Bobby and Alli here, from Traveling Newlyweds! When you think of Sun Valley you probably immediately think of skiing, epic scenery, award-winning restaurants and friendly locals. At least, that’s what we always think of! We’d always heard people say that Sun Valley is dog-friendly, but we had never thought of bringing our pup with us. This summer we decided bite the bullet and let our big, sassy fur ball named Sally come with us to Sun Valley… and see if it REALLY is as dog friendly as we’d heard. Let’s just say it blew our expectations out of the park! (Dog park, if you will.) Here’s our Dog-Friendly guide to Sun Valley, because if you have a dog, you have to bring them with you. End of story. Stay The Limelight Hotel We can’t rave about this new hotel enough. Located right in the heart of Ketchum, The Limelight is modern, classy, and unbelievably dog friendly! From the goodies they give you at check-in (frisbee, treats, water bowl, etc.) to the dog-friendly lobby (the human food is amazing – and your pet will feel like a VIP!), it really is something special. We didn’t want to leave! Knob Hill Inn On past …
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What We’re Made Of: Snowboard Coach, Screen Printer & Family Man – Andy Gilbert
While many think of skiing and its long history when they think of Sun Valley, snowboarding its own legitimately legendary history in as well. Since the inclusion of snowboarding into the Olympics in 1998, there has been a Sun Valley rider on every Olympic snowboard team. And, playing a huge role in that is Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Snowboard Coach Andy Gilbert who has helped guide the careers of snowboarders like Kaitlyn Farrington and Chase Josey as well as all other level of snowboarders in his 25 years as a coach (along with several other amazing coaches and staff at SVSEF over the years, of course!) Despite the caliber of snowboarder he’s worked with and traveling the world over, Gilbert still calls Sun Valley home, a place where his wife and two kids can hit the slopes and he can also work in screen-printing, another passion of his. Since moving to Ketchum in the winter of 1993, Gilbert has been a snowboarding coach, primarily for SVSEF, but also last year as the U.S. National Team Rookie Halfpipe Coach. “Last year, the U.S. team lost their rookie coach right before the season and I was on the short list,” says Gilbert about the …
What We’re Made Of: Terrain Park Manager – Nate Sheehan
Sun Valley, Idaho, known for its terrain perfect for mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, and so much more, is home to all forms of adventure seeker from the weekend warrior to the ski bum living out of his car. Nate Sheehan, Sun Valley Resort’s Terrain Parks Manager, heard the siren call of this mountain town himself and accepted the job four years ago having only been to Sun Valley once in 2009. His love of snowboarding and the mountains as well as hitting the single-track on his mountain bikes in the off-season have instilled in him a love of the Sun Valley area as well as a passion for creating a terrain park on Dollar Mountain that will cull the adventurous spirit in all skill of rider. photo: Tal Roberts // Sun Valley Resort // Rider: Nate Sheehan Despite only having ridden in Sun Valley once, Nate brought a life time of snowboard and park expertise with him to the job of Terrain Park Manager. Growing up in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, the home of Ski Liberty, Nate was an avid snowboarder and was even competing in the Mid-Atlantic Snowboard series by the time he was in high school and would …
A Quick Guide to Fall in Sun Valley, Idaho
There’s something special about fall in Sun Valley. While there are all of the nostalgic things that come with fall such as the vibrant leaves and pumpkin spiced lattes, it is the slower pace, and the unique festivals that really make for a special time of year. Take a quick spin through the highlights that fall has to offer here in Sun Valley with our video below. More Fall Inspiration For more inspiration on things to do in Sun Valley this fall, check out a few of our favorite stories from our blog. Fall Festivals You Have to See From iconic music to herds of sheep running down Main Street, Sun Valley’s festivals are designed to delight your senses. We invite you to experience how we celebrate fall in the mountains. But be careful, you may just find it hard to leave. Top 8 Fall Mountain Bike Rides 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. 5 of the Best Fall Hikes We’ve compiled a list of our top-five best …
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 …
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.