Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20 Issue

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 down-
town, 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