Perhaps it's because of its nearness to the lake. Maybe it's the sound of an ice cube in a drink. Or it could be because "splash" is a synonym for an entertainment hit.

With two garage-size doors opening onto downtown, the new Splash nightclub opened Friday in The Resort Plaza Shops on Sherman Avenue. In the space that formerly was Candy O'Brien's women's shop (now in a new location in the building), Splash offers a full bar (including "skinny" cocktails), a bar-food menu and the menu of neighboring Tito's Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

The hot place features a dance floor, high-tech lighting and sound and a stage for live entertainment. Service will be at streetside tables on Sherman Avenue and at booths inside. Entertainment includes live music, go-go dancers, themed events and the latest dance-club hits.

"Splash is designed to be the ultimate in contemporary nightlife and the hottest club in Coeur d'Alene," said Bill Reagan, general manager of The Coeur d'Alene Resort. "This is the place to see and be seen."

The club's nightly schedule includes live music Thursday through Saturday all summer long, karaoke on Sundays, racing night on Mondays, beer pong on Tuesdays, ladies' night on Wednesdays and tropics night on Thursdays. Leevi Martin manages 25 employees. The former North Shore Lounge in the main hotel will be remodeled into extra convention and meeting space and neighboring Dockside Restaurant use.

Phone 765-4000. Check www.splashcda.com.

Concept Kids also opening

Nearly anything for small children is available at Concept Kids, which opened last week in a 1,500-square-foot space along the east side of The Resort Shops. The renovated shop includes children's clothing, toys, furniture. gifts and kids' room decor.

Originally from Clarkston, Wash., owner Jennifer Rea came to Coeur d'Alene after graduating from Northern Arizona University.

"I would visit friends here and always loved it," she said. "To me Sherman Avenue was like the Rodeo Drive of Coeur d'Alene." She also owns Daisy J's in The Plaza Shops.

Hours at Concept Kids are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays. Phone 765-5552.

Storybook Bridal Boutique moved from the Concept Kids space into a 2,500-square-foot space on the south side of The Plaza Shops and was joined by Cameo Events, which plans for special events, especially weddings. Owners are Rosalie Alexander and Misty Ceriello. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and by appointment. Phone 765-6900.

Idaho souvenirs at Live the Lake

Anything that portrays and/or is made in Idaho is available at Live the Lake, which opened this past week at 116 N. Fourth St. in the 1,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Super Silver (now on Sherman Avenue). Items include Idaho-logo clothing, caps, toys, gifts, decor and books.

Owner Brenda Lincoln surely knows how to supply and operate such a shop as her family has the $50,000 Silver Bar and souvenir store just over Lookout Pass in Haugen, Mont. She came to Coeur d'Alene for the lake attributes and the tourist atmosphere. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and extending with the summer. Phone 277-8239.

Here's this week's tidbits:

* More on loud or unpleasant music in restaurants. Readers suggest that these eateries have areas without speakers, especially if they have outside dining. An architect emailed that the material in the ceilings, floors, walls and furnishings affect the sound.

"Unfortunately, concrete floors and exposed metal decking at the ceiling are the trend. Fabric banners could help absorb sound and prevent reverberation," she said.

* On outside dining, a restaurant in Seattle offers blankets when it's chilly.

* Kudos to the fellow who picks up litter every day on Dalton Avenue west of Highway 95.

* The fast-food business combination of Samurai Sams, Taco Time and Great Steaks across from the Trading Co. store in Post Falls has closed.

* Next week, we'll look at some new food places in North Idaho.

* Possible business activities are happening off Highway 41 just north of I-90. Any spies know what's happening?

Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.