Ben Stein: The American Spectator

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist and lawyer who lives in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Sandpoint. He writes "Ben Stein's Diary" for every issue of The American Spectator - and often writes about Sandpoint. View his webpage for links to his essays at Spectator.org.

Assignment America:Sandpoint, ID
New York Times writes about Sandpoint in their Assignment America series. "Sandpoint, Idaho, hugging the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, is bucking a major demographic trend: In an era when many rural places are bleeding out, this one is holding its own."

Year-round destination ski resort
USA Today lists seven awesome ski resorts that offer year-round fun, and Schweitzer is one of them! Explore mountain bike trails, running trails, huckleberry picking, disc golf and horseback riding in the summer and of course skiing and snowboarding in the winter!

The 10 best lake towns in North America
USA Today names Sandpoint as one of the 10 best lake towns in North America, saying "You’ll need an afternoon nap in a lakeside hammock after joining in a beach volleyball game or heading out on the water for paddling, sailing, Jet Skiing or wakeboarding." We all know that to be true!

One of 24 'coolest towns'
Matador Network names Sandpoint as one of the nation's coolest towns, saying we have "almost too many" scenic byways and mountain ranges for one town. That’s how we like it!

Schweitzer big on powder, light on parties
Seattle Times writer reviews Schweitzer Mountain Resort: "On a midweek, balmy spring day with no lift lines and still decent snow, I swooped down the empty slopes and paused to revel in the views. It was a taste of skier heaven." See the full story, "Schweitzer ski resort: Big on powder, light on parties."

Setting is 'second to none'
Writer extols the many virtues of our region in Travel Destination: Scenic Sandpoint in The Columbus Dispatch on June 22, 2014. "The forte of the town, whose oldest buildings date only to the early 20th century, lies not in its architecture but in its natural beauty."

Picture-Perfect Mountain Town
Sandpoint was rated as one of "10 Picture-Perfect Mountain Towns" by USA Today on Nov. 28, 2013. "... This little township is a vibrant, happening haven in the wilds of northern Idaho."

Idaho's Hippest Mountain Town
Sandpoint's a ski town that's also "urbane and cultured" says a November 2013 story, "Idaho's Hippest Mountain Town" in Men's Journal. "As tempted as you'll be to linger in town, the majestic Selkirk Mountains ... exert a gravitational pull."

Sandpoint's an American eCity
Seems there are both brains and beauty around here: Sandpoint was named the 2013 Idaho eCity, an award by Google to recognize the strongest online business community in each state.

We've got 'famed tree skiing'
Sandpoint ranks as one of the "Top 10 Emerging Ski Towns" according to National Geographic Adventure ... "for those seeking the famed tree skiing of the Selkirks without the trip to Canada."

Schweitzer one of '10 Best Mountains You've Never Skied'
Ski Magazine touts Schweitzer as one of the '10 Best Mountains You've Never Skied' in its November 2012 issue. Tons of snow, awesome terrain, no crowds and cold beer rate northern Idaho ski resort on enviable list.

Sandpoint a lakeside destination
The Missoulian highlights Sandpoint as a lakeside destination in light of Rand McNally's 'Best of the Road' Most Beautiful Small Town award bestowed on our little mountain-and-lake berg, in a July 24, 2012, feature story.

Sandpoint a 'prettiest winter town'
Travel & Leisure magazine ranks Sandpoint among the nation's dozen "prettiest winter towns" in a March 2, 2012, feature.

Schweitzer an 'underrated' resort
CNN/Travel in a Feb. 24, 2012, feature lists Schweitzer Mountain Resort as one of 7 Underrated Ski Resorts, noting that it's unlikely you'll wait more than five minutes in the lift line.

A 'Best Old House Town'
Our town's many vintage residential homes caught the eye of This Old House, which in February 2012 named Sandpoint a "Best Old House Neighborhood 2012." Read about it at This Old House.

'No. 1 Ski Town in USA'
That's what Rand McNally called Sandpoint when it named the country's "Top Seven Ski Towns" in a January 17, 2012, roundup of the best mountain towns. Sandpoint won the top rating over the likes of Lake Tahoe, Park City, Mammoth and Jackson.

'Most Beautiful Town in USA'
So say USA Today and Rand McNally, which sent traveling teams to towns around the nation to determine the five best small towns in America. Sandpoint grabbed "Most Beautiful Town" honors from among an initial 600+ nominees. Read the CdA Press article.

We're a railroading attraction
Sandpoint's famous as "The Funnel" for railroads in the northern tier states, as USA Today writes in its Aug. 4, 2010, story "Idaho town draws railfans from around world."

Who says you can't have it all?
Sandpoint's a good destination for second home buyers, says USA Today in its April 16, 2010, story, "Having it all in Sandpoint."

Leading the transition movement
New York Times writes in-depth article on the Sandpoint Transition Initiative in its story "The End is Near! (Yay!)" (registration required) published in April 2009.

We're a 'market to watch'
Mountain Living Magazine says Sandpoint is one of 5 "mountain markets to watch." Click to see its September 2008 market appraisal, What Market Slump? (pdf format)

An 'idyllic adventure haven'
National Geographic Adventure Magazine touts the local character of "quiet Sandpoint," while newcomers rave about the town's strong sense of community. Click to read the August 2008 story Idaho's Last Stand.

A top-15 travel destination
"I was smitten with this lakefront town from the moment I saw it," says USA Today travel writer Laura Bly in naming Sandpoint a top U.S. destination. Read the entire May 25, 2007, story: Summer Vacations: 15 unforgettable trips.

We've got the goods in fall
The New York Times features Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille in a guide for "leaf lovers" published Oct. 6, 2006. Click to read the full story: Fall Foliage; Bright Leaves, Big Country.

Click for more National Press

Be an informed voter. The Election Central page provides a voter’s handbook for upcoming elections, with links to information about the candidates and issues voters will see on the ballot come election day.

Sand Creek Byway

Despite years of controversy and legal action against the proposed Highway 95 bypass around Sandpoint, the Sand Creek Byway construction commenced in 2008 and was finished and opened to the public July 27, 2012. 
Resource links:
• ITD Sand Creek Bypass – Weekly updates
• Aerial Photos – Photographer Jerry Luther captures monthly snapshots of progress on the Sand Creek Bypass; photos are posted on CallJerry.biz/SandCreek