Your Friendly Guide to Voting “Best of North Idaho”
If you’re in Coeur d’Alene or anywhere around North Idaho in February, you’ll notice something pretty quickly—businesses are buzzing, window signs are up, and conversations around town keep circling back to one thing: Best of North Idaho.
It’s one of those annual moments where the community really shows up. Not in a loud or flashy way, but in a genuine, local-pride kind of way. February becomes less about winter dragging on and more about celebrating the people and businesses that make this area feel like home.
What Best of North Idaho Is All About
The Best of North Idaho program has been a cornerstone of the region for decades. It’s the longest-standing community recognition program in North Idaho, highlighting the businesses, services, and organizations that keep our towns thriving.
Over the years, it’s become a trusted name—something longtime residents recognize and newcomers quickly learn about. Being part of Best of North Idaho isn’t just about winning; it’s about visibility, credibility, and connection.
For newer businesses especially, participation offers a powerful way to introduce themselves to the community and build trust with local customers who are actively looking for recommendations.
How the Process Works
The process is straightforward and community-driven.
It starts with nominations, where residents and community members submit the businesses they love and rely on. Once the nomination period closes, the most-nominated businesses move into the voting phase. That’s when the wider community votes to determine the winners.
After voting wraps up, the winners are featured in the Best of North Idaho Winners Guide, which is published in both print and digital formats—giving businesses long-lasting exposure well beyond February.
Here’s a quick look at the timeline:
Nominations: January 11–25
Voting: January 31–February 13
Winners Guide Published: March 28
Local Businesses & Community Members We’re Proud to Nominate
One of the best parts of Best of North Idaho season is taking a moment to recognize the people and businesses who consistently show up for our community. These are the places we trust, recommend, and genuinely love seeing thrive here in North Idaho.
Here are some of the local favorites we’d personally nominate this year:
Travis Ewert — Grade School Educator
River City Chiropractic — Chiropractor
Psych Collective — Counseling
Post Falls Family and Cosmetic Dental — Dentist
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Post Falls — Martial Arts Classes
C&S Automotive — Auto Repair
3D Cabinets by Design — Cabinet Company
Lodestar Construction Services, Inc. — Residential Builder
Kiah's Cleaning Service — Maid Service
Summit Drywall & Painting — Painting Company
North Idaho Wellness — Wellness Bar / Best Smoothie
It’s a Love Story & Café — Bookstore & Café
ML SEO — Advertising Agency
Levi Gurno — Business Consulting
Las Brasas — Catering / Food Truck / Mexican Food
Mountain Financial — Investment Consulting Firm
Lake City Law Group — Law Firm
Marissa Hayes — Photographer
AR365 Books — Bookkeeper
Teremark Electrical Group — Solar Electric Provider
Smoking Glory BBQ — Best BBQ
These nominations represent just a small slice of the talent, hard work, and heart that exists throughout Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho.
Ready to Vote?
Ready to Vote?
If one of your favorites is on this list—or if there’s another local business or professional you think deserves recognition—you can head to the official voting page and make your voice heard.
👉 Vote here:
https://cdapress.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-North-Idaho-2026-/
It’s quick, it’s free, and it’s one of the easiest ways to support the people and businesses that make our community such a great place to live.
Supporting Local Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
One of the best things about voting season is how accessible it is. You don’t need to spend money or make big plans to support local businesses. Voting is free, takes just a few minutes, and actually makes a difference.
Many people make it part of their February routine—voting after visiting a favorite shop, checking in once a day while having coffee, or talking with friends about who they’re supporting. It often leads to discovering new businesses you might not have tried otherwise.
A Community Tradition That Keeps Growing
With decades of history behind it, Best of North Idaho continues to be a meaningful platform for recognizing excellence in a growing and evolving region. It helps businesses attract new customers, strengthens their reputation, and reinforces the sense of community that makes North Idaho special.
Whether you’re voting for a longtime favorite or nominating a new business you’ve recently discovered, your participation helps shape the local landscape—and that’s something worth being part of.
As February unfolds, keep an eye out for businesses vying for your vote, take a moment to visit the Best of North Idaho website, and join in celebrating the people and places that make Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area such a great place to live.
