !!
For me, the food is a welcome addition because it is a Much better tasting and healthier accompaniment to the beer than bagged chips and popcorn and cheese puffs and pretzels were. Other than the soup, I feel like the wood-fired sandwiches and wood-fired flatbreads and salads are all about $1 to $2.00 overpriced. But, that's actually a petty complaint on my part that's not really worth mentioning, because I'm just happy that they have Real food, finally. In fact, that was the reason I would not frequent Laughing Dog as much as other Brew Pubs and restaurants in the area; I got tired of having to resort to Dollar Store bulk snacks, which I allowed too many refills to my dog bowl because I was hungry.
I feel like the changes at Laughing Dog were, of course, made to increase the bottom line for the business by making them more like the other businesses in town.. It was a good business move in to the mainstream and makes them more competitive, but unfortunately at the same time it makes them less unique and less special and amazing for us dog lovers. In Europe Laughing Dog might not have changed. And if we can't have Dogs anymore, Where are the Children?? I still don't see any Children!, which are almost as good as dogs to me when I'm enjoying great beer..
4. Sandpoint Watersports
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
We are proud to now offer a boat load of fun for you too. We offer only the best ski and pontoon boats available at reasonable prices, while making the booking process easy and pain free. You can view prices, availability and book your reservation online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Should you have questions please feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email.
Reviewed By Shannon L
We loved our experience renting a ski boat from Sandpoint Watersports. I found them online when I googled boat rentals and they were the first that came up. I called and had an immediate reservation. The rental was nice, clean and fast. They were so helpful. I had a son who broke his ankle 8 weeks ago, they helped him in the boat and out. They were there to greet us when we arrived, gassed up for us, with no surcharge. No boaters insurance to purchase, it's included in the price of the rental. No huge $500 deposit per rental. Rates extremely reasonable. I just loved the whole experience. Easy to find, easy walk to the marina from parking lot. Definitely would recommend to my friends and would rent here again on a future trip.
5. Sandpoint City Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Michelle A - Sandpoint, Idaho
I'm used to a beach being associated with an ocean but this a great lakeside beach with some easily accessible amenities. The parking can be difficult on busy days but worth the look. Just a few blocks away from amazing restaurants and drink establishments. Nice roped off swimming areas with floating docks for kids and adults. It is supervised with life guards during certain seasons and times. My kids love to go here.
6. Laughing Dog Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By m2swim - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Larger tasting room than most microbreweries. Fairly new facility (I think less than a year old). 10 taps or so offered with some bottled beers available also. Friendly bartender. Some food offered but we didn't try anything.
7. Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By sduskett - Meridian, Idaho
We tok the chairlift up and had lunch and a hike at the top of the mountain. I had the chicken pot pie and husband the muffalata sandwich with strings. We shared the berry cobbler at the end. Great food and good service. There are several hiking trails and we took about a mile or so hike. There is plenty to do from zip lining to horseback riding up at the resort.
8. Panida Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Kam M - Sandpoint, Idaho
This restored theatre is a highlight of living in Sandpoint. They show a wide variety of current movies, plays, performers and have recently implemented dinner theatre. I encourage anyone visiting Sandpoint to try to attend at least one event in the theatre.
9. Bonner County History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Tommy M - Roseville, California
Many small towns have museums but most can’t compare with Sandpoint’s. Displays are magnificent. Several rooms in the 1976 two story building relate the story of the area’s development. They cover logging, mining, farming, steamboats, native Americans and more. Most interesting is the coming of the railroad to North Idaho. Great Northern built a major east-west line with a station in Sandpoint. Brothels, saloons and early downtown buildings are featured. Recommended stop. No elevator to 2nd floor but stairs have handrail. Well worth the $3 admission.
10. Mountain Horse Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Horseback Trail Rides in scenic Sandpoint Idaho. Ride up in the mountains of northern Idaho's Panhandle through old growth forrest and the most beautiful views. We offer two rides daily on the best trail horses one can ask for, guided by licensed guides.
Reviewed By American_Cobra - Yokohama, Japan
I'm no horse riding expert but I felt safe and comfortable during the 3 hour ride. Our guide (I think his name was Dave) was very knowledgeable and patient. The horses looked well cared for and were very cooperative.
The ride was fun and provided great views of the lake and surrounding areas. I've horseback riding with other companies but this one was by far the best. The price is worth it and the care and attention given to the riders and the horses was excellent.
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