Stay& Play
in Southern Idaho
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Stay & Play In Southern Idaho
Hagerman Valley’s Liquid Assets Go
In the Hagerman Valley, getting there is part of the adventure on the 68-mile Thousand Springs Byway, which begins in Bliss and loosely follows the Snake River, winding southeast along U.S. 30 through Hagerman, Buhl and Filer to Twin Falls. Along the way are five units of Thousand Springs State Park, home to abundant wildlife watching and recreational opportunities. Another highlight of the byway is the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center in downtown Hagerman. In addition to exhibits showcasing the topography of the land millions of years ago, the center also has a temporary exhibit interpreting the history of Minidoka National Historic Site, a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
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Buhl’s status as the “Trout Capital of America” should give some indication of the fine fishing to be found in the Hagerman Valley. Not only is the area known by sportsmen, but fish also keep the economy swimming along strongly: Idaho is the nation’s largest commercial producer of rainbow trout, and most of that production happens here in the Hagerman Valley. Visitors can learn more about Southern Idaho’s aquaculture industry by following the Thousand Springs Byway to the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area, where they can tour state and federal hatcheries and craft their own big fish tales at a series of stocked ponds. In this area are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, which raises more than 1.4 million steelhead and 30,000 rainbow trout annually; the University of Idaho’s Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station; and Idaho Fish and Game’s Hagerman Hatchery, which raises primarily rainbow trout. Guests may fish the ponds from March 1 to Nov. 1, and then during the winter months, enjoy the sights of 60,000 migrating ducks and geese. Other popular spots for fishing here include Crystal Springs Lake at Thousands Springs State Park, the Hagerman stretch of the Snake River, the Malad River and Filer Ponds.
Those who are just as happy to join the fish as catch them will find river access for boating, rafting and kayaking at Idaho Power’s eight recreational sites in the valley. There are two along the Malad River and six along the Snake River. Amenities for watercraft vary by site, but most include access for at least one type of watercraft.
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After a long day of play, visitors can soak up even more of what nature has to offer – literally – at Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl. The resort uses the area’s natural hot springs for its 19 private pools and two outdoor pools, where guests may immerse themselves in the soft, odorless, high-pH water that is considered by many to have rejuvenating properties. Wind down and stay: There are tent spaces, RV sites with water and electricity hook-ups, and geodesic camping domes with hotwater-heated floors. Travelers who prefer a boutique hotel setting will find it at the Hagerman Valley Inn, which has two cozy themed suites, a king room and 13 standard rooms – all include free cable television and high-speed Internet connections.
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A true taste of Southern Idaho can be found in the Hagerman Valley, including local wine at Snyder Winery. Offering tours and a tasting room, Snyder Winery also has a steakhouse that is open on Friday and Saturday evenings by reservation. New York steak, two-inch ribeye and salmon filet baked in parchment paper are favorite items on a menu created by Russell Snyder, who owns the winery with his wife, Claudia. Local flavor also is the focus of Chef Kirt Martin’s menus at another family-run operation, Snake River Grill in Hagerman. Dine on creatively prepared, Idaho-grown products, from seasonal fruits and vegetables from area farmers markets to Kurobota pork, Kobe beef, sturgeon and trout. Martin, who starred in Outdoor Channel’s popular Cooking on the Wild Side show from 1999-2002, owns the establishment with his wife, Carol, who ensures the meals are satisfying from start to finish: she makes all of the pies.
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Todd Bennett
SEE
Brian Mccord
(800) 255-8946
Karee Parenti and her family, Jeremy, Sophia and Clayton Conner, enjoy the family-oriented lifestyle that Southern Idaho offers. Left: A swimmer takes in one of the large heated pools at Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl.
FIND Thousand Springs Byway southernidahobyways.com Thousand Springs State Park 1074 E. 2350 S. Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-4505 www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center 221 N. State St. Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-4793 www.nps.gov/hafo Idaho Power Recreation Information www.idahopower.com/ourenvironment (800) 422-3143 Hagerman National Fish Hatchery 3059-D National Fish Hatchery Rd. Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-4896 www.fws.gov/hagerman/
Hagerman Wildlife Management Area Idaho Fish and Game Hagerman Hatchery 1060 State Fish Hatchery Rd. Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-4892 www.fishandgame.idaho.gov Miracle Hot Springs 19073A Hwy. 30 Buhl, ID 83316 (208) 543-6002 www.mhsprings.com Hagerman Valley Inn 661 Frogs Landing Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-6196 www.hagermanvalleyinn.com Snyder Winery 4060 N. 1200 E. Buhl, ID 83316 (208) 543-6938 www.snyderwinery.com
Snake River Grill 611 Frogs Landing Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-6227 www.snakeriver-grill.com University of Idaho Aquaculture Institute – Hagerman Station www.webs.uidaho.edu/aquaculture/ hagerman_research.asp This special section is published for Southern Idaho Tourism by Journal Communications Inc.
For more information, contact: Southern Idaho Tourism P.O. Box 5155 • Twin Falls, ID 83303-5155 Phone: (800) 255-8946 www.visitsouthidaho.com ©Copyright 2010 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: Fishing at Sawtooth National Forest Photo by Brian McCord
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Stay & Play In Southern Idaho
East Side Story
Todd Bennett
Mini-Cassia Rocks
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Competitive types know the race is always on, whether by land or water, in the Mini-Cassia area to the east of Twin Falls. In January, registration opens for 1,600 coveted, lottery-drawn entries in Burley’s Spudman Triathlon, home of the world’s fastest swim course. The event itself occurs on the last Saturday of July. Burley also is home to the Idaho Regatta each June, when high-powered boats take to the Snake River to compete in the fastest inboard circle boat racing in the country. Then in September, Burley and Heyburn host the VikingMan triathlon. Never fear: The area has many other festive occasions here that do not require rigorous advance training. The Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce event calendar highlights its 12 cities’ major events at www.minicassiachamber.com. Once it’s decided when to go, discover how to go to find more adventure, scenery and history in the Mini-Cassia area: the City of Rocks Back Country Byway.
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The City of Rocks Back Country Byway begins southeast of Burley in Albion, then winds clockwise around the Albion Mountain Range, skimming along the edge of Pomerelle Ski Area, a family-friendly resort in the Sawtooth National Forest. Pomerelle has more snow than any other skiing facility in the state, making it a huge draw for skiers and boarders in the winter. In the summer, the terrain lures hikers and mountain bikers. The byway eventually leads to its namesake, the City of Rocks National Reserve near Almo. Here, visitors enjoy hiking, birding and snowshoeing, but put simply, the rocks rule. The reserve’s granite pinnacles – some more than 2.5 billion years old – draw climbers from around the world. Beginners should stop by the visitor center for both City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park, and take advantage of the parks’ new Climbing Experience Program. Participants are taken to a pre-designated climbing area to learn the very basics of rock climbing. For more customized climbing experiences, trail rides and overnight pack trips, the area also has several professional outfitters. The scenic route ends in historic Oakley, which has the state’s largest number of old stone and wood-framed buildings,
earning the entire town a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Northeast of Rupert on the edge of the high desert, water sports and spectacular bird watching await at Lake Walcott State Park, where avian admirers can see an array of raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, upland birds, waterbirds and waterfowl.
STAY A truly unique choice for overnight accommodations is Campus Grove at Albion, a state-of-the-art, history-rich retreat and conference center that once was the site of Albion State Normal School, which was established in 1893. While the school closed more than 60 years ago, Miller Hall, a dormitory built in 1901, has been transformed into guest rooms and can accommodate approximately 80 people for special events. While rooms are offered individually, the entire hall may be booked for family reunions, business retreats and other meetings. Camping facilities dot the landscape in the Mini-Cassia area, but the Smoky Mountain Campground at Castle Rocks State Park has two especially interesting additions to offer guests – rental yurts. The park added the circular, domed tents in May 2010, and each includes electricity, Wi-Fi, a fan, a fireplace and furnishings. The yurts can sleep as many as six people and cost only $50 to reserve each, regardless of whether one or six people plan to stay.
EAT For first-rate dining in a historic setting, drift into the Drift Inn, located on Rupert’s downtown square, an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant is located inside the restored 1917 First National Bank building. In Burley on the Snake River, the family-owned Morey’s Steakhouse promises “the best steak on the Snake,” but also offers chicken, fish, pork and pasta dishes, many including locally grown ingredients. Diners can sink their teeth into spectacular steak in Almo, too, at The Outpost Steakhouse, which promises “100 percent Western Heritage steaks with all the trail blazin’ fixins,” as well as sandwiches and salads.
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Clockwise from top right: The Climbing Experience Program; Yurt campground at City of Rocks National Reserve; Bird at Lake Walcott. Far left: Lake Walcott State Park – popular spot for water skiing, power boating, windsurfing, sailing and bird watching
FIND Spudman Triathlon www.burleylions.org/spudman.html Idaho Regatta www.idahoregatta.org VikingMan www.vikingman.org City of Rocks Back Country Byway southernidahobyways.com Pomerelle Mountain Resort 961 E. Howell Canyon Rd. Albion, ID 83311 (208) 673-5599 www.pomerelle-mtn.com
Visitor Center – City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park 3035 S. Elba-Almo Rd. Almo, ID 83312 (208) 824-5519 parksandrecreation.idaho.gov www.nps.gov/ciro Lake Walcott State Park 959 E. Minidoka Dam Rupert, ID 83350 (208) 436-1258 www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
Morey’s Steakhouse 219 E. 3rd N. Burley, ID 83318 (208) 679-1166 www.moreyssteakhouse.com The Outpost Steakhouse 3020 Elba Almo Rd. Almo, ID 83312 (208) 824-5577 Campus Grove at Albion (208) 430-6430 www.albioncampusgrove.com
The Drift Inn 545 F St. • Rupert, ID 83350 (208) 436-1300 www.henrysdriftinn.com
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Stay & Play In Southern Idaho
Northern Exposure
Photos by jeff adkins
Experience Small-Town Charm in Northside Communities
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For a slice of small-town American life, head to the North Side, which includes the three counties north of Twin Falls: Jerome, Gooding and Lincoln. Traditional fairs draw thousands to Jerome and Gooding counties each August. The 2011 Jerome County Fair is set for Aug. 5-13 and features everything from the expected – ag displays and contests, a midway and a demolition derby – to the unexpected, such as pig wrestling. Indeed, teams of three join a pig in a ring, and whoever catches the pig wins. There are several age groups, and of course, the size of the pigs are proportionate to the age of the people. The 2011 Gooding County Fair and Gooding Pro Rodeo are held the following week of August, with the fair’s top draw, the rodeo, held over the closing weekend. The Gooding County Fairgrounds also is the site of the annual Gooding Basque Association Picnic held the third Sunday of July. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy delicious food, dancing and athletic competitions – all celebrating the area’s rich Basque cultural heritage. Wendell is known for honoring its veterans, something especially evident in the huge turnout for its annual Memorial Day Celebration, which begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wendell Cemetery and continues at the Wendell Veterans Park. Fans of fenders and flying things will enjoy the Gooding Municipal Airport fly-in and breakfast each July and Joe Mama’s Car Show in Jerome City Park in August.
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A must-see near Shoshone from Memorial Day to Labor Day are the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves, which consist of a 1,000-foot
lava tube that maintains a thick layer of ice due to underground air currents. Guests may tour the caves, where trained guides explain how the caves were formed, along with other facts about the area’s interesting geological history. Another lesson in natural science awaits at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Arco, where lava fields create an almost otherworldly landscape for hikers and bikers. Even when there is snowfall, guests may enjoy cross-country skiing on the monument’s winter trail. Snowshoeing is another popular activity, with planned snowshoe walks for all skill levels in January and February. The visitor center is open yearround, excluding winter holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended summer hours. The North Side’s many rural areas create a wonderland for year-round hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. For rainbow and brown trout catches 365 days a year, anglers head to Magic Reservoir, located 45 minutes north of Jerome. Wilson Lake, a half-hour east of Jerome, is a prime spot for perch, crappie and small-mouth bass. Wildlife lovers know that at the 6,000-acre Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area near Fairfield, the last 10 days of May mean dramatic stunning vistas paired with first-rate bird watching. This is when the purple camas lily for which the marsh is named is in peak bloom. Besides pronghorn antelope and the occasional deer or elk, visitors will see thousands of birds, from Canada geese and ring-necked ducks to snowy egrets and California gulls. The site has primitive camping spaces, and a stay overnight is worth the avian chatter heard when the day breaks.
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The North Side offers many options for lodging. Among the
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most interesting is The Historic Gooding Hotel Bed & Breakfast in Gooding, which is still run by members of the Gooding family. It has more than 100 years of history in hospitality and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has 11 themed rooms, most with connections to the history of the town and its founding family, including a suite in honor of city founder Frank Gooding, Idaho’s sixth governor. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA is another preferred place to stay, providing accommodations for RVs and tents as well as one- and tworoom cabins and camping lodges. The campground’s services and amenities include a snack bar, free wireless Internet, a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, mini golf and bicycle rentals, among others.
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Healthy appetites are welcome here, with several local favorite restaurants at the ready to satisfy diners’ desires. In Gooding, enjoy lunch, then shop for wine, gifts and bakery items at Sweet Inspiration bistro on Main Street. Also on Main, Rowdy’s is a popular spot for pub fare and a good selection of brews. Couldn’t make it to the annual Gooding Basque Association Picnic? The association serves dinner the first Friday of every month at its cultural center. In Jerome, dig in to slow-smoked authentic barbecue at Smokin’ Cowboys, or select from a huge variety of Mexican dishes at El Sombrero. Authentic south-of-the-border specialties may also be found in Wendell at the familyowned El Tapatio, and Farmhouse Family Restaurant, located conveniently off of I-84, is a top pick for affordable, huge servings of traditional American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
FIND Jerome County Fair (208) 324-7209 www.jeromecountyfair.com Gooding County Fair and Gooding Pro Rodeo (208) 934 4529 www.goodingidaho.org www.goodingprorodeo.com Gooding Municipal Airport (208) 934-5934 Gooding Basque Association Cultural Center (208) 308-5051 Joe Mama’s Car Show (208) 308-8941 www.joemamascarshow.com Shoshone Indian Ice Caves (208) 886-2058 Craters of the Moon National Monument (208) 527-1335 www.nps.gov/crmo Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area www.fishandgame.idaho.gov The Historic Gooding Hotel Bed & Breakfast (208) 934-4374 www.goodinghotelbandb.com Twin Falls/Jerome KOA (208) 324-4169 Sweet Inspiration (208) 934-4756 Rowdy’s Pub & Grill (208) 934-8003 Smokin’ Cowboys (208) 324-1008 www.smokincowboys.com El Sombrero (208) 324-7238
A runner makes his way around the loop at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Left: A walkway guides visitors through the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves.
El Tapatio (208) 536-5584 Farmhouse Family Restaurant (208) 536-6688
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Stay & Play In Southern Idaho
Heart of the Magic Valley Explore the Twin Falls Area Visitors will find a world of information about natural history, astronomy and art at The Herrett Center for Arts & Science, located on the College of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls. The center’s natural history collection includes more than 18,500 anthropological and geological artifacts from around the world, and its art collection includes more than 500 works. Space science and astronomy programs are offered in its Faulkner Planetarium and Centennial Observatory. The Twin Falls area has many events that showcase residents’ community spirit and pride. One of the newest events in Twin Falls is The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, held in August. Teams of all ages design and construct human-powered boats made entirely of corrugated cardboard, then race them in three runs along a 200-yard course at Dierkes Lake. The Perrine Bridge Festival in September features a carnival, fun runs, kayak and canoe races, music, a BASE jumping exhibit and more, all to raise money for children with special needs.
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Mountain bikers flock to 50 miles of varied trails in Sawtooth National Forest’s Cassia Division, also known as the South Hills, just 40 minutes south of Twin Falls. The Porcupine Springs Campground provides access to these trails, which also are used by hikers and horseback riders. Other popular South Hills hiking trails include the Rim View Trail, Independence Lakes Trail and the Phantom Falls Trail. Within the city, visitors can bike or hike on more than 10 miles of trails throughout Twin Falls, including the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. A great place to access these trails is Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake Park Complex adjacent to Shoshone Falls, a must-see destination. Known as the Niagara Falls of the West, the waterfalls actually feature longer drops – 212 feet, compared to Niagara Falls’ 176 feet. Idaho Power controls the flow of the river to ensure that the falls flow regularly
while still meeting irrigation and power production needs, and also operates Twin Falls Park a few miles upstream of Shoshone Falls. The park includes amenities for picnics, fishing and boating on the Twin Falls Reservoir. The power company also helps ensure a spectacular experience for river kayakers and rafters, the most experienced of whom can enjoy the Murtaugh section of the Snake River, just east of Twin Falls. Idaho Power operates the Milner Dam, and when there is sufficient mountain snowfall and irrigation needs are met, enough water is released for whitewater recreation from May to June. At its peak strength, the 1-mile section of the river from the dam to the power plant provides up to a Class V level rapid.
Bar, where diners can enjoy a casual, sports-bar atmosphere. Those in search of locally crafted brews and live music head downtown to VonScheidt Brewing Co., Twin Falls’ hometown pub and brewery.
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Idaho Power Recreation Information www.idahopower.com/ourenvironment
The Twin Falls area has several hotel properties offering relaxing, convenient accommodations for everyone from the individual business traveler to large bus tour groups. A recent standout is the Twin Falls Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, which in 2010 was named one of the top seven new hotels by Intercontinental Hotels Group. Owned by The Summit Group along with 60 other properties nationwide, Holiday Inn Express is joined in Twin Falls by Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites. These three properties are conveniently located near the Snake River Canyon and other top attractions.
FIND The Herrett Center for Arts & Science www.herrett.csi.edu Perrine Bridge Festival www.perrinebridgefestival.com The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta www.twinfallschamber.com Sawtooth National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake www.tfid.org/departments/parks-rec
Twin Falls Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites www.hiexpress.com Twin Falls Comfort Inn & Suites www.comfortinn.com Twin Falls Hampton Inn www.hamptoninn.hilton.com Local Dish Market Cafe www.localdishmarketcafe.com Anchor Bistro & Bar www.anchorbistro.com VonScheidt Brewing Company (208) 733-2131
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The area’s glorious natural surroundings impact every aspect of life here, including the food scene: A growing group of restaurants rely on area farms, markets and other food producers to fill their menus with local flavor. The name says it all at the new Local Dish Market Cafe, which serves daily cafe specials and a market stocked with locally produced dairy goods, organic bakery items, fresh fruits and vegetables, and all-natural and organic meats, fish and poultry. Another new restaurant that incorporates local foods into its menu is Anchor Bistro &
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jeff adkins
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For additional information on Idaho, call 1-800-VISIT-ID. 10-IV-1 12.5m