This too shall pass
Do you have the wanderlust bug but you’re stuck in self-isolation? Well, just as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, eventually the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end and life will return to its daily rhythms. In the meantime there are plenty of ways to stay busy like we listed here or you can start envisioning your next visit! To help you get your Sun Valley daydreaming on, we’ve put together a few things to help you map out your trip here when this is all over.
Road Trip
With oil prices plunging and gas prices expected to drop, the summer of 2020 may shape up to be the year people take to the road. With every highway leading to Sun Valley being designated a scenic byway what better way to enjoy getting here. Or use Sun Valley as your basecamp for the many great day trips just a short cruise away. America’s longest road, U.S. Highway 20, stretches from Newport, Oregon all the way to Boston, Massachusetts and passes only a half hour south of Sun Valley. As the ultimate cross country road-trip, be sure to plan a stop and check out all there is to do in the valley. Which ever direction you’re coming from or headed to be sure to slow down and stop at the over 240 historical highway markers that dot Idaho roadways.
Flights
Airline prices will naturally drop due to COVID-19 and although these are uncertain times for booking travel, many companies are loosening their cancelation policies. With that in mind, discounted flights will be up for grabs this summer, just double check the policies incase you need to postpone your adventures further. Also Google Flights allows you to set flight alerts to always be in the know and is a great way to scan available flights. We have a great starting point for your research here and keep checking back to stay updated on this summers flight services.
Lodging
Similar to flights, many lodging deals are expected to be available, but don’t wait until the last minute. Once there is a green light, everyone will be looking to venture out and deals on rooms will be snatched up quickly so you don’t want to miss out. Most resorts and hotels in the area already offer cancelation/rescheduling policies but many have expanded those due to the current environment. Check out our lodging options and reach out to the properties directly to see what kind of deals you can snag, as well as when they anticipate opening. Also, be sure to keep tabs on our Deals and Specials page that we will keep updated for when properties start to come back online.
Deals on Giftcards
What better way to show your support for local small business than to grab a gift card now and use it when you come visit later. Paddles Up Poke has $30 gift cards for only $20, thats $10 free! Smoky Mountain Pizza has 2x $25 gift cards for only $35, thats $15 in savings. Small businesses are getting creative in how they weather these hard times so be sure to reach out to some of your favorites and show support in any way that you can.
Social Stimuli
After months of being cooped up and keeping distance, some of us will be desperate to recharge our social batteries. Grab a beer at your favorite watering hole or sit back and enjoy a cocktail on one of the rooftop patios in town. If you didn’t pull your hair out in isolation then there is plenty of music to let your hair down and dance to. There is so much to look forward to this summer from rodeos and parades to art shows and soaking up that clear mountain air. Bookmark our events calendar so you can keep up to date on the amazing happenings to come this summer!
More Isolation
Sun Valley has always been a place for getting away from crowds and reconnecting with nature. Although the government orders will have been lifted, all the introverts out there will still be able to find some isolation. Camping, biking, and hiking are some local favorites to experience the endless expanses of nature that surround Sun Valley. You can also keep it simple and hang up a hammock down by the river and get lost in book or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Just taking your dog for a walk amongst the wildflowers is a great way to center yourself.
Start Day Dreaming | #SunValleyOnMyMind
If Sun Valley has always been on your list of places to go, or if you’re itching to come back, mid-summer 2020 might be the perfect time to experience this hidden gem while also getting some good deals and discounts. Between now and the time we see you again, we’ve put together a few opportunities to keep the summer stoke building.
Some of Our Favorite Images
Some of Our Favorite Summer Videos
All-around Summer Inspiration
A Hyper Visual Experience of Sun Valley Daydreaming
Pinkbike’s Impressions of Riding in Sun Valley
Freehub Magazine Rides Through Sun Valley
Hiking in Sun Valley
Keep an eye out for more daydreaming content and updates about this summer on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We want to see your fond memories of Sun Valley. Tag your photos with #SunValleyOnMyMind for a chance to be featured.
In the meantime, stay patient and vigilant. We’ll look forward to seeing you when this is all over. #SunValleyOnMyMind