Labor Day Weekend: Finish Summer Right

Aug 31, 2018

You made it. The three-day weekend has arrived! For many of us, our busy summers are coming to a close this Labor Day Weekend as we gear up for what Fall has to offer: going back to school yourself or sending the kids back to school, finishing up those summer projects, or even switching jobs. Let’s face it, once school starts for everyone, we tend to switch into fall-mode pretty quickly. For most, Labor Day Weekend is the last chance for some final summer shenanigans. As we say so-long to Summer, here are some ideas to get you out of your neighborhood and exploring. These activities take a bit more time, but shouldn’t take up more than one of your three days this weekend – unless, of course, you decided to do them all and make it your ultimate summer send-off!!

The first idea is a Labor Day Weekend exclusive, so you’re going to want to think about this one first. The little town of St. Maries, Idaho, is hosting their annual Paul Bunyan Days (PBD) Festival, and it’s a personal favorite. Better yet, 2018 is their 50^th anniversary! So you know it’s bound to be a good year. PBD will give you the perfect Idaho small-town vibes so you can get back to your roots before starting your hectic fall schedule. This is an entire community-wide event spanning the weekend, so there is a huge list of things to do. You can scan the full schedule here. To name a few, you’ve got lumberjack games and logger sports tournaments, giant community Bingo sessions, a Square Dance, and a Demolition Derby. You’ve got the festival staples too: fair food, handmade crafts booths, carnival rides, and live music.

Paul Bunyan Days Ferris Wheel Paul Bunyan Days Aerial Photos by @phenmonkey

To top it all off, prepare for what is (seriously) considered the best firework show in the Northwest on Sunday night. Explosion enthusiasts come from all over to park themselves on a picnic blanket in the fairgrounds grass – about the size of a football field – to witness an incredible display right above their heads (because the fireworks are fired just on the opposite side of the field). If you love to feel the pyrotechnics pounding in your chest, make sure to be in St. Maries by dark on Sunday night! (No admission fee!)

Paul Bunyan Days Fireworks Photo by @phenmonkey

The gorgeous drive to St. Maries is about an hour and fifteen minutes from Cd’A, so many make the drive back in the same night and get home around midnight. If night driving isn’t your thing, make it a camping trip at Heyburn State Park, just thirty minutes from St. Maries, or stay right in the little town. Just bring your picnic blanket, an appetite for “elephant ears” and caramel apples, and your down-home enthusiasm.

If you’re looking to get a bit more scenery and stretch your legs, the beautiful Route of the Hiawatha is a great casual activity for a long weekend. The 15-mile, entirely downhill bike trail is a beloved classic for Idahoans. The trail is well-maintained – did we mention downhill the whole way? – and there’s a shuttle service to bring you right back to the start, so it’s a great ride to bring the whole family along. Make sure you bring a light jacket and bike lights, because you’ll be riding through some cool old railway tunnels… The first one is over a mile-and-a-half long! Don’t have a bike or a helmet for everyone? Lookout Pass offers rentals, so no one misses out. Oh, and you might want to bring a lunch after burning all that energy.

Can’t get too far out, but still want to take advantage of the extra time off? Might we suggest a Stay-cation to get you out of the house with the people you love in Coeur d’Alene. Chill out at a coffee shop, check out that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, or hang out at the Hayden Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning and grab some freshness for dinner that night. Take the kiddos (or just you and a friend, we won’t judge) to the new Coeur d’Alene Carousel and treat yourselves to some ice cream. Go on your favorite hike or spend some time at the lake before the crisp fall air sets in. Maybe even put together a spontaneous camping trip and roast the marshmallows of a lifetime! There’s plenty to do right outside your front door, let alone the rest of the State of Idaho! Don’t let the weekend pass you by.

Before you hit the road or completely fill your schedule with hometown adventures this weekend, make sure to stop by the Shop to get some sweet deals on CDA Tanks for 50% off! After all, there may be a few more sunny days 😉 And you can always stock up for next year! If you’re all set on summer gear, get ready for fall with a cozy hoodie or beanie. Ladies, we’ve got a new cowl hoodie you’ll adore! The tank sale is only for this weekend, so get here soon!

Night Tubbs Womens Cowl Hoodie NW Tree Zip Hoodie

Then, we’ll see you out and about enjoying the Great State of 208 (and 986...) this weekend. Make sure to tag us @cdaidaho on Instagram to show us all your Labor Day adventures!