Images Southern Idaho: 2012

2012 | imagessouthernidaho.com ®

southern idaho

I’M READY TO ORDER Iconic eateries delight diners

HEAVENS TO BESSIE Dairy industry remains a cash cow

Take a Flying Leap Bridge BASE jumping draws tourists from afar

sponsored by the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

2012 edition | volume 7 ®

Southern Idaho co nte nt s F e atu r e s 14 Take a Flying Leap

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Bridge BASE jumping draws tourists from afar

18 Beautiful on the Outside Residents enjoy area’s tourism destinations

24 I’M READY TO ORDER Iconic eateries delight diners

28 face facts Operation Facelift beautifies buildings, boosts pride

38 Heavens to Bessie Dairy industry remains a cash cow

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Inside: Southern Idaho Tourism

Special Section

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2012 edition | volume 7 速

Southern Idaho

50 d e pa r tm e nt s 10 Almanac 31 Image Gallery 41 Biz Briefs 42 Chamber Report 43 Economic Profile 45 Local Flavor

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46 Arts & Culture 48 Sports & Recreation 51 Health & Wellness 53 Education

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55 Community Profile 56 Through the Lens

on the cover Photo by Todd Bennett BASE jumping from the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls

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What’s Online imagessouthernidaho.com Photos

Visually explore Southern Idaho in our online photo galleries

2012 | imagessouthernidaho.Com ®

southern idaho

i’m ready to order Iconic eateries delight diners

heaVens to bessie Dairy industry remains a cash cow

take a Flying leap Bridge BASE jumping draws tourists from afar

sponsored by the twin Falls area Chamber oF CommerCe

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E

ver bird-watch or play disc golf at Lake Walcott State Park? There are also hiking opportunities at Craters of the Moon, along with snow sledding at Gooding County Snow Park, plus hunting in Jerome and at other top-notch hunting areas.

Oh, and City of Rocks National Reserve offers rock climbing in the warmer weather and cross country skiing when cold.

Residents of the Magic Valley and Southern Idaho are lucky to have daily access to an abundance of recreational amenities that are

normally promoted as tourism destinations. For example, locals can pretty much fish year round at Thousand Springs State Park, which is also becoming a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts from throughout the United States.

A 64-Pound Carp Kelton Hatch with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game says the fishing in Southern Idaho was amazing in 2011 – including a record rainbow trout of 34 pounds caught at American Falls Reservoir, along with a carp weighing more

Visitors have a picture taken at Shoshone Falls.

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than 64 pounds snagged at C.J. Strike Reservoir – and he predicts that local fishing will be even better in 2012.

“Magic Valley also boasts some of the best walleye fishing in the country, and it’s not uncommon to see catches of 18-pound walleyes pulled out of both Oakley Reservoir south of Burley, and Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir south of Twin Falls,” he says.

Look, There’s an Elk Hatch says the same kind of good results are available to

PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT

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Almanac

Welcome to Southern Idaho An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Walking for Fitness Going Over the Edge Shoshone Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall on the Snake River about 5 miles east of the city of Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls is notable both for its natural beauty and for the fact that it stands 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls at 212 feet high. Shoshone Falls has existed since at least the last ice age, and the water that traverses it is critical to crop irrigation in nearby communities. It is best to visit the falls in the spring and early summer months because that is when the water flows at its highest levels. To accommodate visitors, the city of Twin Falls owns and operates a park overlooking the falls. Guests are invited to visit the falls to enjoy all the recreational activities it has to offer, including hiking, fishing and swimming, to name a few.

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The fitness trail at the College of Southern Idaho is being revamped as the school’s recreation department replaces outdated machinery with the latest and greatest sports science has to offer. The college has had a trail that crosses part of its campus for about 20 years. This trail features exercise stations that enable passers-by to get in a few repetitions at their leisure. As a whole, the trail can function as a circuit exercise course for exercise buffs. Unfortunately, the outdated wooden machinery is worn out.

Funded by donations, grants and proceeds from fundraisers, CSI’s recreation department has begun a campaign to replace the outmoded stations with high-tech machines. Thus far, two new stations, using products from PlayWorld’s Lifetrail and Energi lines, have been installed.

These new machines, with variable levels of resistance, offer fitness opportunities for everyone.

Building Blocks of Life Agriculture has become a major way of life in Southern Idaho, but that was not always the case.

For more than a century, canals drawing from the Snake River, as well as return flows from Deep Creek and Cedar Draw, have brought life to the area in and around Twin Falls. Born of the 1894 Carey Act, which allowed the setting aside of federal land for private investors, the irrigation system has been operated by the Twin Falls Canal Company since 1909. These canals have provided a consistent supply of water to Southern Idaho’s thriving agricultural sector as well as its municipal areas.

Southern Idaho At A Glance Population (2010 estimate) Cities: Twin Falls: 44,125; Jerome: 10,890; Burley: 10,345; Hailey: 7,960; Rupert: 5,554; Buhl: 4,122; Gooding: 3,567; Kimberly: 3,264; Heyburn: 3,089; Wendell: 2,782; Filer: 2,508; Shoshone: 1,461; Paul: 1,169; Hansen: 1,144; Hagerman: 872; Oakley: 763; Hazelton: 753; Minidoka: 112

Location The largest city in south-central Idaho, Twin Falls is about 30 miles north of the Idaho-Nevada state line and roughly midway between Boise and Pocatello.

For More Information Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 858 Blue Lakes Blvd. N. Twin Falls, ID 83301 Phone: (208) 733-3974 Fax: (208) 733-9216 www.twinfallschamber.com

Counties: Twin Falls: 77,230; Cassia: 22,952; Jerome: 22,374; Blaine: 21,376; Minidoka: 20,069; Gooding: 15,464; Lincoln: 5,208 48 to Hailey

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TWIN FALLS A NEVADA

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Fast Facts n Twin Falls County was named for the falls of the Snake River. The surrounding area is known as the Magic Valley. n The National Pioneer Hall of Fame in Burley features a garden and museum. n The Gooding Basque Cultural Center serves a multi-course Basque supper the first Friday of each month. n The entire community of Oakley is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Founded in 1878, the city today has the most historic homes per capita in the U.S. n Twin Falls has been named one of the nation’s Top 10 Places to Smooch

by Livability.com.

UTAH

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Losing Weight, Gaining Cash According to U.S. obesity reports, Americans as a society need to lose weight.

Unfortunately, shedding the pounds is often difficult in this age of hectic schedules, fast food temptations and the lure of constant entertainment from the comfort of a couch. To make cutting calories more tempting, Kurt’s Pharmacy in Twin Falls hosts an annual weight-loss contest, in which the top three people who lose the greatest percentages of body weight share a $10,000 prize. The 2011 first-place winner, a man named Bear Bangs, shed an impressive 112.5 pounds, down from his starting weight of 295.5 pounds.

Camping at Castle Rock Couched in Big Cove, Castle Rocks State Park is located 2 miles northwest of Almo in southern Cassia County. Castle Rocks is a new park to Idaho that features massive granite spires. These spires offer outstanding rock climbing, rivaling nearby City of Rocks National Reserve. The natural beauty of the Castle Rocks region offers plenty of other recreational activities for those who are not quite so bold, including hiking, horseback riding and picnicking. Castle Rocks is also well known for its wildlife. Visitors come to watch the park’s numerous varieties of birds, including the common snipe, the sandhill crane and the sage grouse.

Going Green Idaho has officially joined the green movement with a plant in Jerome built and operated by Hilex Poly, a South Carolina-based plastic bag manufacturer and operator of the world’s largest plastic bag recycling plant. The Jerome recycling plant tackles real problems, since used plastic bags permeate landfills and are a common part of everyday life. The plant and bag drop-off sites at major grocery stores throughout the region help reduce both the pollution from used plastic bags and the cost of new plastic bags. To ensure that nothing is wasted, Hilex has partnered with Solo Cup Co., another major plastics manufacturer with a plant in Twin Falls, to capture and recycle Solo’s leftover plastic.

Cars and Camaraderie Each August, Jerome residents turn out to see Joe Mama’s Car Show, which is put on by the Magic Valley Early Iron Car Club. With motorcycles, custom trucks, show cars and race cars, this show has it all.

In 2011, even the Marvel comic book character Ironman made an appearance. Drawing cars from at least nine states, this event continues to grow in popularity. As a result, each year brings increasingly more impressive rides. The main attraction for 2011 was the world’s fastest 1957 Chevrolet, as well as a top-fuel dragster.

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High Fliers

Tandem Jumping Operation Brings Tourists, Locals To Perrine Bridge

Story By Joe Morris | Photography By todd bennett

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sually if someone is about to jump off a bridge, law enforcement is called to talk them out of it. In the Magic Valley, sometimes those officials are the ones doing the jumping.

Since opening Tandem BASE, a parachuting operation that sends instructors paired with students off the Perrine Bridge, owner Mark Kissner and his team have seen a steady stream of locals and visitors lining up to hop off the side of a perfectly good structure and soar to the ground below.

The bridge has long been a popular jumping spot, but Tandem BASE marks the first time that a company has been set up to offer it as a regular outing. The 486-foot drop to the floor of the Snake River Canyon is breathtaking in many ways, and both experts and novices alike flock to the area to avail themselves of the opportunity, Kissner says.

Tandem Jumpers Like Accessibility “People always like to do it, so we thought there would be enough interest for regular jumps,” he says. “Since we opened a year ago, we’ve seen a lot of people who come through the area stop to try it, so we’re kind of a tourist attraction now, which we are pleased about.”

Everyone from Twin Falls octogenarian Lena Thomas to Sheriff Doug McFall of Jerome has jumped, and they’ve all got a story to tell. For McFall, whose parachuting days go back to a stint at Fort Campbell in 1977, this was one more way to get from sky to earth in a novel fashion.

Year round, people come from all over the world to jump from the only bridge in the United States that doesn’t require a permit.

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“I had some guys say they had three rigs packed and ready to go, and there were only two of them, so it seemed like a good idea at that time,” McFall says. “We had a high school class reunion, and a few of them did the tandem jump. If you’re trained, you can do it alone, and if not, you can work with an instructor and ride down with them, so they really do have something for everybody and every skill level.”

Activity Provides Economic-Development Boost All this flying about is good for tourism, adds Shawn Barigar, president and CEO of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

“BASE jumping is an extreme sport that has typically only been available for trained athletes. Tandem BASE expands the thrill-seeking opportunities to a much larger audience, allowing the general public to participate in the sport under the trained supervision of the Tandem BASE operators,” Barigar says.

“This new activity is just one more item to add to the itinerary on a visit to Southern Idaho. And we’re the only place in the world where one can take part in this exciting activity!”

From rock climbing at the City of Rocks to whitewater rafting on the Snake River, Twin Falls is the most death-defying city in the country, Barigar adds, and this is just one more way for people to live on the edge.

“With Tandem BASE, there’s no experience required – just that thrillseeking mindset and the courage to step off that ledge with the Tandem BASE operator.”

Left: Tandem BASE offers the sport to inexperienced jumpers under the supervision of trained instructors.

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BEAUTIFUL

OUTSIDE

On the

Residents enjoy area’s tourism destinations

Story By Kevin Litwin

E

ver bird-watch or play disc golf at Lake Walcott State Park? There are also hiking opportunities at Craters of the Moon, along with snow sledding at Gooding County Snow Park, plus hunting in Jerome and at other top-notch hunting areas.

Oh, and City of Rocks National Reserve offers rock climbing in the warmer weather and cross country skiing when cold.

Residents of the Magic Valley and Southern Idaho are lucky to have daily access to an abundance of recreational amenities that are

normally promoted as tourism destinations. For example, locals can pretty much fish year round at Thousand Springs State Park, which is also becoming a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts from throughout the United States.

A 64-Pound Carp Kelton Hatch with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game says the fishing in Southern Idaho was amazing in 2011 – including a record rainbow trout of 34 pounds caught at American Falls Reservoir, along with a carp weighing more

Visitors have a picture taken at Shoshone Falls.

than 64 pounds snagged at C.J. Strike Reservoir – and he predicts that local fishing will be even better in 2012.

“Magic Valley also boasts some of the best walleye fishing in the country, and it’s not uncommon to see catches of 18-pound walleyes pulled out of both Oakley Reservoir south of Burley, and Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir south of Twin Falls,” he says.

Look, There’s an Elk Hatch says the same kind of good results are available to

photo by Todd Bennett

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photos by Todd Bennett

hunters, with elk and antelope in abundant supply, plus the Hagerman Valley provides some of the best waterfowl habitat in the entire Northwest.

“This region is home to natural marvels such as the Snake River, Thousand Springs and Shoshone Falls, along with a vast desert land mass,” Hatch says. “There are ample hunting, angling and other adventure opportunities to satisfy anyone who enjoys the outdoors.”

Meanwhile, outdoor adventurers can also enjoy biking, walking and hiking at Dierkes Lake Park, and

there are numerous biking and walking trails throughout the scenic Snake River Canyon near Perrine Bridge. The bridge itself has become an international destination for bungee jumpers and parachute BASE jumpers.

“If you are into running like our running club is, there aren’t many nicer places to train in the world than the Snake River Canyon,” says Bill Greene, coordinator of Team Weenie Running Club out of Twin Falls. “We started our club in 2001 with 12 local members and today there are 240, and we meet

From left: Walking along the Canyon Rim Trail; Participants in the Rim2Rim Roadrace make their way from the bottom of the Snake River Canyon to the top, across the Perrine Bridge and back down to the bottom.

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Todd Bennett

every Saturday morning to train in the canyon.”

Brian M c Cord

Snake River Canyon Marathon?

Greene says Team Weenie – whose unusual name is derived from the Independent Meat Company packing plant in Twin Falls where many of the runners are employed – even has a longterm plan to link all the canyon trails together and eventually stage a marathon.

“Can you imagine running a marathon through the Snake River Canyon?” Greene says. “What an

incredible experience that would be.”

He also points out that the unusual natural landscape of Southern Idaho includes its elevation of 3,800 feet, which can be advantageous to competitive runners and bicyclists.

“A lot of people don’t know that we have such a high elevation, so if our club members go to a road race in sea-level cities like Portland, Seattle or San Francisco, we do well because we’ve trained in the altitude,” he says. “Southern Idaho has so much to offer anyone who loves the outdoors. Nature has been very kind to us.”

Snake River Canyon

1974 Year Evel Knievel unsuccessfully attempted to jump the canyon

5 miles Distance of Shoshone Falls from Perrine Bridge in the canyon

500 feet Depth of canyon in some places

Left: Fishing at Sawtooth National Forest Above: The Snake River in Twin Falls

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MORE THAN A MEAL Southern Idaho’s iconic eateries delight diners at breakfast, lunch and dinner Story By Laura Hill | Photography By todd bennett

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rom family-owned cafés to sophisticated restaurants where nationally known chefs hold court, something delicious is cooking in the Magic Valley.

Breakfast is Big Ready for bacon and eggs before heading to work, or looking for a special Sunday brunch? Try the Buffalo Café in Twin Falls, where the house specialty, Buffalo Chip Skillet, is a plate of fried potatoes, chiles, tomato, bacon, sour cream and Cheddar cheese.

And don’t miss the Train Wreck at the landmark Depot Grill in Twin Falls. Think you can demolish 4.5 pounds of pancakes, eggs and sausage in less than 30 minutes?

“It’s a kind of man-versus-food challenge,” says Steve Soran, co-owner of the Depot Grill, which serves round-the-clock, seven days a week. “We’ve had about 60 people try it, and two have finished.”

Lunchtime is Lovely For lunch, locals head to Stevo’s in Heyburn for burgers, steaks and their special sauce for French fries.

Shoshone’s Snack Bar boasts burgers – try the hamlayered Baby Hog Burger – and “the world’s largest ice cream cone,” a staggering tower of soft-serve goodness.

La Campesina Market and Restaurant in Jerome offers Mexican specialties in generous portions at nice prices.

Dinner’s Delicious Dinner brings spectacular views of the Snake River Canyon at the new Elevation 486 in the Twin Falls Center for the Arts building. The upscale restaurant specializes in classic meat and seafood dishes, “Food and Spirits for the New West.” Another breathtaking canyon view comes with dinner at the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center in Twin Falls, where casually elegant cuisine features steaks, salads and pasta. Cedar Plank Salmon with lemon rice pilaf is a favorite.

A couple enjoys an intimate dinner at Cucina Gemelli in Twin Falls.

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The Snake River Grill in Hagerman is popular for weekly game dinners, prepared by Chef Kirt Martin, and its extensive wine list. Henry’s at the Drift Inn in Rupert serves lunch and dinner in a charming smalltown setting in a historic building. Try the Cajun Chicken Pasta. And for hearty steaks, Pioneer Pudding – a traditional bread pudding – and Old West ambiance, head for the Almo Outpost.

Southern Idaho Food Scene is Blooming Lynn Sheehan and Matt VanderNoot, partners in Twin Falls’ Cucina Gemelli, are prime examples of how the local food scene is blooming. Cucina Gemelli, which opened in January 2011, has quickly become one of the area’s more popular dining spots. Chef Sheehan’s focus is on locally sourced ingredients, from meat and vegetables

to berries and butter, prepared simply but elegantly.

“We are an unusual experience here and people are seeking it out,” says Sheehan, a celebrated California chef before she moved to Idaho. “We are on the early crest of a wave here in Idaho, and we are happy to be putting fresh local flavors on people’s plates.”

Sheehan, whose lunches and dinners include expertly prepared Italian classics, as well as more adventurous fare, believes local diners are becoming more discriminating.

“People are looking for something not frozen and shipped here on a truck. They want to know that their food is healthy and clean, and they want to support their local economy,” she says. “There is a really strong, burgeoning movement toward producing and purchasing locally here in Idaho.”

Above: The historic Depot Grill in Twin Falls is home to the Train Wreck, a challenge in which diners are given 30 minutes to down six pancakes, four eggs and a pound of sausage.

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Clockwise from top left: People dine on the patio at Elevation 486 in Twin Falls; The Snack Bar in Shoshone offers what it calls the world’s largest ice cream cone; Lemon budino with blueberries from Cucina Gemelli in Twin Falls

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Face Facts Operation Facelift beautifies buildings, boosts pride

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Story By Laura Hill | Photography By todd bennett

t’s not easy being a small town in need of new business, which takes money and manpower to attract. The solution: Operation Facelift, a unique downtown revitalization program that was low cost, high energy and widespread in its success in boosting 11 Southern Idaho communities.

For five days, from June 14-18, 2011, residents of Castleford, Burley, Filer, Glenns Ferry, Gooding, Heyburn, Jerome, Kimberly, Paul, Rupert and Twin Falls swept, painted, planted, washed and renovated their communities in an effort to bring new life

and new business to town.

“Our objective was to provide a region-wide project that would help improve downtown areas, build community pride and encourage downtown economic activity,” says Jan Rogers, executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO), which launched Operation Facelift with Southern Idaho Rural Development.

The project was funded by SIEDO and the Idaho National Laboratory. Each community was given $1,000 seed money, and expected to raise any additional funds needed. More than 200

volunteers across the region participated in the project.

Operation Facelift was born at a SIEDO board meeting in March 2011. Communities were approached to participate and identified projects, which varied widely. With an exuberant logo and the motto, “New Look.

New Attitude. New Business.”, volunteers went to work.

Cleanup Projects Vary Widely In Castleford, a town of about 400 people, volunteers painted four different properties, including the shabby King of Hearts bar.

Strolling along Main Street in downtown Twin Falls

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“It looked like it was about to fall down,” says Larry Hall, director of Southern Idaho Rural Development, who captained the project with Rogers. “Volunteers stripped off some stuff, stained the building, painted the little grocery across the street, and then cleaned up the whole town, filling up three dumpsters. This was the little town that could.”

Knutson’s Kustom Kutting, a meat-cutting shop, got some TLC in Filer, while Glenns Ferry volunteers painted, washed windows, cleaned up storefronts and sprayed the streets. In Burley, Pay Day Loans was given a pretty new face.

The Gathering Place This family-owned and -operated quilt shop in Rupert is housed on the town square in a historic building that was home to an Idaho clothing chain since 1912. The Gathering Place opened in 1998 and today has more than 10,500 square feet of fabric, books, patterns, notions and samples.

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Heyburn gussied up its roller skate park, and in Gooding, Mayor Duke Morton rallied the community to improve an old theater building and freshen up a laundry.

“When you drive through Kimberly now, it is just not the same place it was,” Hall says. “El Cazadore, right on the main intersection, became a new place when it was painted a bright rust color.”

Firefighters, police and city council members were among those in Jerome who beautified five buildings downtown. In Paul, the owner of a repainted restaurant was inspired to paint the interior as well. Rupert saw two old buildings

painted, with new signage and trim.

And in Twin Falls, an empty building that once housed a soda fountain and a shoe store was given new life when an old overhang and shabby signage were removed and a new paint job provided. Soon after Operation Facelift, the building was leased to a new tenant, a party apparel shop. Similar economic development results are expected over the next year.

“People in the towns where it has been done in a significant way are just stoked, excited about what is going on,” Hall says. “People are sharing and saying, ‘I want to be part of this next year.’”

Stay& Play in Southern Idaho

Special Advertising Section

Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Winter Wonderland From scenic snowscapes to indoor fun, activities abound this time of year indoor fun Whether you’re looking for arts and entertainment or rest and relaxation, Southern Idaho offers plenty to enjoy inside during the winter season.

Cirque Mechanics / Darin Basile

Find plenty of action in Twin Falls during the College of Southern Idaho’s basketball season. “CSI men’s and women’s basketball is up tempo and exciting,” says athletic director Joel Bate. “The cheerleaders, dance team and halftime activities give this a ‘big-time’ college atmosphere feel, and the action on the court is as good as it gets.” So good, in fact, that the men’s team won the NJCAA National Championship in 2011.

“Many of CSI’s players will go on to attend very high level basketball programs around the country,” Bate adds. “For entertainment value, a ticket to a CSI basketball game is more than worth the money.” Both Golden Eagles basketball teams have seasons from November through March.

More info: athletics.csi.com

Arts on Tour Experience a lively musical show during the Arts on Tour concert series, a partnership between CSI and the Magic Valley Arts Council celebrating its 24th year in 2012. Each of the concerts, which include Celtic, jazz, brass and Creole-folk performances, take place in the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium.

More info: Camille Barigar, (208) 732-6288, artsontour.csi.edu

Natural Hot Springs Soak the winter out of your bones at one of the region’s naturally occurring geothermal hot springs. At Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl, relax in the private hot pools followed by a soothing massage. Spend the night in one of the heated camping domes, and check out the live alligators (never fear – they have their own pool). Find additional hot springs at 1000 Springs Resort in Hagerman. Both places offer RV accommodations and event spaces.

More info: Miracle Hot Springs, (208) 543-6002, mhsprings.com; 1000 Springs Resort, (208) 837-4987, 1000springsresort.com

Community Concerts Enjoy more music in the Mini-Cassia area during its annual community concerts. Held at the King Fine Arts Center in Burley, more than 800 season tickets are sold each year, and visitors can purchase individual tickets for just $20.

Shows have included a variety of ensembles, including a number of Grammy-nominated artists.

More info: Susan Tuft, (208) 678-1798, sd151.k12.id.us/community/Concerts07/con_index.htm

Holiday Happenings

Todd Bennett

courtesy of Andy Arenz/CSI Sports Information

CSI Basketball

‘Tis the season to attend festive community events.

There’s no more quintessential Christmas play than The Nutcracker, and this Tchaikovsky classic will be performed by the Eugene Ballet at the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium on Dec. 12. Get in the holiday spirit at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Friday in December in Fairfield, which coincides with the annual chili cook-off, or listen to your favorite Christmas carols at Howells Opera House in Oakley during the community choir’s Christmas concert.

More info: visitsouthidaho.com

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Get Out and Play courtesy of National Parks Service

Even in the heart of winter, the weather outside is delightful if you’re into snow sports. From skiing to boarding, tubing to snowshoeing, the region’s plentiful resorts and recreation areas will keep you moving.

Soldier Mountain This skiing and boarding destination, located 12 miles north of Fairfield in Sawtooth National Forest, has 1,150 acres of skiable terrain including more than 15 runs as well as glades, bowls and tree skiing. “Lines are short, prices are reasonable and the people are friendly,” says Kathy Mennenga, a board member of Southern Idaho Tourism and Camas County Chamber of Commerce member.

More info: soldiermountain.com, (208) 764-2526

Pomerelle Mountain Resort Also in Sawtooth National Forest, this ski resort has 24 slopes, two terrain parks and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet.

Located 12 miles from Albion, Pomerelle opens early in the season and gets an average annual snowfall of 500 inches.

More info: pomerelle.com, (208) 673-5599 (resort), (208) 673-5555 (24-hour snow line)

Magic Mountain Located near Hansen in the southern part of Sawtooth National Forest, this resort offers skiing and boarding, along with a hill for snow tubing. Beginners can attend Magic Mountain’s ski school, while more advanced skiers can take advantage of the more difficult and expert slopes, which make up a majority of the 120 acres of skiable terrain.

More info: magicmountainresort.com, (208) 736-7669

Craters of the Moon Snowshoe or cross-country ski through the lava fields of this national monument and preserve. “The black and white lava terrain through which the 7-mile snow trail traverses is unlike any other,” says Ted Stout, chief of interpretation and education at Craters of the Moon. And you can’t beat the price – it’s free.

More info: nps.gov/crmo, (208) 527-1335

City of Rocks and Castle Rocks Stay at the Lodge at Castle Rocks Ranch within Castle Rock’s State Park and adjacent to City of Rocks National Reserve, and discover the vast winter activities, including hunting opportunities, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-climbing.

“Deep snows may cover the high elevations, but access to the center of the reserve is kept open, as well as full access to Castle Rocks State Park,” says Wallace Keck, superintendent and park manager. “Snowmobiling is also permitted along the snow-covered county roads and up into the Sawtooth National Forest.”

More info: nps.gov/ciro, (208) 824-5910 courtesy of Wallace Keck

Bird-Watching For a break from all the extreme winter sports, grab your binoculars and settle down for some quiet bird-watching at one of the state parks. A large number of migratory and stayaround birds frequent Ritter Island at Thousand Springs State Park in Hagerman and Lake Walcott State Park in Rupert, which is part of the Minidoka Wildlife Refuge.

More info: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov, (208) 837-4505 (Thousand Springs); (208) 436-1258 (Lake Walcott) This special section is published for Southern Idaho Tourism by Journal Communications Inc.

Sun Valley Don’t forget that Southern Idaho is the gateway to the world-famous Sun Valley. This winter paradise draws skiers, boarders, tubers and snowshoers, and the resort is considered a pioneer in the field of heli skiing, a sport in which skiers are dropped from a helicopter to zoom down the slopes.

For more information, contact: Southern Idaho Tourism • P.O. Box 5155 • Twin Falls, ID 83303-5155 Phone: (800) 255-8946 • www.visitsouthidaho.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080.

All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

On the cover: Rafters on the Snake River • Photo by Todd Bennett

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Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Spring Into Action Enjoy bird-watching, disc golf and nature’s beauty during springtime Shoshone Falls

time of year it is for one bird or another.” In addition to the aforementioned disc golf, Lake Walcott also provides areas for hiking, fishing and riding ATVs, dirt bikes and 4x4 SUVs, along with campsites and RV accommodations.

More info: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov, (208) 436-1258

The Snake River winds along for more than 1,000 miles, but Twin Falls is home to one of its star attractions. The 212-foot-tall Shoshone Falls are even higher than Niagara Falls. The flow depends upon the melt of the winter snow, so spring and early summer is the best time to view these magnificent waterfalls. As part of the Dierkes Lake Complex, visitors can find trails for hiking, areas perfect for a picnic, playgrounds and a scenic overlook to take in a view to remember.

More info: tfid.org, (208) 736-2265

Disc Golf

Todd Bennett

Todd Bennett

Pomerelle Ski Resort is a big draw in the winter, but its new 18-hole disc golf course attracts visitors even after the snow has melted. Starting at 9,000 feet, the course winds along the mountainside through varied elevation and terrain. The College of Southern Idaho also boasts 18 holes of disc golf. Its course, located on Frontier Avenue on the east side of campus, is open to students and visitors alike. If you don’t have your own discs, rent them from the campus rec center. An additional Twin Falls course is located at Rock Creek Park.

Visitors to the Rupert area can also find a 21-hole disc golf course at Lake Walcott State Park. Play a round for fun, or enter one of the park’s disc golf tournaments.

More info: Pomerelle, pomerelle.com, (208) 673-5599; CSI Recreation Center, recreation.csi.edu, (208) 733-9554 ext. 3477; Rock Creek Park, twinfallscounty.org, (208) 734-9491; Lake Walcott, parksandrecreation.idaho.gov, (208) 436-1258

Centennial Marsh Bird-watchers will also enjoy the wetlands near Fairfield, which draws thousands of waterfowl, shore birds and even raptors. Access to the 3,100-acre Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area is free of charge, and in late spring, the marsh will be brimming with birds amidst the beautiful purple camas lilies. These flowers are celebrated during Camas Lily Days, held the first weekend of June.

More info: fishandgame.idaho.gov, (208) 764-3202

Todd Bennett

Catch a glimpse of a white pelican or a double-crested coramom, to name just two of the birds whose spring breeding areas are located in this state park, which is part of the larger Minidoka Wildlife Refuge. “The park itself is a good viewing area for many variations of song birds,” says Trapper Richardson, park manager. “It just depends what

Artists from all over the region display their paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and other artwork during Art and Soul of the City: Magic Valley Has Art. More than 1,200 attended the inaugural event last year, in which visitors voted on their favorite pieces exhibited in Twin Falls businesses. The 2012 event is slated for April 27 through May 5.

More info: magicvalleyhasart.com, (208) 421-1311

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photos courtesy of Mikeal S. Dixon

Lake Walcott

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Summer

Dreams Todd Bennett

Raft, ride, bike, hike, climb and more during Southern Idaho’s warm season Whitewater Rafting During the busy season of July and August, thousands of visitors cool off by whitewater rafting down the Snake River.

High Adventure River Tours help beginners ages 6 and up through the family-friendly Hagerman stretch of the winding river. In addition to the Hagerman section, Idaho Guide Service also offers trips through the Milner and Canyon Springs sections of the Snake. Tour with them, and you’ll get more than just a scenic trip down the river. “We are professional river guides with an advanced knowledge of the river environment and the historical and biological facts that go with that,” explains Olin Gardner of Idaho Guide Service.

“We have clients that go with us every year – and some that have come back every year for more than 20 continuous years.”

More info: High Adventure River Tours, highadventurerivertours.net, (800) 286-4123; Idaho Guide Service, idahoguideservice.com, (888) 73-IDAHO

Water Sports

Brian Mccord

Water-skiing, wake-boarding, jet-skiing and skimming across the flat waters of the region’s rivers also make for a great summer getaway. Marinas and boat ramps are available along the Snake River at places such as Milner Dam and Murtaugh Lake. The river’s Burley location also attracts boaters in the summer, particularly during the Idaho Regatta in July. The nearby Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir also has a boat ramp. And swimmers can take a dip in one of the region’s many lakes, such as Lake Cleveland in the Minidoka Ranger District of Sawtooth National Forest. In fact, families love the sandy beaches at Dierkes Lake in Twin Falls, which also allows canoes and kayaks, though no motorized boats.

More info: visitsouthidaho.com

Fishing There’s no shortage of prime fishing in Southern Idaho.

In late spring and early summer, reel in rainbow trout and bass at Lake Walcott in the Rupert/Burley area. Salmon Falls Creek and Oakley reservoirs offer some of the best walleye fishing in the West, according to Dave Parrish of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Fly-fish for rainbow trout on the Malad River near Hagerman beginning Memorial Day weekend, or catch rainbow and cutthroat trout from Lake Cleveland beginning in July. Many have good luck casting their lines from boats or float tubes at Magic Reservoir north of Shoshone.

“Dierkes Lake, Crystal Lake, Hagerman Wildlife Management Area and Filer Ponds are local fishing holes that are stocked with rainbow trout to provide flat-water, familyoriented, pond-fishing opportunities,” Parrish says. He adds that anglers should always stay up to date by checking the latest fishing rules.

More info: fishandgame.idaho.gov, (208) 324-4359

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Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Hiking, Biking and Camping

Blue Lakes, bluelakescc.com, (208) 733-2337; Burley, (208) 878-9807; Ponderosa, (208) 679-5730; 93 Golf Ranch, (208) 324-9693; visitsouthidaho.com

photos courtesy of National Park Service

With so many state parks, a national forest and other designated areas, your only problem will be trying to narrow down the sites on which to set your sights.

Hikers will revel in the plethora of trails in Castle Rocks, Lake Walcott and Thousand Springs state parks, as well as Craters of the Moon, City of Rocks, Dierkes Lake and Sawtooth National Forest – just to name a few.

“The Sawtooth National Forest is known for its beauty and opportunity from the southern Minidoka Ranger District with its high-desert beauty to the northern reaches of the forest,” says Julie Thomas, public affairs officer. The region is also the gateway to Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which encompasses 250 miles of non-motorized trails and 42 major peaks of more than 10,000 feet.

At Mount Harrison Lookout, located within Sawtooth National Forest near Albion, backpackers can enjoy the gorgeous vistas along longer trails, such as the 26.2-mile Skyline Trail that connects Mt. Harrison to the City of Rocks, and shorter trails, such as the 4.2-mile Marsh Creek Trail, among the locations that double as bike trails.

Places to pitch your tent abound as well, with more than 1,000 campsites at 61 different campgrounds located in Sawtooth National Forest alone, including the Fairfield and Minidoka ranger districts. In fact, as many as 20 venues for sleeping outdoors are plotted on the adventure map on the Visit South Idaho website.

More info: visitsouthidaho.com; fs.usda.gov/ Sawtooth, (208) 737-3200

Rock Climbing

Todd Bennett

Climbers the world over come to City of Rocks for the chance to take on its magnificent monoliths with names like Bread Loaves, Cannibal and Elephant Rock. “These granite faces have excellent holds and climbs of all grades from the novice to the expert,” says Wallace Keck, City of Rocks superintendent. “Some of the hardest climbs in the country can be found here, whether you are sport climbing or bouldering.”

Visitors to the Twin Falls area can also climb the cliffs on the northwest side of Dierkes Lake.

More info: City of Rocks, nps.gov/ciro, (208) 824-5901; Dierkes Lake, tfid.org, (208) 736-2265

Golf Hit the links at,a number of Magic Valley golf courses.

Public courses in Twin Falls include the Twin Falls Golf Club and Canyon Springs Golf Course. The private Blue Lakes Country Club is also available for play through reciprocal agreements with other country clubs around the United States, or if you play with a member. In the Mini-Cassia region, tee off at the 18-hole Burley Golf Course or the 9-hole Ponderosa Golf Course, both located in Burley. Jerome’s 93 Golf Ranch boasts the longest course in all of Southern Idaho.

Additional country club courses are located in Buhl, Gooding, Jerome and Rupert, as well as a course at Cactus Pete’s Casino in Jackpot, Nev. More info: Twin Falls, (208) 733-3326; Canyon Springs, canyonspringsgolf.com, (208) 734-7609; Special Advertising Section

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Fall Into Autumn courtesy of Randy Burbank

Fair fun, fine wine and wild game fill visitors’ fall calendars Farmers Markets

Smell the funnel cakes, hear the screams of delight from the midway, experience the excitement of a rodeo – it’s time for Southern Idaho county fairs. The Lincoln County Fair in Shoshone kicks off the season in late July, followed by fairs every week, including the Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo in Rupert, the Camas County Fair in Fairfield, the Jerome County Fair & Rodeo, the Cassia County Fair in Burley and the Gooding County Fair and Rodeo. Fair season culminates at the end of August into September with the Twin Falls County Fair & Magic Valley Stampede, which draws as many as 90,000 attendees and features daily entertainment such as bands, rodeos and the demolition derby, along with deep-fried fair fare.

More info: Jerome County Fair, jeromecountyfair.com, (208) 324-7209; Gooding County Fair, goodingcounty.org, (208) 934-4529; Twin Falls County, tfcfair.com, (888) 865-4398; idaho-insider.com/fairsinIdaho.html; Minidoka County Fair, (208) 436-9748; Cassia County Fair, cassiacountyfair.com, (208) 678-9150

Located at the College of Southern Idaho, the Twin Falls Farmers Market draws locavores every Saturday from May to October to stock up on locally grown seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs, as well as farm-fresh eggs, cupcakes and other goodies. Other markets in the city include a Friday Night Market (May to September) and the new Lynwood market, a 2011 startup.

The Mini-Cassia Market in Rupert is also open May to October, though some have shorter seasons, such as the West End Senior Center Wednesday Farmers Market (open July to September). From June through October, the Crossoads Farmers Market in Shoshone and the Fairfield Farmers Market are each held on Fridays. From May to September, visit farmers markets in Gooding on Tuesdays.

Hunting and Fishing

Fall is prime time for wine tastings, and three wineries call Magic Valley home.

Buhl’s Holesinky Winery opened in 2005, though the syrah, riesling, chardonnay, merlot and muscat grapes were planted four years earlier. “We are a certified organic vineyard and winery,” says owner James Holesinky, who notes the region’s microclimate makes it great for growing grapes.

“The grounds here are on the canyon rim, [and we have] gorgeous lawns, gardens and views.”

Cold Springs Winery in Hammet is the brainchild of viticulture specialist Jamie Martin and retirees Bill and Bing Ringert, who now boast a thriving selection of wine grapes including riesling, merlot, sauvignon syrah and viognier.

Rounding out the region’s vineyards is Snyder Winery in Buhl, which has a steakhouse in addition to its tasting room and tours.

More info: coldspringswinery.com, (208) 366-7993; holesinsky.com, (208) 543-6940; snyderwinery.com, (208) 543-6938

Brian Mccord

Wineries

Brian Mccord

Todd Bennett

County Fairs

“Few areas in the West can match the diversity and quality of hunting and fishing experiences found in south-central Idaho,” says Dave Parrish of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Hunting opportunities for upland birds, waterfowl and big game can be found throughout Southern Idaho, where large tracts of public land help sportsmen avoid crowds. Chukar, quail, Hungarian partridge, pheasant and sage-grouse seasons typically begin after Oct. 1 and can run through January, except for a one-week sage-grouse season. For ducks and geese, head to the Snake River near Rupert, Wendell and Hagerman beginning in late September. This area is part of a major flyway and wintering area for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

Early, general deer archery season opens Aug. 30 and general rifle seasons open Oct. 10 in several hunting units. Controlled or trophy hunts for deer and elk have limited numbers of tags and hunt boundaries, and must be applied for in May. Through October, fish for trout at Lake Cleveland, just a short walk from the road. Fall also brings rainbow trout and bass to the shallower waters of Lake Walcott, Milner, Oakley, Magic and Salmon Falls Creek reservoirs. For fly-fishing, visit the Malad River near Hagerman, where fish can be kept from Memorial Day weekend until Nov. 30; the rest of the year is catch-and-release only. Rock Creek, just south of Twin Falls, is another fall trout-fishing favorite with gorgeous fall foliage peaking around Oct. 1.

Before heading out, always check the latest information and rules at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website, where you can find hunting and fishing planners for detailed information on locations, and methods to bag your fish or game.

More info: fishandgame.idaho.gov, (208) 324-4359

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Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Meet Mini-Cassia The East Region rocks at recreation and beyond GO Extreme events mean extreme fun in Mini-Cassia, the area east of Twin Falls. June brings thousands of spectators to Burley’s Idaho Regatta, one of the most popular events on the American Powerboat Association racing circuit. Burley also hosts the Spudman Triathlon, home of the world’s fastest swim course, in July, though athletes begin competing for its coveted entry spots when registration opens in January. This trifecta of swimming, biking and running is followed by the VikingMan Half-Distance Triathlon in September, an event that takes place in Burley and nearby Heyburn.

But there are many more events that are less intense. In July, dancers and performers from around the world converge on the King Arts Center in Burley during the annual Idaho International Dance and Music Festival. Music lovers may also be interested in August’s Snake River Bluegrass Festival, held at Riverside Park in Heyburn. Pioneer Days in Oakley celebrates with a rodeo, barbecue cook-off and more, while bass tournaments, trail rides and a number of other events dot the calendar throughout the year.

PLAY Drive along City of Rocks Back Country Byway, a 49-mile “necklace” around the Albion Mountain Range that begins southeast of Burley in Albion and leads to the City of Rocks National Reserve near Almo. A unique geological area with granite pinnacles and monoliths, City of Rocks offers hiking, birding and snowshoeing, and visitors can also see sections of the historic California Trail. But the rock climbing is what attracts climbers from near and far.

“Climbers from around the world, and especially throughout North America have made the trip to Southern Idaho to experience this world-class climbing resource,” says Wallace Keck, City of Rocks superintendent. “Just the other day, a group of climbers from Georgia were in the visitor center raving about how they simply must come to the ‘City’ every summer to climb a few of the more than 700 routes.”

The family-friendly Pomerelle Mountain Resort also offers recreation at a world-class level, with slopes drawing skiers and boarders to the Albion alpines. In the summer, the Snake River lures water enthusiasts from boaters to anglers.

The historic town of Rupert features a charming town square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shops, businesses and restaurants such as Henry’s at the Drift Inn call the square home, but its centerpiece is the recently restored 1920s-era Wilson Theatre, a hub of local arts activities, conventions and community events.

Located near Rupert, Lake Walcott State Park is yet another recreation destination. “Lake Walcott provides world-class bass and trout fishing all seasons of the year,” says park manager Trapper Richardson. This also includes ice-fishing during fall and winter.

For inside fun, dig into regional history at Cassia County Museum in Burley, or at historical museums in Oakley, Albion and Rupert.

STAY Camping abounds at the state parks, but at City of Rocks, visitors can opt for a more unique experience by staying in one of its rentable yurts. These domed tents come equipped with electricity, Wi-Fi, a fireplace and furnishings, and sleep up to six people.

Another out-of-the-ordinary spot for overnight accommodations is Campus Grove at Albion, located just 20 minutes from Pomerelle and 40 minutes from City of Rocks.

Once the site of Albion State Normal School, which closed more than 60 years ago, the facility has been remodeled into a state-of-the-art conference and retreat center.

Visitors can also stay at one of several inns in Mini-Cassia, including Almo Inn, a Western-themed hotel in Almo, and Henry’s at the Drift Inn, a boutique-style hotel with newly remodeled suites. Best Western Burley Inn, Budget Inn, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott also offer visitors a good night’s rest in Burley, along with Tops Motel in Heyburn.

EAT The Drift Inn isn’t just a place to spend the night – its restaurant is a local favorite in its own right. Stop by for lunch on weekdays, or sit down for a dinner of spicy Cajun chicken pasta, finger steaks or prime rib. Almo Inn also houses a popular restaurant, the Outpost Steakhouse. This eatery is known for its ribeye steaks, though it also serves sandwiches and salads. In Burley, the riverfront restaurant Snake River Queen & Dry Dock features both a variety of favorites and lunch and dinner.

At Gossner’s Magic Valley Chalet in Heyburn, visitors can stock up on ice cream, cheese and other items from Gossner’s plant just down the road. Upstairs, the Upper Crust Bakery and Grill serves a variety of dishes complemented by locally made dairy products.

FIND Spudman Triathlon burleylions.org/spudman.html Idaho Regatta idahoregatta.org VikingMan vikingman.org City of Rocks Back Country Byway southernidahobyways.com Pomerelle Mountain Resort 961 E. Howell Canyon Rd.

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photos courtesy of National Park Service

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Albion, ID 83311 (208) 673-5599 pomerelle.com Visitor Center – City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park (208) 824-5901 parksandrecreation.idaho.gov nps.gov/ciro Lake Walcott State Park (208) 436-1258 parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Rupert rupert-idaho.com Almo Inn (208) 824-5500 almocreek.com Best Western Burley Inn (208) 678-3501 Budget Inn (208) 678-3501

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott (208) 677-5000 Tops Motel (208) 436-4724 Henry’s at the Drift Inn (208) 436-1300 henrysdriftinn.com The Outpost Steakhouse (208) 824-5577 Snake River Queen & Dry Dock (208) 678-3887 Gossner’s Magic Valley Chalet and Upper Crust Bakery & Grill (208) 679-0971 (208) 679-0972 theuppercrustgrill.com Mini-Cassia Visitor Center 1177 7th St. • Heyburn, ID 83336 (208) 679-4793 minicassiachamber.com

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Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Hello, Hagerman Valley Hagerman and Buhl destinations make a big splash GO Fun abounds in the Hagerman Valley, which includes the towns of Hagerman and Buhl. April brings the annual Basque Dinner, a fundraiser celebrating local heritage. Sagebrush Days have livened up Fourth of July festivities in Buhl for more than 75 years. The weekend-long festival includes a fun run, pancake breakfast, fish fry, sidewalk sales and what’s said to be the longest parade in Southern Idaho.

Get dirty at the Castleford Mud Bog, held in Castleford over a weekend in mid-July. The event coincides with the Castleford Motor Jamboree, so there will be plenty of shiny cars in addition to the mud drags.

In September, celebrate with local food and wine vendors at the annual Trout Festival, which takes place in Buhl, the Trout Capital of America.

PLAY The Hagerman stretch of the Snake River, which includes Malad Gorge, is popular among families for rafting, fishing and natural springs. Rafters of all levels can enjoy this section, which ranges from mellow waters perfect for paddling to more adventurous whitewater river rapids.

The river is just part of the vast Thousand Springs State Park, which also includes Ritter Island, Niagara Springs, Billingsley Creek and Crystal Springs Lake. The lake also attracts anglers, as do Hagerman National Fish Hatchery and Idaho Fish and Game Hatchery, which are popular for families fishing for rainbow trout and other species.

On dry land, check out Balanced Rock, a unique geological feature in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon, or visit the 350-acre Box Canyon State Park, also one of the state’s newest parks.

Discover a piece of history at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. Home to fossils dating to before the last Ice Age, the archaeological site features more than 200 fossils of plants and animals, including some of the earliest appearances of modern flora and fauna.

Operated out of the Hagerman Fossil Beds, nearby Minidoka National Historic Site remembers the former WWII internment camp for Americans of Japanese descent.

Today, the site is home to the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial, which translates to “let it not happen again.”

STAY The region’s natural hot springs bring thousands to area resorts for the soothing, high-pH water. 1000 Springs Resort in Hagerman has 17 private indoor Jacuzzis of the mineral water, as well as one large outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. 1000 Springs features 25 campsites, 18 RV sites and two new cabins.

At Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl, relax in one of the 21 pools and four outdoor pools, and sleep in one of the camping domes, 10 RV sites or areas for tents.

Hagerman also has several traditional bed-and-breakfasts,

such as Hagerman Valley Inn on Frogs Landing and Billingsley Creek Lodge on Scenic Highway Route 30. At the Oregon Trail Inn in Buhl, use travel club discounts and enjoy a wonderful trail breakfast, featuring locally baked pastries and breads as well as local brew from Hailey Coffee Co.

EAT Enjoy a scoop of Cloverleaf Creamery ice cream, knowing that it was made on a family-owned dairy farm in Buhl.

The farm’s retail store sells farm-fresh milk – in glass bottles, no less! – in addition to ice cream flavors ranging from classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry to the more unique raspberry cheesecake, banana cream pie and potato ice cream.

Also in Buhl, find seasonal milkshake flavors such as huckleberrry, pumpkin and eggnog at McClain’s Arctic Circle, or enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches, salads and coffee drinks at Crowns Cafe and Coffeehouse.

At Jo Joe’s Cafe in Hagerman, get a hearty meal morning, noon or night. Start your day with an omelet or loaded hashbrowns, grab a rodeo burger for lunch, or stick around for grilled pork chops or barbecue chicken pizza for dinner.

The mouthwatering menu at Snake River Grill in Hagerman includes local fish and game cooked by Chef Kirt Martin using French techniques, resulting in entrees such as boneless Idaho rainbow trout to grilled steaks topped with sauteed portabella mushrooms.

Hagerman Valley vineyard Snyder Winery also has an on-site steakhouse open Friday and Saturday evenings.

FIND Hagerman Valley Chamber of Commerce (208) 837-9131 hagermanvalleychamber.com Buhl Chamber of Commerce (208) 543-6682 buhlchamber.org Thousand Springs Byway southernidahobyways.com Thousand Springs State Park (208) 837-4505 parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center (208) 837-4793 nps.gov/hafoIdaho Hagerman National Fish Hatchery (208) 837-4896 fws.gov/hagerman

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Hagerman Wildlife Management Area Idaho Fish and Game Hagerman Hatchery (208) 837-4892 fishandgame.idaho.gov ‎ Miracle Hot Springs (208) 543-6002 mhsprings.com

Oregon Trail Inn (208) 543-8814 oregontrailinn.com Cloverleaf Creamery (208) 543-4272 cloverleafcreamery.com

Brian Mccord

Hagerman Valley Inn (208) 837-6196 hagermanvalleyinn.com

McClain’s Arctic Circle (208) 543-5321 Crowns Cafe and Coffeehouse (208) 543-8524

Brian Mccord

Snake River Grill (208) 837-6227 snakeriver-grill.com

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JEFF ADKINS

Snyder Winery (208) 543-6938 snyderwinery.com

Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

GO NORTH! The North Side boasts family-friendly fun with a variety of festivals GO Dozens of annual events take place in the North Side, which includes the communities of Jerome, Gooding, Wendell, Fairfield and Shoshone. Joe Mama’s Car Show in mid-August features more than 700 old, refurbished cars on display in Jerome. It’s followed by the Jerome County Fair & Rodeo, an old-time country fair with no admission fee.

“The fair offers something for everyone,” says Jerome Chamber of Commerce Director Jon Melone, who adds that attractions include local bands, pig wrestling, the demolition derby and professional cowboys. Don’t forget about the region’s other fun-filled fairs in Lincoln, Camas and Gooding counties, held in late July and early- to mid-August.

Magic Valley Dairy Days in Wendell – occurring in June Dairy Month, of course – honors the region’s agricultural heritage, while Gooding’s Basque Festival in July celebrates the culture of its early settlers. Summers in Fairfield brings Camas Lily Days the first weekend of June, and music and fireworks in the park for the Fourth of July, while Arts in the Park takes place in Shoshone in mid-July. In nearby Richfield, experience Outlaw Day in June, a community event and parade that has remained virtually unchanged since it began back in 1954.

PLAY Hunting and fishing opportunities abound on the North Side; here you can hunt for waterfowl and wild game or catch a variety of trout along the river. Golfers can tee off from within the canyon at Blue Lakes Country Club’s PGA course.

In Lincoln County, cool off from May to September with a visit to Shoshone Ice Caves, which are actually lava tubes that remain 28-33 degrees Fahrenheit even when it’s 100 degrees outside. The area is also home to Mammoth Cave and Natural Museum and the Lincoln County Museum.

Encompassing parts of Lincoln County, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve offers hiking, biking, camping and places to explore in the warm seasons, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Nearby, Gooding County Snow Park also provides a winter wonderland for visitors to ski, snowmobile or snowshoe.

Camas County’s Centennial Marsh is home to abundant wildlife, while Magic Reservoir provides ample opportunities for catching rainbow trout and perch. Anglers can even enjoy ice-fishing here in the winter.

STAY In Jerome, visitors on their way into the wilderness often choose the Wingate by Wyndham, conveniently located near the intersection of Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 93. Located at the same intersection, the Days Inn provides an added

convenience of corrals for those traveling with their fourlegged friends. KOA Campground, also in Jerome, provides RV accommodations.

In Shoshone, stay in comfort at the Mansion on South Greenwood Street. Gooding offers the Get Inn, a collegeturned-hotel that also has a greenhouse and nursery on-site.

Nearby, the century-old Gooding Hotel Bed and Breakfast is older than the town itself and is now operated by descendants of the city’s founders, who still serve up home-cooked breakfasts in a quaint atmosphere.

EAT In Jerome, La Campesina Mexican Restaurant gives a south-of-the-border taste, while Smokin’ Cowboy’s BBQ is a hot spot for slow-smoked brisket. The Eagles Nest Cafe in Dietrich serves up diner favorites such as chicken-fried steaks and hot sandwiches accompanied by mashed potatoes and gravy. Other popular Lincoln County restaurants include the Manhattan Cafe in Shoshone, which dates back to 1890, and the Main Street Grill in Richfield. Fairfield offers a variety, including the Sandwiched Inn Deli, the Wrangler Drive-In, the Iron Mountain Inn and Soldier Creek Brewing Co. Want to bring home something fresh from the farm? The award-winning Ballard Cheese in Gooding produces 1,280 pounds of farmstead cheese each week. “We milk about 60 Jersey cows,” says Stacie Ballad, “and we’re making cheese the old-fashioned way – by hand.” Find the farm’s flavored cheese curds and a number of varieties ranging from creamy Danish pearl to rich truffle cheddar cheese at retailers throughout the region, or schedule a tour of the farm to learn how cheese is made.

FIND Jerome County Fair (208) 324-7209 jeromecountyfair.com Gooding County Fair and Gooding Pro Rodeo (208) 934 4529 goodingidaho.org goodingprorodeo.com Gooding Municipal Airport (208) 934-5934 Gooding Basque Association Cultural Center (208) 308-5051 Joe Mama’s Car Show (208) 308-8941 joemamascarshow.com

Special Advertising Section

Jeff Adkins

Todd Bennett

Todd Bennett

(800) 255-8946

Shoshone Ice Caves (208) 886-2058 (May to September only)

Smokin’ Cowboys BBQ (208) 324-1008 smokincowboys.com

Craters of the Moon National Monument (208) 527-1335 nps.gov/crmo

Eagles Nest Cafe (208) 544-2094

Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area fishandgame.idaho.gov Sawtooth Best Western (208) 324-9200 Wingate by Wyndham (208) 644-1200 Twin Falls/Jerome KOA (208) 324-4169 The Historic Gooding Hotel Bed & Breakfast (208) 934-4374 goodinghotelbandb.com Governors Mansion Inn (208) 886-2858

Manhattan Cafe (208) 886-2142 Main Street Grill (208) 487-9940 Sandwiched Inn Deli (208) 764-2100 Wrangler Drive-In (208) 764-2580 Iron Mountain Inn (208) 764-2577 Soldier Creek Brewing Co. (208) 764-BREW Ballard Cheese (208) 934-4972 ballardcheese.com

La Campesina (208) 324-3094 Get events, lodging information and more at visitsouthidaho.com

Stay & Play in Southern Idaho

Scenic City Big-city conveniences, world-class recreation in commerce hub of Twin Falls GO From annual festivals to the activities available year round, there’s always something happening in Twin Falls. As the only bridge in the United States where one can legally parachute without a permit, hundreds of daredevils BASE-jump off Twin Falls’ Perrine Bridge into the depths of the Snake River Canyon some 500 feet below. Each September, the annual Perrine Bridge Festival celebrates this unique attraction while also serving as a fundraiser for children with special medical needs.

Other Twin Falls events include farmers markets; outdoor concerts; theatrical performances and concerts held at the College of Southern Idaho; and Art in the Park, a celebration of artists held in the summer for more than 50 years.

PLAY Take a hike on the scenic walking trail that winds its way along the floor of Rock Creek Canyon or the 10-mile Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, an easy way to take in the scenery and wildlife along the spectacular gorge. On the north edge of Twin Falls, the canyon offers golfing, as well as fishing and swimming attractions at Dierkes Lake. Of course, many come just to see the 212-foot-high Shoshone Falls, which is 52 feet higher than Niagara Falls. “It is absolutely beautiful all year round,” says Dennis Bowyer, the city’s parks and recreation director. “Even without high flows, the area is breathtaking.

We have the trail that takes you out of the canyon, with a couple of great overlooks of the falls, then the trail takes you to within 200 feet of the famous Evel Knievel jump site.” In fact, Knievel’s 1974 attempt to jump the quarter-mile-wide canyon helped to earn Twin Falls the title of the country’s most death-defying city on Livability.com.

In addition to all of the natural attractions on land and water, visitors to Twin Falls can also enjoy the cosmopolitan nature of the community. “Twin Falls is the retail and services hub of south-central Idaho and northern Nevada, reaching a market of 250,000 people,” says Shawn Barigar, director of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Find your favorite retailers at shopping centers and the Magic Valley Mall, or browse the independent shops, antique stores and specialty boutiques of the city’s historic downtown district. Twin Falls also serves as the regional health care hub, home to a new $250 million hospital and medical campus opened by St. Luke’s Magic Valley in 2011.

Other attractions include the new Twin Falls Center for the Arts, a venue operated by the Magic Valley Arts Council that opened on the Snake River Canyon rim in 2010, and the Herrett Center for Arts & Science, a museum and planetarium located on the College of Southern Idaho campus.

STAY The majority of lodging properties are located on the north end of Blue Lakes Boulevard, with convenient access to

shopping, restaurants and recreation at the Snake River Canyon. Additional places to stay are available along the main thoroughfares into the city. For a complete listing of hotels, visit the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce website at Twinfallschamber.com.

EAT A couple of Twin Falls eateries offer dinner with a gorgeous view. “Canyon Crest Dining & Event Center and Elevation 486 offer the greatest opportunities to experience fantastic cuisine and the natural beauty of the Snake River Canyon,” Barigar says. Canyon Crest’s mouthwatering menu ranges from eggplant lasagna to elk strip loin, while Elevation 486 serves up fire-grilled steelhead trout and a natural-beef porterhouse.

Locavores will also love Cucina Gemelli, which sources its ingredients locally for dishes such as deviled duck eggs, cornbread-stuffed tomatoes, and lamb from farms in nearby Shoshone and Carey. This Italian restaurant even offers gluten-free pastas and entrees. And Twin Falls is also home to all your familiar favorites, such as Applebee’s and Chili’s.

FIND Perrine Bridge Festival perrinebridgefestival.com Art in the Park (208) 421-1311 Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake (208) 736-2265 tfid.org Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce (208) 733-3974 twinfallschamber.com Twin Falls Center for the Arts/Magic Valley Arts Council (208) 734-2787 twinfallscenter.org magicvalleyartscouncil.org The Herrett Center for Arts & Science (208) 732-6655 herrett.csi.edu Canyon Crest Dining & Event Center (208) 733-9392 canyoncrestdining.com Elevation 486 (208) 737-0486 elevation486.com Cucina Gemelli (208) 735-1228 cucinagemellirestaurant.com

Special Advertising Section

jeff adkins

jeff adkins

Brian Mccord

(800) 255-8946

jeff adkins

Get events, lodging information and more at visitsouthidaho.com

Image Gallery

Boer goats graze on grasses and clover at Simon Boers Chevon in Hagerman.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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Image Gallery

Wagons resembling those used by early settlers at the City of Rocks Visitors Center Photo by Todd Bennett

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Top 10

Cities to Defy Death

STILLWATER Oklahoma FAYETTEVILLE North Carolina SAVANNAH Georgia CORPUS CHRISTI Texas TWIN FALLS Idaho BEND Oregon GLASGOW Kentucky

Twin Falls made the list.

Top 10 Cities to Defy Death See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

ROCK SPRINGS Wyoming TRAVERSE CITY Michigan OGDEN Utah

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

Image Gallery

Whitewater rafting on the Snake River Photo by Todd Bennett

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Walking the Canyon Rim Trail at sunset Photo by Todd Bennett

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Business

Heavens toBESSIE Southern Idaho’s dairy industry is a real cash cow

Story By Betsy Williams

M

aybe the grass just grows a little greener in Southern Idaho, or it could be all that breathtaking scenery.

Whatever the reason, more than 500,000 dairy cows seem to like it, and as a result, Southern Idaho’s cream has risen to the top when it comes to milk production and processing.

Direct employment from the region’s dairy industry accounts for almost 9,300 jobs, while the state’s 2010 on-farm cash receipts from milk produced on Idaho farms amounted to almost $1.9 billion.

Two Reasons Make Idaho Tops Bob Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, credits two reasons for the state’s No. 3 national ranking as a top dairy-producing state.

Dairy cows at West Point Farms in Wendell

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photo by Todd Bennett

“High-quality feed is available in this area,” he says. “The two main crops raised for dairy cows are alfalfa and corn silage, and we have those in abundance here. The other is that dairy farmers outside the state began looking for other locations when land in California went to housing. The weather here is ideal for cows.”

Success of the one has caused an explosion of another cash cow: milk processors. The processing side of the industry has grown right along with the raising and milking of dairy cows, Naerebout says.

“These are value-added jobs with a lot of employment.

We continue to milk the cows, which keeps full employment in the processing plants. About 35,000 jobs in Idaho depend on a healthy dairy industry, and the vast majority of those are in Southern Idaho.”

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Quality, Supply and Work Ethic Jan Rogers, executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Corporation, credits the quality and quantity of the milk and the region’s farmer-based work ethic as reasons for companies like Brewster Cheese, Commercial Creamery, Glanbia Foods and Jerome Cheese Company to locate production facilities in the region.

“The quality of our milk is extraordinary,” Rogers says. “The supply is strong, as we are milking a little more than 25 million pounds of milk a day in Southern Idaho. Our pricing is different in that we are not federally regulated, and our processors negotiate directly with the producers, which gives us an advantage. On top of that, there’s no harder working person than the farmer, and that work ethic runs through our community. Our new businesses are rightfully impressed by the strong work ethic

demonstrated in Southern Idaho.”

Excellent transportation arteries, a strong supply of milk and the wide array of processors also mean that distribution companies like WEL Companies Inc. are becoming part of Southern Idaho’s economic landscape. A national warehousing, transportation and storage company with 14 U.S. facilities, WEL purchased a 120,000-square-foot warehouse in Gooding to retrofit for refrigerated storage in 2011.

Southern Idaho farmers are taking a pro-active approach when it comes to environmental concerns, Naerebout says, as farmers are constructing aerobic digesters and implementing other scientific technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of the region’s dairy farms.

“The dairy industry is extremely important to this area,” Naerebout says. “It is a strong economic engine for Southern Idaho and it will continue to be so.”

Stainless steel milk silos at the Idaho Milk Products facility in Jerome

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photo by Jeff Adkins

Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define southern idaho’s economic climate

Recollections Biz: Gift shop Buzz: You don’t have to go far to find the perfect gift in Burley. Located in a historic building that used to house the local bus depot, Recollections combines historic charm with quirky accessories and accents. The unique gift shop carries items ranging from bath and body products and home furnishings to jewelry and other miscellaneous items. bestlittlegiftshopnow.com Longview Fibre Biz: Cardboard box manufacturer Buzz: Celebrating its 41st year in Twin Falls, Longview Fibre has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality cardboard boxes since its establishment. The company is a regular contributor to the city’s economy, as well as its way of life. www.longviewfibre.com Commercial Creamery Biz: Food manufacturer Buzz: Founded in 1908, Commercial Creamery is a leading manufacturer of specialty food ingredients. The company specializes in spray drying ingredients, including dairy and cheese powders, snack seasonings, flavors, sauce and soup mixes, and modified dairy mixes. Commercial Creamery operates out of two plants, and its Jerome, ID plant has received the highest ratings from the American Institute of Baking for the past few years. www.cheesepowder.com

Scorecard

Blue Lakes Marketplace at 5 Points Biz: Retail center Buzz: When Southern Idaho residents go to market, they go to Blue Lakes Marketplace. Anchored by Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, the shops are in an ideal location to serve the surrounding areas. Three other spaces – Hair Tech Salon and Spa, Tuxedos Now and Formalicity, make up the rest of the marketplace, though plans are in place to expand.

Wright Physical Therapy Biz: Physical therapy Buzz: Wright Physical Therapy takes care of Twin Falls. The therapists, all doctors of physical therapy with advanced orthopedic skills, assist patients of all ages with a wide range of ailments. Founded by Idaho native Bryan Wright, the therapy center focuses on joint, spine and sportsrelated injuries. www.wrightpt.com

Business At A Glance

$1 billion Annual retail sales

$27,814

Annual retail sales per capita

$104 million Annual hotel and food sales

4,525

Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

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Chamber Report Chamber finalizing next five-year plan

S

hawn Barigar says the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has big plans for the next five years, and most of them center around helping small businesses become more successful.

The president and CEO of the chamber says all 880 of its members will be surveyed by

early 2012 and asked for input regarding what areas the organization is strong in and what areas need to be improved. After that, the chamber will meet oneon-one with each of the members to see how their individual businesses can become more profitable over the next five years.

“Like all chambers, about 80

percent of our membership is made up of small businesses, so they deserve a big part of our attention,” Barigar says. “Once the surveys are completed, I will start scheduling the one-on-one meetings with all business owners to find out what improvements they would specifically like to see.”

Since 1905 The Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been around since 1905, first called the Twin Falls Commercial Club, and Barigar says the organization continues to thrive as an action agency designed to meet community needs.

“Nearly 900 member businesses have come together voluntarily to advance the commercial, financial, industrial and civic interests of the Twin Falls area, and the chamber is the business voice of the community,” he says. “We work closely with several organizations and many other private and public sectors to promote job opportunities in the Magic Valley.”

Leadership by Example Barigar says that joining the chamber’s annual Magic Valley Adult Leadership group is a good way to network and market yourself. The group meets once a month for 10 months to learn more about the workings of the Magic Valley region.

“One former Leadership member has lived in the Twin Falls area for about 25 years and was still finding out new things about the community by attending the monthly sessions,” Barigar says.

“The chamber has a lot of things happening these days, and more aspects of our newest five-year business push will be announced to our membership once all plans – Kevin Litwin are finalized.”

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6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1

3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

Business

economic profile BUSINESS CLIMATE Job creation here has made Twin Falls one of the state’s most robust economic engines in recent years. Good work prospects for job seekers and a moderate climate for retirees have helped keep Twin Falls County’s population on a steady growth.

TRANSPORTATION Twin Falls Airport 492 Airport Loop Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 733-5215

TAXES

6% State Sales Tax

6% Total Sales Tax

1.741% Residential Property Tax

Trans IV Bus P.O. Box 1238 Twin Falls, ID 83307 (208) 736-2133

workforce

75% White Collar

25% Blue Collar

major employers

Education

Twin Falls’ largest employers: Amalgamated Sugar Company Clear Springs Foods

33% Associate Degree

College of Southern Idaho Con Agra/Lamb-Weston, Inc. Glanbia, Inc. Independent Meat Intermountain Gas K&T Steel Corporation St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center

income

$22,880 Per Capita Income

$45,261 Average Annual Household Expenditure

16% Bachelor’s Degree

7% Graduate Degree

Jerome Chamber of Commerce 104 W. Main St. Jerome, ID 83338 (208) 324-2711 www.visitjeromeidaho.com Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce 1177 Seventh St. Heyburn, ID 83336 (208) 679-4793 www.minicassiachamber.com Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization P.O. Box 1238 Twin Falls, ID 83303 (208) 324-7408 www.southernidaho.org Twin Falls Economic Development P.O. Box 1907 Twin Falls, ID 83303 (208) 735-7240 www.tfid.org Business Plus P.O. Box 929 Twin Falls, ID 83303 BusinessPlusInc@msn.com www.business-plus.org City of Twin Falls 321 Second Ave. E. (208) 735-7281 www.tfid.org

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Twin Falls County 425 Shoshone St. N. (208) 733-2499 www.twinfallscounty.org

Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 858 Blue Lakes Blvd. N. Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 733-3974 www.twinfallschamber.com

Idaho Department of Commerce 700 W. State St. Boise, ID 83720 (208) 334-2470 commerce.idaho.gov

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5 DAYS. 250 HOMES.

Glanbia, local contractors and HFH-MV are partnering to build two homes in the Magic Valley as part of the Home Builders Blitz 2012.

BUILD WITH US! June 4-8, 2012 Share your expertise and help build stronger families, better neighborhoods and brighter futures in our community.

Call today: (208) 735-1233 or visit our website at www.habitatmagicvalley.org for more information.

Can you imagine ‌ a world without children?

We Can’t.

Call 1-800-996-4100 to help. www.stjude.org

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Local Flavor

Food Worth Celebrating Festivals honor trout, chocolate and everything in between Staff Photo

F

ood is serious business around here, from farming and processing it to preparing and serving it. Fittingly, many local organizations have found a way to blend Southern Idaho’s rich resources and culinary talents with fundraising opportunities for community organizations.

Rotary’s Death

By Chocolate Take Death By Chocolate, a production of the Rotary Club of Twin Falls usually held at the end of January. Local chefs square off in five categories: chocolate cake, brownie, cookie, candy and unique dessert. A judge’s panel selects the top entries, but the real winners are the attendees, who get to taste the entries and then vote for their favorites.

Festival-goers also enjoy a silent auction, raffle and live music. The 2011 event netted approximately

$28,000, with proceeds benefiting local charities.

Savor Southern Idaho Held annually, there’s Savor Southern Idaho, an all-Idaho evening sponsored by Southern Idaho Tourism. Highlighting the area’s agricultural heritage, the evening showcases not only what to eat and drink, but all the other unique aspects of the region.

Hot August Bite of Magic Valley Like complementary flavors in a favorite dish, two major events merged in 2011 to become the Hot August Bite of Magic Valley. Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored Hot August Night Picnic and Junior Club of Magic Valley, which sponsored the Bite of Magic Valley, joined forces at Twin Falls City Park to provide attendees with bigger and better

entertainment – and greater fundraising for local charities.

The festival included live music, food, wine and beer vendors and children’s activities.

Epicurean Evening Epicurean Evening each September raises funds for St. Luke’s Magic Valley Health Foundation. The event features a Quick Cuisine Cooking Challenge during which competing chefs must showcase an Idaho-grown ingredient in their dishes. In the past, culinary creations have involved trout, potatoes, honey and even alligator. Idaho wines and distilleries also are on hand to supply libations for a wine tasting portion of the evening, which also includes a silent auction. The event is sponsored by Idaho Preferred, a program of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture that works to raise the profile of local food producers.

– Joe Morris

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Arts & Culture

Creative Inspiration Magic Valley visual and performing arts organizations thrive

I

n a place where breathtaking backyard landscapes are everywhere, it stands to reason that an inspired arts scene thrives.

Magic Valley Arts Council The Magic Valley Arts Council works to promote arts and cultural experiences throughout the Greater Twin Falls area. It acts as an umbrella for many different groups, and is able to help projects large and small go from idea to reality.

One such success is the Canyon Rim Public Art Project, which saw the placement of a major sculpture at the Perrine Bridge Trail View Point. Then there’s the Arts on Tour program, which features nine performing arts productions at the College of

is education, and it collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens, focusing on the prehistoric American continents.

And while the natural history galleries offer plenty to see, the Herrett also looks to the skies with the Faulkner Planetarium and Centennial Observatory.

The Faulkner is the largest planetarium theater in Idaho, seating 144 people under a 50-foot dome. It has a Digistar II digital graphics projection system, one of the most advanced in the country. The Herrett also hosts special and traveling exhibits throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

Southern Idaho over a season that runs from September through May. The council’s other programs include Kids Art in the Park, the Missoula Children’s Theater, 2nd Century Photo Contest, the Brown Bag Lectures in conjunction with the Twin Falls Public Library, the Summer Chalk Walk at the Municipal Band Concerts and the First Friday gallery opening events that take place every other month, beginning in February, annually.

Herrett Center for Arts and Science As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s the one-stop cultural and historical extravaganza of the Herrett Center for Arts and Science on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho.

The museum’s main purpose

Magic Valley Performing Arts

Jeff Adkins

Oakley, ID might be a small town, but it’s not too small to house Howell’s Opera House.

Built in 1907 by Judge Howells, the Opera House originally opened as a theater. But thanks to its impressive acoustics and large size, the facility only hosted high-drama plays; thus it was coined an opera house.

Today, Howells Opera House is run by the Oakley Valley Arts Council, and the renovated building holds plays, musicals and other performances.

The Junior Musical Playhouse Company (a.k.a. the JuMP Company) is a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity for students in grades one through 12 to participate in musical theater. Every year, local professionals assist the JuMP Company in presenting two

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Left: Herrett Center for Arts and Science Right: Twin Falls Center for the Arts

musical productions. When the company is not rehearsing for a show, it offers workshops.

Other performance groups and venues in the Southern Idaho area include the Dilettante Group of Magic Valley, the Magic Valley Little Theatre and the King Fine Arts Center in Burley.

The newest addition to the local arts community is the Twin Falls Center for the Arts, opened in late 2010 within the River Vista development on the Snake River Canyon rim. The facility provides a space where art aficionados can gather to celebrate life and art in the Magic Valley. With an outdoor plaza, a two-story atrium, an auditorium and multipurpose rooms used for classes, the center cultivates all types of art in an environment pleasing to arts patrons. – Joe Morris

Todd Bennett

Twin Falls Center for the Arts

Sports & Recreation

S

The Active Southern Idaho

outhern Idaho recreation ranges from great golf and auto racing to rock climbing and snowmobiling – almost always surrounded by beautiful views.

beautiful golf courses, natural wonders and world-class snow skiing

Snow Sports Active types who embrace all seasons will be right at home in Southern Idaho’s snowmobile trails and prominent ski resorts.

The Albion Area Snowmobile Trails feature approximately 30 square miles of trails that vary in difficulty. The Gooding County Snow Park provides access to a snowmobile trail that covers 150 miles of land. The Magic Mountain Resort has several ski trails as well as its own tubing trail. And, located in the Sawtooth National Forest, the Pomerelle Mountain Resort allows access to 24 slopes.

Warm Weather Natural Attractions

Todd Bennett

Southern Idaho is also home to several outdoor recreation sites that are most popular during warmer months for rock climbing, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, sight-seeing and bird-watching.

The City of Rocks National Reserve offers outstanding rock climbing with 500 routes that ascend granite monoliths, which can reach more than 60 stories high. Located about 2 miles north of the Magic Mountain Resort, the Twin Falls Area Hiking Trail offers numerous outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hiking and bird-watching.

Thousand Springs State Park boasts historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, as well as the beautiful natural scenery of the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Niagara Springs and Crystal Lake. The Banbury Hot Springs run along the Snake River and connect to campground facilities, a picnic area, boat ramp, outdoor pool and Jacuzzis.

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Rock climbing at City of Rocks National Reserve in Almo

Sports & Recreation Golf Galore Southern Idaho has many golf courses, some of which are set next to the beautiful Snake River.

Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls, an 18-hole course for players of all skill levels; Blue Lakes Country Club, a private 18-hole course open year round and situated in the Snake River Canyon; and Clear Lake Country Club, located in Buhl, a semi-private 18-hole course open in the spring and fall.

Auto racing fans have a hometown track in Magic Valley Speedway, a 1/3-mile, semibanked oval track. Besides thrilling races, the speedway also offers participants a ride in an official pace car or race car.

Sports fans also support the athletes of College of Southern Idaho by attending home events.

– Braxton Shoop

Todd Bennett

Spectator Sports

Chartered Flights • Aircraft Management Aircraft Maintenance • U.S. and Canadian Service 208.308.1852 • www.paviation.com

Your Back Your Choice

1411 Falls Ave. E. • Suite 1301 Twin Falls, ID 83301 Ph: 208.732.0067 • Fax: 208.732.3195 email: askchristensenmd@hotmail.com

Health & Wellness

We’ve Got You Covered Several hospitals provide healthy outlooks

T

he prognosis is positive for health care in Southern Idaho, with top facilities in place for patients throughout the Magic Valley and beyond.

Meanwhile in late 2011, St. Luke’s partnered with St. Benedicts Family Medical Center in Jerome, and St. Luke’s officials promise to run the hospital as caringly and efficiently as it has operated since first opening in 1952. The rural health facility is now under the St. Luke’s banner (called St. Luke’s-Jerome) and features all of the top medical services that St. Luke’s has always offered.

St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center Opened in 1918, St. Luke’s serves eight Southern Idaho counties and parts of northern Nevada. In 2006, the residents of Twin Falls County voted to partner St. Luke’s with the longstanding Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, and now a brand new, state-of-the-art St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center opened in Twin Falls in 2011.

The 700,000-square-foot hospital is touted as the most advanced in Idaho and features 160 multispecialty physicians.

There are private rooms and 186 beds, along with a large emergency department, women’s and children’s center, and an in-patient rehabilitation center.

A medical plaza with 20 specialties is attached to the hospital, and also attached is an expanded St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute cancer clinic. As for the new medical center itself, features include an efficient layout of nursing areas, earth-tone colors throughout St. Luke’s, and a cardiac catheterization lab that is double the size of the old lab. A second linear accelerator has been added, avoiding disruptions in a cancer patient’s treatment cycle, and there is an increased number of beds in the Intensive Care Unit.

This hospital in Burley opened in 1960 and today is operated

by Intermountain Healthcare.

Services include 24-hour emergency, critical care, family practice, surgery, rehabilitation and a sleep lab. Cassia Regional Medical Center, with 300 employees and 35 staff physicians, also has a birth center and provides OB/GYN services.

Minidoka Memorial Hospital services offered at the medical center in Rupert include

North Canyon Medical Center North Canyon in Gooding has been making a difference since the multimillion-dollar facility opened on time and under budget in 2010. It offers private rooms, an all-digital health records system that is integrated with affiliated doctors’ offices, a larger emergency room with two trauma bays and six exam rooms, a 16-slice CT scanner, 4-D ultrasound, digital mammography and surgical imaging. North Canyon Medical Center now offers surgery, and is built for expansion at every level so that it can grow with the community.

– Kevin Litwin

Todd Bennett

A room at the new St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls

Cassia Regional Medical Center

surgery, obstetrics, inpatient and outpatient treatments, long-term care, home health, ambulance and occupational health. Minidoka Memorial has 50 beds and is a long-term care and rehabilitation facility. The hospital employs more than 200 people, making it an important employer in Twin Falls County.

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Education

Schools of Thought Southern Idaho deserves high marks for education

S

chools in Southern Idaho earn extra credit for providing excellent academic opportunities for students of all ages. Here are some of the top academic options throughout the Magic Valley.

The College of Southern Idaho main campus is in Twin Falls, and it has off-campus centers in Burley, Gooding, Hailey and Jerome. CSI enrolls approximately 7,000 students and offers more than 100 course disciplines. Additional upper-division courses are offered through CSI at the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Boise State University.

Boise State University The research university in the state’s capital city has an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students. It offers almost 200 fields of study ranging from associate certifications to doctoral programs.

Boise State is organized into seven colleges: arts and sciences, business and economics, education, engineering, graduate studies, health sciences, and social sciences and public affairs.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Twin Falls School District This district serves 7,400 students and has seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one alternative middle school, two high schools and one alternative high school. The Twin Falls School District has a staff of approximately 950, making it one of the largest employers in Southern Idaho.

Jerome School District More than 3,500 students are enrolled in the Jerome

Todd Bennett

HIGHER EDUCATION

School District. Horizon and Jefferson elementary schools accommodate grades K-3; Summit Elementary is for grades 4-5; Jerome Middle features grades 6-8; and Jerome High School has grades 9-12.

Minidoka County School District MCSD is home to Acequia, Heyburn, Paul and Rupert elementary schools; East Minico and West Minico middle schools; Minico High School; and Mt. Harrison Jr./Sr. High School.

Cassia County School District The district is home to Burley, Declo, Oakley and Raft River high schools, and Burley and Declo junior high schools.

The elementary schools in the CCSD are Albion, Almo, Declo, Dworshak, Mountain View, Oakley, Raft River and White Pine. There is also Cassia Alternative High, Cassia Tech Center and Newcomer Center Preschool.

Blaine County School District This school district features eight schools, including one – Carey School – that accommodates K-12 students. The other public schools are Bellevue Elementary, Ernest Hemingway Elementary, Hailey Elementary, Woodside Elementary, Wood River Middle School, Silver Creek High School and Wood River High School.

Idaho Digital Learning Academy IDLA is a state-sponsored and accredited online school created by the Idaho State Legislature to provide greater education access for Idaho students in grades 7-12. The school addresses the educational needs of all traditional, home-schooled, at-risk and gifted learners in Idaho.

Other options Southen Idaho also offers a number of excellent private and charter schools.

–Kevin Litwin i m ag ess o u t h e r n ida h o . c o m

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visit our

advertisers “Bridging the Magic Valley to the Rest of the World”

Ataraxis Accounting www.idahocpa.com

Kurt’s Pharmacy www.kurtspharmacyandhallmark.com

Brookdale Senior Living www.brookdaleliving.com

Precision Aviation Inc. www.paviation.com

Church of the Ascension www.ascension.episcopalidaho.com

Rosenau Funeral Home & Crematory www.rosenaufuneralhome.com

College of Southern Idaho www.csi.edu DL Evans Bank www.dlevans.com First Federal www.firstfd.com Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley Inc. www.habitatmagicvalley.org

Snake River ENT www.marodspa.com Southern Idaho Tourism www.visitsouthidaho.com St. Benedicts Family Medical Center www.stbenshospital.org

Intermountain Spine & Orthopaedics www.imspine.com

St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center www.stlukesonline.org

Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport www.tfid.org

Twin Falls School District www.ed.tfsd.org

• Free Parking • Fast, Convenient and Friendly Joslin Field MagiC Valley Regional aiRPoRt

492 airport loop twin Falls, id 83301 (208) 733-5215 www.tfid.org

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S o u t h e r n I da h o

community profile SNAPSHOT Twin Falls County is the most populous of the seven Southern Idaho counties and has grown steadily over the past decade.

The area has swiftly become a regional retail hub for Southern Idaho, and the population has increased accordingly. The area has abundant natural resources and numerous recreational opportunities.

Household information CLIMATE

86 F °

July High Temperature

19° F January Low Temperature

10

”

AGE

33 Median Resident Age

32% Age 19 and Under

Annual Rain Fall (vs. National

44%

Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

Age 20-54

cost of living

24%

ETHNICITY

76% White

less than

1%

Black

15% Hispanic

9% Other

Age 55 and Over

transportation

$38,354 Median Household Income

$106,387 Median Home Price

$647 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

MARITAL STATUS

58%

12 minutes Median Travel Time to Work

Married

42% Single

time zone Mountain

Kevin Rosenau

2826 Addison Ave. E. • Twin Falls, ID 83301 208.944.3373 T • 208.944.3371 F info@rosenaufuneralhome.com www.rosenaufuneralhome.com

i m ag ess o u t h e r n ida h o . c o m

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Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Southern Idaho through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Southern Idaho I’ve never really understood the fascination with skydiving.

You jump out of a perfectly good plane, plummet several thousand feet, use a bed sheet attached to a knapsack on your back with pieces of string and hope that it slows your fall.

In the words of Commander Spock, “This is highly illogical.”

BASE jumping is even more confounding. (For the uneducated, BASE stands for buildings, antennas, spans and earth.)

But so is the attraction to the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, ID. It is the only bridge in the United States where it is legal to BASE jump 365 days out of the year without a permit.

For the unprepared, it can be a tire screeching shock as you drive across the bridge and see someone leap over the side of the bridge. Even if you’ve driven across it before, it can still be a little unnerving …

Posted by todd bennett

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

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S o u t h e r n I da h o

Kurt’s Pharmacy Free Delivery

“Do you or a loved one have trouble remembering to take your medications?

We can help with medication organization!

LocaLLy owned for more than 25 years 1203 Filer Ave. E. Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 734-8177 tel (208) 734-8184 fax www.kurtspharmacyandhallmark.com

Weigh in

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Join the challenge for a chance to get healthy and win money.

The Challenge starts again in January.

our Mission: 1) Raise awareness of obesity-related illnesses 2) Encourage the Magic Valley to get healthy through weight loss 3) Raise money for a nonprofit organization, which reinforces our health-related goals 4) Involve sponsors and businesses throughout the community to promote healthy lifestyles

Find us on

at: www.facebook.com/pages/1000000-Magic-Valley-Weight-Loss-Challenge/135372773181332?sk=wall

Ad Index

8 Ataraxis Accounting

C3 Kurt’s Pharmacy

2 Brookdale Senior Living

49 Precision Aviation Inc.

44 Church of the Ascension

55 Rosenau Funeral Home & Crematory

52 College of Southern Idaho

C4 DL Evans Bank

6 First Federal

2 Snake River ENT C2 Southern Idaho Tourism 9 St. Benedicts Family Medical Center

44 Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley Inc.

50 Intermountain Spine & Orthopaedics

12 St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center

54 Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport

55 Twin Falls School District

107 years

Five generations And we’ve only just started!

“Over one hundred years ago, D. L. Evans started the bank in Idaho, with $25,000 and a dream.

Despite the floods, droughts, and the Great Depression, we continue to grow and prosper throughout Idaho.”

John V. Evans, Sr.

Former Governor of Idaho

We’re looking forward to the next hundred!

Member

FDIC www.dlevans.com

ALBION

BOISE

BURLEY

HAILEY

IDAHO FALLS

JEROME

KETCHUM

MERIDIAN

NAMPA

POCATELLO

RUPERT

TWIN FALLS

i m a g e s s o u t h e r n i d a h o • 2 0 1 2 EDITION | v o l u m e 7