Local Institution: Downtown Coeur d'Alene
here else can you shop for artisan olive oils, handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind home décor — then stroll to the lake, gelato in hand? Downtown Coeur d’Alene isn’t just a place to check off your list, it’s a place to slow down and explore. Just steps from the waterfront, this walkable district blends small-town charm with a curated, boutique shopping scene you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
With over 125 locally owned shops, cafés and coffee spots, downtown Coeur d’Alene offers a mix of creative storefronts and local flavor.
“The stores here are curated,” says Mackenzie Macomber of the Downtown Coeur d’Alene Association. “They’re full of personality and passion — nothing cookie-cutter.”
You’ll meet shop owners who greet customers by name and love sharing the stories behind what they sell. At Migliori Olive Oil, owner Debbie McKeown isn’t just selling specialty oils and balsamic vinegar— she’s sharing a piece of her family’s heritage. Her shelves are lined with her father’s handcrafted seasoning rubs and jars of her family’s fig jam. Debbie will happily guide you through a tasting journey, offering a sample of Vermont Maple Balsamic vinegar one moment, then suggesting inspired ways to use it the next.
Pop into Manna and you might catch owner Whitney Shelhamer at her bench, hammering gold or delicately setting stones as she crafts custom fine jewelry by hand. She created Manna as both a flagship for her one-of-a-kind designs and a warm, welcoming space where people want to linger, connect, and feel inspired. Alongside her jewelry, you’ll find thoughtfully curated goods — from ceramics and natural skincare to textiles and art.
It’s this depth and personality — found in every corner of downtown Coeur d’Alene — that transforms shopping here into something more than a transaction. With such a wide selection of locally owned retailers, shoppers can walk away with treasures that feel truly personal. Every item tells a story, whether it’s handcrafted, locally designed, or carefully chosen to reflect the values and creativity of its maker.
Take Mountain Madness Soap Co., where each small-batch bar is made right on-site using nourishing, eco-conscious ingredients and imaginative scents. It’s not just soap — it’s a slice of Coeur d’Alene’s creative spirit, wrapped and ready to take home. Or step into Clark’s Diamond Jewelers, a Sherman Avenue mainstay since 1907. Here, generations of locals and visitors alike have discovered timeless fine jewelry, on-trend pieces, and lake-inspired custom keepsakes.
With lake views, dog-friendly sidewalks, charming shops and free two-hour parking, downtown Coeur d’Alene is more than just a shopping trip — it’s an experience. As Macomber puts it, “You can spend an entire day here — shop, have lunch, stroll the boardwalk, grab a drink — and stay for the weekend.”
