Shopping Along Sherman Avenue

Coeur d'Alene's main street, Sherman Avenue, is lined with an excellent assortment of restaurants, galleries, and funky little shops. Whether you're hunting for antiques, interested in purchasing a piece of local art, or you just want to kick back with the morning paper and a cup of joe, you're likely to find something that interests you along Sherman Ave. Personally, my favorite haunts are Figpickels Toy Emporium, Christmas at the Lake, and Java on Sherman.

I'm not sure whether it's the old fashioned customer service, the fact that I have a thing for old buildings with creaky wooden floors and interesting architecture, or the nostalgia of the retro toys from the 70s, but when I step into Figpickels Toy Emporium, I almost feel like I'm stepping back in time.

You know you're approaching the store when you see this tin man waiting on the sidewalk to greet you.

This is Kylie. Like everyone who works at this family owned and operated store, she will go out of her way to provide every customer with excellent service.

I remember wandering into Figpickels one day when they were fairly busy. I was looking for a bag of those plastic army men we used to play with 35 years ago. They didn't have any more on the shelf, so even though it was only a $4.00 sale, the owner sent an employee to the warehouse to get a bag of those army men for me! That's the sort of thing they do to earn my loyalty.

Figpickels Toy Emporium 312 E. Sherman Ave Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208)667-2800

I'm also a huge fan of Christmas at the Lake. Over the weekend, I stopped in and chatted with owner, Mary Peak, who told me, "Every day is a holiday at this store. With over 30 themed trees and more than 20 nativities, it's always Christmas!" They not only carry heirloom glass ornaments made in Germany, and Italian nativities from Fontanini, but they feature hand carved and sculpted Santas from local artists as well.

They even offer wreath making classes. Isn't this one pretty?

The store also carries gifts and decorations for other holidays including Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, weddings, and new baby.

Mary's dogs keep her company while she tends the store. Here's one of her little angels.

Christmas at the Lake 519 Sherman Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-2885

And as every girl from the general Seattle-Tacoma area knows, coffee is the elixir of life. I've probably sipped cups from every coffee house in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden, and let me just say, "Forget Starbuck's!" Step into Java on Sherman for a bowl of soul. If you order it to stay, this delicious chocolate coffee drink is served in a glazed clay bowl and topped with real whipped cream. Trust me. You will think you've died and gone to coffee heaven.

When the weather warms up, they move tables and chairs out onto the sidewalk. And because Java is located in the center of downtown Coeur d'Alene, this is a great place to people watch, especially during the summer when all the tourists are here.

Malia drinking hot chocolate at Java On Sherman

Java On Sherman 324 Sherman Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-0010

All of the galleries, restaurants and shops along Sherman Avenue are within easy walking distance of The Coeur d'Alene Resort.