Lundin’s Violins marks opening with back-to-school workshops
The place that was Betty & Ev’s Floral for many years (they’ve retired) is now Lundin’s Violins. Just south of the Costco intersection at Neider Avenue, Arvid and Jessy Lundin sell classical stringed instruments, accessories and music books, at 3202 N. Fourth St. With three employees, they also repair and maintain instruments.
They moved the shop last week from Spokane Valley, where Arvid and his father Clair had Lundin’s Violins for many years. Arvid has played violin for 34 years.
In celebration of the move, Lundin’s is offering free back-to-school instrument maintenance workshops, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 and 27. Regular business hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and by appointment Saturdays. Phone 665-7074.
Shabby to Chic opens in larger space
Most of the information for this column is by phone or e-mail, but people become most genuine and enjoyable when they’re in their business places. What’s cool in North Idaho is that, yes, they’d like to make a bunch of bucks, but the reason they’re really here is because this is where they most want to be.
Take the trio at the Shabby to Chic Shoppe, which opened last week at 806 Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Like a healthy percentage of North Idaho residents, owners Sandra and Mark Bechthold came from California after discovering this area while traveling through. Randy Myers, store general manager, decided to stay after visiting relatives. Although they like to talk about what’s for sale in their store, they mostly like to just talk and be neighborly.
It’s difficult to describe what’s in the store unless you’re into shabby chic (comfortably used and fashionable). Many of the items are shades of white and include furniture, accessories, decorative pieces, gifts, collectibles and clothing. And many items are new, such as soaps and candles.
The inventory comes from 12 store participants, who rent spaces. In fact, that’s how Shabby to Chic started, with a space in the Wiggett Mall. It was at 115 S. Fourth St. before the move to its 3,000-square-foot space across from Capone’s.
“These sellers (and there’s a waiting list for spaces) give us diversity,” Sandra said. The store also has a coffee bar to entice customers to stick around and chat.
The owners describe the open hours as “10ish to 6ish” but closed Saturdays. Phone 670-8485.
Carlson Ace Travel moves north
After 48 years in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Carlson Ace Travel has moved to 2615 N. Fourth St. (just north of Los Sanchez restaurant). Edith and Kyle Walker started the business in 1957 in the lobby of the Desert Hotel (where Bonsai Bistro is now). Their son Dave and his wife Sue joined the business in 1977. Sue Walker manages employees Michelle Keller, Kim Townsend, Gloria Martin and Armance Kay, combining for 87 years’ experience in the business.
“Answering questions and offering advice and options are the advantages of using Carlson Ace Travel,” Walker said. “There is security in having a local person who is genuinely concerned about your trip.” Carlson Ace is one of only four travel agencies remaining from 15 in Kootenai County in the 1990s because of competition by Internet sites and the elimination of airline commissions. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Phone 667-5451.
Best Tire adding four bays
Taking advantage of the improved road after months of construction, Best Tire & Automotive is adding four bays to its existing two at 3020 Government Way. The remodeled and expanded facility should be complete in September.
While selling tires and wheels and doing all types of auto repair have always been the focus of the business, the addition includes exhaust services and adds three employees to the existing four.
Originally from Caldwell, Shay Cremer started the business nine years ago after coming north to attend North Idaho College. His father, Doug Cremer, is a co-owner. They also sell about 200 cars a year with their locator (they find what you want) service.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 to 4 Saturdays. Phone 765-2208.
This week’s tidbits
No, they aren’t expanding – yet, anyway. English Funeral Chapel demolished a neighboring house on Third Street, but no plans are definite for the parcel, a spokesman said.
I discovered boxes of hundreds of ancient photographic slides to show at a family reunion of 37 Rosdahls (horrors!) last weekend. However, I found the vertical carrousels were from a lost, odd-brand, 50-year-old projector, and placing them into a conventional projector would take hours. I was saved by finding one at a Coeur d’Alene thrift store for $6. Yea thrift stores!
The scarcity of cement and available contractors chased me to other options for a home project. Rocks and paving blocks were the answer, both aesthetically and financially, but it sure pays to shop around for the needed items.