In this new monthly series, we’re asking locals to share how they would spend 24 perfect hours in Sun Valley. For this first installment, we interviewed Christina Giordani, a local food and beverage entrepreneur, to discover what her ideal October day looks like. I’d eat breakfast at: Hank & Sylvie’s, where I’d have a cold brew coffee with house-made vanilla bean syrup and local, raw milk from Old Almo Creamery, paired with a delicious croissant. In the morning I’d: Practice throwing at Boulder Mountain Clayworks. I’m working on making my own cups and plates. I’d eat lunch at: The Farmers Market. I’d grab a local Hangar Bread baguette (they are made with locally milled flour from Hillside Grain), local goat cheese, and the last of the summer peaches and tomatoes for a picnic. In the afternoon I’d: Hike Proctor Mountain to get a look back at the town, leaf peep, and enjoy my picnic lunch from the Farmers Market. Before dinner, I’d: Go to the Boho Lounge and drink a specialty cocktail featuring Roadbars’ shrubs or syrups. I’d eat dinner at: The Covey. I’d drink whatever Pét-Nat wine is on the menu or an Aperol spritz and eat one of their handmade pasta dishes. Buon …
From Farm to Table: Sun Valley’s Freshest Dining
Here in Sun Valley, we are lucky to have innovative community groups, markets, and restaurants that pushed the idea of farm-to-table dining and experiences quickly to the mainstream. Are you ready to know what fresh tastes like? You can find it here.
Oh, Kale Yeah! It’s Time for the Wood River Farmers Markets
Life rolls at a more relaxed pace in the mountains, and those minutes between when an event is supposed to start, and when it actually starts, is what we like to call “Ketchum-time.” There’s always some wiggle room…which means a little extra time on the trail, or for a lingering lunch with friends. Or, at least, so I thought. Turns out that “Ketchum-time” doesn’t apply at the Wood River Farmers Markets. “You should have been here earlier,” one farmer told me when I looked sadly at an empty bin labeled ‘broccoli.’ “Those sold within the first thirty minutes.” When it comes to supporting local producers—and eating the freshest, tastiest fruits, meats, and vegetables—the people of this Valley don’t mess around. It’s ‘be there or be square,’ and I’ve learned my lesson. Ketchum Farmers Market The Wood River Farmers Markets hold two markets each week through the summer. The first, on Tuesdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is hosted at the River Run Parking Lot on Serenade Lane in Ketchum. Dozens of local vendors set up for four hours and offer locals and visitors the change to purchase locally-grown produce, meats, and dairy products alongside artisan crafts and flowers. Food …
Sun Valley’s Best Outdoor Patios
The summer season offers visitors the option of enjoying the splendor of the Wood River Valley’s scenic views from the comfort of some of the best patios and decks for dining. Whether it’s post-golfing on the patio of Sun Valley’s Clubhouse or enjoying free music on the deck at Bellevue’s Mahoney’s, these are the best spots to grab a sip or a bite and soak up some summer rays. Ketchum and Sun Valley When settling on a deck or patio to enjoy in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area, there are a few questions to consider. How much sun are you looking to get? Are you heading for an afternoon drink or want a full meal? Do you want to hear music? Lefty’s For those looking for the most sun for their buck, the deck at Lefty’s can’t be beat. With the afternoon rays hitting the area directly, you’ll find this deck packed with locals and visitors alike on weekday and weekend afternoons all summer. Musicians play here sporadically and fare includes basic pub food like burgers and drinks of the mostly beer persuasion. Grumpy’s Another mid-day local’s favorite is Grumpy’s, home of the schooner and classic pub fare. The …
Eating Healthy & Sustainably in Sun Valley
While the Wood River Valley may be a bit lacking in options when it comes to big bulk goods, it is abundant with opportunities for eating healthily and sustainably. As exhibited by retirees you’re sure to find passing you seemingly effortlessly on the Nordic or bike trails, this is a community that cares exceptionally about health, and it also shows in the many local efforts to bring healthy eating to our little town. 5B Fruit 5B Fruit, located downstairs in the Leadville building offers a wide array of smoothies, juices and bowls crafted with all kinds of antioxidant berries and seeds as well as unique add-on options such as bee pollen, bamboo charcoal, hemp protein and more. You’ll also find a slew of 3oz “shots” tailored to cure your hangover, cold or post workout dehydration. What’s more, 5B fruit grows organic kale and spinach in their greenhouse located south of Bellevue, and at the end of the day their juicing pulp and compost is used to enrich planting soil or feed free range chickens. GLOW A fusion between a health food store and café, GLOW is completely plant-based. In addition to a variety of smoothies, bowls and juices, GLOW also provides a …
What We’re Made Of: Squash Blossom Farm Owners – Sara & Ed
Ranching is a way of life in Idaho, and when driving into the Sun Valley area it’s hard to miss the thousands of acres planted with malted barley, alfalfa, and seed potatoes. But if you look closely, you’ll find something else: small farms that work to create products—meat, vegetables, and fruit—for the local community. Squash Blossom Farm, located in Bellevue, is one such farm. When Wood River Valley native Sara Berman first learned about sustainable agriculture in a high school class at the Community School in Sun Valley, she didn’t yet know how that knowledge would shape her path through life. The class sparked enough interest for Berman to pursue the subject through college, and then spend time working on different types of farms and ranches across the globe. When Berman met Ed Zinader, who shares her passion for agriculture, the pair began to dream about creating a small, sustainable farm to grow to produce for their friends, family, and the community. They began searching for the right property with patience and determination. When the opportunity arose to purchase a home with acreage just blocks off of Main Street in Bellevue, they jumped at the chance. “I didn’t think we’d …
Ketchum’s Coffee Culture
Dubbed the “best city in America for coffee lovers,” Berkeley, California, boasts one café per 2,073 people. We hate to steal your thunder, Berkeley, but with roughly one coffee shop for every 580 people (calculated on a coffee-stained napkin, no less), we think we have you beat. When you’re in Sun Valley, you’ll never have to worry about where your next dose of caffeine is coming from. Whether you’re on the hunt for that perfect latte to kickstart your morning or need a spot to hunker down and catch up on work emails, we invite you to explore Ketchum’s coffee culture. Maude’s Coffee and Clothes 391 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum For that “hang with the locals” vibe head to Maude’s Coffee and Clothes. Maude’s serves locally-roasted organic coffee and espresso drinks alongside tea, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and pastries. The atmosphere at Maude’s is lively, so grab a table and catch up with a friend. When you’re done with your drink, wander through Maude’s “closet,” a clothing retailer that offers vintage and contemporary pieces. Java on Fourth 191 4th Street West, Ketchum Java on Fourth might well be considered an institution in Ketchum’s coffee culture and is known for its rich, deeply flavorful drinks. The …
What We’re Made Of: Restauranteurs – The Mason Family
The food scene of Ketchum would truly be a different landscape without the Masons and as their family continues to grow, so too does the family business.
Where To Eat, Sleep & Explore In Ketchum & Sun Valley
Idaho Inspired Hemingway And It Inspired Me I drove from Idaho to Montana and unbeknownst to me took one of the most scenic drives of my entire life. I drove alongside the Salmon River and followed it all the way into Montana. With the sound of the river following next to me, birds chirping above me and mountains protruding into the sky I felt like I was in a dream. With each turn I took it was like I was driving further into heaven. I remember saying to myself several times, “wow this is amazing”. It felt so surreal and I am so glad that I took the time to drive along this beautiful route which I would have never in a million years have decided to do if I was just visiting for a long weekend. EAT Pioneer Saloon: When you head to Ketchum you will hear about a famous restaurant which has become a staple of the area. It’s famous for its western theme and even has a gun previously owned by Ernest Hemingway. Not only is this placed filled with history and wildly thematic but it serves DELICIOUS food. It’s primarily known for its steaks …
Tour de Suds: Sun Valley’s Bike-to-Brewery Tour
Bikes and beers go together like bacon and eggs, Batman and Robin, or hot summer days and ice cream cones. Like most ski town dwellers, Sun Valleyites have a penchant for cold brews, especially after a long, hot bike ride in one of the surrounding five mountain ranges. Sun Valley and the surrounding areas offer a plethora of places to quench a hard-earned thirst with local beers. So grab your bike and make your own Strava segment to and from these thirst-quenching locales. For the ultimate tour de suds, we suggest starting in Ketchum and making your way to Hailey.