15-Day Business and Los Angeles Coffee Trip from Cebu to Spokane and Sandpoint

Arrival in Spokane and transfer to Sandpoint

Your Cebu–Spokane journey will take most of the day, with international connections, U.S. immigration, baggage collection, and rental-car pickup at Spokane International Airport (GEG). After clearing customs, allow roughly 60–90 minutes before driving. The route to Sandpoint is about 75–85 miles via US-95 North and I-90 East, normally 1½–2 hours, though November weather can add time. Pick up the rental car, keep warm layers accessible, and check Idaho 511 and WSDOT road conditions before leaving; daylight fades early in mid-November, so drive carefully on potentially wet or icy roads.

On arrival, check in at Hotel Ruby Sandpoint in downtown Sandpoint and keep the evening gentle while adjusting from the time difference. If you still have energy, take a short walk at Sandpoint City Beach Park along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille—the lake and mountain views are especially peaceful around sunset, though bring a jacket and expect limited daylight. Parking is generally straightforward near the waterfront, but avoid lingering if the weather turns cold or snowy.

For dinner, walk or make the short drive to Trinity at City Beach, a relaxed lakeside choice with broad views and a comfortable setting after the long trip. Budget approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. Restaurant hours can vary in the off-season, so confirm the November schedule and reserve or call ahead if arriving late. After dinner, return to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint for an early night and keep the next morning free for your supplier meetings.

Morning

Begin with the scheduled supplier meetings at Diedrich Roasters HQ in Sandpoint, allowing the morning for partnership discussions, product reviews, and introductions to the sales and technical teams. Keep business materials organized and confirm the day’s agenda with your hosts before settling in. For a short coffee break or informal conversation, make the roughly 10-minute drive into downtown to Evans Brothers Coffee; budget about $5–12 per person and allow 45 minutes. Check the café’s opening hours the evening before, as November schedules can change, and leave enough time to return to the supplier meetings.

Lunch

For an easy, unhurried lunch, head to Joel’s Mexican Food in downtown Sandpoint, generally a short drive from the meeting location with street parking nearby. Allow about an hour and expect roughly $12–25 per person. It is a practical place for a filling meal without turning lunch into a long detour; ordering ahead is sensible if your meeting schedule is tight.

Afternoon and Evening

After the business day, spend about an hour wandering the Sandpoint Shopping District, where independent boutiques, galleries, and locally owned shops cluster around downtown streets. This is a pleasant way to see the town at a slower pace, especially before the early November sunset; many stores close around 5–6 PM, so go directly after work. If you are driving, use available downtown street parking and keep the evening flexible for a quiet dinner or follow-up notes at the hotel. Temperatures can be cold in November, and sidewalks may be wet or icy, so wear waterproof shoes and a warm layer.

Morning

Continue the scheduled product-line review and contract discussions at Diedrich Roasters HQ. Keep the morning focused on decisions that need supplier input—pricing, distribution plans, technical questions, and follow-up responsibilities—then break for lunch or a short walk around downtown Sandpoint before returning for the afternoon session. November mornings can be cold and icy, so allow extra time if driving and keep business materials protected from snow or rain.

Afternoon

After the meetings, head downtown to see the exterior of Panida Theater, a historic community theater on North First Avenue. If a program is scheduled, set aside about an hour for the performance; otherwise, the Art Deco façade and surrounding downtown blocks make a pleasant brief stop. From there, drive or walk toward the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail for an easy lakeside outing of about an hour. The trail is generally gentle, but daylight fades early in late November, so go before late afternoon and wear waterproof shoes—sections may be muddy or lightly snow-covered.

Evening

Have dinner at Loaf & Ladle in downtown Sandpoint, a relaxed local choice for soup, sandwiches, and salads, typically $15–30 per person. Check the restaurant’s current evening hours before leaving the trail, as seasonal schedules can change. It is close enough to Panida Theater and the downtown shops to make the day flow easily without another long drive; after dinner, return to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint and prepare materials for the next business day.

Morning

Continue the scheduled business day at Diedrich Roasters HQ, keeping the morning focused on sales training and web-access training. Bring your login details, questions from earlier meetings, and a short list of follow-up items to test during the session. Since training days can run longer than expected, confirm the lunch break with your hosts and keep your afternoon materials accessible rather than packed away.

Lunch

For a relaxed midday break, walk or drive into downtown Sandpoint for City Beach Organics. Allow about 45 minutes for coffee, a smoothie, or a light lunch; budget approximately $10–20 per person. It is a useful reset between training sessions, and City Beach is nearby if you have a few spare minutes for fresh air—though November weather can be cold, so dress warmly and keep the waterfront stop brief.

Afternoon

Return to the business schedule after lunch, then finish with a late-afternoon visit to the Bonner County Historical Museum. Allow roughly an hour to explore its regional exhibits on Bonner County, local communities, and the area’s logging, railroad, and lake history. Check the museum’s November opening hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules may be limited; parking is generally straightforward near downtown Sandpoint.

Evening

End the day at Matchwood Brewing Company in downtown Sandpoint, a convenient place to unwind after the meetings and museum visit. Expect about $20–40 per person for dinner and drinks, with a relaxed local atmosphere rather than a formal business setting. If you are driving, keep the beer tasting modest and allow extra time for icy or dark roads back to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint; November evenings arrive early in northern Idaho.

Morning

Set aside the morning for the scheduled business day at Diedrich Roasters HQ in Sandpoint, with the sales and technical teams. This is a good point in the week to consolidate open questions from the earlier product and training sessions: confirm responsibilities, review any unresolved technical issues, and record clear next steps for both sides. Keep lunch flexible in case the meetings run long, and bring a charger and printed notes—November weather can make outdoor breaks less appealing.

Afternoon

After the meetings, take a short reset at Sandpoint Marina on Lake Pend Oreille. Allow about 45 minutes to walk along the harbor, look across the lake toward the surrounding mountains, and clear your head before dinner. The marina area is generally free to access, though some facilities may operate on reduced late-autumn hours. From the business area, it is a quick drive into central Sandpoint; wear a warm, water-resistant layer because the lakeside can feel considerably colder than downtown.

Evening

Have a relaxed barbecue dinner at The Fat Pig in Downtown Sandpoint, budgeting approximately $18–35 per person before drinks and tip. It is a practical choice after a full meeting day, with a casual atmosphere and substantial portions; check the current evening schedule before leaving, as small-town restaurant hours can change outside the summer season. After dinner, drive south to Sandpoint Long Bridge for roughly 30 minutes of sunset and early-evening views over Lake Pend Oreille. There is limited reason to linger after dark, so bring a warm coat, use caution near the roadway, and return to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint once the light fades.

Morning

Start with the operations and transportation-management-system sessions at Diedrich Roasters HQ in Sandpoint. Keep the morning practical: review current workflows, note any dispatch or access issues, and finish with a written list of owners and deadlines for follow-up. After the meeting, take a short break at Starbucks Sandpoint in downtown Sandpoint—allow about 30 minutes and roughly $5–10 per person. It is an easy stop for coffee, email, and a quick reset before heading into the mountains.

Afternoon Exploring

Drive north from Sandpoint to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, allowing approximately 35–45 minutes depending on road conditions. The route climbs through forested terrain, so check the forecast and road conditions before leaving; in late November, snow or ice may require extra time and winter-ready tires. Spend three to four hours exploring the village, taking in views over Lake Pend Oreille, and enjoying a relaxed mountain atmosphere. Some lifts, shops, and activities may operate on a limited pre-season schedule, so confirm current hours and parking arrangements with the resort beforehand.

Evening

Have dinner at Powder Hound Pizza in Schweitzer Village, budgeting approximately $15–30 per person. It is a casual, convenient choice after the mountain outing, with hearty pizzas suited to a chilly evening. Reserve or check same-day availability if possible, as dining options at the resort can be limited outside the busiest ski periods. After dinner, drive back to Sandpoint carefully and allow extra time for darkness, wildlife, and changing road conditions.

Morning

Continue the scheduled project-progress review and market-growth strategy session at Diedrich Roasters HQ. Keep the discussion practical: review current projects, identify operational gaps, and confirm which opportunities should move forward after the trip. Before leaving, summarize decisions, assign owners, and verify any documents or follow-up calls needed for the final business days. Since it is Sunday, confirm the meeting access and timing with your hosts in advance; many nearby businesses operate on reduced weekend schedules.

Lunch

Take a relaxed break at La Rosa Club in Downtown Sandpoint, allowing about an hour for Mexican food or coffee. Budget approximately $15–30 per person before drinks and tip. It is close enough to reach by car from the business area, and downtown parking is generally easier around midday than later in the afternoon. Use the break to review notes informally, but leave enough time to return to the afternoon agenda without rushing.

Afternoon

After the business session, spend about 45 minutes at Lakeview Park for a quiet walk along the shoreline. November weather can be cold and damp, so bring a warm layer and shoes suitable for wet paths; the lake and surrounding mountain views are especially peaceful when the town is quiet. Drive from downtown and look for available public parking near the park, checking posted signs because seasonal parking arrangements can change.

Evening

Finish with an early dinner at Connie’s Café in Downtown Sandpoint, a comfortable choice for classic breakfast-style food served in generous portions. Allow approximately $12–25 per person, and check the Sunday closing time before setting out, as local cafés often finish service earlier than expected. Keep the evening low-key: return to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint, organize meeting materials for Monday, and confirm the next day’s start time rather than planning additional sightseeing.

Morning

Use the morning at Diedrich Roasters HQ for the final future-opportunities planning session and distributor-partnership review. Focus on decisions that can be carried home: target markets, product-line priorities, contract follow-ups, sales support, and named owners for each next step. Keep a concise action list and confirm when post-trip documents or technical answers will be delivered. After the meeting, drive into downtown Sandpoint—typically about 10–15 minutes from the business area—and check the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market site if vendors are operating. The market is seasonal, so in late November it may be closed or have a reduced schedule; verify locally before going. If open, allow about an hour for regional produce, baked goods, crafts, and a quick takeaway lunch. Budget roughly $10–25, and bring a warm layer since the lakeside weather can be cold.

Afternoon

Continue to Foster’s Crossing, a convenient downtown stop for independent shopping and local-art browsing. Allow about an hour, with enough flexibility to look through specialty gifts and regional work rather than rushing between stores. Downtown parking is generally easier than in a larger city, but walking between stops is simple; use First Avenue and the nearby side streets, taking care on icy patches if temperatures drop. If the market is closed, this is a good place to spend a little longer and pick up coffee or a snack before the evening tasting.

Evening

Finish at 1890 Wineries in downtown Sandpoint for a relaxed regional wine tasting and small plates. A tasting or shared food order will generally run about $20–45 per person, and it is worth calling ahead to confirm late-November hours and whether reservations are needed. Since this is the final business stretch, keep the evening unhurried and use it to recap the week’s agreements rather than adding another activity. Hotel Ruby Sandpoint is only a short drive away; if you plan to taste, arrange a rideshare or designate a driver, as winter roads around Lake Pend Oreille can become slick after dark.

Morning

Keep the morning focused on your final sessions at Diedrich Roasters HQ in Sandpoint. Use this last business block to close contract follow-up, confirm action items, and make sure each next step has a named owner and deadline. Before leaving, request copies of any final materials, verify who will handle post-trip questions, and take a few minutes to thank the sales and technical teams personally.

Afternoon

After lunch, spend about 45 minutes at Sandpoint Library in downtown Sandpoint organizing meeting notes, scanning or backing up documents, and checking your Los Angeles and return-flight details. It is a useful quiet pause before the trip changes pace. Then walk or drive to Spokane River Coffee for your final local coffee stop; allow around 30 minutes and budget approximately $5–12 per person. Use this as an easy, unhurried break rather than trying to fit in another attraction.

Evening

Celebrate the completion of the supplier visit with dinner at Kyoto Restaurant in downtown Sandpoint, where sushi makes a fitting final meal before your departure tomorrow. Expect roughly $25–50 per person, and consider calling ahead because evening hours and seating can vary in late November. Keep the rest of the night light: return to Hotel Ruby Sandpoint, finish packing, charge devices, and place passports, business documents, and flight information where they are easy to reach for the early transfer to Spokane International Airport.

Arrival and check-in

Leave Sandpoint early enough to reach Spokane International Airport (GEG) about two hours before your flight, allowing time for the drive, rental-car return, baggage drop, and security. After landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), expect the transfer to your hotel to take roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic; a pre-booked rideshare or hotel-arranged car is easiest with luggage. Keep this evening deliberately light after the long travel day, and confirm your hotel’s late check-in policy before departure.

Santa Monica Pier

Once settled, head to Santa Monica for an easy first look at the coast. From most central Los Angeles hotels, allow 30–60 minutes by rideshare; traffic is often slow on the I-10 and surface streets, so arriving around sunset is ideal. Spend about 1½ hours strolling Santa Monica Pier, watching the Pacific light fade, and walking a short stretch of Ocean Front Walk. The pier is generally open late, though individual attractions and shops keep separate hours; there is no admission fee, but rides and games cost extra. If you are driving, use a paid structure near Colorado Avenue rather than searching for scarce curb parking.

Dinner

Walk or take a brief rideshare south along the waterfront to The Albright, a casual seafood restaurant beside Santa Monica Pier. Budget approximately $25–50 per person, more with drinks, and check the current closing time before setting out since hours can change seasonally. Order something uncomplicated after the flight—fish, oysters, or a seafood plate—and keep the evening flexible. After dinner, return to the hotel by rideshare; avoid a late, ambitious sightseeing plan, as tomorrow will be a better day for exploring Los Angeles properly.

Morning

Start in Los Feliz at Go Get Em Tiger for a relaxed specialty-coffee breakfast. Order one of the café’s espresso drinks or seasonal coffees with a breakfast sandwich or pastry; plan on about $10–20 per person and roughly an hour. It generally opens in the morning, but check the day’s hours before leaving since Los Angeles cafés sometimes adjust schedules. From there, walk or take a short rideshare to Maru Coffee, another excellent stop for carefully prepared coffee. Keep this tasting small—one drink is enough—so you still have room for lunch at the next stop.

Take a rideshare south toward The Original Farmers Market on West Third Street in Fairfax, allowing around 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Browse the long-running food stalls and small shops, then have lunch here; $15–30 per person is realistic. The market is casual and easy to explore without a reservation, and it is a better place for a flexible lunch than trying to fit in a formal restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, walk or take a short rideshare to LACMA in Mid-Wilshire. Allow about 2½ hours for the galleries and outdoor installations, including the Urban Light lamps near the Wilshire Boulevard entrance. Admission is commonly around $25 for adults, though hours, ticketing, and special exhibitions can change—check the museum’s official website before visiting. Wear comfortable shoes, and leave a little time to browse the surrounding museum campus rather than rushing through every gallery.

Evening

Finish at République in Mid-City, a short rideshare from LACMA. The restaurant is known for its French-inspired cooking, bread, pastries, and lively dining room; budget approximately $35–70 per person. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for the evening, though the bakery counter can be more flexible if you prefer a lighter meal. This is a good place to end the day: settle in for dinner, then pick up a pastry for the next morning rather than adding another stop after a full day.

Morning

Start early at Runyon Canyon Park, ideally around 7:30–8:00 a.m., before the trails become busy and the November sun gets too warm. Allow 1½–2 hours for the hike, including the main viewpoints over Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and, on a clear day, the coast. The park is free, but street parking around Mulholland Drive and Hollywood Boulevard is limited and signage is strictly enforced; a rideshare is easier. Wear proper walking shoes and bring water—some sections are steep, uneven, and exposed.

Late Morning and Afternoon

From the lower trail area, take a short rideshare or walk toward Hollywood Boulevard for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, allowing about an hour to wander between the stars, historic theaters, and busy souvenir shops. Continue to the nearby TCL Chinese Theatre to see its ornate façade and the famous hand- and footprints in the forecourt; 30–45 minutes is enough unless you choose a separate theater tour. This stretch is most enjoyable as a casual walk, though keep phones and wallets secure in the busiest areas. For lunch, choose something quick nearby rather than sitting down for a long meal, since the boulevard can take longer to cross and browse than expected.

In the mid-afternoon, take a rideshare uphill to Hollywood Bowl Overlook for about 45 minutes of photographs and a quieter change of pace. The overlook is especially good late in the day, when the city begins to brighten and the Hollywood Sign and downtown skyline stand out. Parking can be limited, so have the driver wait or arrange pickup before leaving; check the overlook’s current access and sunset timing, as hours and road conditions can vary.

Evening

Finish with dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, the classic Hollywood restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. Reserve ahead if possible and allow roughly 1½–2 hours; entrées generally run about $40–80 per person before drinks and gratuity. The red-leather booths, polished service, and old-Hollywood atmosphere make it worth treating as the evening’s main event. After dinner, use a rideshare back to your hotel—traffic and event closures around Hollywood can make a short journey unexpectedly slow.

Morning

Take the Metro B Line from Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine toward Downtown Los Angeles—about 25–40 minutes, with a TAP fare of roughly $1.75. For Griffith Observatory, however, a rideshare is more practical: the observatory sits high in Griffith Park, and the park’s internal roads and parking can be slow. Arrive around 9:00 a.m. for quieter galleries and clear city views; allow about two hours for the exhibits, terraces, and views toward the Hollywood Sign. Admission to the building and public telescopes is generally free, though parking and special planetarium shows cost extra. Check the observatory’s weekly schedule before leaving, as it is not open every day.

Downtown Los Angeles

From Griffith Observatory, use a rideshare to Walt Disney Concert Hall in Bunker Hill, allowing roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about 45 minutes walking around Frank Gehry’s stainless-steel exterior and public gardens; if you want to see the interior, check whether a self-guided or concert-hall tour is available that day. It is then a 10-minute downhill walk along Grand Avenue to Grand Central Market, where you can take your pick from casual stalls serving everything from tacos to noodles and sandwiches. Budget $12–30 per person and allow at least 1½ hours—this is a good place to slow down rather than force another stop.

After lunch, walk back uphill toward The Broad, a contemporary-art museum beside Walt Disney Concert Hall. Reserve a timed entry in advance when possible; general admission is usually free, while special exhibitions may charge separately. Give yourself about two hours for the collection, including the popular infinity-mirrored rooms if they are operating. Finish with a short walk to Angels Flight Railway on Hill Street. The historic funicular takes only a few minutes and costs a small fare, but allow around 30 minutes for the ride, photographs, and the Bunker Hill views. From there, you can continue on foot through Downtown or take the Metro back toward Hollywood; after a full sightseeing day, a rideshare is the easiest option.

Morning

Start at the Venice Beach Boardwalk around 8:30–9:00 a.m., when the promenade is lively but not yet crowded. Walk south or north along the oceanfront for about 1½ hours, passing the skatepark, Muscle Beach, street performers, and the colorful mix of locals and visitors. Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving anything visible in the car; parking near the beach is convenient but can be expensive, usually around $15–30 for several hours. From the boardwalk, walk or drive a few minutes inland to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where you can browse independent boutiques, galleries, design shops, and cafés. Allow about 1½ hours and take your time—the best parts are between Venice Boulevard and Main Street. Most shops open around 10 or 11 a.m., so this works well as a relaxed late-morning wander.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at Gjusta, a well-loved bakery and deli on Sunset Avenue, roughly a 5–10-minute drive from Abbot Kinney. Expect about $20–40 per person for Mediterranean-inspired plates, sandwiches, salads, and excellent pastries; it is casual, busy, and generally counter-service, so allow time to find parking and queue. After lunch, drive east along I-10 and north toward Brentwood to the Getty Center, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. The museum is free, though advance timed reservations are recommended, and parking in the Getty garage is typically about $25 per vehicle. Spend around three hours exploring the galleries, Central Garden, and terraces overlooking Los Angeles. The complex usually closes in the early evening, so arrive by mid-afternoon rather than leaving it too late.

Evening

Finish with dinner at Katsuya Brentwood, a short drive from the Getty Center. Budget approximately $35–70 per person for sushi, sashimi, and cooked Japanese dishes, and reserve ahead if possible—especially because the following day is your international departure. Keep the evening unhurried, but return to your hotel afterward to organize passports, luggage, and airport documents. If you are staying near the west side, Brentwood is a practical final dinner location: it avoids crossing back through central Los Angeles and keeps tomorrow’s transfer toward Los Angeles International Airport more manageable.

Morning

If your international flight leaves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the afternoon or evening, make one final cultural stop at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Aim to arrive at opening time—typically around 10:00 a.m.—and allow about 2½ hours for the library’s art galleries and a focused walk through the gardens. The Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, and Rose Garden are especially worthwhile, though November can be cooler and some areas may have seasonal closures. General admission is commonly around $25–35, and advance timed tickets are wise; check the official calendar because the site is sometimes closed on Mondays or for special events.

Lunch

From San Marino, drive west toward Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Glendale, allowing roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. This is a good final Los Angeles meal rather than a long sit-down stop: order Cuban pastries such as cheese rolls or guava-and-cheese pastries, along with a sandwich or breakfast-style plate. Budget about $10–25 per person, and expect a busy counter with limited parking, particularly around lunchtime. If you have checked luggage, keep it out of sight and avoid leaving anything in the car while you order.

Afternoon and Departure

After Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, allow approximately 35–60 minutes to reach Los Angeles International Airport, with traffic potentially much worse on the I-5, CA-110, and I-105 corridors. Return the rental car at the airport facility, then take the rental-car shuttle to your terminal; the full process can easily take 30–45 minutes. For the international journey back to Cebu, arrive at least three hours before departure, allowing time for bag drop, security, and possible terminal changes. Recheck the airline’s terminal and baggage rules before leaving Glendale, and keep your passport, itinerary, and any connecting-flight details accessible rather than packed away.