Every January, in the midst of winter, Sandpoint cooks up a sure antidote to cabin fever. It's the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, five days of pure fun celebrating the best of the snowy season ... indoors and out. This year's party happens January 14 through January 18 - we hope to see you here! Browse all information on this year's events at SandpointWinterCarnival.com - from the second-ever downtown Rail Jam to a cool ArtTrek to the very hot Bio Luminesce FireDance, plus old favorites including the bonfire, Schweitzer Torchlight Parade and more!!! And kicking the carnival off to a yummy start, bring your appetite to the Taste of Sandpoint, Jan. 14 in the Events Center. This is when the area's finest restaurants offer up bites of gourmet cuisine in a socially festive atmosphere.

New this year are two events: Shop Around Sandpoint and Dine Around Sandpoint. Never before has it been so much fun to go out, plus you can enter to win great prizes! Find more details on the Winter Carnival site.

Lifetime resident Bonnie Eng has put her hometown knowledge to good use, welcoming visitors to this vacationing paradise for the past 30 years as an employee and current general manager of Sandpoint's LaQuinta Inn.

Eng began her hospitality career at LaQuinta (formerly the Best Western Connie's Motor Inn) in 1980, and hears the same enthusiastic comments about the area today as she did years ago.

"First-time visitors to Sandpoint always say the same thing - 'What a friendly town;' 'What a gorgeous area,' " Eng said. "I think a lot of areas tout that they have something for everyone, but Sandpoint truly does. If you want to play hard, play light, or just watch and rest, it's all right here in my hometown."

LaQuinta Inn is located in the heart of Sandpoint, which means unique shopping, fine restaurants and local events - such as the annual Lost in the '50s event in May - are just outside the door. The inn is home to Sandpoint's landmark restaurant, Connie's Cafe and Lounge, and has grown over the years to encompass two city blocks with 68 guest rooms and suites.

Eng says the greatest asset at LaQuinta is the employees, some of whom she has worked with for over 18 years. "I am most proud of them, and how much they care about our guests and our hotel."

To make a reservation, visit the LaQuinta Web site or call 208-263-9581.

Cross country skiers will find an array of choices to experience the perfect nordic ski day in North Idaho. If you prefer groomed and maintained trails, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for 32 km of scenic groomed trails. Round Lake State Park has 3 miles of various groomed trails for diagonal stride.

For terrain that's pristine and ungroomed, there are nearly unlimited options on the public lands surrounding Sandpoint. Local often take their nordic skis and snowshoes, and head out alongside the proposed Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail. For more serious skiers, head up to Roman Nose or Trestle Creek (for info, call the Sandpoint Ranger District at 208-263-5111).