Riley and I had the opportunity to visit Idaho with Visit Idaho for a long weekend getaway. I put together a guide featuring our Southwest Idaho itinerary (McCall/Donnelly & Boise), plus must-try winter activities, dining and wine tasting!
When I shared that Riley and I were heading out of town to visit Idaho for a long weekend, nearly every single person (there were about 5-6, give or take) said something along the lines of, ‘Idaho? What’s in Idaho?’
It turns out a lot, actually.
Maybe it’s just the fact that I am from the Midwest and ‘west’ to me only equals Seattle or California – but I just have to start this guide by saying Idaho is downright incredible. Fun fact – it is home to over 130 soak-able hot springs (eat your heart out, Iceland!) PLUS wide open spaces… and oh yeah, mountains too. Whether you’re in the mood for some outdoor recreation, tasting the best of the region through unique chef’s preparations or catching up on some culture, wine tasting and nightlife in Boise, you should visit Idaho and consider it a hidden gem for a weekend getaway.
Disclaimer: while I worked with Visit Idaho to showcase all the incredible flavors, fruits (the grape kind) and fun Southwest Idaho has to offer, my awe of this great state is genuine and I cannot wait to go back on my own in every season!
Table of Contents
Heads up: this is a BIG GUIDE. I’ve put together some quick links that will help you navigate the guide and pinpoint you to the information you need if you are planning to visit Idaho - or even just curious!
Part 1: 2 Days of Snow Sports & Fine Dining in Southwest Idaho
- Where to Stay: Tamarack Resort Idaho
- Things to Do
- Where to Eat
Part 2: 1.5 Days of Wine Tasting, Mural Walks & More in Boise Idaho
- Where to Stay: Modern Hotel Boise
- Things to Do
- Where to Eat
Part 1: Snow Sports & Fine Dining in Southwest Idaho – 2 Days in Donnelly/McCall
Idaho Ski Resorts: Tamarack Resort Idaho
When it comes to a winter weekend getaway, and especially if you plan to visit Idaho, there’s little doubt that skiing isn’t at least on your mind when it comes to picking a location. Enter Tamarack Resort in Southwest Idaho. Out of all the Idaho ski resorts, this one is only a 2.5-hour drive from the Boise International Airport, and thus is easily accessible if you were to fly into Idaho for a weekend.
We stayed at the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, which is a quick 5-minute walk from equipment rental and the chairlifts at the base of the mountain. Our room was spacious and had a great view of the slopes (and the cute little chapel, which would be perfect for a wedding!). Upon check in, the team made us aware that we could take advantage of amenities such as the property shuttle (call for a ride and they’ll take you anywhere on premise) and Winter Passport: snowshoe rental, complimentary Nordic trail pass, 1 scenic lift ride up and down the mountain, and 1 overnight hot wax for skis or a snowboard.
The Lodge was so huge we didn’t really get a chance to see the other lodging options at the resort – but trust me, there are a LOT: hotel rooms and studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites at the Lodge, estate homes (sleeping up to 17), 1-3-bedroom townhomes, cottages, 3-4-bedroom chalets (sleeping up to 12), and even custom homes (that range between 2,800 sq. feet to a whopping 7,800 sq. feet). Any of these would be ideal for a bachelor/bachelorette party, family vacation or reunion.
The Lodge at Osprey Meadows is also home to the Spa at Tamarack… we sadly didn’t have time to take advantage, but the full spa would be perfect for a post-ski or snow bike massage – or any one of their specialty treatments such as a CBD-Infused Massage, Black Lava CBD Scrub, Reiki Energy Therapy or Singing Bowl Sound Healing. The Lodge also houses a full fitness center, outdoor terrace with bar/grill in warmer weather and our favorite amenity – a gigantic, beautiful outdoor hot tub with a view of the mountains. We spent a few glorious hours enjoying the mild fresh air, the scenery and the high-powered jets on our tired muscles.
Tamarack Resort Idaho also has a number of convenience and dining options – Seven Devil’s Pub, Canoe Grill, the hotel bar at the Lodge and Village Market and Coffee Shop. And while we were in the heart of Idaho winter, there are plenty of activities during other seasons – hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, golf, lawn games and more.
Why Should I Visit Idaho?
As I mentioned before, Idaho is kind of a hidden gem, flying under the radar. But when it comes to outdoor recreation, it has some of the BEST. It’s one of THE top reasons to visit Idaho. In fact, the nickname of Donnelly, Idaho (where Tamarack Resort is located) is The Crossroads to Recreation. We got to experience a trifecta of Idaho winter activity during our stay.
Snow Biking at Jug Mountain Ranch
Part of my motivation to travel involves pushing myself to try new things. Fat tire biking (or snow biking) was definitely one of those things. I grew up riding bikes, I do spin classes here and there – but the prospect of doing it outside in the snow seemed really COOL (excuse the pun!). Turns out, it absolutely is. It also is QUITE the workout. When we got to Jug Mountain Ranch, we worked with Dustin and Andy to sign a quick waiver, check out the trial map (and get some tips on the best way to start and progress as first-timers), and get set up with the bikes. A few tips for anyone interested:
- Wear a helmet! They will provide you with one – but we’d brought our own snowboarding helmets and they worked great.
- Layer up. The trails had sunny and shady parts – and as I got the hang of the trails, I worked up quite a sweat and ended up taking off some top layers.
- Definitely wear gloves – the handles get cold and you may get a little wind-chapped, but gloves help.
- Bring a small backpack – this was helpful for gloves, camera equipment and other items – be careful of loose straps with the wheels though!
- Gear up for downhill – gear down for steep/uphill. I got this confused in the beginning and it made going uphill approximately 100 times more difficult. Finally figured it out, though!
Overall thoughts – THIS WAS SO FUN. Also, an insane workout. I burned over 1000 calories for about an hour and 45 minutes of work (I am a nerd and wear a heart rate monitor during all kinds of activity). Bring snacks and water – you will work up an appetite. And finally, I cannot wait to try real mountain biking, now the next time we come back and visit Idaho in the fall or summer. 10/10.
McCall Idaho Hot Springs
Another thing high on my list I’ve never done before? Soaked in a hot spring. Especially a natural hot spring. As I stated above, Idaho is actually home to over 130 soak able hot springs, more than any other state in the US, thanks to the Idaho Batholith – a fancy way of saying layers of the earth have been smashing into each other for a long time, pushing magma up to the surface which eventually hardens into rock that keeps water closer to the surface warmer than in most other places of the country.
Science aside, hot springs are AMAZING. Gold Fork Hot Springs is one of those – it’s definitely been a bit ‘developed’ (there are nice ledges to sit on and a series of gradually cooling pools so you can take your pick of temperature) but is still natural, nonetheless. Admission is just $10 (bring cash!) and the compound has a nice locker room system for men and women plus lockers where you can put your belongings (you can trade your ID for a lock to use while you’re visiting). The operator, Craig, was fantastic and hung out and chatted with us in the hot spring (did I mention everyone in Idaho is the NICEST?).
Two tips for hot springs first-timers to keep in mind:
- Be courteous – most of those seeking hot springs are doing so for relaxation and mental benefits, so don’t get rowdy
- Bring your own towel! (We have fast-drying Turkish towels Riley’s brother got for us that we love for travel purposes)
- Don’t wear tight clothes – they’re nearly impossible to get back into after you soak! (We’d come straight from biking so I didn’t really have a choice but I wish I’d brought some looser sweatpants)
- The weekends tend to get really busy – even Friday afternoons – so visit during the week/early day time if your schedule allows!
Skiing in Idaho at Tamarack Parks
Friday, we spent all day skiing – yes, I actually went back to skis! If you’ve read either of my posts on Breckenridge things to do or Galena IL, you know I have been snowboarding for quite some time, since Riley and I took a class together in college (for credit, weirdly!). I grew up skiing and missed it a lot. We headed over to the Sports Dome at Tamarack to get our equipment and Lilee, Dan and Dustin got us situated. Lift tickets are very reasonable, all things considered:
- Adult (18+) full day is $75, half day is $55
- Teens (12-17) are $49 for a full day
- Juniors (7-11) $34 for a full day, and kids 6 and under are free
They also have an express card option that allows you to save $10 each day if you plan to ski 1-4 days. If you want to go 4+ more times, you should probably get a season pass, which run $410-549 for a single adult depending on dates purchased. Family passes are also available.
Tamarack Resort boasts 50 runs, a summit elevation of 7,700 feet and an average snowfall of 300 inches. The day we skied it was prettyyy warm, so we did groomers because the temperature wasn’t conducive to making fresh powder. They were amazing! After a slightly adrenaline-spiking first few runs, I found my groove and by the end of the afternoon I was doing blues and even a black diamond. We also stopped midway for a beverage break at the Mile High Cantina – a festive yurt (there are so many yurts in Idaho!) that serves drinks, snacks, tacos and tequila, for those après ski callings.
Places to Eat in McCall/Donnelly
Ragazza Di Bufalo
As far as restaurants in Donnelly go, there are a couple of great options. Chef Steve Topple opened Ragazza di Bufalo a few years ago and has a FASCINATING story. Originally from a fishing port on the South Coast of England, he came over to the US and has worked in New York, San Francisco (for Wolfgang Puck), and Vail (near Breckenridge) before opening his own restaurant in Idaho, which focuses on the northern Italian style of cooking.
I have to say, I was not expecting anything quite like this. I knew it would be good… but it was really good. The food was awesome. We let our server, Terri, take care of us – and she did not disappoint. (We also took some words of advice from Chef Topple when he came out to introduce himself to us and made sure to order the scallops as an appetizer). In addition to the fresh east coast seared scallops (with bean ragout and bacon) and a Caesar salad we split to start, Riley went with a carbonara-style pasta and I went with the pork osso bucco – which had a unique spiced apple compote on it that balanced out the richness of the meat and was awesomely surprising.
After dessert (yes, Terri convinced us to get dessert, and I’m really glad we did because it was 1) delicious and 2) the tiramisu was really light, so I didn’t feel like I wanted to go take a nap in a cave after dinner), Chef Topple presented us with a signed copy of his cookbook (which you can buy, here!) and I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end a meal like that.
All delicious food aside, I think our experience here really speaks to the common theme you will find in Idaho – people are just so passionate about what they are doing, and they will bend over backwards to take care of you.
Flight of Fancy
This little gem deserves a shout out all its own – Flight of Fancy is a great spot for from-scratch bakery items, coffee, and quick sandwiches. If you can’t tell from the name, it’s an ode to pilots everywhere – there are tons of old photos that are fun to peek at and a really legitimate bomber jacket hanging in the entryway.
Riley and I stopped here for a quick bite after snow biking and before our hot springs soak – we both opted for grilled panini sandwiches and they were AMAZING. They featured homemade sourdough and I don’t think I’ve had a sandwich that good in at least a year. They do have a spot to sit and dine in, but their setup is ideal for carryout too. Be sure to give anything with huckleberries (the state fruit) a try!
Eat Off the Grid: Blue Moon Yurt Dining Experience
As far as McCall Idaho restaurants go, you won’t find ANYTHING more unique than the Blue Moon Yurt dining experience. Warning: if you hate talking to strangers, this might not be for you, but if you’re willing to step a little bit outside your comfort zone and give it a shot, you will be richly rewarded.
All I can say is do this when you visit Idaho.
You may need to plan your trip specifically around this experience for availability purposes (Thursday-Sunday, winter only for the time being) – and you rightly should. When chef and longtime Idaho river guide, Lisa Whisnant, created this Idaho winter dining experience, it was because she wanted to create a similar environment to her warm weather river rafting trips – somewhere people could get outside in nature, be pushed outside their comfort zone while in a safe, supportive environment, and connect on a human to human level with one another.
It’s hard to put everything we experienced into words – and especially not write a whole book about it (stay tuned – I’ll be going into more detail in another post/interview in my series!). It was nothing short of magical. Essentially, the evening may go something like this – you arrive at the Jug Mountain Ranch at your designated time (make sure you have snowshoes!) and are greeted by a team member who gives you instructions to follow the tiki torches and hike to the yurt.
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed into the candlelit, cozy space, shown where to put your things and handed a piping hot mug of homemade cider (perfect with bourbon or brandy, as the yurt is BYOB). You’ll mingle and get to know your community tablemates. Lisa will introduce herself and her team, tell you a bit of background about the Blue Moon Yurt and how she started it. Finally, she’ll get down to business – describing every delicious course of the meal, and how you are meant to dine ‘deliberately’ – slowly, and with thorough enjoyment. You’re especially encouraged to get to know others – because there is likely a chance you will experience ‘small world syndrome’ here. And then we begin.
I’m not going to go too much more into detail because you’ll just have to visit Idaho and experience it for yourself, but here are a few helpful tips in case you do get a chance to check out the Blue Moon Yurt in southwest Idaho!
- Make sure you’ve secured your own snowshoes or cross-country skis so you can get to the yurt (I believe there is assistance if mobility is an issue – simply reach out to the team)
- Get there a little early – you’ll want to take pictures!
- Bring a backpack so you can easily carry your goodies on the trail – and if you prefer, comfier shoes for inside the yurt
- Wear something you can layer – I was right near the stove and it was cozy, but got a little hot
- BYOB! I highly recommend a little bourbon or brandy for the cider (even those little single-serve bottles will do!) and some wine for the delicious dinner
- Let Blue Moon Yurt know if you have any dietary restrictions – they can accommodate
Part 2: Wine Tasting and Mural Walks in Boise Idaho – 1 Day Downtown
I was so sad to leave the Donnelly/McCall area – but I had realllyyy wanted to check out Idaho’s wine scene, and do a little sightseeing, shopping and culture soaking, so ~2 days/one night in downtown Boise was the perfect way to end the trip before driving to the airport (a whole 15-minute drive from downtown) and heading home on Sunday.
Where to Stay: The Modern Hotel Boise
I’ll never forget – I had mentioned where we were staying in Boise to a duo we started talking to at the Mile High Cantina while we were skiing at Tamarack Resort (The Modern) and one of the gentlemen said, ‘Oh. Wow. The Modern is cool.’ What is THAT supposed to mean?
Well, now I know. If unique boutique hotels are your JAM, the Modern Hotel will be right up your alley if you visit Idaho. The Modern is a mid-century modern (apropos, right?) motel turned high end hotel in Boise’s historic Linen District.
In addition to well-appointed rooms with HUGE shower rooms (I am always a sucker for a really nice shower), the Modern features a hoppin’ bar scene with expertly crafted cocktails, a sinful weekend brunch menu (as well as dinner) – both by a James Beard Award semifinalist chef with a flair for locally-sourced eats and bikes you can rent. There is also a gorgeous courtyard with twinkly lights and a number of year-round firepits – I can only imagine the scene it morphs into in the warmer months!
Boise Idaho Things to Do
I honestly can’t believe I’d never been to Boise (pronounced boy-see, FYI) before – they have a thriving art scene, tons of public art works, outdoor recreation and trailways, boutiques, eateries and…. wine. YUP. It seems insane when I think about how much we were able to pack into 1.5 days… but it’s not hard because Boise is such a traversable city. Here’s an overview of what we got up to!
Freak Alley Boise
One of my favorite things about any city is discovering their creativity and culture – and it is VIBRANT in Boise. In 2001 the city passed an ordinance that 1.4% of capital project funds should be directed to integrating public art into facilities. Right now, there are over 325 public art works throughout the city – and that won’t be dwindling any time soon.
In 2002, artist Colby Akers painted an alley door of a café – and now he manages essentially the largest open-air mural gallery in the Northwest called Freak Alley. If you have seen my Toronto guide, you know I am like a moth to a flame when it comes to murals (and especially full alleyways dedicated to them – like Graffiti Alley!) Freak Alley is very similar – it was pouring the day we toured it – but it was still awesome. Definitely worth stroll - day OR night! Actually, you should probably do both.
Boise Boutiques
I won’t spend too much time on this, but there are definitely a few awesome local boutiques you should check out if you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home – some of my favorites include:
- Shift Boutique (great for everyday and special occasion wear – I got a great hat here!)
- Ruby Lou (all kinds of great things – I found my new favorite pair of wide leg jeans here)
- Voxn Clothing (lots of active/athleisure wear + some other cute items)
Boise Greenbelt & Whitewater Park
If there is a greenway/ trail system in any city, you can bet your bottom dollar I will find it (just like I did in Bloomington Indiana). It was unfortunately torrentially down pouring our first day in Boise, so we didn’t have a chance to bike along the Boise Greenbelt or go to Whitewater Park, but 1) YOU can and 2) it’s definitely on our list for the next time we visit Idaho. You can also bike to the gorgeous Idaho Capital Building (open on Sat/Sun from 9-5, in case you were wondering!).
Basque Block
Additionally, Boise is curiously known for its strong Basque culture. The Basques are an ethnic group thought to be indigenous to and inhabit ‘Basque Country’ – which is in the western side of the Pyrenees mountains, in northern Spain and southwestern France. It’s thought they were tied to earrlllyy inhabitants of western Europe. Regardless, they seem to have found a home in Boise (presumably in the 1800s), and taking a stroll through the Basque Block is a great way to soak up a lot of culture in a short amount of time. A few hot spots include:
- The Basque Market for treats and Spanish/Basque wines
- The Basque Center (as long as there isn’t an event)
- The museum & cultural center
- If you’re lucky, you may also be able to catch one of the many events or street festivals they put on.
Wine Tasting in Boise Idaho
As I mentioned, it was pouring on our first full day in Boise, but luckily, we’d had a number of wine tastings set up through the Idaho Wine Commission in the Urban Wine District just outside of downtown Boise. Wine tasting should absolutely be on your list of things to do when you visit Idaho. Fun fact: there are over 60 wineries in Idaho, and the state is home to 3 official AVAs (officially-designated American Viticultural Areas). The region’s cold winters allow the vines to grow dormant gradually, discouraging bugs and disease.
The state is best-known for producing Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, Malbec and Tempranillo (Idaho is roughly on the same latitude as the Rioja region of Spain and northern Rhône region of France) and is quickly becoming one of the ‘new American frontiers’ of wine. A standout feature of every single one of the wineries we visited? How NICE everyone is and willing to take time to educate and inspire you about what they are so passionate about. Here are some of the spots we visited!
Telaya Winery
Husband and wife duo Earl and Carrie Sullivan named Telaya Winery for their two favorite places – the Tetons and the beaches of Mexico (playa(s)). Both coming from the medical/science fields (Carrie has her masters in molecular genetics and doctorate in veterinary medicine and Earl used to be the COO of a global pharmaceutical company and is a biochemist, no big deal), the two have found joy in the intellectual stimulation of wine. They wanted something that would teach work ethics and something they could do together.
They specialize in predominantly red (also some white) European styles of wine – wine that is intended to be aged – and bring in grapes from 5 vineyards in Idaho and 3 in Washington. And they use exclusively French Oak barrels for aging (which FYI, is very expensive and very precise, compared to the more cost-effective steel tanks). Out of all the wineries I’ve ever been to, I have never learned so much about the barrel making (cooperage), storing or aging process as I did at Telaya Winery. It was FASCINATING. And yes, you can join the wine club and get wine shipped to you (depending on where you live).
If you want to up your game a little bit, you can try out the Telaya Experience, a private tour that goes beyond the traditional tasting – both of which are great - I’ve broken down the differences below:
- Traditional Tasting
- $5 a person (will go toward a purchase that day)
- Taste 3 wines
- Telaya Experience
- $25/person on weekdays 12-2 PM, $45/person on weekdays after 2 PM & weekends
- Taste 5 wines – 3 released wines, 1 that hasn’t, 1 vintage
- Includes education on the production cycle, barrel education, a visit from the winemaker
- Requires a minimum of 4 people & 1-week notice is requested
Coiled Wines
One of the first things that struck me about winemaker and Coiled Wines founder Leslie Preston is the sense that she seems to just know what she wants. She’s got a fierce and focused energy about her that, as we listened to her tell the story about how Coiled started, makes you realize what a tough job winemaking truly is. Especially for a woman with a family. It takes passion. And grit. And balance. She has a background in French literature and education and was introduced to wine while in France, and it was in graduate school when she realized she could make it a career.
Despite words of warning from the department head, she ended up doing the wine program and taking chemistry classes across 3 different schools to catch up while also finishing her dissertation. She started Coiled Wines very slowly, and considers it the perfect marriage of her loves of science, art, and good ‘ole physical work. When I asked her what her favorite grape to work with is, she joked it was like choosing a favorite child – but when it comes down to it, she’s known as the Riesling geek; she loves the grape and considers it an underdog. She also loves the challenge of working with sparkling wines – which are very precise – there is no room for error. And the whole process of riddling – well, just look it up. She has created a riddling process that involves a truck bed and riddling racks and a lot of ingenuity.
Coiled Wines has a production and tasting room in Garden City – just outside of downtown Boise, as well as a downtown tasting room, at both of which you can buy bottles. Also, depending on where you live, you can sign up for the Coiled Wines club to enjoy the fruits of this labor, even if you can’t be IN Boise/Garden City!
Cinder Wines
Cinder Wines was founded by female winemaker Melanie Krause (and her husband), who grew up in Boise and spent a lot of time in her family’s garden – with grapes, naturally. She got a degree in biology (also Spanish) and eventually began reading books required for the UC Davis winemaking curriculum. Eventually she launched a wine consulting company which gave way to her own label… and finally, the Cinder Wines production and tasting room complex that stands today.
While I didn’t get a chance to speak with Melanie, I did get to talk to her extremely hardworking, tenacious assistant, Hailey Alexander. She began working at Cinder when she was 18 bottling the wine in the back and says she fell in love as soon as she walked in. She stayed persistent and kept getting more work – working the harvest when she was 19-20, finally pouring when she was 21, and now learning as much as she possibly can. She says one of her favorite types they produce and what she thinks Idaho will be known for its Viognier, (a northern Rhône variety), which she describes somewhere between a Riesling, Chardonnay and Muscat. It apparently pairs really well with fennel and black licorice flavors!
For more information on the wines, upcoming events if you plan to visit Idaho and their wine club (again, depending on where you live, it’s possible to sign up and get wine!), head over to their website!
Boise Restaurants and Bars
We didn’t have a WHOLE lot of time to check out the food scene due to our fairly rigorous tasting schedule, but we did get the chance to check out some of these great places for eats & drinks - and I have a ton more on my list for the next time we visit Idaho:
ā Café Boise: a bright, welcoming space with delicious options for breakfast (don’t miss one of their giant toasts or their spin on the Croque Madame croissant), lunch (salads, soups and sandwiches) and coffee and tea. As far as coffee goes, I personally recommend what was recommended to me – the honey cinnamon Killah Bee latte with oat milk.
Big City Coffee & Café: this spot is just a hop, skip and a jump away from The Modern in Boise’s Linen District and a cozy place for a bite and a coffee. I got another cinnamon honey latte (also… I haven’t stopped making my own version of these since we got home) and went with the half order of biscuits and bacon gravy (word to the wise: I was pretty sure they accidentally gave me a full order – but nope, the half is GINORMOUS – so keep that in mind when ordering!). I can’t remember what Riley got and I have no pictures because he scarfed it down so quickly but I think it was avocado toast related and obviously delicious.
Fork: Saturday night we met up with family and went to Fork for dinner – this is a great place for groups with a delicious menu. (Fun fact, they have a bill system where they bring the operating system to the table and you can figure out splitting up the check on your own, easy peasy!). They also have a unique drink menu and their motto is ‘loyal to local’ – everything is painstakingly and lovingly sourced from local area purveyors, along with 75% of their beer, wine and spirits!
Bar Gernika: I am so glad we got to stop here before we went to dinner – this is one of the bars/restaurants in the Basque Block and just a quick stroll to the main downtown area. While we only grabbed a snack and some drinks, I’d like to come back for the authentic Basque food the next time we visit Idaho – and you know it’s gotta be pretty good, because it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!
Water Bear: when it was suggested we check out the new Water Bear bar, I had a vision of a cute, fluffy grizzly – maybe frolicking in a river, catching fish. Welp. If you’ve ever heard of a little creature called the tardigrade (the kind that can live in extreme environments like the Mariana Trench or a pot of boiling water) – then you’ll know what a water bear is. BUT. This is a surprisingly hip joint that strikes me to be more like a mid-century modern traditional tiki bar than a place Bill Nye might like to hang out at. As I read more about tardigrades, learning that they mostly live in moss, the décor of the Water Bear begins to make sense. You’ll have to check it out when you visit Idaho to see what I mean! Definitely a very cool spot.
WHEW! There you have it. If you’re looking for a sample itinerary for a long weekend trip to visit Idaho, look no further than down below. If there’s something I missed or if you have a question, feel free to send me a direct message on Instagram at @moderatelyexcited. Can’t wait to follow along with your adventures when you visit Idaho!
Sample Long Weekend Itinerary for When You Visit Idaho
Day 1:
- Arrive & drive up to Donnelly/McCall
- Fat tire snow biking at Jug Mountain Ranch
- Quick bite to eat/takeout at Flight of Fancy
- Soak in the natural Gold Fork Hot Springs
- Check in to Tamarack Resort, explore the grounds
- Dinner at Ragazza di Bufalo
Day 2:
- Breakfast at your leisure
- Skiing at Tamarack Resort
- Quick bite/beverage at Mile High Cantina
- Luxurious soak in the outdoor hot tub (or massage at the Spa at Tamarack!)
- Get ready/snow shoes for dinner
- Blue Moon Yurt dining experience
Day 3:
- Drive to downtown Boise
- Check in to your hotel
- Grab a bite to eat at ā Café Boise
- Bike the Greenbelt – check out the capital building
- Pop into a few boutiques (hours may differ Sundays)
- Visit a winery (or two)
- Stroll Freak Alley and other art hot spots at dusk
- Happy hour in the Basque Block
- Dinner out downtown, maybe at Fork
- Night cap at Water Bear
Day 4:
- Zip back to Freak Alley on a scooter to get around faster
- Breakfast at one of the many coffee shops/eateries
- Check out a few more boutiques for last-minute souvenirs
- One last bike ride
- Pack up and head to the airport – which is only a 15-minute drive away!
