Within a day’s drive of trend-setting Portland, and with the help of nonstop flights into Hailey’s SUN airport, big-town hipster culture has permeated the west. The influence of well-read, big-rimmed glasses-wearing and flannel-loving thirty-something’s has even infiltrated the small resort town of Sun Valley. Here, microbreweries, handcrafted cocktails, great coffee and beard-trimming locations abound, making the trend-adverse hipster, feel at home. Take a walk in a pair of Birkenstocks, and try out Sun Valley, “hipster-style”.
Searching for Sun Valley
An Autumnal Weekend in Sun Valley: A Perfect Two-Day Itinerary
Fall is in the air! While we are sad to see the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, fall is an exceptional time to visit Sun Valley, Idaho – and it means winter is just around the corner. Wood River Valley’s changing seasons are best experienced in September and October. From the brilliant colored Aspen leaves on a morning bike ride and seasonal menus at local eateries, to fishing excursions in the surrounding rivers – experience it all in this perfect two-day itinerary.
What We’re Made Of: Maude’s Coffee & Clothes Owners – Jacob & Tara
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Jacob and Tara Frehling are the newest generation of a host of entrepreneurial Frehlings in the Wood River Valley. Jacob’s mother, Annette, owns the clothing shop Sister in Ketchum, cousins Maeme and Callie Rasberry own the lunch spot Rasberry’s in Ketchum, and father James opened the original Esta’s restaurant on Main Street. Now Jacob and Tara own Maude’s, a combination coffee shop and vintage clothing store in the heart of Ketchum. After owning a food truck before Maude’s and with aspirations for future businesses, these Frehlings plan to leave a long legacy in Ketchum. “Our whole pastime in life as a couple is spit-balling business ideas,” says Jacob. The business-minded couple, who married in 2017, met while attending the same high school in Portland, Oregon. Although Jacob grew up in the Valley, he attended the last few years of high school at Northwest Academy and then attended Portland State University a year behind Tara. “We were living in a house with seven other people, a total teenager house,” explains Tara. The couple began dating during college and graduated with degrees in psychology (her) and sociology (him) before Jacob headed back to his hometown to open the first …
Not to Miss Arts & Culture Events This Summer
When we travel, we all have our tried-and-true activities, but why not spice things up with a one-of-a-kind experience? Get ready for a Sun Valley summer like no other because we’ve got a whole lineup of arts & culture events that you won’t find anywhere else! From our signature summer extravaganzas to offbeat and extraordinary experiences, it’s time to create your ultimate Sun Valley summer bucket list. So, throw caution to the wind, embrace the unexpected, and let the adventure begin. Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime – start planning your Sun Valley summer today! Sun Valley Wine Auction The 44th Sun Valley begins Tuesday, June 24th and concludes on Thursday the 26th. This event includes gastronomic adventures, Magnum Pig Roast, Vintner Dinners, River Ranch Wine Walk, and the Gala and Live Auction. Learn more at Sunvalleywineauction.org Ballet Sun Valley Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th will have The National Ballet of Canada debut in the valley at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Don’t miss this chance to catch a magical night of world-class dance, visit balletsunvalley.org. Sawtooth Valley Gathering The 10th annual Sawtooth Valley Gathering comes to Stanley June 19–22 for a weekend …
Oktoberfest in Sun Valley: Raising a Stein in Honor of History
The Sawtooth Brewery presents the annual Oktoberfest celebration in the Ketchum Town Square every September.
How to Get to Sun Valley, Idaho
Nonstop flights to Sun Valley, Idaho from 6 major cities! Yes, you read correctly, Sun Valley does have an airport and it is served via United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. While getting to Sun Valley is part of the adventure, new non-stop flights have made it easier than ever to visit this little corner of winter paradise. Fly to Hailey’s Friedman Memorial Airport or land a bit further out and take the beautiful drive to Sun Valley. Either way, we’ll be waiting to welcome you.
A Vegetarian & Vegan Guide to Eating in the Sun Valley Area
The definitive guide to dining out as a vegetarian or vegan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Sun Valley, Ketchum & Hailey, Idaho area.
Late Night in Sun Valley
Some say that Sun Valley is a sleepy town, but those folks are just the ones who go to bed early. What the area lacks in night clubs and velvet ropes it makes up for in pure, humble fun that keeps going after hours. Take a gander at this list of key locations. Just make sure you eat something before you go out. You know, to fuel the dancing. The Ketchum Crawl A typical evening starts out with a few drinks while eating some “real food,” from burgers and beers at Grumpy’s or Lefty’s to margaritas and baked potatoes at the Pio to cocktails and oysters at Michel’s Christiania. From there, it’s practically considered the law to start your late night at The Cellar for evening drinks, where you can enjoy one of their famous Moscow Mules in a copper mug, play some Buck Hunter or shuffleboard, and argue about whether you should head next to Whiskey’s on Main for some dancing or to catch a band. Once the band is done playing and the fat lady has sung, follow her onward to close the night at The Casino, Sun Valley’s legendary dive bar, where you can shoot pool, play darts, and make new friends …
Labor Day Weekend in Sun Valley, Idaho
The long Labor Day weekend has become a bit of a big deal here in Sun Valley, Idaho over the years. It’s a last summer hoorah as the kids begin to head back to school and the crisp temperatures of fall start to nip at our heels. With spirits running high and festivities plentiful, this is one long weekend that you won’t want to miss. To make the most out of the Labor Day weekend we’ve put together a list of all the best happenings. Wagon Days Rebecca’s Private Idaho Gallery Walk Free Movie on the Pavilion Lawn Sun Valley On Ice The Revivalists Find your next favorite Sun Valley Labor Day tradition this year! For the full line-up, head over to our events calendar. Events Calendar
Free Summer Music in the Wood River Valley
words and photos by Hayden Seder While there are always big-name concerts at some of Sun Valley’s larger venues—River Run Plaza, The Argyros, Sun Valley Pavilion—there are also numerous, free weekly concerts put on by some of the area’s favorite establishments with local musicians of all genres. Below are where to catch free tunes in the summer! Ketch’em Alive Arguably Ketchum’s best and best-attended free summer music event, Ketch’em Alive brings musical acts to Forest Service Park for an evening of lively tunes, dancing, and seeing friends every Tuesday from 6:30–8:30pm, June 17 through August 5. Pack a picnic or enjoy a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase from local onsite vendors. August 5: Andrew Sheppard Wylde Beet Tiny Deck Summer Concert Series Vegan restaurant The Wylde Beet on Main Street in Hailey is celebrating summer with their monthly Tiny Deck Summer Concert Series, where local musicians play free concerts on the restaurant’s patio. Plant-based food and beverages are available for purchase while you listen to tunes form 4pm to 8pm. Check their calendar listings for the most up-to-date info. August 8: Wildwoods (4–6pm) and Canyon Kids (6–8pm) Hailey Rocks Started as a similar event to Ketch’em …