When your bestie moves to Sun Valley, Idaho, 9-months of the year, what do you do? Well, go visit them, of course! Here are some of the behind the scenes activities we were able to enjoy now that our dear friend is an official Idaho resident.
STAY
While we were lucky enough to stay with our gal pal, KKDL Jill, on our visit to Sun Valley, we would have looked to stay in a condo, townhouse or the legendary Sun Valley Lodge. Sun Valley Lodge guests are presented with an entirely new experience with 108-new larger guestrooms, a 20,000-square foot destination spa, a world-class fitness center and yoga studio, a glass-enclosed outdoor pool and pool café, and all new re-appointed restaurants, lounges, lobbies, and event space. It is the country’s first destination ski Lodge and is turning 80 years old, re-imagined for a new generation.
EAT
Enoteca opened its doors in December of 2012 and caught on quick with its grand, wood-fired oven, its made-to-order hand-tossed pizzas and open kitchen, where the chefs prepare Italian-influenced dishes such as wild boar ragu and fresh house-made pasta courtesy Mason Family Provisions. Enoteca boasts an extensive wine and beer list hand-selected by the knowledgeable staff and is a favorite of locals.
Perched atop the Roundhouse Express gondola at 7,700 feet of elevation on Bald Mountain, The Roundhouse has been serving up memorable meals, soul-warming drinks, and stunning views since 1939. The Roundhouse is America’s original on-mountain dining experience and offers the authentic charm and unmatched elegance for which Sun Valley is known.
The Kneadery has been locals and visitors favorite spot for breakfast and lunch for over 40-years. Established in 1974, The Kneadery combines wholesome fresh food with a rustic Idaho atmosphere. Whether you’re headed out for a day of hiking, or spent the morning skiing the slopes, you’ll want to fuel up with a wholesome nutritious meal at The Kneadery. All meals start with the freshest ingredients—locally baked organic breads, farm fresh cage-free eggs, seasonal fruit and top quality meats. From the huge omelets and pancakes, to the fresh salads and burgers, there’s something for everyone.
SHOP
Ketchum Kitchens has been a go-to staple in Ketchum for years as locals and visitors alike have come to count on the store for everything from fondue sets to BBQ’s. But never before has the store felt so fresh and vibrant. With a cleaner and brighter look and an energized staff of knowledgeable employees, it can make even the novice look feel like a master chef.
Hank & Sylvie’s is a bakery, café, floral design and gift shop offering fresh baked sweets, custom cakes, flower arrangements, and a large array of well curated party goods cards and gifts. We could linger here for hours.
Rocky Mountain Hardware, an Idaho-based company, is internationally known for manufacturing exceptional, solid bronze hardware and accessories. They have established a reputation for working one-on-one with homeowners, architects, designers, and builders over the past 25-years. Their new showroom has been exceptionally designed with custom vignettes displaying a wide variety of styles and products to inspire or guide the design and selection process.
Terry Murphy founded Bellissimo in 1990 and throughout the years has been committed to bringing the finest in home decor and eclectic gifts to the area. Sun Valley locals and world travelers find the store a must visit spot for one of kind, beautiful pieces and friendly service.
SIP
The Duchin Lounge is legendary, serving-up cocktails, regional craft beers on tap, and an extensive wine list. Now you can also duck in for a quick bite from our lounge menu.
A favorite roof-top bar in town is the locally-owned Warfield Distillery & Brewery which makes its own beer, has a distillery and features a bar and restaurant that is one of the top destinations in town.
TNT Taproom is proud to be Ketchum’s first craft beer bar located in a historic building downtown. They focus on independently crafted beer and organic, low intervention and sustainable wines. They encourage outside food and well-mannered and leashed dogs.
Newly opened, Scout is a wine and cheese shop and wine bar located in Ketchum. Started by two friends, it is a celebration of good wine, good food and community. Their wine program is focused on a dynamic selection of new and established producers, as well as family-run, small estates making outstanding wines in both classic and new world styles. With an emphasis on wines that are true to grape and place, Scout offers a mix of classic vintages, limited-release gems, and regional favorites in constant rotation. These wines are accompanied by a selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages as well as cheese from the U.S. and Europe, cured meat and thoughtful bar snacks.
DO
Galena Summit is a high mountain pass, at an elevation of 8,701 feet. The pass is located in the Boulder Mountains within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area of the Sawtooth National Forest. The summit is on State Highway 75, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, and is 29 miles northwest of Ketchum and the Sun Valley Ski Resort. It is the highest summit of a highway in the Northwest. A little more than one mile west of the summit is Galena Overlook, a scenic viewpoint. It offers views of the Sawtooth Range to the northwest and the headwaters of the Salmon River. We took in the views from the Roundhouse via the gondola.
There is an ongoing concert series open to residents and visitors. We took in Lyle Lovett and Chris Isaak on our second night in Sun Valley.
On our last morning, we also got to participate in the Sun Valley Bald Mountain Summer Kick-Off Party at River Run Plaza. We started our morning with free yoga and kept the party going with mountain biking, hiking, outdoor games, outdoor BBQ, raffles, prizes and more!