Last weekend Mr. U and I made the short drive east over the 4th of July Pass to take a step back in time for an evening. Our destination was Enaville, Idaho. Enaville is home to the self-proclaimed oldest restaurant in Idaho: The Snake Pit. Established in 1880, The Snake Pit is located in the Silver Valley. The valley was a bustling mining and logging area in the late 1800’s and well into the mid 1900’s. Because of this, the area was also well known for its brothels. The Snake Pit strives to maintain the rich history of the area with its eclectic, and often bizarre, memorabilia that decorates the inside of the restaurant and bar. The restaurant is famous for its BBQ and Rocky Mountain Oysters, which are still on the menu. Can’t say as I have tried them. We played it safe and went with the prime rib.

The Snake Pit is located at the hub of an outdoor recreation area. In the winter months there is snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, as well as two down-hill ski resorts close by. It is situated at the fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, which is an outdoor summer paradise, known for great camping, fishing, rafting and kayaking. One of the trail heads to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is just down from the restaurant. This well maintained 73.2 mile rail-trail is popular for walking and bike riding. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and see the old Cataldo Mission too.

One night a week, the Snake Pit has their prime rib dinner (until it sells out) and some live music. While we were there we were treated to some great blue grass music by a local string band, Four Peace Live. They started at 5:30 and played for 2 1/2 hours straight! Their lively music even coaxed a few dancers out on the dance floor. You feel like you have stepped back in time with the atmosphere, music and down-home cooking. Not a bad way to spend a winter evening.

I hope you are taking the time to do something out of the ordinary this week!