Tag Archive for: idaho

See What’s Coming Up This Year In Southwest Idaho

McCall Winter Carnival

A mountain celebration of all things winter in McCall. https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival/

Treefort Music Festival

Over 400 bands and 30+ venues, all packed into five high-energy, creativity-inducing days in Boise. https://www.visitsouthwestidaho.org/6-reasons-to-visit-treefort/

Savor Idaho

Idaho’s premier local food and wine event. https://idahowines.org/event/savor-idaho/

The Huckleberry Festival, Donnelly Idaho

A celebration of all things huckleberry over a weekend. https://donnellychamber.com/events/huckleberry-festival/

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Idaho’s #1 large outdoor rodeo and one of the top 5 large professional outdoor rodeos in the entire U.S. https://caldwellnightrodeo.com/

The Emmett Cherry Festival

Since the 1930s, the community of Emmett and all of Gem County has gathered each June to celebrate the abundance of our valley. We celebrate with the region’s longest continually running festival. https://www.emmettcherryfestival.com/

Idaho Potato Drop

Of course Idaho drops a potato on New Year’s Eve rather than a disco ball – and it’s just as strange and wonderful as it sounds. https://idahopotatodrop.com/

National Old Times Fiddle Contest and Festival in Weiser, Idaho

This event is an old-time music contest competition, festival and musical meeting. https://www.fiddlecontest.org/

Get your nosh on at Savor Idaho, Idaho’s premier local food and wine event. Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Idaho

For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.

5 Events & Anniversaries to Celebrate Idaho’s History and Culture

Treefort Music Fest | Boise | March 22-26, 2023

This annual five-day music and arts festival is fueled by a passion for discovery. 2023 brings an expanded footprint and 500+ bands from nearly every genre, along with artists, authors, chefs, brewers and more.

War Bonnet Roundup | Idaho Falls | August 3-5, 2023

Founded in 1911, this event is Idaho’s oldest rodeo. More than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete in front of 15,000 rodeo enthusiasts.

Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival | Fort Hall | August 10-13, 2023

One of the largest and most popular Native American gatherings in the Northwest features traditional activities and performances, including a powwow, art show, rodeo, Indian relay races, food and craft vendors, and more.

Trailing of the Sheep Festival | Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley | October 4-8, 2023

The annual festival preserves the sheepherding and ranching traditions that welcomed and sustained Basque, Peruvian and other cultures in Central Idaho. Festivities include cultural events, cuisine, art and the parade of sheep.

Upcoming: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve | Arco | 100th Anniversary in 2024

Celebrate the centennial of this natural wonder and national treasure formed during eight major eruptions over thousands of years.

One of the largest and most popular Native American gatherings in the Northwest, the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival features traditional activities and performances, a powwow, Indian relay races and more. Photo courtesy of Mimi Lopez Photography

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Pamper Yourself or Go High-Energy in Southwest Idaho

Treefort Music Festival

Over 400 bands and 30+ venues, all packed into five high-energy, creativity-inducing days. Since 2012, Treefort Music Festival has taken over the streets of downtown Boise with a five-day celebration of music, art, culture and community. The festival has become a hotspot for up-and-coming bands in the Pacific Northwest and an emerging stop along the nationwide festival circuit. Treefort is so much more than a typical music festival. Additional “forts” – Alefort, Artfort, Comedyfort, Dragfort, Filmfort, Foodfort, Hackfort, Kidfort, Skatefort, Storyfort and Yogafort – encourage festivalgoers to bounce from venue to venue to experience something new.

The Spa at Tamarack

Tamarack is located north of Boise in Donnelly, Idaho. The Spa at Tamarack pampers guests with natural and luxurious treatments found only in the heart of the majestic Idaho Tamarack forests. Based on Native and holistic traditions, their healing oils, lotions and aromatherapies transform you with healing wildflowers and herbs that abundantly thrive in these high mountain meadows and forests. This is Idaho. This is where you rediscover yourself. This is the Spa at Tamarack.

Over 400 bands and 30-plus venues combine into Treefort Music Festival, a high-energy, creativity-inducing five-day celebration. Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Idaho

For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.

Enjoy Skiing Alternatives, Quirky Museums and More in Idaho

Saying goodbye to summer offers an opportunity to take in cooler temperatures and colorful scenery and explore other facets of the Gem State.

Seasonal Must-Sees

Idaho’s transition to fall brings a flare of vibrant tones to roadside views. For a kaleidoscope of colors, hit the road on one of Idaho’s 31 scenic byways, including the International Selkirk Loop and the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway.

Warm up from winter’s chill with a cozy dip in a rejuvenating Idaho hot spring. Find mineral-rich geothermal pools at Gold Fork Hot Springs, Miracle Hot Springs or Lava Hot Springs.

As the snow begins to melt in spring, waterfalls roar back to life. Chase a few at Shoshone Falls, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls or Jump Creek Falls.

Opt Outside

In search of winter recreation that isn’t on a ski slope? Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to explore the outdoors. Try Whoop Um Up, Harriman State Park or Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Inside Information

No matter the season or weather, Idaho’s museums offer a chance to learn about the state’s history or to discover something new. Expand your knowledge at the Museum of Clean, the Idaho Potato Museum or the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Want to be on the snow but not race down a hill? Idaho has many ways to explore the outdoors, including snowshoeing. Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Capture Spectacular Shots Year-Round in Southwest Idaho

If you’re interested in discovering wide-open spaces, dramatic vistas and picturesque locations, visiting Southwest Idaho any time of year is for you.

Owyhee Mountains
Nicknamed by local ranchers as the “Big Quiet,” Southwest Idaho’s Owyhee desert is still the most remote, undeveloped region in the lower 48. The Owyhee Uplands is one of those iconic, freewheeling spaces people envision when they think about the West.

Hells Canyon
The powerful waters of the Snake River slice through the mountains of central Idaho, creating the deepest gorge in the United States: Hells Canyon. Here, the land is as beautiful as it is dangerous. It’s full of myth, legend, beauty and the best whitewater in the nation.

Tamarack Resort
At Tamarack Resort, you can start your day biking rugged mountain ridges and end it wakeboarding through the warm waters of Lake Cascade. You can brave the snowy slopes and Nordic trails in the morning, then soak in a steaming hot tub before bed. At Tamarack, every season brings new adventures to experience, and you can take on the panoramic views of the mountains, lake and valley below.

At Tamarack Resort, every season brings new adventures to experience, and you can take on the panoramic views of the mountains, lake and valley below. Photo courtesy of Sherri Harkin Photography/Tamarack Resort

For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.

Idaho’s Lakes and Rivers are a Photographer’s Goldmine

With its sapphire lakes and winding rivers, Idaho’s waterways are some of the best places for stunning images and endless adventure:

Ritter Island, Thousand Springs State Park | Twin Falls
Snap a waterfall-framed selfie or pose in the endless blues and greens of the water and vegetation in the park.

Lake Pend Oreille | Sandpoint
Capture the star-studded sky at the fifth-deepest lake in the U.S. Surrounded by the northern Rocky Mountains and a dense forest of fir and pine, there is no shortage of colors and textures on which to set your lens.

Three Island Crossing State Park | Glenns Ferry
There are few better locations to experience the scenic and diverse landscapes of American agriculture. The lush farms and vineyards offer a perfect contrast to the high-desert plateau of the region.

Bear Lake State Park | St. Charles
From the sparkling turquoise waters in Bear Lake to the complex wetlands of Mud Lake, Bear Lake State Park ­­captivates with its mountain peaks, migratory birds and sandy beaches.

Fall Creek Falls | Swan Valley
Focus your lens on this threading waterfall in Eastern Idaho, surrounded by the flowing Snake River and Snake River Range mountains in the distance.

Capture the star-studded sky at the fifth-deepest lake in the U.S., Lake Pend Oreille. Surrounded by the northern Rocky Mountains and a dense forest of fir and pine, there is no shortage of colors and textures on which to set your lens. Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Discover Idaho favorites for wine, music & huckleberry milkshakes

When visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, travel to nearby Victor for a uniquely Idaho treat. Victor Emporium serves huckleberry milkshakes made with local ice cream and packed with Idaho’s state fruit. If your travels take you near Ashton, drop by Five 11 Main for a fantastic huckleberry shake served with a side of nostalgia in a converted soda fountain shop.

Boise has a reputation for its vibrant music scene, featuring both talented local artists and touring acts from all over the world. Check out Pengilly’s Saloon – a local favorite beloved for its old-school Brunswick bar, vintage decor and rotating mix of live local music, ranging from jazz to bluegrass.

For touring acts, Treefort Music Fest and Duck Club Entertainment have created a legacy of bringing in well-known artists as well as some still flying below the radar. Opening in 2023, the Treefort Music Hall in downtown Boise will showcase a variety of sounds for discovery.

The Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a must-do for sampling Idaho wine. Lindsay Creek Vineyard’s Irresponsibility Red Wine is an irresistible red blend pleasing to almost any palate. Or head to Rivaura Wine in Julietta for their award-winning cabernet franc rosé.

For touring acts, Treefort Music Fest has created a legacy of bringing in well-known artists as well as some still flying below the radar. CREDIT Amy Russell

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Southwest Idaho Celebrates Everything From Wine to Rodeo

Treefort Music Festival in Boise (March)

Boise plays host to national and regional musicians while showcasing local up-and-coming talent.

Savor Idaho in Boise (June)

Savor Idaho is Idaho’s premier wine event, taking place in June during Idaho Wine and Cider Month at the beautiful Idaho Botanical Garden.

Hells Canyon Days in Cambridge (June)

A fun-filled weekend of family-friendly activities, music, crafts, cars/trucks, food and more.

National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival in Weiser (June)

A five-day celebration complete with fiddle contests, food and merchandise vendors, local entertainers and more.

Snake River Stampede Rodeo in Nampa (July)

The Stampede began as a small, local bucking horse competition in the early 1900s and has evolved into a major professional sports event.

Caldwell Night Rodeo in Caldwell (August)

With over 600 world-class contestants and seven action-packed nightly events, the excitement in the arena is electric.

McCall Winter Carnival in McCall (January)

The McCall Winter Carnival was inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games, first held in 1924, when a train from Boise brought 248 visitors to McCall, Idaho. Over the years, it has grown into an iconic Idaho event that brings more than 60,000 people to McCall each year.

National, regional and local up-and-coming talent all perform at the Treefort Music Festival in Boise each March. Photo courtesy of Southwest Idaho

For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.

Idaho Huckleberries, Beer & Wine Have Their Own Celebrations

Idaho’s 80-plus breweries have unparalleled access to some of the best ingredients, with Idaho claiming the top spot for barley production and second-highest for hops in the U.S. Every April, the state celebrates this bounty with Idaho Craft Beer Month. The month kicks off with Pints Up Idaho and is filled with unique events including one-of-a-kind beer pairing dinners and new beer releases.

Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and four distinct seasons, Idaho is ripe for growing wine grapes. The industry has developed to include over 65 wineries and tasting rooms from the state’s three American Viticultural Areas – Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills and Lewis-Clark Valley. Each June, this growth is celebrated with Idaho Wine and Cider Month, including special events and promotions from wineries and cideries across the state.

You can sample treats from comforting baked goods to refreshing lemonade packed with huckleberries at the Donnelly Huckleberry Festival, held the second weekend in August. Huckleberries are the state fruit of Idaho, and locals have concocted a variety of ways to enjoy this wild and tart cousin of blueberries. Beyond delicious food offerings, the festival features a float parade, 5K fun run and walk, and arts and crafts vendors.

June is Idaho Wine and Cider Month, celebrating the state’s 65-plus wineries and tasting rooms. Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Yellowstone, dark sky dinners are 2022 highlights in Idaho

 

New Moon Dinners in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve: The Sawtooth Botanical Garden in Ketchum hosts New Moon Dinners in the darkest months of the year – November through February – to showcase the beauty and wonder of Idaho’s night skies in the southern tip of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Guests enjoy a catered farm-to-greenhouse dinner with wine, outdoor fire pits, and telescopes with local astronomers to map the night sky.

Yellowstone National Park’s 150th Anniversary: Eastern Idaho is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and is the perfect starting point to take in the area’s natural beauty and wildlife splendors without the crowds. Begin your journey, or extend your visit, with a road trip along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway or Teton Scenic Byway. The region is home to Harriman State Park, the majestic Grand Tetons, stunning Mesa Falls and world-class fishing on Henry’s Fork of the legendary Snake River.

POSTPONED – Jaialdi to Return in 2025: Idaho is home to the largest concentration of Basques per capita in the U.S.; and when it comes to celebrating their unique heritage and culture, the Basques know how to throw a party. Jaialdi, the six-day festival held every five years in Boise, will return in 2025. Attendees are treated to authentic Basque food, music, games, performances and more.

Visitors can experience the beauty and wonder of Idaho’s night skies with a catered farm-to-greenhouse dinner with wine, outdoor fire pits and telescopes with local astronomers to help map the stars. Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism

For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.