It's a great question, really, when you consider all the fun-packed events lined up for the 8th annual Sandpoint Mardi Gras celebration happening Feb. 6-16. Kicking it off is the all-new Bayou Bash and Masquerade Party held in the lakeside Trinity at City Beach Restaurant, Saturday, February 6. Then the following week, don't miss traditional favorites such as the Mardi Gras Costume Contest (complete with an Open Mic event this year) at Coldwater Creek's Wine Bar Thursday, Feb. 11, the Mardi Gras Poker Run throughout downtown Sandpoint Monday, Feb. 15, and of course the hilarious and rather risque Follies show at the Panida Theater, Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13. View 'em all and more at SandpointMardiGras.com.

How about a weekend away from it all in the spectacular setting of Sandpoint? And to top it off, get a sweetheart of a deal on lodging, dining out and more by clicking to view the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce's Hot Deals page. This is a great resource to find updated offers on travel-related items such as lodging and dining, getaway packages, etc. - and to make sure you're not missing out on new specials, sign up for the Hot Deals eNewsletter to receive e-mail notifications when a new Hot Deal is added to the website. It's free, fast and fun. How sweet is that?!?

Every time you dine out for dinner at a participating Dine Around Sandpoint restaurant now through Feb. 16, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win some terrific prizes! PLUS, you’ll be eligible to win the GRAND PRIZE Dinner for two once a month for a year at participating Dine Around Sandpoint restaurants! Don’t forget to check a different restaurant every day, because with receipts from just one of Sandpoint’s great participating eateries, you can win the Grand Prize worth $750, or one of several other prizes, including wine, gift certificates and much more. Winner will be announced at The Follies show.

The new 2010 Sandpoint Visitor Guide is here, and while printed copies are showing up in visitor centers and brochure racks around the region, there's also an interactive digital flip-page format you can view directly from your computer, or, if you prefer, download as a PDF (3.8 mb).

Know someone who'd like to subscribe to the Visit Sandpoint e-newsletter? Now it's easier than ever to sign up - you'll find a link to sign up on the home page of VisitSandpoint.com, or click to go directly to the sign-up page here.