Lewiston: The Gem of Idaho's Panhandle

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-ter]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank you
  [pleez and thangk yuh]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thanks uh bunch]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahr-dn me]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Doin' good. Yourself?
  [doin' good. yur-self?]
• Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?
  [do yuh speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI'm lost
  [ahm lawst]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see what's cookin', please
  [ahd like tuh see wuts cookin', pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [ah dun doh meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up now, please
  [ah reckon ahl set-uhl up now, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Git!
  [git!]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-lice!
  [call the po-lease!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ahm turned uh-round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [ahm feelin' poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll take...
  [ah reckon ahl take...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [ahm just brow-zin']
• How much is it?How much for this?
  [how much for this?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [thats uh bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on this?
  [can yuh do any bet-er on this?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whuts the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-duh]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tuh-mor-er]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
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  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the...?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whuts the addy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [can yuh show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh ticket (to ....)]

Lewiston, Idaho, was founded in 1861 during the Gold Rush era. It was named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The town became a significant supply center for miners traveling to the goldfields in the Clearwater and Salmon River regions.

In 1863, Lewiston was designated as the first territorial capital of Idaho. This status was short-lived, however, as the capital was moved to Boise in 1864. Despite this, Lewiston remained a vital economic and administrative hub in the region.

The area around Lewiston has long been the homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe. The Nez Perce were known for their horse breeding and intricate beadwork. The tribe played a crucial role in assisting the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806.

Lewiston has historically been a key transportation hub due to its location at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. The city became an important port, facilitating the movement of goods and people via riverboats, and later by rail and road.

Lewiston is home to Lewis-Clark State College, established in 1893. The college has played an essential role in the educational development of the region, offering a variety of programs and fostering community engagement.

Lewiston hosts several cultural festivals, including the Dogwood Festival and the Nez Perce National Historical Park events. These festivals celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage, featuring local arts, crafts, music, and traditional Nez Perce ceremonies.

The logging and timber industry has been a cornerstone of Lewiston’s economy since the late 19th century. The Potlatch Corporation, one of the largest timber companies, has had a significant presence in the region, contributing to its economic growth and development.

In recent years, Lewiston has seen growth in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and tourism. Efforts to preserve historical sites and promote outdoor recreational activities have made Lewiston an attractive destination for visitors.

Lewiston, Idaho, is accessible via the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), which offers flights from major hubs such as Salt Lake City and Seattle. For those traveling by car, Lewiston is located at the junction of U.S. Highways 12 and 95, making it easily reachable from nearby cities like Spokane, Washington, and Boise, Idaho. Greyhound buses also serve the area, providing an affordable travel option.

Within Lewiston, getting around is convenient with a variety of transportation options. The City of Lewiston Transit System operates several bus routes throughout the city. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For more freedom, consider renting a car from one of the several rental agencies in town. Biking is another viable option, with several bike-friendly trails and paths.

The official currency in Lewiston is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller, local businesses that may not accept cards.

Lewiston is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods such as the downtown area are typically safe, but it is always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places to avoid petty theft.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Lewiston has a well-equipped hospital, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Dress casually but respectfully; outdoor and sporty attire is common. Religion: Be respectful when visiting religious sites, and avoid disruptive behavior. Public Transport: Be punctual and courteous when using public transport. Greetings: A friendly handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Try local specialties like Idaho trout and huckleberry products; tipping around 15-20% in restaurants is customary.

To experience Lewiston like a local, visit the Lewiston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals who are typically friendly and eager to share insights about their city. Don't miss the Lewis-Clark Valley Wine Region for some excellent wine tasting. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hells Gate State Park offers great hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities.