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 …
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Top 8 Fall Mountain Bike Rides
The air expresses a distinct chill and the golden glow of autumn is illuminating the landscapes of the Wood River Valley – the famed “Two Wheeled Nirvana.” Among the 400+ miles of singletrack in the area, several mountain bike trails hit the fall-riding sweet-spot. We’ve outlined top trails that optimize sweeping singletrack through the vibrant fall leaves located at lower-elevation exposed to sunshine maintaining tacky, yet drier dirt. Fox Creek Loop Difficulty: Moderate Miles: 5.6 Ascent: 728ft Descent: 677ft Access: Fox Creek, Lake Creek or Hulen Way Trailheads Description: The Fox Creek Loop is a prime trail for any season with stunning open views of the valley, surrounding mountain peaks, and ample swaths of golden aspen groves. To optimize the downhill flow, bikers should ride counter-clockwise. After the one small creek crossing, the mellow climb gradually winds up through burned forest from the fire in 2007. The vibrant colors emerging from regrowth are fascinating to witness. At the top of the climb, refuel while enjoying scenic views of snow capped peaks in the distance. The next segment of the trail is a fast flowy singletrack with some slightly rocky parts as it weaves through aspen clusters with glowing yellow leaves. After the …
Five Reasons to Love Fall in Sun Valley
Fall is Sun Valley’s secret season, that perfect time when the crowds have left yet the days are still warm. Here are some of our favorite things about fall in this mountain town.
The Wood River is Not Your Typical YMCA
It’s Fun to Visit Our YMCA! Much like everything else in our small mountain town, our local YMCA is not your average gym; it’s not even an average YMCA where typically concrete abounds and people are looking to get in and get out rather than stay a day. The Wood River YMCA is so much more than just a gym, it’s a community center, an activity hub, and a truly integral part of life in the Valley. Whether it’s working out and doing group classes, catching free screenings of movies, giving kids an area for after-school, or learning new gardening skills, the YMCA offers more than just dumbbells and yoga mats. What They Offer Opened in late 2007, the YMCA has been offering family-friendly workouts, equipment and more for over 10 years in the Valley. The gym itself is open Monday through Friday from 6am-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-6pm. During that time, access to the upstairs gym is always available where you’ll find a mix of cardio machines including elliptical, treadmill, stair master, erg machine, and stationary bikes. Strength training machines are set up for easy transitioning between sets and there is a dedicated space for free weights and benches. Yoga mats …
Summer Day Trip to Stanley
The town of Stanley, Idaho is nicknamed the “Trailhead to Idaho Adventure,” for all all of the right reasons. Boasting a host of awe-inspiring mountain bike trails, splash ready whitewater rapids, high alpine lakes, and jagged mountain views are just a few traits that make this place stand out. It’s close-proximity to Sun Valley makes for an ideal must-see day trip destination. We’ve put together a collection of our top things to do on your trip over the hill. Sunrise Drive Over Galena Summit Stanley is a quick 60 mile drive north of Sun Valley over Galena Summit with awe-inspiring views the entire ride. I prefer to start the drive just before sunrise to catch the first morning light beaming across the valley from the pull out overlooking Galena Peak. Breakfast at the Stanley Bakery Ask anyone where to eat in Stanley and the answer consistently is the Stanley Bakery. After the sunrise drive into the basin, stop by for a famous cinnamon roll, coffee, and Bear /breakfast Bowl. As your food is prepared, ask the owner Tim about his legendary ski lines in the Sawtooths. He’s one of the few people to have skied “The Shield” of Horstmann Peak. Before making moves …
A Guide to Ernest Hemingway’s Sun Valley Legacy
Known for titles such as The Sun Also Rises and Farewell to Arms, American novelist and avid outdoorsman, Ernest Hemingway, visited Sun Valley frequently. Returning time and time again to hunt, fish, write, Hemingway established a permanent residence in the Valley before his death in 1961. Enjoy the beauty of the Wood River Valley as Hemingway once did – grab cocktail at one of his favorite local watering holes, fish the same grounds he once explored, or visit his final resting place at the Ketchum Cemetery.
Sun Valley, Idaho’s Music Scene
While days in Ketchum can be filled with an assortment of recreational activities the nights belong to live music. Ketchum has a vibrant music scene that truly has something for everyone, from late night rock jams to summer evenings filled with orchestras and everything in between. With the warm summer breezes come the sounds of live music throughout the valley. Time honored events such as Ketch’em Alive, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and Jazz in the Park are family and picnic friendly. Along with musicians popping up on the decks, porches and parking lots of local watering holes, summer music events are looked forward to by visitors and locals while venues up and down the valley keep us on our feet all year long. The Favorites Sponsored by the City of Ketchum, Ketch’em Alive, a local favorite, takes place every Tuesday at the Forest Service Park downtown from June to August, showcasing a variety of music by local and national musicians including rock, pop, Americana, bluegrass, neo-soul and reggae. In July and August, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony presents internationally renowned artists and ensembles. Soak up some culture under the beautiful pavilion or out on the lawn where you can listen amongst the summer sunset. Sun Valley Concert …
Shoulder Season Specials
Shoulder season in Sun Valley, Idaho is the ideal time of year for snagging a bargain. Hotel room rates are significantly more affordable, dinner specials can be found throughout the Valley and retail stores use deep discount sales to move their past season inventory during these transitionary months. To top it all off, the weather tends to be delightful and the crowds have yet to venture in droves. Won’t you join us this shoulder season? In order to get the most out of your stay, we’ve compiled a list of deals, specials and happenings to take advantage of: Lodging Deals Limelight Hotel Idaho Local’s Rate April rates start as low as $119/night or save up to 30% off higher room types Valid now through June 20, 2018 Hotel Ketchum 20% off spring stays Valid on all stays April 16 – June 13, 2018 Sun Valley Resort Early Birdie Stay & Golf Package Includes lodging, a round of golf at either Trail Creek or Elkhorn (with cart), a complimentary round on the 9-hole White Cloud course (must be played same day), and range access Starting at $144 per person based on double occupancy Valid now through June 17th, 2018 Alpine Lodging Early season rates with …
Finding the Mountain Biking Trails in Sun Valley – Maps, Apps, Shops & Guides
In an effort to keep your relationships in tact and maximize your time the saddle, we’ve created a mountain biking resource guide for the Sun Valley, Idaho area filled with maps, apps, guides and shops all ready to ease the trail selection pain.
7 Things You Might Not Know About Sun Valley, Idaho
Unlike the Aspens, Jacksons, and Vails of the world, Sun Valley, Idaho, nestled between five mountain ranges and far from metropolitan hubs, lays claim to a few unrivaled traditions, firsts, and designations that truly set it apart from the rest. Check these 7 things that you might not know about Sun Valley.