Area B&B’s offer lodging alternative for travelers

With the demise over the past two years of a motel, a trailer/RV park and another RV park, tourist facilities are harder to come by in Bayview and Athol, let alone a place for visitors to spend the night.

However, two area bed and breakfasts – Dromore Manor and Log Spirit – are good options.

Dromore Manor is nestled among towering weeping willow trees and surrounded by lilac bushes, flower gardens and a tranquil pond on which a lone duckling, abandoned by its mom, swims furiously back and forth. With its panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille, the large Victorian building looks like something out of “Hansel and Gretel.”

Located in Bayview, this bed and breakfast is owned by Dick and Shirley Hansen, and was added by the owners of the Bitter End Marina in 2002. The Hansens’ daughter, Cami Duclos, manages the B&B. Catering to weddings, the Dromore is already booked for summer weekends, but still has plenty of lodging opportunities for midweek travelers.

Perched next to Dromore is Lilac Cottage, one of the four original Washington Brick and Lime Co. buildings that is reputed to be the first post office in Bayview. These buildings date back to 1910, when the lime company set up operations. Lilac is ideal for families, as there is space and accommodations for all.

Reservations can be obtained by e-mail: dromore manor@road runner.com, or by phone at 683-9311.

Just up the road, near Athol, is Log Spirit, another great place to stay. Hosts are Robin and Lew. A huge log home is planted among the forest and wildlife, just a couple of miles from the Athol intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Highway 54. So quiet you can hear a pin drop and clear enough that a stay in the balcony-level apartment gets you a hot tub and millions of stars gazing back at you. A waterfall flows past, viewed from the balcony. One of the few handicapped-friendly B&Bs, one room is equipped with a roll-in shower and other facilities with an eye toward complete comfort.

Contact Log Spirit at 683-4722 or e-mail: www.logspirit.com.

Bayview is at the south end of Lake Pend Oreille, where this pristine lake offers unlimited water sports. In between these two fine B&Bs is one of the largest state parks in the country – Farragut. Once a naval training base during World War II, it now features camping, both tent, RV and group areas, plus a boat launch and some fine swimming areas in Buttonhook Bay.

A roundup of activities for the area finds preparations for Father’s Day.

Post 149, American Legion in Athol is planning a Dad’s Day Breakfast, from 8 to 11 a.m. The pageant, Queen of Bayview contest is in full swing, with contestants from 8 to 80 welcome. For information call Ralph Jones at 683-2218. The queen will be crowned during Bayview Daze, the July 4, 5 and 6.

This weekend finds The Bells, arguably the most talented family band in Idaho, appearing Saturday night at the Captain’s Wheel.