This summer, while spending time in Sandpoint with our family, we found ourselves having the same conversation over and over:

How do we slow things down?
Not just the pace of our days, but the way we experience them. The way we connect. The way we remember.

It hit us when it seemed like we all were all having a hard to creating meaningful tine together. Time feels different now. Faster. More fragmented. I don’t know about you, but our childhood summers were filled with long stretches of boredom that somehow gave way to creativity and connection.

Today, it’s harder to find that space. Our phones buzz constantly or someone gets sucked into doom scrolling. Our calendars are packed even when trying to get away. Even our kids seem wired for speed, struggling to unplug from screens designed to keep them hooked. Our youngest (13) can’t see the need to detox, but is so much happier when we do. Our eldest (19) gets this more and can be pretty good at self regulating – yet still struggles to make the connection between life’s speed and the challenges she’s raised around concentration and memory.

And with AI now rapidly accelerating everything around us, the challenge to slow down is only growing. But here’s the thing: it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s beautifully simple. But- it takes intentionality.

So how do you slow down time? For us, this is why we travel, why we go to the woods, why we ski and why we designed Bald Eagle Lodge for our family (and for yours). We’ve tried to create a space where time stretches again—where families can reconnect, reflect, and remember what it feels like to just be. To be together. Here are a few ways we’ve found this summer to slow down, savor summer, and make meaning together. We’ve had to be intentional to make sure that our schedule prioritizes activities like these. We hope they resonate with you as much as they did with us. Maybe you can’t make it to Bald Eagle Lodge, but we hope you find a way to slow down wherever you are.

Plan a meal that invites you to stay awhile. Enjoy something special to drink. Let the kids drift into yard games or the family room while you savor each bite, each story, and a lingering sunset turn to stars. Whether it’s slow roasted Idaho Trout, grilled steak frites or a butter board, the goal isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection.

There’s magic in a fire’s glow. Roast s’mores, swap stories, sing a song or two. Let the silliness bubble up. These are the moments that stick—the ones that don’t need a screen or a schedule whether you are young or just young at heart. As fall approaches, there is nothing like firelight in autumn – it’s a great time to enjo

Frisbee, Cornhole, Mölkky, Croquet, Lawn Darts — grab someone you want to connect with and play a favorite game or perhaps learn a new one to really laugh. Carlin and I can get lost playing Frisbee. The girls have had some great laughs learning Cornhole.

Let the filtered shadows of late afternoon stretch across the lawn. Take in the views. Sip something refreshing. Laugh. Lose track of the time.

Find your way to the hammock. Let the lake view and filtered sun light lull you. Enjoy a great book. Listen to the sounds of play and conversation. Drift off. Wake up renewed. 

Our kids love reading in the hammock and many guests have mentioned it, but this was the first trip I’ve been intentional to take it in – so refreshing. Now, I need to make it a new habit.

On a clear night, turn off every light. Lay on the grass with a fleece throw and look up. The stars here are bold, the moon dances over the lake, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights may make an appearance.

The sky becomes a cathedral of wonder. It reminds us of the greatness of creation and inspires us to that which is beyond us. Watching the moon rise from the shadows of the trees and shimmer across the lake, calls us to pause and take it all in.

Stretch out your meals to deepen the falvorts and the conversation. Share plates—even with the kids.

At The Bank, the menu is designed for sharing, lingering and expanding your palate. At the winery, start with snacks like salmon spread or shrimp cakes, then ease into pizza and music – maybe have a wine flight. At Dish, order an appetizer and let the view slow your pace.

As a family and at Bald Eagle Lodge, we believe slowing down isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
It’s how we reconnect with each other, with nature, and with ourselves. Whether visiting us for a get-a-way, exploring the world, or spending time with those you love at home, we hope you’ll be intentional to find the spaces to pause, reflect, and savor the moments that matter most wherever you are.

So how do you slow down time? We’d love to hear and learn from your experiences!
Comment on LinkedIn or drop us a note (baldeaglelodge@outlook.com) to share your ideas on how we can refine the lodge to help you slow down more together!

Ready to retreat from the rush? Fall is a great time to get outside and ski season is right around the corner! Book your stay and come experience the magic of slowing down.