The Gathering Place

There’s something unique about the enterprise on the side of Highway 95, just a half-mile north of the junction of Highway 2 and 3-Mile. At first look it appears to be the start of a small strip mall, a couple of small businesses on the side of a highway; but the pickups, cars and SUVs out front purport something good is happening inside.

I stopped for the first time about a year and a half ago. Now I pull over nearly every time I travel by, if for nothing more than to buy a cup of really good coffee. I go in generally through the door on the Bread Basket side, which has the words “The Gathering Place” painted on wood above the doorjamb. It is interesting they should call it that because it surely has become such for many of the rural residents and passersby whom you will find in there at almost any hour of the day.

I think I understand now what it might be, besides the good bakery food and the exquisite quality of bulk foods, sundry goods and products in Sharon’s Country Store in the south half. It’s the quality of life in the air. Does that seem subjective? Well, I’m a writer, a thinker. I ponder things like that. I want to know.

Over many visits, I watched the patrons and got to know some of the employees. The latter are always, without exception, pleasant, helpful, and courteous, and yes, hardworking. I began to suspect that was what attracted me in my search for uniqueness, for whatever it was that set this place apart. Now I’ve come to truly believe that it does in fact have to do with the people who serve us from the interior of Sharon’s Country Store & Bread Basket Bakery. But that’s not all of it.

There’s no doubt the quality of food in the bakery coupled with the delightful assortment in the store are exceptional. My photo illustrations show some of why so many stop: from curious tourists, Selkirk Loopers, truckers, ranchers and farmers to city folks from Coeur d’Alene or Spokane and Canadians too.

I haven’t nailed it yet, but I’ll tell you this; Sharon’s is pleasantly unique. If you’re weary, depressed or stressed, you’ll find reprieve here, a warm smile perhaps, genuine in nature. Whatever that essence is, it differs from the normal hustle felt in most businesses on your path through life.

Norv and Sharon Skrivseth bought the bakery a couple of years ago from good friends, Daryl and Dorothy Chupp. Now store and bakery operate as one business. In June, Yoder’s Fruit Stand returns to expand the enterprise. Ray and Fern Yoder want to retire; but Norv and Sharon plan to continue carrying farm-raised fruits and vegetables by adding Yoder’s Fruit Stand to their enterprise hoping to expand with more locally grown organics.

If you have not been by Sharon’s Country Store & Bread Basket Bakery, be sure to soon. You will enjoy great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and you are sure to make a few friends along the way too!

Dwayne Parsons is a Realtor for Century 21 Beutler & Associates of Coeur d’Alene working primarily in Boundary County. Reach him at parsons@21goldchoice.com.

Sharon’s Country Store & Bread Basket Bakery

510752 Hwy 95

Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

208.267.7579

sharonscountrystore.com

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