Holiday shopping often follows Thanksgiving in most parts of the country. But in Sandpoint, many folks will be in hot pursuit of another treasure – namely, the biggest fish to be caught during the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s (LPOIC) annual K&K Thanksgiving Fishing Derby.

Happening Nov. 27 through Nov. 29, there are prizes for kids’ and adults’ divisions, plus a “Fish of the Day” cash award will be handed out daily. LPOIC is a volunteer, non-profit corporation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Lake Pend Oreille and its fisheries. So the event is a win-win for anglers and the fishery population in North Idaho.

And don’t forget your camera - there is a photo contest being held during the derby, and the grand prize is $100. Learn more – and sign up – at LPOIC.org.

Operating a restaurant in Sandpoint sounds daunting enough - but what about two full-time restaurants, a seasonal restaurant, and a bar?

It may be a lot for one person to handle, but it's much more doable when the entire family works at it together. That's what Mel and Claudia Dick are experiencing as the couple operates the popular lakeside 41 South restaurant on the south end of the Long Bridge, while son Justin has taken over the reins of the trendy and newly renovated Trinity at City Beach. Behind the scenes, daughter Hillary is involved in the office operations for all of the family's establishments. The family empire also owns Trinity at Willow Bay - open in the summertime only - and the locals bar The 219 in downtown Sandpoint.

"It's a family-run deal," explains Mel. "Claudia's the one in charge. She's always wanted to have a restaurant."

Claudia grew up in the restaurant business, and her dad was a chef. When the couple moved to Sandpoint in 2003, Claudia opened Cafe Trinity as her first foray into the local restaurant scene. Three years later, Justin moved to the area, followed another year and a half later by Hillary. When Mel retired from his full-time job in 2008, he also decided to get involved in the business.

"It's neat to think that so many years later, we're doing the same thing that my family did," says Claudia.

Both restaurants feature incredible water views, and Trinity hosts Bruce Bishop, a locally renowned musician, most Friday nights. 41 South has held several dinner concerts, plus occasional live music with Peter Lucht in the lounge. "With the big fireplace, it's a great place to come and get warmed up after skiing," Claudia said.

To make reservations at 41 South, call 208-265-2000 or visit their Web site at 41SouthSandpoint.com. To make reservations at Trinity at City Beach, call 208-255-7558 or visit CafeTrinitySandpoint.com.

For shoppers who already miss the Farmers Market in downtown Sandpoint, there's a new winter Farmers Market that's open on the Cedar Street Bridge through the end of April (when the traditional outdoor Farmers Market starts back up!).

Farmers Market on the Bridge will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday, and features over 30 local vendors. Find local crafts, delicious baked goods and yes, fresh produce! Located at the corner of First Avenue and Cedar Street.