Bridging Community: Sandpoint’s Cedar Street Bridge By Jillian Chandler Though it may look a bit different than it did just a few years ago, the Cedar Street Bridge is home to resilient shop owners who continue to persevere. “It has been a bumpy road over the past few years, but as shop owners, we were not in control of that; we are, however, in control of loving on our community, sharing friendly service, offering cool things, and doing the best we can to create local jobs and community events for everyone to enjoy!” smiles Shery Meekings, owner of Carousel Emporium and president of Creations, both housed inside the walls of Cedar Street Bridge.
“Gratitude circulates throughout the building, as shop owners share how thankful they are to all their loyal customers who continually shop local—regardless of the trials of the iconic building.”
Today, Cedar Street Bridge stands strong, with 13 retail shops in the 400-foot log cabin structure that spans over Sand Creek. The variety of shops with all of their specialized offerings is expansive; from handmade chocolates and caramels and an amazing selection of candy; toys and puzzles; women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and shoes; jewelry, homemade goods and décor; coffee, locally made gourmet foods and huckleberry items; music and art lessons; fairtrade; organic hairstylist; and the newest tenant, Idaho Custom Homes.
“Longtime tenants Sandpoint Toys, Sugar Tooth, Zwazo Nich, Carousel Emporium, Uniquely Sandpoint, Gethsemane Olive Oil and Vinegars, and Creations Indoor Discovery Play and Community Art Space continue to thrive and are bursting with products and fun that creates that market feel we all love!” Shery affirms. She goes on to share that the absence of the beloved European bistro remains a heartbreak for the community, “But the amazing restaurant that was once filled with food, friends, music and laughter has not been forgotten,” Shery reflects. “The past owners created a beautiful space where locals and tourists alike loved to gather and share life. It’s such a great spot; one of the best downtown! We can’t wait to see who will create a new restaurant ... and what they will fill our bellies and hearts with.” Locals love to bring their visiting family members to the bridge, tourists love to visit year after year, and people who shop for unique goods love the selection.
“Support during difficult times (economy, inflation, politics) is what makes us a strong community, otherwise lack of support is a plague for our entire community,” Shery reminds. “I would encourage our community to recognize all aspects of downtown ‘tourist’ shopping—shops and shop owners, employment, heartbeat, kindness. We’re a friendly town, and you’re gonna love it! Shopping local not only creates employment for our residents but it also delivers a heartbeat to the entire community!”
The Cedar Street Bridge, as part of the Downtown Shopping District, kicked off the holiday season with Shop Small Saturday on November 25. More exciting shopping experiences continue this month with the iconic Ladies Night on December 8 and Are You Yeti for Christmas December 22.
When it’s time to go shopping, there’s no better place than downtown Sandpoint and those wonderful businesses located on the Cedar Street Bridge.
A Few Businesses to Visit This Holiday Season! Carousel Emporium In 2012, Shery Meekings helped open Carousel Emporium with Lynda Gilham. In 2017, when Lynda retired to travel the world, Shery purchased the Emporium. Today, the space features more than 500 vendors from all over the world, with men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, gifts and home goods. Each item is handpicked and unique, while supporting local artisanship! “From classic Sundance style, a little Rocky Mountain, a little trend … it’s an emporium of rotating whimsy and fun,” Shery explains, adding that she loves the opportunity to connect special items she has sourced with her customers. She goes on to share, "My staff is composed of beautiful women inside and out who want to be there. We are there to love on our customers and create joy!" Carousel Emporium | 208.263.4140 | Facebook.com/carouselsandpoint
Sandpoint Toy Store Shop for educational games and toys, creative children and baby clothing, and accessories at the Toy Store at the Cedar Street Bridge in downtown Sandpoint. Here, owner Scott Meekings will help you find the perfect toy from their extensive selection, including Djeco, Fat Brain, Mud Puppy, Brainwright, Eeboo, Educational Insights and TY. Their baby, children and tween clothing include Little Green Radicals, Me & Henry, Poppet & Fox, Vignette, Angel Dear, Tea, Milkbarn, and gently used quality children's clothing. After finding the perfect gift, make it a point to stop by the Creations community art space and discovery play area right outside the toy store. It’s a gem! @sandpointtoys
Sugar Tooth Sugar Tooth is your local handmade chocolate shop! Opened in 2020, find handmade goods with ethically sourced cocoa. They are proud to offer a Fair-Trade certified product produced on-site in the Cedar Street Bridge by your friends and neighbors. “Our candy man has been working, making delicious sweets, since he was 14 years old. It was his first job and fell in love with it right away,” says owner Payton Johnson. Bringing sweet treats to Sandpoint and serving the community for nearly four years now, they are honored to be a part of their customers’ weddings, birthdays, and so many other benchmark celebrations, as well as their day to day. Stop in for some sweets this holiday season! Sugar Tooth | 208.597.7585 | Sugar-Tooth.com
Zwazo Nich Luc and JoLynn Pierrot opened Zwazo Nich upstairs of the Cedar Street Bridge in June 2019 and expanded the store in May 2022. "After seeing firsthand the power and impact of access to sustainable, dignified employment in marginalized communities and difficult places, we were inspired to create a place to bring the beautiful handmade products of the artisans in these communities to our community here in Sandpoint," JoLynn shares. The couple recently opened their online store, ZwazoNich.com, allowing them to reach conscious consumers in all corners of the country and further expand the market for their artisan partner’s creations. Zwazo Nich, meaning "bird nest" in Haitian Creole, offers a collection of handcrafted home goods, jewelry, art, clothing and accessories that empower artisans in marginalized communities to build sustainable livelihoods for their families. Zwazo Nich | 208.918.3864 | ZwazoNich.com Cedar Street Bridge | 334 North First Avenue | Sandpoint, Idaho
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