USA

Idaho – Fly Over State? Heck No!

by Olivia Balsinger

Mother Nature had something up her sleeve when sculpting the intricate, stunning landscape that is southern Idaho. Often an overlooked touristic destination, Idaho is a land of breathtaking nature, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and is a beer-lovers haven.

Most trips to the aptly nicknamed “Gem State” begin in Boise, the capital known for its charm and innovative arts. I stayed at the Marriott Boise Downtown, just minutes from the city’s colorful murals and live-music venues, before venturing into southern Idaho.

While there’s a chance you’ve never heard of McCall, Idaho – a quaint and quirky mountain town about an hour from Boise—you probably should! Though the town only has about 3,200 fulltime residents, this former mining and timber community is a mecca of brewing with three craft breweries – McCall Brewing Company, Broken Horn Brewing Company, and Salmon River Brewery. The town also boasts several mouthwatering restaurants including two with executive chefs who have been honored by the James Beard House. I couldn’t feel guilty for my indulgences, however, as when I wasn’t eating I was continually moving – biking the streets of McCall, testing out the zip line at Cascade Raft’s new rope challenge, kayaking in Ponderosa State Park, horseback riding at Ya-Hoo Corrals, and relieving my muscles at the famous Burgdorf Hot Springs, nestled in the mountainous valley. I stayed at Hotel McCall downtown, with morning views from bed of the fog lifting from the lake. McCall hasn’t been saturated by tourists yet and is still brimming with authentic character and kind locals, excited to share their paradise in the mountains.

When most people think of Sun Valley, they picture the celebrity mansions and exclusive ski resorts that are perched in the verdant mountain ranges. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible and earthy it was. The downtown has an eclectic variety of restaurants like the Whiskey Jacques’ for wood-fired pies. However, the real treat is the mountains ideal for skiing in winter and hiking all seasons. I stayed in a variety of properties – Knob Hill Inn was a charming alpine hotel with an indoor grill restaurant. Hotel Ketchum is the newly renovated, affordable choice near mountains and downtown, with airy, spacious rooms. The Limelight Hotel is suited for those looking for plush quarters and daily included shuttles to the mountains. Like McCall, craft beer is also prominent in Ketchum – aficionados will especially enjoy tasting Sawtooth Brewery’s flagship beers, including Idahome IPA.

Idaho offers award-winning food, breweries, and an outdoor playground for any adventurous spirit. The time to visit is now, before the secret is out that Idaho is the next “hot state” to visit.

www.visitidaho.org