Traditional Thanksgiving opening scheduled for 85th season

Back in March, major cities like New York City and San Francisco saw an outflux of residents leaving the pandemic-riddled mega metropolises for more cozy and quiet places offered by smaller cities and the suburbs. Some temporarily moved in with families while others left and claimed they will never turn back. Regardless of where they ended up, there was a consistent reason why: living in a highly populated, dense city is not conducive to a world that revolves around social-distancing protocols and shelter-in-place mandates.

City living already features a cramped lifestyle filled with too-close-for-comfort subway rides, overpriced lofts, and underappreciated parks that are sparse and hard to visit. Residents are willing to put up with higher crime rates in exchange for more intriguing and exciting activities, like the spectacular nightlife, unbelievable restaurants, and diverse culture scene. Take those enterprises away and you create a stagnant claustrophobic environment that limits you to the entrance of your stairwell. All things considered, it’s not really surprising why people want out.

FULL STORY HERE

As the United States begins to get a handle on the coronavirus pandemic and travel starts to open up in many areas, many people are considering how they can safely take a trip at the end of the summer.

Despite international travel restrictions being lifted, Americans are not exactly being welcomed with open arms in a number of destinations so it’s time to rediscover some of the destinations that may have fallen off the ol’ bucket list.

This week, we start with Sun Valley, Idaho. Idaho is in phase 4 of its reopening with most retail, dining and tour establishments open for business in the state.

During a recent visit to the destination, I can confirm that travelers looking to escape to an alpine setting for a relaxing vacation away from the perils of COVID-19 will find their stay blissful.

Visitors will need to bring a mask but they will also find stunning hiking trails, adventure activities galore, al fresco dining, luxury shopping and more.

Travelers have their choice to stay at high-end resorts such as the Sun Valley Lodge or choose from a variety of vacation rentals. The local airport has regularly scheduled flights and Sun Valley is also a convenient drive destination from many places in the Northwest.

Most well-known as a ski destination, lifts do operate in the summer taking guests to the top of the mountain for views of the valley and offering the chance to dine outdoors at the Roundhouse restaurant.

Popular activities in the area include white-water rafting, horseback riding, biking, hiking, fishing—and even ice skating—as well as day trips to places like Shoshone Falls and Redfish Lake.

Visitors to Sun Valley in the summer are sure to discover why this hidden gem is more than a winter skiing hot spot.

Sun Valley, known for its spectacular ski resorts, has so much more to offer than downhill. If your ambition is to be one with nature and experience the active Wild West backcountry life, then a visit to Sun Valley needs to be on your travel agenda. In addition to skiing, backcountry fun is what put Sun Valley on the map. Here are some excellent things to do, even if you’re not in the mood for the slopes.

Hiking Trails Bring Nature Front And Center- Sun Valley has hiking trails that will suit anyone’s physical fitness and abilities.

Paragliding For A Bird’s- Eye View-If you have ever wanted to fly like a bird, paragliding is the next best thing.

Casting For Fish-The tug is the drug. It’s the mantra of anglers worldwide.

Garden Walks- Offers wildflower walks throughout the spring and summer months.

On- And Off-Trail Snowmobiling- The exhilarating rush of zipping along a snow-covered trail surrounded by woodland scenery will remind you why you are on vacation.

Sports Target Shooting- Wide-open spaces give you ample room to learn or practice your marksmanship skills.

Birding- Grab your camera and binoculars for a hike.

Zen Spa Treatments-Skiing or no skiing, taking care of yourself is a wonderful gift.

Camp In A Yurt-This is certainly something you can humble-brag about.

Eating In Sun Valley-There are a multitude of options for dining in Sun Valley, and from luxurious fine dining to brewpubs, you will surely find a great spot!

Thanksgiving Package | November 26 – December 1, 2019

Make Sun Valley a part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Join us for the opening day of the season, then enjoy a spectacular buffet with all of the traditional favorites, along with innovative twists on classic holiday dishes at the Sun Valley Inn.

Lodging rates at the Sun Valley Lodge start at $335/night and Sun Valley Inn start at $265/night Lift tickets are $59 for a three-day adult; $35 for a three-day child, and kids under 12 years old ski for free! Thanksgiving buffet tickets are $73 per adult, $50 per child, and kids under 3 years old eat for free! Offer Valid | November 26 – December 1, 2019

Our very own Rachel Wolfe and her boys…6-year-old boy is the youngest ever to climb all of Idaho’s 12,000-foot peaks

KETCHUM, Idaho (CBS 2) — Cody Lloyd of Ketchum is just 6 years old. And he’s already setting records in Idaho’s mountains.The 6-year-old, along with his older brother, Thijs, (who’s a whopping 8 years old by the way) have successfully climbed all of Idaho’s 12,000-foot peaks. What can take many Idaho outdoor enthusiasts months and even years, these youngsters finished the challenge in just a few weeks.

According to IdahoSummits.com, which tracks mountain climbers who have summited Borah, Leatherman, Church, Diamond, Breitenbach, Lost River, Idaho, Donaldson and Hyndman, Cody is the youngest ever. “We just started with the easiest one,” their father, David Lloyd told CBS 2 this week. “I thought we’d get one, maybe two and it would get out of their system but one weekend just came after the next and they were just motivated.”

Full Story Here

October in Sun Valley, Idaho is many things to many people. We know it’s cooler days and colder nights in anticipation of winter’s first snowfall. We know Idaho’s Aspens are inching their way from a mellow green to a fiery orange and vivid gold. We enjoy a mixture of late season hikes balanced with cords of wood next to the front door. October is all about apple cider, wool throws, and sitting by the fire with a classic Hemingway novel. You get the picture. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Well, if you are a fan of jazz, there is more to Idaho’s October than meets the eye – or ear….

Every year in October, it’s all that Jazz in our neck of the woods with 5 days, 40 band, close to 200 musicians, and over one million smiles at the Sun Valley Jazz Festival. Take note! You’ll be snapping your fingers, tapping your foot, and bobbing your head to the music of Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, as well as some of today’s more hipster driven, cool cats. Attendees of the Sun Valley Jazz Festival don’t skip a beat! They quickly get hooked on this fantastic musical event. We guess that you will too!