The historic SnakePit tavern and restaurant (also known as the Enaville Resort) in Kingston, Idaho, sits just a few yards off the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, where each day thousands of visitors bicycle, jog and walk sections of its 71 miles of paved path.
This famed wooded relic was first constructed around 1880 and has a fascinating history–at one time being a boom town bar, railroad layover, wayside hotel, starting point for loggers and miners of yesteryear, and brothel.
These days it is a destination eatery with better-than-average burgers, buffalo chips, salad bar and rocky mountain oysters.
But, what it really has going for it is a four-star atmosphere. Its interior is an informal regional museum that features hundreds of unique memorabilia including souvenir plates, black-and-white photographs, yellowing posters, stuffed animal trophies and unusual arts and crafts pieces. In a far corner of the restaurant, there are also pool tables and a couple arcade video games.
The original rustic bar is the same one at which movie star Pierce Brosnan sat and was filmed for a couple of scenes in the adventure movie ‘Dante’s Peak.’
More information:
The SnakePit / Evaville Resort
1480 Coeur d’Alene River Rd.
Kingston, ID 83839
Phone: (208) 682-3453
URL: http://enavilleresort.com/
No reservations needed
Price Range: $$
Directions: From I-90, take the Kingston Exit 43, turn north and drive 1.5 miles up the Coeur d’Alene River. The SnakePit is on the right
Photos: Top: RVers Bill (in front) and Mary Knowles (on stairs) leaving the historic SnakePit bar and restaurant. (Bottom) Fascinating stone fireplace dominates the SnakePit restaurant. By Julianne Crane
