A certain small town has earned a name for itself on the national scale, and offers students the opportunity to leave Pullman for the weekend.

Coeur d’Alene has become a popular weekend destination for college students due to its proximity to Pullman and its variety of activities.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is the city’s most popular attraction, and provides numerous water activities to tourists, including beach volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, water-skiing, swimming and dinner cruises.

“The lake is certainly our most well-known attraction. People love the natural beauty of it. The beach is right there,” said Kathryn Coppack, Coeur d’Alene’s convention and business bureau manager.

When in Coeur d’Alene, guests enjoy shopping and dining at the local stores and restaurants, as well as hiking, golfing, rafting and visiting Silverwood Theme Park.

Coeur d’Alene won USA Today’s national award for Best Public Lights Display in December 2014, and was also voted one of the top-10 best American vacation towns.

Visitors are often most surprised to discover the warm atmosphere of the town.

“When people think of coming to Coeur d’Alene, they think it’s ritzy. They are surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone is in town,” Coppack said.

Reporting by Ali Smith