Sun Valley Magazine | Summer 2022 by Sun Valley Magazine

HISTORY OF THE RODEO | FIRE LOOKOUTS | FUEL YOUR BODY | FLY FISHING | REDFISH LAKE

Summer 2022

NICOLE BRASS

HORSE WHISPERER FROM BRASS RANCH T O B R A S S TAC K S

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Photograph courtesy of David R. Stoecklein

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contents // features 74

renting the wild Overnight in some of Idaho’s wildest remote mountain outposts BY L AURIE SAMMIS

blood, sweat & tears

NICOLE BRASS

The nitty, gritty history of rodeos in the Wood River Valley BY KAREN BOSSICK

profiles Local horse whisperer leads with love BY PA M EL A K L EIB R IN K T H O M PSO N

ANDREW DUNNING Renaissance man and his joie de vivre

CHELAN PAULY + K YLE OLDEME YER New Galena managers build on love affair with historic lodge BY KAREN BOSSICK

ON THE COVER Nicole Brass, of Sun Valley’s Brass family, has perfected the art of horse training (see story, page 78).

NICOLE BRASS: HILL ARY MAYBERY

BY JAKE MOE

P H O T O B Y H I L L A R Y M AY B E R Y

sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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NILI LOTAN DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ULLA JOHNSON PIERRE-LOUIS MASCIA VERONICA BEARD MAX MARA BRUNELLO CUCINELLI SALONI PESERICO FABIANA FILIPPI SARA ROKA

NICOLE BRASS: HILL ARY MAYBERY

RAQUEL ALLEGRA JAMES PERSE FRANK & EILEEN MOTHER ATM MOUSSY AUTUMN CASHMERE PEDRO GARCIA HENRY BEGUELIN CALLEEN CORDERO

PHOTO KIRSTEN SHULTZ

GOLDEN GOOSE

PANACHE SUN VALLEY In the Sun Valley Village panachesunvalley.com

PARK CITY Lower Main Street

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contents // departments 44

32 localbuzz

92 inthearts

REDFISH LAKE

JUDITH’S MANY WORLDS

The jewel of the Sawtooths

The multidimensional nature of Judith Freeman’s writing

NEXT WAVE The Valley’s latest crop of entrepreneurs

STRIKING A CHORD

IDAHO’S DROUGHT STATUS

A love of nature led Robert Moore to a life of painting

The “new normal?”

58 WEDDING CAKE: CHRISTINE MARIE CHILD WITH HORSE: CAROLINE WOODHAM

A “MIRAGE” IN THE DISTANCE

GIMME SHELTER

“The greatest Idaho film that ever was”

Ketchum’s new Housing Action Plan addresses housing crisis

LEATHER TAMER Rick Bean won’t be fenced in

44 body&soul ANIMAL ATTRACTION

110 food&drink

The healing power of pets

FARMS OF THE FUTURE

BEWARE THE “BONK”

Impact Idaho Fund supports regional food systems

Fuel your body for optimal performance

WHAT A GEM Stone-cold facts on gemstone therapy

58 getoutthere GET HOOKED A guide to fly fishing in the Valley

FIND YOUR PATH Three excellent trail running adventures

LAURA + MATT A grand celebration of love and joy

126 also in this issue 26

FROM THE PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTORS

The Sun Valley wedding of their dreams

THINGS WE LOVE

KATY + CONNER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALLY + TYLER That on-top-of-the-world feeling

MICAELA + TJ

CAMAS MAGIC

Tying the knot Idaho-style

An iconic Idaho prairie offers beauty, wildlife, and history

DETAILS

RESERVOIRS OF PROMISE

Everything needed to create a special day is available here in the Valley

12 Idaho reservoirs to explore

120 weddings

104

GALLERY BUZZ

116

DINING LISTINGS

136

WHY WE LIVE HERE

sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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online // sunvalleymag.com PAST ISSUES

Summer

2021

MARIEL HEMINGWAY Secrets to a Life Well Lived

MORE STORIES The Sun Valley Magazine website, at sunvalleymag.com, is user friendly and incorporates responsive design so that you get the same award-winning content on phones, tablets or desktop computers. On our site you will find all of our print stories, as well as a wealth of additional online content, including resource guides, videos and online features. Look for the best of Sun Valley life in our Arts, Food & Drink, Community, Health, Adventure,

SUMMER 2022

Home & Design, and

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Wedding sections.

To explore our magazine archives, dating all

You can also enjoy

the way back to 1974, visit sunvalleymag.com/

digital editions of Sun

magazine. On our digital magazine page, you

Valley Magazine in our

can enjoy back issues of Sun Valley Magazine.

extensive archives and

Travel back in time to see what we were covering

access all of our social

at the turn of the century (21st!) and beyond.

media sites.

Looking for an old article? Spend some time in our archives—an ongoing, living record of life in the Wood River Valley. Also check out our digital edition of TASTE of Sun Valley on the Food & Drink page!

@Sun Valley Magazine

PINTEREST @sunvalleymag

TWITTER @sunvalleymag

INSTAGRAM @sunvalleymagazine

sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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s this Summer 2022 issue of Sun Valley Magazine was coming together this June, it was the season of graduations—our son and my brother’s son, both. Caps and gowns of green and white swirled across a stage back East as high school seniors climbed the stairs to accept hard-won diplomas and shake hands before walking offstage and into real life. One week later, senior speeches and reflections of a life in the mountains echoed across the limestone walls and soaring beams of the Sun Valley Pavilion. The messages were similar at both graduations—time flies, so make the most of what you have; embrace change and live your dreams; remember that neither success nor failure is ever final. Regardless of speaker, every message seemed to implore graduates to embody the words of tech visionary Steve Jobs: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Perhaps it is all we have experienced globally in the past year or two, but it seems to be a theme echoed throughout the pages of this issue of Sun Valley Magazine as well. The men and women highlighted on these pages are all marching confidently in the direction of their dreams, living lives full of passion and promise, whether here in the mountains of Idaho, or beyond the state’s borders, wherever their passion leads. Nicole Brass, our cover girl and granddaughter of the original Brass family who sold their family ranch in 1936 (Brass Ranch) to Averell Harriman to build what is now the Sun Valley Resort, does everything “for the love of the horse”—a path that took her into competition nationally and then led her back to Idaho as a trainer of Peruvian horses (“Nicole Brass: Local Horse Whisperer Leads with Love” on page 78). Discover the most recent crop of entrepreneurs to strike out boldly in pursuit of their passion-turned-profession in our mountain paradise. Read about locals like business owners Ron Arnold and Gardner Cord, who founded Nomadic Van in 2019, and Cassie Abel, who founded a women’s technical apparel company right here in Ketchum, or Brenna Cavanaugh, who was born and raised in the Wood River Valley and moved back to found Floret Design Studio (“Next Wave: The Latest Crop Of Sun Valley Entrepreneurs” on page 34). Learn about the hard work, determination and grit of Bellevue local Sarah Rau, a competitive rodeo barrel racer determined to reach her personal best. Rau joins a legacy of rodeo competition that began during the summer of 1937 at

the Sun Valley Horseman’s Center and continues today at the Hailey Rodeo Grounds (“Blood Sweat & Tears—The Nitty Gritty History of Rodeo in the Wood River Valley” on page 84). The pages of this issue also reflect on another concept at the forefront of most graduation ruminations—the idea that sometimes you don’t truly know the value of a moment until it is on the verge of becoming a memory. It is a thought that is poignant for many graduates as they prepare to take flight outside the Wood River Valley and pause to reflect on their mountain home. Idaho is filled with spectacular landscapes and hidden gems accessible right outside our back door. Just an hour south of Ketchum, travelers can discover the breathtaking beauty of the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh along Highway 20 (“Camas Magic” on page 66), or head an hour north to learn the history of Redfish Lake and Robert “Two Gun” Limbert, the man who had the vision for sharing its beauty (“Redfish Lake: The Jewel of the Sawtooths” on page 32.) The more adventurous may want to explore the wild and remote beauty of Idaho’s fire lookouts—either recommissioned as overnight camping rentals or memorialized as, often rigorous, day hikes with breathtaking panoramic vistas of central Idaho, a jumble of staggering peaks and ragged unbroken views (“Renting the Wild” on page 74). Maybe we all have a desire to break the mold and shed the layers we have been forced to wrap about our limbs in the past two years. Maybe it is time to dive headlong into lives that have felt too crafted and contained or, conversely, spinning without clear direction. Perhaps we are all feeling that it is time to reignite our lives and embark upon new endeavors, embracing the thrill of new beginnings or once shelved and previously forgotten imaginings. Light your fuse, the fireworks begin today. It is time to paint the sky, tossing ideas upwards in a shower of tiny twinkling lights to mirror the vast Idaho sky. Maybe we can each imagine we are graduating into 2022—a year of infinite possibility.

PHOTO: FIVEB STUDIOS

fromthepublisher // insight

Laurie Sammis publisher / editor-in-chief

sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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PHOTO: FIVEB STUDIOS

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featuredcontributors // writers & photographers

HILLARY MAYBERY

MIKE GORDON

A SoCal girl at heart, Hillary

Mike Gordon has spent

While others might collect

Leland Howard is a renowned

Maybery’s early days were

the last 14 years sampling

art, stamps or coins, Pamela

photographic artist, famous

spent entertaining her

everything Idaho has to offer.

Kleibrink Thompson likes

for his beautiful and

competitive spirit as a surfer

He’s committed himself to

to collect people, a skill she

inspirational photography.

and equestrian rider. She fell

supporting regional food

uses in her writing as well

Howard specializes in very

in love with photography in

businesses. Over the years,

as her recruiting and career

high-resolution images. His

high school, but she put that

this commitment has included

coaching. An animation

professional and masterful

dream on hold to pursue her

counting sheep, slinging

veteran (The Simpsons,

artwork is perfect for wall

passion for sports. At 23, she

craft cocktails, interviewing

Family Dog), she helps

decor that will elevate the day,

became one of the first female

local chefs, and tasting every

creative people pursue their

ease tension, raise spirits, and

professional snowboarders.

regionally produced product

passions. Thompson has

create a calming atmosphere

She spent the next 10 years

he can find. When not thinking

been published in more than

in any environment. Howard’s

traveling the world competing

about food or working with his

125 different publications and

credits number in the

in various events (including the

wife, Sara, on their business,

has written several children’s

thousands and include the

X Games) and making a name

Bighorn Writing, LLC, you’ll

picture books. She is on the

National Geographic Society,

for herself as an athlete, always

find him out on adventures

board of the Idaho Writers

Hallmark, Warner Bros MGM,

knowing she would come back

near and far, finding inspiration

Guild and is involved with the

and many other top names.

to photography. Making her

in the blank spaces on

Idaho film community.

Howard’s work has helped

home in Sun Valley, Maybery

the map.

has become very passionate about documenting the outdoor

“Farms of the Future,” page 110

lifestyle and taking photographs of people when they’re at their

“Nicole Brass: Local Horse

LELAND HOWARD

MIKE GORDON: SARA SHEEHY

PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON

raise over $38 million for land

Whisperer Leads with Love,”

conservation and preservation

page 78

efforts. “Camas Magic,” page 66

“peak stoke levels.” Cover, “Nicole Brass: Local Horse Whisperer Leads with Love,” page 78, “Get Hooked,” page 58 and “Micaela + TJ,” page 124

in this issue writers Julie Bell, Karen Bossick, Ben Bradley, Winslow Brokaw, Lori Currie, Mike Gordon, Kate Hull, Brent Lawson, Jennifer Liebrum, Jake Moe, Sophie O’Donnell, Laurie Sammis, Hayden Seder, Kira Tenney, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson

photographers Anthony Hernandez, Mike Gordon, Leland Howard, Dev Khalsa, Christine Marie, Hillary Maybery, Nowel Pawliw, Kirsten Shultz, James and Schulze Photography, Two Bird Studio, Caroline Woodham

sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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Sun Valley Magazine Online: sunvalleymag.com email: info@sunvalleymag.com Sun Valley Magazine Awards 2018 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “Primal Necessity” 2017 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “The Long Journey Back” Finalist, Best Profile - “A Life in the Sky” 2016 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “The Great Migration” 2015 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Annuals & One-Time Custom Publication/Consumer Finalist, Best Cover/Consumer

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localbuzz

Redfish Lake B Y K AT E H U L L

hen your backyard is a mountain playground, you may wonder where you might travel for an extra dose of fresh mountain air off the beaten path, an idyllic lake casting a fly line on pristine waters or a summer high alpine escape. For Wood River Valley residents, the answer is no doubt the jewel of the Sawtooths: Redfish Lake. Sixty miles northwest of Sun Valley located in the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Redfish Lake’s history is as vibrant as its crystal-clear glacial waters. Travelers from all corners of the country have traversed the five-milelong and one-mile-wide lake to experience its magic from Memorial Day through early fall (typically early October) to fish, swim, hike, bike… the list goes on and on. And the journey is a bit easier now. The earliest visitors made the trek via Galena Summit in the early 1880s by wagon road. While access is easier and the accommodations more modern, the lake remains the same tucked-away oasis beckoning the early days of its exploration. The basecamp for any Redfish Lake excursion is Redfish Lake Lodge, a historical icon in its own right. For nearly a century, the rustic lodge and surrounding cabins have welcomed adventure-seekers from near and far with a lakeside ticket to the remote and wild wonders of Idaho’s rugged mountains and stunning landscapes. Today, the lodge is owned by Arlen and Derrel Crouch, natives of Jerome, Idaho, and managed by their son-in-law and daughter, Jeff and Audra Clegg. Previously, Jack See was at the helm of the lodge for 27 years. “It is interesting how many times I just spontaneously hear the word ‘magical’ from visitors,” says Jeff Clegg. “I hear it often enough that I think there is some real magic to speak of. The physical magic of the lake is the white sandy beaches that go out safely for 150 to 200 feet.” For many repeat visitors, some of their earliest childhood memories are of family trips to Redfish Lake. “The lake is where kids and families can 32

play,” Clegg says. “And the water is crystal clear, with temperatures that cause people to remember it a little more. It is so chilly, and it feels good. It formed in such a way that it invites you to enter it. It is like a welcome home.” The lakeshore was home to the Sheepeater tribe at the end of the nineteenth century. Its pioneer-centered narrative began in the 1920s, thanks to Idaho native Robert “Two-Gun” Limbert, a taxidermist, author, explorer, naturalist, and hunter, among many other things, and notably the owner of the Redfish Lake Lodge. Limbert is celebrated for filling in more unmapped areas of Idaho than any other person, according to author David Clark, chief of interpretation at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. (Clark’s piece, “Idaho’s TwoGun Bob Limbert,” tells the life and lore of this adventurous Idahoan.) Limbert became transfixed by the alpine lake and purchased 16 acres, along with the former small hotel and boating operation on the shores of the lake, from then owner B.D. Horstmann. He also acquired the Forest Service permit that allowed for boating and lodging. Limbert had a vision in mind: He knew the lake’s potential as a prime spot for travels, Redfish Lake Inlet

REDFISH L AKE, 1939, LOUIS HOLLIDAY COLLECTION, JE ANNE RODGER L ANE CENTER FOR REGIONAL HISTORY

The jewel of the Sawtooths

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REDFISH L AKE, 1939, LOUIS HOLLIDAY COLLECTION, JE ANNE RODGER L ANE CENTER FOR REGIONAL HISTORY

and his plans were set in motion. Limbert began rebuilding the lodge and establishing cabins surrounding the property. Clark captures his vision from a history letter between Limbert and an investor: “My idea is to build on a 50-foot room for a lobby, change the roof to run lengthways and install 10 to 14 rooms upstairs. Outside, I want to put up at least six or 10 tent cabins, floored and boarded up the sides, similar to those in use in the tent camps at Yellowstone Park and other places. And then using this as a nucleus, build it up to something worthwhile.” One of Limbert’s early investors was J.L. Kraft, the household name behind Kraft Cheese Company. Another major investor, Lewis Megowen, lost big in the crash of 1929. The Great Depression halted Limbert’s search for investors but not his commitment to establishing his lakeside retreat. He forged ahead and opened the lodge nonetheless with a gas station, eight canvas tent cabins, a dining room, kitchen, and a small dock with two motorboats. Three cabins known as the Rustic Cabins were completed in 1931. Ready to shout his success from the rooftops, and excited to welcome the masses, Limbert advertised his completed lodge in a brochure called “Redfish Lake Lodge—In the Land of Tomorrow.” “Redfish Lake Lodge, isolated in the heart of the Sawtooth National Forest Reserve, was built for the sportsman, horseback rider, camera hunter, naturalist and student; for the person who wants to turn his back on the grinding roar of the civilized world and seek the quiet and peace of this primitive untouched mountain country….almost the last outpost of a majestic, savage nature in the United States that remains untrammeled and unmarred,” Limbert said in his brochure.

Clegg says the lodge has well kept the history of the early days when Limbert brought his vision to life. “It has been preserved with a few additions,” he says. “The lodge is basically its original state. We cater to a lot of families and their family traditions and also to outdoor adventurists. A lot of Idaho history is tied into this place. It’s an Idaho rustic adventure experience.” Hunting was a favorite activity—Limbert said it was as easy as shooting rabbits in Nebraska. Fishing, however, wasn’t Limbert’s preferred sport, so it took a while to take off, despite the salmon-packed waters. A letter from Limbert to a client shared that, in one day, they caught eight fish over 18 inches and tossed back more than 100! The history of the sockeye salmon that fill Redfish Lake is a story in itself. Today, the population have recovered thanks to a decades-long fish recovery program that began a century ago. Salmon travel more than 900 miles to reach Redfish Lake, the final stop on the Pacific salmon run upstream to spawning grounds. The work to restore and preserve this exceptional population of fish continues today. A trip to Redfish Lake and its nearby lodge will surely unearth the wonder that Limbert and others knew so many years ago. It is special— magic, even—and worth a visit year after year. ï

The Redfish Lake Dock was established in 1920 by Dick Horstmann. As the recreational reputation of Redfish Lake grew and plans for a Lodge began to take shape, the value of boat rentals on the beautiful body of water only increased. When Horstmann died in 1928, he left the operation to Lodge founder, Robert Limbert, as a portion of their business dealings. As a result, Redfish Lake Lodge opened, in 1929, with a fleet of two motorboats (as well as row boats and canoes). Historical photos shown here are circa 1939.

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localbuzz // new entrepreneurs

Next Wave The latest crop of Sun Valley entrepreneurs

BRAD WOMACK

BY BEN BRADLEY

ith every shifting season in Sun Valley, a new wave of first-time residents makes their way into town with bright eyes and a lust for living in a place encircled by the rugged beauty of the mountains. With limitless opportunities for people to fill the cup of their soul to the brim with outdoor adventure, choosing to call these mountains home is as easy as breathing that fresh mountain air. But making a living 34

between adventures is no easy feat, and if you want to count yourself among the folks that choose to make their stopover in Sun Valley a permanent life choice, you’ll need to sort that out. While there are still some nine-to-five jobs to be had in town and remote work is an option, fortune in these mountains favors the bold. Those who truly thrive out here must make their own way, more often than not.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses have long been the backbone of the Wood River Valley. They enrich the character of a community that was founded in the independent spirit of the West. Pictured above is Nomadic Van’s flagship vehicle, the Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon. Each of Nomadic Van’s Delicas are given their own unique name. This one has been coined “Kazu.”

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FROM THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN TO THE VALLEY OF THE SUN: NOMADIC VAN

BRAD WOMACK

Though the Sprinter Van may be the universal symbol of the well-to-do ski town resident, there’s another van that’s becoming equally synonymous with mountain town living: the Delica. At first glance, the delightfully stubby van seems to be simply the hipster-approved version of the ubiquitous and often over-glitzed Sprinters. But the Delica has bona fide off-road chops, and upstart Nomadic Van has made Ketchum a national destination for all things Delica.

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Owning your own aircraft for business or personal Falling in love leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, and when Nomadic Van co-founder Ron Arnold fell in love in the cozy confines of a Delica half a world away in New Zealand, both the girl and the van changed him. He was hooked on the quirky looks, utilitarian feel, and go-absolutely-anywhere ability of these hard-to-come-by vans. In 2017, Arnold finally acquired his first Delica and began spending hours in his yard tinkering under the hood, coaxing the van to its peak performance. During this time, good friend and co-founder, Gardner Cord, began coming around, learning the ropes and finer points of diesel maintenance. After countless hours bloodying their knuckles and draining cold beers in Arnold’s yard, the notion of taking their evening hobby full-time as a business seemed only a matter of logic, and in 2019, they created Nomadic Van, the country’s premier Delica-specific dealer. Arnold and Cord give every Delica they sell a complete mechanical overhaul, squeezing out a bit more speed while also making them incredibly reliable. “My dad taught me to never pass someone on the side of the road who’s broken down,” said Arnold. SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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localbuzz // new entrepreneurs

town, Nomadic Van has been a smashing success. Nearly three years into their venture, Arnold and Cord have their sights set on the next chapter of the Nomadic Van story. “We’re already looking to hire more staff and build out of a south Valley garage location,” says Cord. Along with this expansion, Nomadic Van is beginning to team up with Dylan Carey of fellow Ketchum-based startup, Strata Rigs, to bring more camper conversion tricks to the fleet of Nomadic Delicas, giving their soon-to-be owners the ability to go even deeper into the backcountry in their quest to achieve van life nirvana.

K ATIE LOZ ANCICH

“So, naturally, we never want to put someone in that position. That’s why we’re so meticulous and thorough with our approach to refurbishing these 25-year-old vehicles.” Cord acknowledges that the business of importing and selling Japanese vehicles would no doubt be far easier in a town closer to the coast. “It would be ten times easier if we lived near a port,” said Cord. “But we love being in this Valley so much, and our passion wouldn’t be there without this place we call home.” Despite the additional logistical challenges of getting vans from the coast to Ketchum and the generally higher cost of doing business in a small

Gardner Cord (left) and Ron Arnold are co-owners of Nomadic Van.

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YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS... WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR CARS.

TECH THREADS WITH STYLE POINTS: WILD RYE Like many seeking to live the quintessential mountain town dream while simultaneously furthering a professional career, Cassie Abel initially found a home with Smith Optics. A veritable Ketchum institution, Smith offered many the chance to work for an internationally recognized company that was founded on the shared values of all who truly love the outdoors. But when Smith’s parent company decided it was time to shutter the brand’s Ketchum HQ in 2014, the employees were

either let go or given the option to move to a new office in Portland, Oregon. For Abel and many others, the choice was an easy one. There was no way they could leave Ketchum. They would just need to find some other way to make it in the Valley. Immediately, Abel’s entrepreneurial instincts kicked in, and she began using the skills she had honed with Smith to start her own PR company and eventually the women’s technical apparel company, Wild Rye. “Having spent time with Smith working in the outdoor industry, I always felt that women weren’t getting a fair shake,” says Abel, “from

K ATIE LOZ ANCICH

Wild Rye team member Kajay Rooke sends it off a jump at Highland Bike Park, New Hampshire, in August 2021.

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the way women are treated in the industry, to the severe lack of dedicated women’s apparel.” Determined to change this, Abel created Wild Rye. Beyond creating stylish technical apparel that holds its own in the most demanding circumstances (think 2,000-foot climbs with an afternoon downpour thrown in), Wild Rye is working to change the narrative surrounding women in the outdoors, focusing on inclusion and celebrating all forms of outdoor recreating—not just the gnarliest or fastest. To say their mix of advocacy and stellar products is proving successful would be an understatement. Since launching in 2016, Wild Rye has more than doubled its sales each year thus far and is now carried at REI and even Nordstroms. Keeping pace with this incredible growth has been no easy task. Growing a business in Ketchum comes with a slew of unique challenges. Despite hurdles like nonexistent employee housing and freight shipping nightmares, Abel says the payoff is worth the pain. “So much authenticity comes from being in the mountains, and there’s so much talent,” Abel notes. “Plus, people are able to do much better work when they can get out for a ride or some groomers at lunch.” She adds that one of her primary goals in creating Wild Rye was to help fill the void created by Smith’s departure and build a business capable of creating local jobs for 38

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RIGHT: CHRISTINE MARIE

Cassie Abel puts some Wild Rye apparel to the test.

professionals. Wild Rye will add its seventh full-time employee by summer, confirming that Abel continues to do exactly what she set out to. And Wild Rye’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing as they continue to write the next chapter of great outdoor brands born in Ketchum.

GROWING GOOD THINGS: FLORET In a small town, being able to call yourself a local is a badge of pride. While more recent residents may wonder how long they must reside in the Valley before earning local status, Floret founder Brenna Cavanaugh has been a proud local since day one. Cavanaugh is among many born and raised in the Wood River Valley who elect to not only stay but also contribute to the community through small business ownership. After living with her sister amid the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, Cavanaugh found herself longing to return to small-town comforts, and she decided it was time to return home. “I absolutely loved Amsterdam,” said Cavanaugh, “but I realized that the Wood River Valley was where I wanted to be.” Cavanaugh’s background and formal training is in art design and installation, and she has developed a keen eye for creating visually stunning configurations of forms and

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CHRISTINE MARIE

The Wild Rye team in March 2022 at Grumpy’s. Top Row (L-R) Lauren Bertelson, Holly O’Brien, Sarah Kope, Shannon Allen, Cassie Abel. Bottom Row (L-R) Kendall Verge, Keeley Vestman.

LEF T: K AILYN AVERY

LEF T: AVERY ARDOVINO

RIGHT: SHANNON CORSI

localbuzz // next wave

RIGHT: CHRISTINE MARIE LEF T: K AILYN AVERY

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120 North Main Street, Hailey, ID 83333 • 788-1123 • christopherandcojewelry.com

possible. And in this endeavor, she’s not alone. Cavanaugh points out that one of the best parts about working in a small remote town is the sense of community among everyone she works with. “Everyone is focused on small town community over competition, and we’re always helping each other out, from growers to all the different florists.” As the Valley gets back to a new version of the pre-pandemic normal, the weddings and events are once again filling the summer and fall calendar. “I’m excited to get back into more of a full season,” says Cavanaugh. “And I really want to start pushing my designs and help people break out of that traditional rustic look that’s been done for so long here.” For Floret and many local businesses dependent on the events season, it is safe to say this summer will afford them all the opportunity to continue supporting each other, making it the most successful season yet. ï

CHRISTINE MARIE

colors. She also gained a deep understanding of the flower business through years working with Ketchum Flower Company. Upon her return from Amsterdam, Cavanaugh decided the time was right to create her own business. In 2019, she started Floret Design Studio, which has given her the chance to share her unique point of view through flowers and styling. Though Sun Valley has become a genuine mecca of weddings and provided Cavanaugh ample customers, there are some challenges to running a flower business in the Idaho mountains, most notably the fact that it’s a desert. “It’s not the easiest place to grow flowers, that’s for sure,” Cavanaugh says. In fact, flower growing in general is a relatively resource-heavy process, and one of Floret’s key tenets is working to ensure they only source the most sustainable flowers, opting for locally grown flowers whenever

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RIGHT: SHANNON CORSI LEF T: AVERY ARDOVINO

Floret owner Brenna Cavanaugh arranges some local stems at her shop in Ketchum.

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localbuzz // drought update

Idaho’s Drought Status The “new normal?” BY BRENT L AWSON

espite a relatively wet April and May in Idaho, the National Drought Mitigation Center suggests drought conditions heading into the summer have worsened. Precipitation in the Big Wood Basin has only been only 56% of what is normal since January 1. Early spring moisture was above average, but not near enough to make up for the precipitation deficit from January through March. Precipitation deficit in the mountains around the Big Wood Basin is on the order of two to eight inches. The snow-water equivalent only reached 12 inches, whereas in an average year the snowpack typically is 15.1 inches, which means that snowpack never exceeded 80% of normal. But winter snowfall and precipitation levels are only part of the story. The drought conditions (especially for irrigators) are heavily dependent on the storage capacity of the local reservoir systems and runoff. The reservoir fill levels are based on the prior year’s rainfall (“overhang” supply) as well as the amount and strength of the current summer’s temperatures. A key driver to water availability 40

during late summers is the timing of heat events, which affects the rate and timing of runoff. Within Blaine County, the two key reservoirs for water storage are the Magic Reservoir and the Mackay Reservoir. In late April, Magic Reservoir stood around 34,712 acre-feet—about 18% of its full 191,000 acre-foot capacity. An acre-foot of water is equivalent to the volume of water needed to cover one acre with one foot of water. (Note: 1 acre-foot is equal to 325,851 gallons). The Mackay Reservoir stood at 24,390 acrefeet—about 55% of its full 44,400 acre-foot capacity. The snow and rain showers increased the forecasted runoff for the Big Wood below Magic Reservoir by 10,000 acre-feet, bringing the total water supply for the basin to 141,000 acre-feet—about half of the supply needed to meet summer agricultural demands. On April 29, Governor Brad Little approved an emergency drought declaration for 34 counties in central and southern Idaho—including Blaine County—issued by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The order was based on below-average snow

water equivalent levels, streamflow forecasts “between 25 and 75% of median” and a high probability that reservoirs will not fill this summer, according to a department press release. The declaration will help agricultural water users cope with drought by allowing “temporary changes in the point of diversion, place of use, and purpose of use for valid, existing water rights” for the rest of the growing season, it said. Drought in Idaho is currently more widespread and serious than it was at this same point last year. On June 9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the U.S. Drought Monitor, placed the majority of Blaine County in the “severe drought” category. The assessments are driven by the current year’s snowpack level, streamflow rates, and the amount of water held with the upper three feet of the soil layer. The “severe” classification is characterized by elevated fire risk, a shortened grazing season, sparse vegetation with crops left unharvested, and very low river and reservoir levels. Furthermore, 18% of southeastern Blaine

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County was included in the “extreme drought” category. The “extreme” condition is characterized by dryland farms left fallow, cattle herds being cut, limited foraging for wildlife, irrigation allotments significantly curtailed, and increased risk of fire danger. Extended forecasts for the summer are showing above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation in southern

Combat Drought Maximize Water Savings

Idaho, and it is expected drought conditions in the Wood River Basin will continue. We encourage you to play your role in water conservation. Let’s do our part to be wise stewards of the water resources we do have. The following list of “dos” and “don’ts” provides ideas on how to be thoughtful water consumers during the heat of summer. ï

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CONSERVING WATER DURING A DROUGHT Dos

Don’ts

Conserving Water One Sprinkler System at a Time

INDOOR Bathroom – Take short showers instead of baths. Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.

Bathroom – Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

Laundry – Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

Kitchen – Don’t rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just remove large particles of food.

Kitchen – Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the “light wash” feature to use less water.

General – Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

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OUTDOOR Lawn – If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.

Lawn – Don’t water in one large session. Don’t water during the heat of the day. Cleaning – Don’t use excess water to clean the driveway or clean dirt from the garden ways.

Cleaning – Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk. Car Wash – If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

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localbuzz // housing crisis

Gimme Shelter Ketchum’s new Housing Action Plan addresses housing crisis

ILLUSTRATION: SHUT TERSTOCK & TAYLOR LENANE

B Y H AY D E N S E D E R

have contributed to the current crisis, it’s only fitting that the solutions etchum—nay, all of Blaine County—is in a housing crisis. are just as wide-ranging; actions in the plan include rental assistance, Most businesses in town have “Help Wanted” signs in their incentives for converting to long-term rentals, windows and have had to cut their preserving existing affordable housing, hours back, locals complain of being evicted homeownership assistance, new housing so their landlords can Airbnb their spot, and development, and zoning changes. things reached a dire point last summer when The first step to creating the HAP was the city of Ketchum proposed converting city collecting data during the fall of 2021. A parks into “tent cities.” Ketchum’s housing crisis meeting was held with the Housing Task Force, has been decades in the making but has been a cross section of 19 community members, exacerbated by Ketchum’s recent population and a housing survey was distributed to growth: typical growth for the area in past the community, which received over 1,100 years has been one percent, but between 2019 responses. Based on its results, the city estimates and 2020, the population grew by 25 percent. that one percent of the population of Ketchum Ketchum is losing its workforce and many is already experiencing homelessness. year-round residents because they either can’t Ketchum Housing Strategist, Carissa afford to live here or, even if they can, there’s no housing inventory. Connelly, explains that the Housing Action To address both immediate needs as well as Plan was drafted using these community —KE TCHUM MAYOR , NEIL BRADSHAW projected needs in the next 10 years, the City responses as well as advice from comparable of Ketchum has developed a Housing Action communities, housing best practices, and census Plan (HAP), a coordinated approach with short-, mid-, and long-term data. “We took these things and used them to identify and prioritize goals and projects. Since a range of factors (economic, social, etc.) what tools will immediately address our needs,” says Connelly.

“

We don’t want a binder that sits in the back of an office, we want actions we can point to that lead to more of our workforce being able to live in town. Every action makes a difference.”

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ILLUSTRATION: SHUT TERSTOCK & TAYLOR LENANE

The HAP is divided into five goals, each of which includes its key target, strategies, and priorities for year one. Goal one—produce and preserve housing—involves priority actions including completing Bluebird Village, building a 10-year new construction housing pipeline, preserving and improving affordable housing at the Lift Tower Lodge, and working on policy related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Goal two—expand and improve services to create housing stability—seeks to address the immediate needs of the unhoused and people at risk of displacement in the community by creating a range of emergency and supportive housing options and expanding eviction prevention services. Goals 3, 4, and 5—expand and leverage resources; inform, engage, and collaborate; and update policy to promote housing—have more long-term goals that are less tangible such as reviewing funding priorities and auditing existing code in relation to action plan goals. “The Housing Action Plan is aligned to address our pressing crisis that we are facing as a community,” says Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “I’m delighted with the work Carissa and the rest of city staff have done, what Council has done, and what the Task Force has done because it is really good, hard work that’s going to make a difference, and ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. We don’t want a binder that sits in the back of an office, we want actions we can point to that lead to more of our workforce being able to live in town. Every action makes a difference.” A key factor to the success of the HAP is its collaboration with community organizations like the ARCH Community Housing Trust, Blaine County Housing Authority, Wood River Community Housing Trust, and more. Not only will these partnerships result in more support for actions in the plan, but there is also the hope to coordinate efforts to create a coherent, common source of information for housing county-wide. This involves a case worker who refers people to the different housing options, rather than someone going to each entity individually, and legal aid for eviction proceedings and mediation. As for the cost of the HAP’s various initiatives, it’s been designed much like a menu with different price points; some are more expensive than others, and which ones can be implemented depends on what money is available. A new Local Option Tax (LOT) was put on the ballot in May to secure extra funds to go directly to housing, but unfortunately it did not pass. Funds can also come from the in-lieu housing budget (which was recently

raised to $400 per square foot and is paid by developers in lieu of creating affordable housing) as well as federal strategic initiative funds. “We’ve got a good cross section of different initiatives at different price points,” says Bradshaw. In the spring, the HAP was finalized and presented to varying stakeholders including the Task Force, the other local counties, and implementation partners. Four in-person and one virtual open house were held as city-led focus groups and a public work session with City Council, P&Z, and the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency Board. With the HAP now in place, it’s only a matter of deciding what, from the menu of options available, will move forward first. ï

LEASE TO LOCALS PROGRAM The City of Ketchum is considering becoming the newest community to benefit from Landing Locals, a company started by former Airbnb marketers to facilitate the use of local government incentives to convert properties into longer-term rentals. By actively marketing to homeowners, Landing Locals incentivizes them to lease to a local resident who has been screened and matched to them using their online system. Incentives come from city funds and will be determined this summer, should the program launch.

KEY 10-YEAR TARGETS Secure a minimum of 650 new, converted, or preserved housing units in Ketchum Ensure at least 60 percent of Ketchum’s housing stock is owner- or long-term renter–occupied Ensure that 40 percent of Ketchum’s workforce can live in Ketchum Prevent displacement and assist 100 households annually who are costburdened, unstably housed, or unhoused with supportive services Secure a minimum $60 million in direct, local investments for housing actions Allocate 20 percent of City housing funds for significant county-wide actions

SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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body&soul

Animal Attraction PHOTOS COURTESY SWIF TSURE / CAROLINE WOODHAM

The healing power of pets BY JULIE BELL

Mountain Humane staff member Kelsey Strahle connects the people with pets during Hikin’ Buddies at Adams Gulch.

nimals hold a special place in our hearts, and nowhere is this truer than Sun Valley, where it’s been said that dogs practically out-number people. The unconditional love and companionship we get from our furry friends feels more necessary than ever these days. And beyond the psychological boost, there are numerous measurable health benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

the bond between people and pets is linked to decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and the stress-related hormone, cortisol. “When COVID-19 hit, adoptions increased - people were so lonely and needed someone to take care of,” said Victoria Gasser, behavior and training manager at Mountain Humane in Hailey. Gasser said the benefits of pet ownership are far-reaching, as pets can help bring people out of their shells

as they become more social. One need only look at the people gathered daily at the Warm Springs Dog Park for confirmation. Cindy Sparks of Hailey has experienced the health benefits of animal interaction firsthand. She opted for a companion of the feline persuasion for her son to help with anxiety associated with his autism. Sparks says when they went to Mountain Humane to find their new pet, one of the cats up for

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PHOTOS COURTESY SWIF TSURE / CAROLINE WOODHAM

adoption came over to her son and would not leave his side. “We knew he was the one,” she says, “he chose us.” She said the cat is like a comfort care animal in their home, providing constant companionship and a calming presence. And it’s not just small animals offering benefits. Horses harness incredible magnetism and have long been used in therapeutic environments to provide emotional and social support, especially to people with disabilities. “Riding a horse strengthens muscles and helps with both coordination and balance,” says Paul Bennett, executive director of Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Bellevue. Bennett said the real benefit, however, is seeing the rider take what they’ve learned in the ring out into life. “It’s really about empowerment and freedom,” he adds. One rider at Swiftsure Ranch, who was referred by his neurologist after suffering a traumatic brain injury, knows this well. When he’s on a horse, the horse’s gait encourages correct movement, improving his strength and mobility as well as his balance. And perhaps best summing up why we love animals, he says, “By far the most important thing this has given me is hope.” Pets have countless healing powers, helping us to stay healthy and happy, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Scott Schnebly Best Fishing Guide

Best Fishing Shop

Susanne Connor Best Fishing Guide

Swiftsure program manager Kristy Wood works with Owen Brennan and an equine friend.

Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, hamster or goldfish, the rewards you’ll reap by adding an animal to your home will compound for years to come. ï

 Voted “Best of the Valley” — Best Fishing Guide and Best Fishing Shop  Booking Guide Trips on Local Waters & Yellowstone National Park  High Mountain Lake Trips & Guided Upland Bird Trips  Kids Fly Fishing Camp, Mon-Fri through August 31st (by appointment)  Friendly service, great advice, and best fly selection in town!

Acey Shaw engages in a therapy session with Henry, a Fjord horse at Swiftsure.

SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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371 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340 208-726-1706 lostriveroutfitters.com Open 7 am - 10 pm

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body&soul // fueling your body

Beware the “Bonk” Fueling your body for optimum performance BY LORI CURRIE

he heady days of summer in Sun Valley can beguile us with ample aspen-filled hikes to crispy cool summits and ribbons of sweet singletrack unfolding into the distance. With limitless options to recreate, intrepid explorers can find themselves on a different adventure every day. Paramount to your success on these wanderings is properly fueling your body, not just for peak performance during the event, but also for proper recovery. Properly fueling up the day of, and even a couple of days before, a strenuous activity can impact whether you have an enjoyable time or whether you hit a brick wall on the trail. If you fail to plan accordingly, and you run out of water or food when your body needs it most, it might result in the dreaded

“bonk,” which physiologically is a total glycogen depletion from the muscles and liver. Physically, it feels like someone cut your power cord. “Bonking is no bueno,” says Alan Jacoby, a local bikepacking endurance athlete who mountain bikes an average of 30 miles a day. When you’re planning a long day of activity, “you’ve gotta shovel coal in the furnace and force yourself to sip water constantly,” says Jacoby. This is especially true if you’re planning a more epic adventure, like a multi-day hiking or biking trip, especially at extreme altitudes. Take it from Mark Pattison, who summited Mount Everest in May 2021. “I have run out of water on Mount Whitney, Mount Everest and other smaller peaks, which resulted in me

bonking,” says Pattison. “No energy equals potential frostbite, altitude sickness, and usually not achieving your goal.” Here, we’ve outlined what you should eat and when to ensure you’re firing on all cylinders the next time you hit the trails.

BEFORE EXERCISE It’s best to consume some complex carbohydrates two to four hours before action for sustained energy, so don’t just roll out of bed and pull on your sneakers. A good carb-based breakfast will raise your blood glucose and increase liver glycogen, which your body will use during activity. This will spare muscle glycogen and prolong the onset of fatigue.

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Select easily digestible, light carbohydrates so you don’t feel sluggish. Some good choices are eggs, whole grain non-sugary cereal or oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, or low-fat yogurt. Or you could make yourself a healthy

“

No energy equals potential frostbite, altitude sickness, and usually not achieving your goal.” —MARK PAT TISON, WHO SUMMITED MOUNT EVEREST IN 2021

smoothie; a good homemade smoothie should include a protein source (powder, milk, yogurt, kefir), fruit, vegetable, and healthy fat source (nuts, seeds, avocado). It’s okay to add some optional extras, but make sure they include minimal added sweetness from honey/

agave/maple syrup or other flavor enhancers like vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, or turmeric. Pattison favors his “Seven Summit Smoothie” before a long hike, which includes protein powder, strawberries, blueberries, almond butter, chia seeds, almond milk, and collagen. “This smoothie can really sustain me,” he says.

DURING EXERCISE Strenuous activity can suppress your appetite, so plan to feed yourself anyway, as calories play an important role in regulating body temperature. Eating during activity that is longer than 90 minutes is also a good idea, especially if it is particularly intense. This allows carbohydrates to enter the bloodstream and the muscles, maintaining your blood sugar and giving muscles a continuous source of energy. If you fail to eat after about two hours of intense activity, your performance will start to gradually decline until the dreaded bonk occurs. When blood sugar drops, your body will burn through its remaining muscle

glycogen rapidly. Then, a few nasty things will happen: • Muscular performance will decline. Your power/pace will rapidly decrease. • Lowered blood sugar will impair decision making and technique (a particularly big issue during competition). • Muscle breakdown increases. • Rate of perceived exertion will dramatically increase. In short, the longer and harder the session is, the more carbohydrates you need. Consuming plenty of calories during training will also help you to meet caloric requirements for the day and enhance recovery for the next bout of exercise. “My appetite is constantly changing [during activity],” says Jacoby, “but snack variety for all-day epics usually include peanut M&M’s, pumpkin seeds, chocolate/ coconut Luna Bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, or GU Chews. I have a habit of overpacking food, so I thankfully have never run out.”

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body&soul // fueling your body

Nutrient-dense day hike snack ideas include trail mix, nuts and seeds, peanut butter, crackers, cheese, beef jerky, energy bars, granola bars, fresh or dried fruit, or a sandwich. If you like to eat fruit on hikes, consider picking durable fruits like an apple, instead of a banana that may end up squished in your pack. And for dried fruit, be aware that your stomach rehydrates the fruit to digest it, so if you don’t replenish your body with enough fluids, dried fruit could end up dehydrating you and making you feel light-headed, which undoes the effort altogether. When selecting dried fruit and granola bars, look for options that don’t have any added sugars, as high sugar levels can work against you, sparking a short burst followed by an epic energy crash.

AFTER EXERCISE For strenuous activity, carbohydrates should be consumed within 30 minutes of finishing to replace the glycogen stores in your muscles and help your body recover faster. This can be done with a sports drink (see sidebar) or a carbohydrate-rich snack such as a fruit smoothie. Exercise also naturally lowers blood sugar, and if it lowers too quickly or too low, you could become hypoglycemic. That’s why carbs are important to refuel and recover from a tough workout. You need some carbs to prevent muscle breakdown. So, how do these carbs differ? Simple carbs: These carbs have one or two sugars in them. Think sweets: candy, sugar, cakes, and cookies. These should be avoided when you’re trying to get fit, except for special occasions or an indulgent treat. Complex carbs: As their name suggests, these carbs have three or more sugars in them, and they’re important post-workout. Your body needs complex carbs to rebuild glycogen stores that are important for recovery. Complex carbs also take longer to digest and aid in digestion because they often contain fiber. Some complex carb options include brown rice, whole-grain pasta, whole-wheat bread or cereal, sweet potatoes, fruit, milk, and yogurt. The rest of the day, your body still needs carbs to replenish, but you do not want to cause a spike in blood sugar. Focus on fiberrich, complex carbs like fruits, vegetables, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa. This is also a good time to consume some lean protein and healthy fats. 48

DO SPORTS DRINKS, ENERGY BITES AND PROTEIN POWDERS LIVE UP TO THE HYPE? For some athletes, eating solid food in the middle of a workout can cause digestive upset. In these cases, easily consumed sports gels, chews, or drinks may help. Food and fluid intake around workouts should be determined on an individual basis with consideration for an athlete’s gastrointestinal tract tolerance, as well as duration and intensity of the workout. It is important to replace lost fluids as well as provide carbohydrates to maintain blood glucose levels while working out for longer than one hour.

GU Energy Chews pack energy-dense calories to meet the demands of all types of activity and contain carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) that use non-competing pathways that can help maximize absorption, increase carbohydrate utilization, and diminish stomach distress, for energy that kicks in quickly and stays with you. guenergy.com

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is a non-GMO electrolyte drink mix powered by Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration to the bloodstream quickly and more eﬀiciently than water alone. Each electrolyte powder drink mix contains five essential vitamins including Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. liquid-iv.com

Salt Lake City-based Nanohydr8 is a versatile health, hydration, and energy-boosting drink full of amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals delivered using the brand’s proprietary Nano technology, which reduces nutrient participles 1000 times smaller than competitors for the fastest absorption on the market. Each drink can be used to energize before exertion and recover nutrients and electrolytes post-workout. nanohydr8.com

Nuun is a sports drink tablet, enhanced with electrolytes and filled with a natural, low-calorie fruity flavor. Mix with water for a hydrating beverage to keep you powering through your next workout. Nuun’s tablets use no artificial flavoring or sweeteners (sweetened with high-quality Stevia only) and are keto-friendly. nuunlife.com

Breathe fire into your physical performance and sharpen your mind with Q Sport from Q Sciences, a well-balanced fusion of natural caﬀeine, chia seed oil, amino acids, and supportive nutrients. Q Sport boosts physical and mental energy, increases nitric oxide for enhanced blood flow, reduces muscle soreness after a workout, and improves mood and enhances cognitive function. qsciences.com

Vital Proteins’ protein powder boasts hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, powerhouse ingredients that provide glowing wellness benefits. In addition, it contains 20g collagen to support healthy hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints. Flavorless and odorless, also gluten- and dairy-free, Vital Proteins is easily digested and dissolves in cold or hot liquids, like coﬀee, tea, and smoothies. vitalproteins.com

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OPTIMIZE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FUNCTION WITH IV HYDRATION!

HYDRATION You need plenty of water before, during, and after activity. Research says you perform your best when you consume between 400 to 600 ml of water preworkout. Not only that, your perceived effort remains lowest when the water you consume closely matches how much you’ve lost through sweating. In other words, the more you drink, the easier your workout feels. Drinking water does so much more than put liquids back into your body after you sweat. It also replenishes electrolytes, sodium, and glucose when you exercise. But what’s more, water helps regulate your body temperature so you can cool down after that workout. It also helps ward off muscle cramps, removes toxins from your body, and transports nutrients to parts of your body that need it most after expending so much energy. Pattison says, “I always carry a water bottle or two filled with nutritional electrolytes like NUUN tablets or Q Sciences.” Jacoby also suggests bringing treatment tablets as a back up, in case you’re forced to find a water source nearby. “You need to do everything you can to sustain your body with the right nutrition and fluids along the path,” says Pattison, “especially at altitude where your appetite gets suppressed but you burn more calories. You’ll never be a champion if don’t prepare and eat/drink like a champion.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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body&soul // the power of gems

What a Gem The stone-cold facts on gemstone therapy

hroughout time, people have believed in the healing properties of gemstones. Ancient Egyptians adorned themselves in amethysts and jasper. Ancient Chinese buried princes and princesses in jade suits with the hope it would provide eternal life. Gods in Greek mythology exalted the supernatural powers of gems to heal and protect, while the ancient Japanese believed that quartz was perfection, formed from the breath of a white dragon. The age of a gemstone can date back millions or billions of years. Most are formed in the earth’s crust when an initial compound comes into contact with the perfect combination of temperature, pressure, time, and space. The best-known gem, the diamond, is formed deep in the earth’s mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface. Over vast stretches of time, they are brought near the surface by violent volcanos or other geological events. Researchers believe most diamonds were formed within the first few billion years of our planet’s history. Perhaps the phenomenon of our fractured earth yielding such beauty is responsible for the connection people feel between Mother Nature’s gems and their own spiritual being. Dennis Tanjeloff, owner of Astro Gallery of Gems in Boise, says there are people who walk into the gallery and feel overwhelmed from the energy from the stones. “Quartz, after all, is the mineral that creates the field that makes your watch work,” Tanjeloff says, noting that every gem and crystal releases a different electromagnetic field.

For some, these energetic properties are channeled with chakra work, meditation, or feng shui practices with crystals or other gemstones. Modern day talismans may be a raw crystal or an amulet made of gems. Whatever the modality, venturing into the metaphysical realm of crystals and gems is anything but intimidating. A good place to start is with quartz, which is popular and accessible. Citrine, a type of quartz, is thought to bring good fortune, amethyst to bring strength and courage, and rose quartz to promote love. Perhaps the best way to determine the right crystal or gemstone for you is to simply find one you connect with and enjoy it in all its beauty and mystery, as we have throughout the ages. ï

COURTESY ASTRO GALLERY OF GEMS

BY JULIE BELL

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COURTESY ASTRO GALLERY OF GEMS

SO, YOU WANT TO BE A ROCKHOUND? Idaho is known as the Gem State for a reason. The state’s unique geology yields gems such as quartz, topaz, sapphire, ruby, mica, and garnet. The state stone—the star garnet—is only found in Idaho and parts of India. One way to learn about rockhounding is to contact your local gem club. There are groups in Twin Falls, Boise, and Caldwell that hold monthly meetings and organize field trips and gem shows. If you prefer to go it solo, the northern and eastern parts of the state are some of the richest and most productive. There are many restrictions and limitations, so be sure to pick up a rockhounding guide and do some research first.

A few Idaho locations to consider when getting started:

Emerald Creek in Latah County for star garnets

Rabbit Springs in Twin Falls County for thundereggs

Salmon River at Yankee Fork for garnet, jasper and agate

Trail Creek in Blaine County for dusty quartz and pyrite

TOYSTORESUNVALLEY.COM

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SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

western style …

Stylish cowboy hats handmade and hand crafted by Van Palma in the South of France. Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

Kick up your heels and be on trend with Western-inspired shirts, dresses, shoes and jewels—suede and denim and fringe, oh my!

Add pieces, layer, or mix it up with one-of-a-kind mixed metal chains and charms from designer Paula Rosen. Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

Beautifully crafted Western leather slides, made in Italy from JO Ghost, steal the show. Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

Italian dip-dyed denim from Teleria Zeel to perfect the definition of “Ketchum casual.” Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

A wardrobe staple—this handcrafted Italian leather belt from Brave 1992 completes any outfit. The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

Supple Italian leather backpacks from Lugaro to carry essential items, and so much more.. Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

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Mixed metal feather drop earrings with rhinestones to dress up or down with jeans and a tee. The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

This limited edition and one-of-a-kind Italian leather handbag from Massimo Paloma is large enough to hold everything you need. Panache | 208.622.4228

Perfect for summer. Men’s shirts from Johnnie-O and Haupt to match your mood—with miniature patterns of ice cream cones, fish, flamingos, and more. Silver Creek Outfitters | 208.726.5282

Made in Spain by Desigual, this leather purse is as functional as it is fashionable—with two strap options to match any outfit or mood. The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

Intricately embroidered and stylish button downs from Johnny Was are always in style—and exclusively carried at The Wildflower The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

This lightweight cotton and silk blend jacket made in Italy by Bazar Delux is versatile enough to be worn in any weather. Panache | 208.622.4228

Make a statement in hand crafted Italian suede cowboy boots from Marco Delli—with red heel stars and lightning stripes down the sides. Panache | 208.622.4228 SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

gearing up … All the latest gear for on and off the trail, paddling the lakes, running the trails, or climbing and camping in the backcountry this summer.

Keep your phone dry on the water with Fidlock Hermetic Sling Bag. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

Concerts on the lawn and nights around the campfire ... Rumpl blankets bring color to the outdoors. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

Brighten up your day in sunny and colorful swim trunks for the beach, pool or lakeside docks. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

Hide from the sun with style in a Hemlock Hat. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

Cordova backpack cooler is fully waterproof and handcrafted from start to finish in Idaho. Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

La Sportiva Mutant, the perfect shoe for trail runs, hikes and alpine summit scrambles. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

The Badfish Flyweight inflatable SUP is stable enough for all-day sessions at Redfish, and small and light enough to hike into a high mountain pond. Backwoods Mountain Sports | 208.726.8818

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Rugged 5 watt solar panel keeps your phone and small devices charged anywhere the sun shines. Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

Add color to your summer style with women’s shorts and tees from Amundsen Sports. Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

For an incredibly comfortable night of sleep in the backcountry, the Exped Ultra 5R is the cushiest pad around. Backwoods Mountain Sports | 208.726.8818

From the golden granite of the Sawtooths to the City of Rocks, the La Sportiva TC Pro is the ultimate all-day climbing shoe. Backwoods Mountain Sports | 208.726.8818

Beat the summer heat with Sturtevants coozies designed to hold your favorite hard seltzer. Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

bold statements … Action, adventure and power—the color red pairs perfectly with black and gold in these great finds and statement pieces to keep you moving in style through any situation.

This one-of-a-kind necklace features very rare 14mm Rhodochrosite beads with a 14K white gold clasp set with 0.65ctw of white diamonds. Barry Peterson Jewelers 208.726.5276

One-of-a-kind and intricately detailed supple leather handbags, crafted by hand in rich red hues, add flair and unique style to every outfit. Sister | 208.726.5160

Elegant, stylish and timeless—the Patravi TravelTec timepiece from Carl F. Bucherer helps you stay globally connected with tracking for three different time zones. Barry Peterson Jewelers | 208.726.5276 Fashionable shades from Z Supply come in a range of styles and feature polarized lenses. The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

Beautifully packaged candles from Lor de Seraphine are infused with essential oils and come in a rainbow of scents and artwork—the perfect gift for any occasion! The Wildflower | 208.788,2425

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The Boulder Mountain Collection—made in Idaho with diamonds in platinum, yellow gold, white gold and silver. Christopher & Co. bouldermoutainjewelry.com

Look good, ride good—in the Bell Sixer MIPS Fasthouse edition. Backwoods Mountain Sports | 208.726.8818

Wild Rye gloves prove great fit and great looks go hand-in-hand. Backwoods Mountain Sports 208.726.8818

Stylish Norrona bike pants for women, with all the bells and whistles—and made from 100% organically grown and recycled fibers! Good for you and good for the planet too! Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

The original urban cruiser, the Super73 S1 is the ultimate utility cruiser—with a removable 768 watt-hour battery, LEDs and rear cargo rack. Get yours before they are gone! Sturtevants | 208.726.4501

SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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FLY FISHING: HILL ARY MAYBERY

etoutthere

Pat Lee enjoys drake hatch on Silver Creek

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Get Hooked A guide to fly fishing in the Valley BY KIRA TENNEY

FLY FISHING: HILL ARY MAYBERY

he Zen of the river is multidimensional. An entire world lives under unturned rocks, an interconnected system connects remote headwaters to distant oceans, and everoscillating downstream flows sync with the seasons. As the snow melts and the rivers and creeks come alive, summertime means one thing: it’s time to get out on the water. The Wood River Valley is renowned for its fly fishing for rookies and experts alike, with the Big Wood River and Silver Creek winding through the mountains and into the open desert. If you’re looking to get into fly fishing here, the first thing to do is go to a local shop, such as Silver Creek Outfitters or Lost River Outfitters, and buy a fishing license. Fishing licenses help fund the fisheries in Idaho and are key to providing the research and monitoring to keep our fisheries healthy and sustainable. This work is becoming ever more important with the changing climate and more frequent droughts in Idaho. Last summer showed an unprecedented extreme when the Big Wood River ran dry below Glendale Diversion in Bellevue, and Trout Unlimited undertook multiple fish rescues and relocated thousands of fish. The proper gear is essential before you head out. Outfitters such as Silver Creek Outfitters, Picabo Angler, and Lost River Outfitters rent waders, rods, and reels in relatively affordable day packages so you can try gear before you fully dive in. Silver Creek Outfitters also offers free casting SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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getoutthere // fly fishing

FLY FISHING: HILL ARY MAYBERY

Amanda Bauman crossing the Big Wood River

“

She said, ‘I’m too old to fish now, but I sure love watching you girls!’ No one is too old to fish. We took her, an 80-year-old woman, through two feet of snow and got her out on the water.” —MARCELL A GUTIERRE Z , SUN VALLE Y FLY GALS

clinics Tuesday through Saturday evenings throughout the summer on the field outside of Sun Valley Lodge. Sam Ernst, a guide at Silver Creek Outfitters, says, “We are always around for people to come in, chat, and ask questions.” For those new to casting, Ernst’s key tips are to slow down, use less power than you think you need, be smooth, and learn to vary your casting arc and stroke length. 60

Fishing season varies based on river system and state, but in the Wood River Valley, fishing season generally runs from Memorial Day through March. Between April 1 up until Memorial Day weekend, the Big Wood River, Silver Creek and all of their tributaries are closed for rainbow trout spawning. Individuals and groups who fish abide by closures because it is common knowledge in the

community that these regulations conserve fish populations for better fishing in the future. Anglers should check with local outfitters and Idaho Fish and Game about the area where they intend to go to learn about specific rules and regulations on the river and what fish species and sizes you’re allowed to fish. When fly fishing in the Wood River Valley, there are primarily rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain white fish, and in the Big Wood, you may occasionally catch a brook trout. In terms of flies, Stoddard Rowley, Silver Creek Outfitters’ store manager, guide coordinator, and parttime guide, explains, “The choice of fly you use depends on the time of year. In summer, we get more prolific dry-fly hatches. When you think of flies flying around and landing on the surface of the water, that’s when fish

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Ski Tek

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Fishing at Silver Creek

“

In early summer, you can fish everything because in the end of May and early June, we get pretty good bug hatches. Green drakes are great in June, and then you’ll have good grasshopper fishing in July.” —STODDARD ROWLE Y, SILVER CREEK OUTFIT TERS

come up and eat them, and that’s a ‘dryfly hatch.’ In winter and spring, you use more fish nymphs, which are an earlier and younger stage of a fly.” Rowley continues, “In early summer, you can fish everything because in the end of May and early June, we get pretty good bug hatches. Green drakes are great in June, and then you’ll have good grasshopper fishing in July. In fall, you’ll get some dry-fly hatches for smaller bugs and Fall Baetis.” Every fly shop has a board on which they put out flies being used based on hatches, fish species, time of day, and time of year, and the experts who work in local fly shops will tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on. While fly fishing can be a solitary endeavor for many, there are those who like a little companionship on the river. Marcella Gutierrez is the co-founder of 62

the women’s fly fishing group, “Sun Valley Fly Gals.” Gutierrez and her sister, Juliette, caught the fly fishing bug after being asked as complete novices to go on a fly fishing trip over 20 years ago. When the sisters moved to Sun Valley, Gutierrez says, “We just wanted more friends to know how to fish,” and that was the start of Sun Valley Fly Gals, now a group of over 160 women on Facebook. “We tie knots and talk fishing,” says Gutierrez. “We hear from women who have been looking for a way to get into fly fishing for a long time. I received a message from a woman who has lived here for 28 years. She wanted to put a women’s fly fishing group together all that time, but it never happened. She said, ‘I’m too old to fish now, but I sure love watching you girls!’ No one is too old to fish. We took her, an 80-year-old woman, through two

SILVER CREEK : COURTESY SILVER CREEK OUTFIT TERS

getoutthere // fly fishing

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feet of snow and got her out on the water.” With another hot summer in the forecast, it will be crucial for anglers to be mindful of water temperatures. All anglers should carry a thermometer and test the water temp on particularly hot days; it’s recommended not to fish in the rivers and creeks of the Wood River Valley when water temperatures are above 67 degrees. Rowley recommends fishing early in the morning and up north during these times and says, “When the water’s warm, the beers are still cold.” As such, fly fishing this summer will be all about flexibility and adjusting to go with the flow. ï

Astro Gallery of Gems has been family owned and operated since its creation in 1963. Founder Julio Tanjeloff, who was infatuated by minerals, believed that a market existed for high-end mineralogical collectibles that affluent customers could acquire to adorn their homes and offices. With 60 years of experience in sourcing the most beautiful specimens and museum-quality pieces, Astro Gallery of Gems has everything from unique and rare, one-of-a-kind pieces for inspiration to everyday items of adornment and decoration.

SILVER CREEK : COURTESY SILVER CREEK OUTFIT TERS

FLY FISHING ETIQUETTE Whenever jumping into something new, it’s important to take a step back and learn etiquette. Here’s what you need to know about fly fishing before you get out there:

Aquamarine on Albite from Gilgit, Pakistan

Don’t be shy. If someone’s already fishing in a spot, go talk to them. Ask them if it’s okay if you go upstream or downstream. Even though fishing is a solitude sport for many, it’s important to talk to fellow anglers and be cordial so everyone can enjoy their sense of space on the river.

Buy your fishing license and abide by regs. Fishing licenses fund fisheries in Idaho, and they need that money to keep our fish healthy. Regulations look at maintaining long-term healthy fish populations, so there are fish to catch for many years to come.

Fish friendly and handle fish as little as possible. Use barbless hooks and when fishing “catch and release,” handle the fish as little as possible. Silver Creek Outfitters sells a tool called “Ketchum release,” which allows you to let a fish go without touching it at all.

Carry a thermometer. With another year projected for low water, always carry a thermometer and avoid fishing in water temperatures above 67 degrees.

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getoutthere // trail running

Find Your Path Three excellent trail running adventures B Y S O P H I E O ’ D O N N E L L P H O T O B Y N O W E L P A W L I W

Sophie O’Donnell on a trail run

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here’s a reason it’s called “runner’s high.” That feeling of euphoria you get after a long run is the real deal. Some say they feel invincible, have a reduced state of discomfort, and even lose their sense of time while running. But to experience this feeling while basking in the beauty of the mountains? Sign us up. Fortunately for us, the trail system in the Wood River Valley offers many options for runners of all levels. Runners, no matter the pace or distance, can soak in the feeling of pride and satisfaction when lacing up their shoes and heading out the door. Being well prepared and picking the right path is essential for running success. Here are three of our favorites, depending on your desired adventure.

If in need of convenience, the Lake Creek Loop (a.k.a. Taylor Canyon) is one of the best. Just north of Ketchum, enjoy this 6.5-mile loop that provides great views of the Boulder Mountains and consistent shade in the hot summer months. There are also a handful of watering holes along the way to keep the pups happy. PRO TIP: Run this loop clockwise to be

more aware of mountain bikers and get the hill climb out of the way.

For the most potential, Norton Lakes trail system has many options. Be sure to get an early start to avoid a crowded parking lot. Without giving too much away, start with the classic out-andback Norton Lake trail (approximately 4.5 miles). Although short, it is sure to get one’s heart pumping as it’s a steady climb from the get-go! Keep in mind the proper running form with the steeper incline. Stay tall and focus on a consistent knee drive. If the terrain is super steep, there is no shame in walking! A hiking pace will help keep the effort manageable and minimize erosion on the trail. If striving for a longer day, the trails expand past a handful of alpine lakes with

potential to reach higher ridgelines and even Norton Peak. PRO TIP: Many of the trails connect in

this area; if you plan to go for a longer run, review a map before venturing out.

If seeking an extended adventure, the Sawtooths are where it’s at. Iron Creek to Redfish Lake is a point-topoint that requires planning and endurance. At 28 miles total, this route is filled with gorgeous blue alpine lakes, steady climbing throughout the day, and an epic finish with a free ride on the Redfish shuttle boat. PRO TIP: It is best to complete this with

a running buddy or two; bring two cars, park one car at the finish and camp out the night before with the other vehicle at Iron Creek.

Once a route has been selected, make sure you’re physically up to the challenge. The varied terrain and incline on certain trails can leave a runner stiff and sore. Be sure to stretch beforehand with some hip opener and glute activation exercises (examples of these can be found online). As the run progresses, remember to keep your upper body relaxed (don’t hunch your shoulders), maintain a tight core for stability, and avoid overstriding, especially on steep or rocky terrain. Bring a Camelbak with ample water for your run. And if the run is longer than 60 to 75 minutes, be sure to bring some kind of treat to nibble on every 30 to 45 minutes thereafter. This can be as simple as a pack of peanut butter, gummy bears, or energy bar. Choose something that is light and easy to digest. Find your path and let the adventure begin. ï

TEST YOUR SKILLS Remember, hard work does pay off. If you consistently hit the trails all summer, you might be ready to sign up for a local race. Here are some of our favorites: July 23

Standhope Ultra 30k, 60k & 100k A challenging longer trail race with epic views in the great Pioneers. Race registration is full, but there are opportunities to get on the waitlist. July 30

Unega 5k, 10k, HalfMarathon & Marathon A new race supporting an important cause. Explore the trails in Bellevue and get a quality mid-summer race in. September 17

Sun Valley Marathon Course starts at the YMCA, heads south on the bike path, turns left into

Elkhorn, climbs over Elkhorn and back down to Sun Valley Road. Then it takes a right turn onto the bike path toward Trail Creek and does an outand-back before heading back into Ketchum and finishing at the Town Square. September

Baldy Hill Climb Support the SVSEF community with this ultimate grind and a great Ketchum tradition! Official date TBD. October

Legends Never Die HalfMarathon & Marathon A newer race that is VERY fun. Enjoy a fall trail experience and cooler race conditions. Official date TBD.

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getoutthere // scenic drives

Camas Magic An iconic Idaho prairie offers beauty, wildlife and history WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LEL AND HOWARD

Ketchum Hailey Hill City

Fairfield

CAMAS PRAIRIE

20 75

PART ONE SCENIC DRIVES Author and artist Leland Howard invites the reader along to experience the sights and splendor of one magical day trip. Stay tuned for Part Two in our Fall issue, where we’ll explore another idyllic drive in the Gem State.

“W

ell, that should make for some good photographs.” I smiled and heartily agreed with another visitor as we gazed on vast fields of camas lily blooms in south central Idaho’s Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area. A long name but the place isn’t short on beauty. In general, the camas blooms peak around midJune, and in a good year (usually created by a wet spring), the grassy swamps become acres of purple and blue. Horizon or subdued light can be best for observing the rich colors unique to this species of camas. During this same time, the refuge becomes alive with the constant chirps, honks, warbles, chitters and trills from thousands of waterfowl that migrate here in spring. Birdwatchers can be fun to listen to as they rattle off names like lesser yellowlegs, least sandpiper, long-billed dowitcher or maybe a black-necked stilt or

a phalarope—I had to look up the names to make sure I’m spelling them right. For me, the endless nursery chatter is an amusement in itself. Things start to get a lot quieter around mid-July as the waters recede in summer heat, but it’s still a perfect haunt for local wildlife. This 3,100-acre refuge is just outside the tiny town of Fairfield (not to be confused with Fairfield, Iowa). Lodging opportunities are said to be “less abundant” in this only city in Camas County. With a population of around 420, less abundant seems appropriate. In the past, there were a few other town sites in the county, and some of the names like Hill City still show on maps. One of the access routes to the refuge off Highway 20 begins at Hill City by some picturesque grain bins and aging buildings. A visit will be enriched by learning some history of the region. Camas bulbs were a valuable food source for Native Americans, and

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a small amount of harvesting still takes place. The bulbs look a little like a small potato and are roasted in coals. I’ve never tasted one, but I hear a bit of salt is helpful. Clearly, it would be a mistake to confuse this species with death camas, a common range plant found in Oregon. The word death in the name tells a true story. Some historical accounts describe Camas Valley and Prairie as a “veritable Eden” with everything in abundance a person needs to live a good life. With poetic prose, a San Francisco newspaper advertised the land as a paradise in about every way possible. In 1862, Tim Goodale announced the opening of a detour off the Oregon Trail. This new route went straight through the prairie, and so-called settling of the area became more exuberant in the later 1800s. Adjacent refuge lands now consist of farms and ranches with national forests in the higher mountains. Pioneer cabins, grain elevators and old schoolhouses provide more historical context along with character. The valley population is less now than it was in the early 1900s, and we are fortunate to reap the advantages of those with foresight as they set aside a section for a wildlife and nature preserve. With an average elevation of 5,000 feet, it’s a high-desert plateau so some chilly winds can blow, even in June. My favorite times of day are early morning and late evening, but calm days can still be perfect for taking the loop drive through the refuge. Access is free. There is one official pullout in the center of the refuge that ends under some large cottonwood trees, and the few hiking trails aren’t well defined or traveled. Watch carefully for the trails; they are great for bird watching, photography or just some leg stretching. Small breezes make the waist-high camas bend and sway, and many of the birds use them for perches as they go about protecting their territory. From a distance, the acres of rippling blue have been mistaken for lakes. William Clark of Lewis and Clark made this mistake in the Columbia Basin and later wrote in his journal how what he saw resembled a lake of fine clear water. I might get a little good-hearted ribbing for advertising one of Idaho’s hidden gems, but Fairfield is a small town full of friendly people. They host some great events like Camas Lily Days during the first weekend in June. Bloom tours are hosted, Native American traditions are honored, and there are plenty of activities for kids and families. ï

Horizon or subdued light can be best for observing the rich colors unique to this species of camas. During this time, the refuge becomes alive with the constant chirps, honks, warbles, chitters and trills from thousands of waterfowl that migrate here in spring.

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getoutthere // reservoirs

Reservoirs of Promise

Arrowrock Reservoir, east of Boise

12 places to beat the summer heat

MACKAY RESERVOIR Year Built: 1918 Capacity: 44,400 acre-feet River System: Big Lost River Location: Custer County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: Big Lost River Irrigation District (town of Mackay) Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping, ice fishing, and hunting

and reservoirs (American Falls Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir or Anderson Ranch Reservoir) were part of America’s era of large-scale hydroelectric dam building from the 1930s through the 1960s—symbolically commemorated with the dedication of Hoover Dam in 1935. Many of Idaho’s larger reservoirs are easily accessible from the Wood River Valley and are worth exploring for the seasonal recreation opportunities available— camping, boating, fishing, waterskiing, wind urfing, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, camping or RV camping, hiking, hunting, ice fishing, Nordic skiing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and more. Here is a rundown of some of Idaho’s most accessible reservoirs:

LITTLE WOOD RESERVOIR Year Built: 1939 Capacity: 30,000 acre-feet River System: Little Wood River Location: Blaine County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, fishing, camping, ice fishing, and hunting

MAGIC RESERVOIR Year Built: 1910 Capacity: 191,500 acre-feet River System: Big Wood River Location: Blaine and Camas Counties Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: Magic Reservoir Hydroelectric, Inc. Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping, RV camping, ice fishing, and hunting Fun Fact: Black Magic Canyon (north of Shoshone) was created as the Big Wood River carved through 800,000-year-old basalt lava flows.

ANDERSON RANCH RESERVOIR Year Built: 1950 Capacity: 450,200 acre-feet River System: South Fork of the Boise River Location: Elmore County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping, RV camping, ATV riding, hiking, and hunting Fun Fact: When completed in 1950, it was the tallest dam of its type in the world (an earthfill dam 456 feet tall).

ARROWROCK RESERVOIR: ANDRE JENNY / AL AMY STOCK PHOTO

eservoirs have been an essential part of human existence for thousands of years, with the oldest known dam—the Jawa Dam in what is now Jordan—dating to around 3,500 BC (the Early Bronze Age). Located in what is one of the driest areas of the Black Desert, the local inhabitants of the town would not have been able to survive the summer season without this system of dams and reservoirs designed to divert and store water from winter floods, providing critical water for irrigating crops and drinking water for the settlement. Dams, and the reservoirs they create, also serve other purposes, being used for electricity generation, to control seasonal floods on larger rivers and to provide irrigation water for agriculture. In Idaho, many reservoirs are also used for recreation—boating, fishing, paddleboarding, camping, hunting, hiking and biking the shores around the bodies of waters created from containing some of Idaho’s over 93,000 miles of rivers and streams. And while many of Idaho’s smaller reservoirs (Mackay Reservoir, just 56 miles northeast of Ketchum, and Magic Reservoir, 23 miles south of Hailey) date back to the early 1900s, many of Idaho’s larger dams sunvalleymag.com | SUMMER 2022

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ARROWROCK RESERVOIR Year Built: 1915 Capacity: 272,200 acre-feet River System: Boise River Location: Boise and Elmore Counties Dam Type: Concrete Arch Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, fishing, camping and hunting Fun Fact: Built upstream of the Lucky Peak Dam and Reservoir. Designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2016.

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ARROWROCK RESERVOIR: ANDRE JENNY / AL AMY STOCK PHOTO

C.J. STRIKE RESERVOIR Year Built: 1952 Capacity: 247,000 acre-feet River System: Bruneau and Snake Rivers Location: Owyhee and Elmore Counties Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: Idaho Power Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping and hunting Fun Fact: Ruts from the Oregon Trail can still be seen by hiking the area

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DEADWOOD RESERVOIR Year Built: 1931 Capacity: 161,900 acre-feet River System: Deadwood River Location: Valley County Dam Type: Concrete Arch Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping and hunting

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LAKE CASCADE (formerly Cascade Reservoir) Year Built: 1948 Capacity: 693,200 acre-feet River System: North Fork of the Payette River Location: Valley County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping, ice fishing, and hunting Fun Fact: The lake boasts perch, trout, smallmouth bass, Kokanee salmon and Coho salmon

LUCKY PEAK RESERVOIR Year Built: 1955 Capacity: 293,200 acre-feet River System: Boise River Location: Ada, Boise and Elmore Counties Owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Type: Earthfill Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping and hunting

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N E V A D A

LAKE WALCOTT Year Built: 1906 Capacity: 210,200 acre-feet River System: Snake River Location: Cassia and Minidoka Counties Dam Type: Earthfill / Concrete Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclaimation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping and hunting Fun Fact: The Minidoka dam at Lake Walcott was the first Reclamation Service project in Idaho, marking it as the first federal power plant in the Northwest when the power plant was completed in 1909. Bird Island and the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge offer great birding and wildlife viewing. For real-time information on reservoirs in Idaho, check recreation.gov. This site has information on all forms of outdoor recreation and is your one-stop shop for trip planning and reservations.

U T A H

PALISADES RESERVOIR Year Built: 1957 Capacity: 1,400,000 acre-feet River System: Snake River Location: Bonneville County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping and hunting Fun Fact: The dam and power station (which can potentially generate 176.5MW of electricity) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

ISLAND PARK RESERVOIR Year Built: 1939 Capacity: 135,205 acre-feet River System: Henrys Fork of the Snake River Location: Fremont County Dam Type: Earthfill Owner: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Uses: Boating, motor boating, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and hunting SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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getoutthere // calendar

2022SUMMER EVENTS

Jazz in the Park

Whether you are looking for world-class art, the perfect single-track bike ride, ballet in a spectacular outdoor amphitheater, or one of the best jazz festivals in the West, the Sun Valley area never disappoints. This summer is no exception, with a wealth of events catering to both mind and body, all set in spectacular venues.

Hailey Farmers’ Market Every Saturday, vendors offer a great variety of fresh produce, prepared foods and crafts. The Hailey market will remain in its “new location” in Roberta McKercher Park (Main Street on the south end of town, between 3rd and 4th Avenue). 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. wrfarmersmarket.org

June 14 – Sept. 27

Ketchum Farmers’ Market Every Tuesday, Valley vendors offer seasonally available and locally grown and raised fruits, vegetables, eggs, sheep, goat, and cow cheeses, organic cuts of beef, chicken and lamb, fresh herbs, plant starts for your garden, and prepared foods. This year the market is being held at the base of River Run, Bald Mountain. 2-6 p.m. wrfarmersmarket.org

June 16

Hailey Alive Summer Concert Series Hailey Alive is at Hop Porter Park on Thursdays this summer with live music, tasty pub food from the Outpost, and delicious craft beer. The summer lineup includes Boot Juice, Cary Morin & Ghost Dog, Hand Trembler, Cole & the Thornes, and Low-Fi, among others. 7 p.m. sawtoothbrewery.com

June 18

Sun Valley Brewfest Over the past eight years, the Sun Valley Brewfest has built a regionally recognized event raising more than $100,000 for local charities, including giving away over $15,000 in college scholarships annually. sunvalleybrewfest.com

June 21

Yoga on the Mountain Get your Zen on at 9,150 feet during our mountaintop gentle flow yoga classes at

Lookout Lodge on Bald Mountain. From 10-11 a.m., bring your mat and practice mindfulness. All levels welcome. sunvalley.com/things-to-do

June 23 – Sept. 1

Wagon Ride & BBQ Gather up the family for dinner at a weekly barbecue buffet and wagon ride. Enjoy a scenic and historic wagon ride out into Senate Meadows stopping to take pictures, learn history and get a true sense of Galena’s past. This is the perfect “getaway” to let the kids play on the lawn while you enjoy the stunning beauty and tranquility of the mountains. galenalodge.com

June 24-25

Ballet Sun Valley Join us for an exceptional evening of dance with Boston Ballet presented by Ballet Sun Valley. Each night showcases different works spanning a range of styles from contemporary to classic. Highlights include three world premieres from Boston Ballet’s Spring 2022 season with two from ChoreograpHER, a female-led program celebrating innovative women across creative fields. 7 p.m. balletsunvalley.org

June 25

Saturday Night Dance A night of dinner and dancing benefiting Sun Valley Culinary Institute. Student chefs will help prepare the dinner as one of their final events of the year. By supporting this event, you will help students find an appealing career path and educate the future chefs of our town. sunvalleyculinary.org

June 26 – July 31

Jazz in the Park Experience live jazz performances in Rotary Park! The line up this summer includes: June 26, Alan Pennay and Susan Christensen; July 3, Tony Galla Band; July 10, Frim Fram

Four; July 17, Pamela DeMarche Band; July 24, Boss Nova Jazz Ensemble; and July 31, Nicole Christiansen Band. Bring your low-back chairs and picnics! 6-8 p.m. visitsunvalley.com/event/jazz-in-the-park

June 28 – Aug. 30

Ketch’em Alive The locals’ favorite concert series, “Ketch’em Alive,” is every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Forest Service Park in downtown Ketchum. There will be dancing, music, and a fun-filled community party. Picnics are encouraged; food and drink will be sold in the park as well. ketchumidaho.org

BALLET SUN VALLE Y: COURTESY BOSTON BALLET / ROSALIE O’CONNOR

June 11 – Oct. 1

June 30

Breakfast with the Birds Sun Valley Magazine and The Peregrine Fund invite you to an intimate Breakfast with the Birds at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. Come nose-to-beak with owls from around the world, hear species-saving stories from the field, and learn more about The World Center for Birds of Prey’s upcoming Nocturnal Idaho exhibits that feature some of Idaho’s 14 native owl species. These inspiring raptor encounters are paired with sweet and savory morning treats and a mimosa or selection of bloody marys served to order. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

July 1

Judith Hill Gutsy and nuanced as a vocalist, and an accomplished songwriter, arranger, and pianist, Judith Hill is likely the only musician who can cite Elton John, Spike Lee, Prince, and Michael Jackson among those who have sought out her talent. One of the highestprofile background singers of her generation. 7:30 p.m. theargyros.org

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Noah Stewart

p r e s e n t s

Soo-bin Lee and Paul Craig in Lia Cirio’s “Chaptered in Fragments,” Ballet Sun Valley

July 2-5

thought-provoking exhibitions of newly installed art, enjoy wine, mingle with friends, and often meet the artists. svgalleries.org

The Hailey Days of the Old West celebration offers up a fun and unique parade with colorful entries, plenty of horses, and a Road Apple Roulette, antique market, pancake breakfast, live music and a spectacular fireworks display. There is plenty to do and authentic entertainment for all ages throughout the Wood River Valley during this holiday celebration. haileyidaho.com

July 8-10

BALLET SUN VALLE Y: COURTESY BOSTON BALLET / ROSALIE O’CONNOR

Hailey Days of the Old West

July 2 – Sept. 3

Sun Valley on Ice The Sun Valley Resort brings world-champion and Olympic-medalist ice skaters to the Sun Valley Ice Rink every Saturday night from July until Labor Day weekend. Sun Valley on Ice delivers an exciting season of new stars, impressive athletic routines and fresh sounds. visitsunvalley.com/to-do/sun-valley-ice-shows

July 7

Music in Town Square Kick off your weekend with live music performed by Idaho artists! Dates and musical acts are scheduled as follows: July 7, Nick Delffs; July 14, Hillfolk Noir; July 21, Dan Costello; July 28, Richard Blair; Aug. 4, Victoria Vox; Aug. 11, Blaze and Kelley; Aug. 18, Wes Urbaniak; Aug. 25, TBA. 7 p.m. Ketchum Town Square. ketchumidaho.org

July 8

SGVA Gallery Walk Each year, SVGA hosts nine gallery walks (exhibition openings for all SVGA galleries), which are eagerly anticipated and free to the public. Locals and visitors alike take in

Ketchum Arts Festival Over 100 artists from Idaho to display their wares at the lovely Festival Meadows along Sun Valley Road. The three-day event offers a wide variety of arts and crafts styles, food, music, and a children’s activity tent. ketchumartsfestival.com

Plate 351 John James Audubon

July 9

Galena Grinder Join this sometimes grueling but always-fun mountain bike race held at Galena Lodge. Expect a lot of flow and single-track trails, with some stout climbing and great views. There is a marathon event, as well as a crosscountry race. In 2021, they added a youth course for younger racers. galenagrinder. athlete360.com

j o i n

u s

At the Sawtooth Botanical Garden Thursday, June 30, 2022

July 12-13

The Launch Festival This is a celebration of Idaho mountain culture with live music from exceptional artists from the Pacific Northwest. On July 12, Warm Springs Productions presents a triple-bill at the Argyros featuring Thunderpussy, Shaina Shepherd, and Smokey Brights with mind-blowing visuals from San Francisco’s Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show. An after-party at Whiskey’s will feature Chong the Nomad and guest DJs. And on July 13, DJ Sarah Savannah and Acid Tongue will play the closing party at Whiskey’s. 7 p.m. at the Argyros and 9 p.m. at Whiskey’s. ws-productions.com SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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Great Cinereous Owl

owls ~ breakfast silent auction

Sun Valley Magazine and The Peregrine Fund invite you to an intimate Breakfast with the Birds. Come nose-to-beak with owls from around the world, hear species-saving stories from the field, and learn more about The World Center for Birds of Prey’s upcoming Nocturnal Idaho exhibits that feature some of Idaho’s 14 native owl species. Enjoy a unique and inspiring encounter with the world’s most elusive raptors paired with savory morning treats and a mimosa or selection of bloody marys served to order.

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getoutthere // calendar

The Avett Brothers These three-time Grammy Award nominees made mainstream waves with their 2009 major label debut, I And Love And You, which landed at #16 on the Billboard Top 200. In 2012, The Carpenter hit #4 on the Billboard Top 200, followed by Magpie And The Dandelion in 2013, which debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 200. 7:30 p.m. Sun Valley Pavilion. svmoa.org

July 13 – Aug. 18

Sun Valley Summer Music Festival Recognized by BBC Music as one of the best classical music festivals in the country, the Sun Valley Summer Music Festival provides world-class symphonic music in the stunning Sun Valley Pavilion and adjoining lawns. svmusicfestival.org

July 14

The Cowboy Ball Quite possibly the most popular fundraising event in the Wood River Valley! Put on your best cowboy duds for sensational live music, fantastic cocktails, and a delectable meal. Every July, Swiftsure Ranch hosts one of the liveliest dinner/auction events in the Valley. swiftsureranch.org

July 16-18

Sun Valley Writers’ Conference This four-day literary event offers keynote speakers, intimate breakout sessions, and plenty of relaxed gathering time to share ideas and experiences. Expected to attend this year are Elizabeth Kolbert, Alan Pesky, Evan Osnos,

Anthony Doerr, Noah Feldman, Ocean Vuong, Yascha Mounk, and Alexander Maksik, among others. svwc.com

picked and outstanding private gardens in and around Hailey. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. sbgarden.org

July 20-22

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Sun Valley Wine Auction With its Annual Wine Auction, the Sun Valley Museum of Art celebrates wine while raising money to support the arts and arts education. The three-day event includes the Vintner Dinners, the Wine Auction Gala, and the very popular Vine and Dine lawn party. Some of the best wines in the world will be available at auction. sunvalleywineauction.org

July 21-23

Sun Valley Tour de Force The world’s fastest cars and drivers attempt to reach speeds of 200 mph or higher on Phantom Hill, north of Ketchum. Additional events include the scenic Huckleberry Drive, a hosted lunch and technical inspection, a car show in downtown Ketchum, and the Cars and Comedy fundraiser. sunvalleytourdeforce.com

July 26

Flamekeepers of the New Orleans jazz legacy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band have been holding court at their famed French Quarter venue since the 1960s. The band travels the world spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans jazz. theargyros.org

July 28-31

Sawtooth Valley Gathering In its 7th year, 40+ live shows from national, regional, and local acts will perform at Sawtooth Valley Pioneer Park. Plus more live music at Mountain Village Resort’s Velvet Falls Dance Hall, August 5-8. Come enjoy music, food and drink, arts and craft vendors, workshops, and more. sawtoothvalleygathering.com

THE RECORD COMPANY: TRAVIS SHINN / SVMOA

July 13

July 22

Chris Botti The Argyros is proud to present Chris Botti in a very special Gala event in support of our annual fund. For over two decades, Grammy Awardwinning and Billboard #1 master trumpeter Chris Botti has amassed a spectacular array of honors, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums, to become the largest selling instrumental artist in the U.S. theargyros.org

July 23

SBG Garden Tour The Sawtooth Botanical Garden will host its 27th Annual Garden Tour featuring seven hand-

Sun Valley Wine Auction

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SUN VALLE Y SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL: NILS RIBI

The Record Company

COURTESY SUN VALLE Y WINE AUCTION / DEV KHALSA

Sun Valley Summer Music Festival

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Aug. 11

The Record Company This Grammy-nominated American rock band from Los Angeles whose music is influenced by blues musicians like John Lee Hooker, early punk bands like The Stooges, and rock bands like The Rolling Stones. Their sound incorporates slide guitar, distorted bass, a Ludwig drum kit and the vocals of Chris Vos. 7:30 p.m. svmoa.org

THE RECORD COMPANY: TRAVIS SHINN / SVMOA SUN VALLE Y SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL: NILS RIBI COURTESY SUN VALLE Y WINE AUCTION / DEV KHALSA

Aug. 11

Skerryvore With a mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes, and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. 7:30-9 p.m. theargyros.org

Aug. 12-15

Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival draws top artists from around the country for three days of open-air exhibitions. In addition to the art, there will be food, music and artist demonstrations. sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com

Aug. 17-20

Killebrew-Thompson Memorial For four decades, the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial has gathered hundreds of likeminded individuals, including celebrities, members of Congress, professional athletes, corporate sponsors, and participants with one goal in mind: find a cure for cancer. Participants enjoy a two-day golf tournament, an auction gala dinner, and a benefit concert. killebrewthompsonmemorial.com

Aug. 19-21

Artists’ Summer Studio Tour Celebrate art and artists. This tour opens the doors of the artists’ studios to the public so you can learn about their artistic process. Visit 40 participating artists in their studios. This event is free of charge, Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Aug. 22

Ore Wagon Musuem and Bonning Cabin Take a tour of the City of Ketchum’s iconic Ore Wagons and explore a historical collection from

Ketchum’s mining era, the town’s founding, and the historic Wagon Days Big Hitch Parade. The museum also offers souvenirs, reserved seating, and information on the Wagon Days Weekend. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. wagondays.net

Aug. 26-27

Summer’s End – The Draper Rendezvous The 2nd annual Summer’s End ~ The Draper Rendezvous will take place at the majestic Lions Park and Draper Wood River Preserve in Hailey. Two days of national, regional, and local musical acts plus food and art vendors. summersenddraperrendezvous.com

Aug. 27

National Geographic Live Speaker Series Join biologist-turned-photographer Ronan Donovan as he talks about the incredible similarities we humans share with other social mammals in the animal kingdom, and what we can learn from them. 7:30-9 p.m. theargyros.org

Aug. 31 - Sept. 9

Rebecca’s Private Idaho

Sept. 16-17

Oktoberfest Get your German on at Sawtooth Brewery’s 9th annual Ketchum Oktoberfest. Held in Sun Valley’s Festival Meadows and featuring beer garden games, beer Olympics, live music and great food, and more. ketchumoktoberfest.com

Oct. 5-9

Trailing of the Sheep Festival The Trailing of the Sheep Festival preserves the stories and colorful history of sheep ranchers and herders. Come celebrate all aspects of these rich cultures, including sheep dog trials, sheep shearing demonstrations, a crafts fair, and culinary events. trailingofthesheep.org

Oct. 12-16

Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival There are few places in the world that jazz lovers would rather be than Sun Valley in October. Each year 40 bands and over 200 musicians descend on the Valley for five days of nonstop jazz. With venues all over town, the event draws music fans from all over the country. sunvalleyjazz.com

Started by professional athlete Rebecca Rusch to connect people, ride with purpose, and celebrate beautiful places, Rebecca’s Private Idaho is one of the world’s largest gravel cycling races. From the smashing climbs for experienced riders in the fourday Queen’s Stage Race to the introduction to gravel riding in the Tater Tot 20 miler, RPI Sun Valley appeals to every level. rebeccasprivateidaho.com

Sept. 1

Gimlets in the Fall Join us on September 1 for a final philanthropic autumn event at SBG! Gimlets in the Fall is our boutique version of galas past and one that will provide for safe distancing while still allowing for social interaction and fun. 5-9 p.m. sbgarden.org

Sept. 2-4

Wagon Days Considered by many to be the biggest nonmotorized parade in the country, the Wagon Days parade and celebration in Ketchum honors the culture and lifestyle in the Wood River Valley before the advent of automobiles and railroads. Enjoy the parade, boutiques, arts and crafts, and a pancake breakfast. wagondays.net

Wagon Days

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Renting the

WILD

OVERNIGHT IN SOME OF IDAHO’S WILDEST REMOTE MOUNTAIN OUTPOSTS

SURVE YORS LOOKOUT: TERRY MUSGROVE

W O R D S B Y L A U R I E S A M M I S P H O T O S B Y T E R R Y M U S G R O V E

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omantic. Wild. Untouched. Fire lookouts offer a remote and off-grid respite, with miles upon miles of jagged mountain lines marching across the horizon in ragged unbroken views. Unplug and roll back the clock to experience life like Jack Kerouac

or Edward Abbey, both of whom spent time in the wilderness employed as fire lookouts and went on to write about it in popular works like Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums and Desolation Angels, and Abbey’s Black Sun. Kerouac, who spent 63 days as a fire lookout on Desolation Peak in the summer of 1956, recalls his first morning: “It was beautiful blue sunshine sky and I went out in my alpine yard and there it was ... hundreds of miles of pure snow-covered rocks and virgin lakes and high timber, and below, instead of the world, I saw a sea of marshmallow clouds flat as a roof and extending miles and miles in every direction, creaming all the valleys ... ” What outdoor enthusiast or nature lover wouldn’t want to experience the natural beauty, wildlife

SURVE YORS LOOKOUT: TERRY MUSGROVE

viewing and staggering vistas offered from a remote perch on top of the world? Many fire lookouts

“IT WAS MILES AND MILES OF UNBELIEVABLE MOUNTAINS GROOKING ON ALL HORIZONS IN THE WILD BROKEN CLOUDS” – JACK KEROUAC are now available for overnight rental, affording almost anybody the opportunity to watch an afternoon storm gather around the edges to break in waves across an open valley. Designed to offer panoramic views, these windows on the world allow campers to enjoy a basket of stars tossed into a midnight sky or the glow of sunrise seeping golden, then peach, and dripping across ridgelines and mountain peaks to meet the blue of a high alpine sky. Idaho, and the areas along its border with Montana and Oregon, offer more fire lookout rentals than any other area in the nation. In fact, the Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA) lists Idaho as having the highest total lookout sites of any state in the nation (966 total). Not all of Idaho’s original lookouts are still standing, and many are no longer staffed full time, which means that those looking for adventure can hike to or even book overnight rentals at these remote mountaintop sites for a unique and unforgettable backcountry experience. The nation’s system of fire lookouts developed after the devastating 1910 forest fires that ripped through Idaho, Montana and Washington, known as The Great Fire, and responsible for consuming three million acres of prime virgin timber and killing 86 people. The Great Fire of 1910 destroyed enough timber to fill a freight train 2,400 miles long and blocked out daylight, blackening skies as far north as Saskatoon, Canada, and as far east as Watertown, New York. This disaster provided the impetus for an organized fire lookout network as well as better trail and communications systems. By the late 1930s, over 5,000 fire lookout towers had been constructed, many of them built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), also known as President Roosevelt’s “tree army.” The fire lookouts served as an organized fire reporting system for early detection and were staffed by individuals who communicated via heliograph (a device using two mirrors to reflect sunlight and send messages via Morse code), then later by telephone wired to the remote outposts, using single strands of galvanized wire strung from tree to tree up the steep mountain slopes, and Surveyors Lookout in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest is perched atop a 30-foot tower at 6,000 feet with views of the spectacular Mallard-Larkings Pioneer Area. Built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country, the original lookout was rebuilt in 1964 and sleeps up to four guests.

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eventually, by portable radios. Early fire spotters served as “smoke chasers” by fighting fires with tools they could carry on foot or by horse, building early fire lines with shovels, pulaskis and axes. More recently, the development of infrared detection devices and the deployment of airplanes and helicopters means that the lookout system is still utilized, but to a much lesser extent. By the GIRD POINT LOOKOUT AND SURVE YORS LOOKOUT PHOTOS: TERRY MUSGROVE CRYSTAL PE AK LOOKOUT: COURTESY CRYSTAL PE AK LOOKOUT

1950s, only a few hundred fire lookouts were still in service, and in the last several decades, many fire lookouts have been officially decommissioned, with some maintained as scenic vista points for visitors by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and others being available for shorter overnight stays. A few are accessible by road, while others can be reached only by trails across more rugged terrain with supplies that must be brought in by pack trains or on sleds and skis. Fire lookouts and outposts are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be rented through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) online at recreation.gov for around $45 to $55 per night. Some of the more spectacular in Idaho and along its borders include Little Guard Lookout, perched at an elevation of 6,031 feet and boasting spectacular views overlooking the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, Downey Peak and the Bitterroot Mountains; as well as

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1910 RIPPED THROUGH THE WEST, DESTROYING 3 MILLION ACRES OF PRIME VIRGIN TIMBER AND KILLING 86 PEOPLE Castle Butte Lookout near Lowell, Idaho, set on a rocky point at 6,659 feet with views of the Seven Devils and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness; or Bald Mountain Lookout near Potlatch, Idaho, with sweeping views of the honey-colored rolling hills of the Palouse region. Both Arid Peak Lookout and Surveyors Lookout, near Avery, Idaho, are listed on the National Historic Register and feature spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as access to blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams and wildlife viewing for elk, deer, moose, eagles and falcons. And just over Idaho’s eastern border in Montana, Gird Point Lookout rests at 7,702 feet with 360-degree views of the surrounding Sapphire, Bitterroot and Anacoda Pintler mountains, while Up Up Lookout, just 30 minutes from Wallace, Idaho, offers a 40-foot tower on a beautiful rock pinnacle in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. A few, such as Crystal Peak Lookout, are privately owned and available for rental year-round and come with extra amenities like a sauna and wood-burning stove, a queen bed with full linens, towels, outdoor fire pit, stove and coffeemaker. Billed as an “immersive deep-forest getaway for adventurous couples,” the Crystal Peak Lookout is definitely a luxury fire lookout rental experience—remote and pristine, but most certainly an upgrade from your typical fire lookout overnight. A fire lookout is basically a small wooden structure with glass windows that reveals 360-degree views, designed to provide fire detection for anywhere from 20 to 100 miles away. Some are accessible via dirt or gravel roads (four-wheel drive vehicles), and many more are only accessible via hiking trails (anywhere from. 5 to 2 or 3 miles). Most of the lookout facilities are rustic and primitive in nature due to their remote locations—situated on top of mountain peaks and located in rocky outcroppings lacking modern conveniences of electricity or piped-in water. But all offer the opportunity to unplug and unwind, with a special invitation to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the surroundings at a much slower pace.

Clockwise from top left: The queen bed, with linens, at Crystal Peak Lookout and the wood-burning stove; the view from the deck of Crystal Peak Lookout; interior of Gird Point Lookout at sunrise; Gird Point Lookout at sunrise; view from Surveyors Lookout outside deck; vintage 1940s map table at Gird Point Lookout; dusk at Gird Point. To see images of fire lookouts from Idaho, Montana and Oregon, visit “Musgrove and Pumi” on flickr.

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GIRD POINT LOOKOUT AND SURVE YORS LOOKOUT PHOTOS: TERRY MUSGROVE CRYSTAL PE AK LOOKOUT: COURTESY CRYSTAL PE AK LOOKOUT

Nicole rides LAG Triturador or “Tru,” a Peruvian Horse stallion that was imported by River Grove Ranch owner, Elizabeth Tierney.

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NICOLE BRASS Local horse whisperer leads with love

“E

W O R D S B Y P A M E L A K L E I B R I N K T H O M P S O N P H O T O S B Y H I L L A R Y M A Y B E R Y

verything I do is for the love of the horse,” says

exclusively breed, raise, train, and ride in the mountains and show

Nicole Brass, horse trainer for River Grove

Peruvian Horses.”

Ranch in Hailey.

“Peruvian Horses are a rare breed. They have been selectively

Brass grew up in Jerome, Idaho, where her

bred for over 500 years, and there are only about 12,000 in all of

parents, Forrest and Cheryl Hymas, raised

North America,” says Brass. “I am drawn to Peruvian Horses for their

horses and bred Charolais cattle. Brass’ grandparents settled in the

smooth gait, temperament, and personalities. They are not horses

Wood River Valley in 1910 and their cattle

that take well to being handled with force.

ranch, the Brass Ranch, encompassed what

And when you earn their trust and respect

is now Sun Valley and Elkhorn. (Their first

through patience and consistency, they

house was what is now the Ketchum Grill).

give and trust with all their heart.”

The Brass family sold the ranch to Union

Brass approaches her work with horses

Pacific Railroad, in 1936, to build what is

from a “whole horse” perspective, where

now the Sun Valley Resort. Brass’ grandfa-

their mental health is as important as their

ther, Earnest Brass, once proclaimed that

physical fitness. She explains it is unnatu-

he never expected to see a ski lodge in

ral for horses to stand in a stall all day, so it

the middle of his spud field. One of the

is important that they are turned out daily

original barns from the Brass Ranch is the

to interact in groups. “I can learn as much

iconic red barn along Sun Valley Road.

about each horse from watching them

For much of her childhood, Brass’ family spent all summer and winter week-

interact in a herd environment as I can by Nicole Brass

ends at a cabin in Ketchum. “The cabin was

riding them,” says Brass. “Horses are social animals. It is imperative for their mental

steeped in history through family and filled with stories of Ernest

health to allow them the ability to interact with other horses. Even

Hemingway,” who rented it out for an extended period of time while

our stallions are socialized and not isolated.”

he was finishing For Whom the Bell Tolls. “He described it as being ‘across the woods and damn near in the creek,’” says Brass. “I first began riding in a pack on my parents’ backs when I was a baby,” says Brass, “and graduated to my own pony at age three. The first show I participated in was at the Sun Valley Equestrian Center when I was five on my horse, Pistol.”

These horses possess such power and athleticism, so to keep them mentally and physically feeling their best, Brass incorporates many different healing modalities such as bodywork, chiropractic, laser, microcurrent, and pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF). “I could see the results of these therapies firsthand last year when one of our horses, Manolo, suffered a devastating injury and shat-

Brass began showing Arabians at the age of seven. Her parents

tered his shoulder,” says Brass. “While it was recommended that he

began to raise Peruvian Horses in 1972, so she also began to show

be put down, Manolo wasn’t giving up, and neither was I. During

them, and she received her first Peruvian Horse sent to her for train-

the intense months after his injury, I stayed with him 24/7 as he

ing when she was just 13.

couldn’t be transported to a vet clinic. I treated him continuously

“During my childhood, I also rode jumpers, ran barrels and

with physical therapy, ice, laser, and PEMF, among other things, and

was Miss Rodeo Idaho,” says Brass. “I showed reining horses for

within nine months, Manolo was able to be ridden again. I attribute

many years with [American horse trainer] Al Dunning in Arizona.

his recovery, which was nothing short of miraculous, to his intense

But I still came back every summer to ride Peruvian Horses in

desire to survive, his willingness to endure the medical treatments,

the mountains.”

and constant love and touch. Love can help to heal.”

After her twin boys, Dakota and Colton, graduated high school

“I work with horses not to win a ribbon or sell them to make a

and headed off to play college basketball, Brass moved back to

dollar,” says Brass, “rather, I work with them for the deep satisfaction

Idaho. “Shortly after I returned to Idaho, Elizabeth Tierney bought

that comes from forming a true partnership with these magnificent

River Grove Ranch and asked me to come in as the trainer,” says

creatures. The more love and time you give them, the more they

Brass. “We are now in our fifth year at River Grove Ranch, and we

give back.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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ANDREW DUNNING Portrait of a Renaissance man and his “joie de vivre”

he very first experience that Andrew Dunning

months, you will find him kayaking the Payette River near Banks,

remembers of Sun Valley turned out to be a pivotal

Idaho. Then, in the fall, you will find him in Chile kayaking the

moment in his life. As a youngster of 10 years old, his

Futaleufu River while based at this uncle’s guest ranch. When the

grandparents took him to dinner at the Sun Valley

opportunity presents itself, he slides over to Hood River, Oregon,

Lodge. His grandparents were excited to show their

and spends time kayaking on the White Salmon River, and every Aside from speed flying, kayaking occupies most of Dunning’s

on a cart wheeled by an ever-attentive waiter; it was Bananas

time and for good reason. His entire family is well known as a kaya-

Foster! As the wide-eyed youngster watched

king family. His grandmother retraced a signifi-

the concoction being created, his excitement

cant river portion of the Lewis and Clark trip by

grew and, then when the spark was lit and the

boat decades ago. And his uncle, Chris Spelius,

alcohol flashed in flames high above his head,

competed in kayak in the 1984 Summer Olym-

an epiphany occurred. “How was this possible?”

pics in Los Angeles. As a youngster, Dunning

thought the young lad.

remembers his mother, gifted pianist and artis-

With a curiosity that couldn’t be quelled,

tic director at the Sun Valley Artist Series, Susan

his grandparents relented and asked the waiter

Spelius Gannon, traveling every weekend from

if their grandson could venture back to the

April to September from Los Angeles to the

kitchen and meet the chef. The chef then took

Kern River. The family became well known for

the time to go step by step in the creation of

setting up camp in the Kernville Town Park and

Bananas Foster, explaining in detail what he

paddling all weekend before making the trek

was doing and then lighting the dessert on fire

back to Southern California. From that experi-

again. So enthralled was Dunning with the

ence, Dunning has taken his kayaking skills to

experience that he did the experiment on his

the top level by coaching, working with manu-

own at home the next day, which meant his

facturers on design, and running rivers around

parents had to go purchase the correct alcohol

the world.

to complete the task. That experience set the stage for who the 35-year-old Dunning is today: gourmet chef,

Dunning puts the finishing touches on a meal prepared at a private Sun Valley home in December 2021.

consummate kayaker, speed flyer, drone pilot,

Over 10 years ago, Dunning became as fascinated with shooting drone footage as he was in making the perfect Bananas Foster. Now, he has been able to create a thriving business of shooting

videographer, and outdoor coach—all activities that didn’t jive with

and selling his footage to clients all over the country. With his brother,

living in the heart of Los Angeles. In fact, since the age of 16, Dunning

Michael, the two have created, Dunnings & Co., a full-service video

has been a full-time Wood River Valley resident.

production company based in Sun Valley. Their passion is filming

The oft-used adage of “if you do what you love, you will never

adventure videos involving whitewater kayaking, skiing, speed wing/

work a day in your life” fits Dunning to a tee. Dunning’s life in

paraglider flying, and climbing mountains. “While pushing the limits

Idaho is primarily centered around skiing on Baldy, kayaking the

of these sports lies at the heart of our cinematography, we are always

world-class Payette River, and the Lost River for amazing speed-

eager to explore new avenues and opportunities,” says Dunning. To

flying peaks. (Speed flying is an advanced form of paragliding that

date, they have worked with a variety of national and international

uses a small, high-performance paraglider wing to quickly descend

active lifestyle brands and even created a short film, “The Crux,”

heights like mountains.) Says Dunning, “Idaho has definitely formed

about two expert climbers who visit City of Rocks National Reserve.

who I am.”

now and then he’ll throw in an occasional trip to Nepal.

the conclusion of the main course, the surprise of the meal appeared

Dunning’s zest for life carries over into every aspect of his many

Dunning has developed an itinerary that regularly takes him

careers, whether wielding a paring knife, a drone remote control or

around the world. During the winter months, you will find him speed

kayak paddle. “Don’t make excuses for stuff,” says Dunning. “If you

flying the Alps in Europe. During the spring and early summer

think you have the ability to do something, you definitely should.” ï

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ANDREW DUNNING: ADAM MA JORS

young Southern California grandson the fineries of Lodge dining. At

ANDREW DUNNING: HALSE Y PIERCE

BY JAKE MOE

ANDREW DUNNING: HALSE Y PIERCE

ANDREW DUNNING: ADAM MA JORS

Dunning prepares to take flight above the Columbia River Gorge near White Salmon, Washington.

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Kyle Oldemeyer will teach mountain bike clinics at Galena Lodge this summer, and Chelan Pauly enjoys going along for the ride.

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CHELAN PAULY + KYLE OLDEMEYER New Galena managers build on love affair with historic lodge

BY K AREN BOSSICK

helan Pauly thrills to the prospects of setting snow-

recreation administration,” says Oldemeyer, who got a bachelor’s

shoe trails around Galena Lodge after two or three

degree in sports, recreation and tourism at the University of Idaho.

feet of new snow has fallen on the tracks. “I usu-

They made their way back to Galena Lodge a few years ago,

ally take along a couple of our loaner dogs to let

quickly jumping in and helping Zell and Shepler with the managerial

them mash down the snow ahead of me,” she says,

aspects of Galena. “They’re smart, enthusiastic, and very energetic.

referring to the dogs that greet skiers and mountain bikers from

They‘ve been kind of managing Galena for a year now, so they’re

a window opening in the second floor of Galena Lodge. “It’s just a

already very familiar with how things work,” says Joyce Fabre, who

magical experience.”

got to know the couple as a Nordic patroller at the lodge.

Pauly can look forward to plenty more such magical experiences

The biggest challenge, Oldemeyer says, will be taking over the

as she and her husband Kyle Oldemeyer take over as concessionaires

apron strings that Shepler leaves behind, given his extensive culinary

for the rustic lodge in the mountains 24 miles

background. But Oldemeyer has been working

north of Sun Valley. “It feels like a dream,” says

alongside him in the kitchen since 2013. He’s

Oldemeyer. Pauly and Oldemeyer were tabbed

been involved in putting together the summer

by the Blaine County Recreation District’s

barbecues, full moon dinners, and 200-member

board of directors to replace Erin Zell and Don

wedding parties.

Shepler, who want to move on to new pursuits

“The biggest thing Don’s taught me is that

in the spring of 2023 after 15 years of operating

you don’t need a recipe—you just go by taste

the lodge.

of things. His bible, ‘Salt Fat Acid Heat,’ teaches

Oldemeyer, who grew up in Boise, became

that it’s a matter of finding the right balance of

acquainted with the lodge in August 2013 when

those four fundamentals. If you do that, you can

he visited a friend who was teaching mountain

get endlessly creative,” Oldemeyer says.

bike clinics at Galena. When the 2013 Beaver

Pauly has read Pearl Barber’s book, The

Creek Fire advanced towards the lodge from

Galloping Ghosts of Galena frontwards and back-

Ketchum’s Warm Springs area, he jumped in

Pauly and Oldemeyer hope to spend their honeymoon paragliding in Bulgaria

to help lodge employees hastily cater one last wedding and evacuate the lodge. The fire ended up being corralled

wards, trying to imagine what it was like for Barber being snowed in by herself when she ran

the lodge as a grocery store.

near Baker Lake, and Oldemeyer returned to the lodge the following

She and Oldemeyer have experienced what it’s like to spend day

year to work. There, he met Pauly, a peppy young Whitman College

after day for weeks shoveling the lodge deck and snow blowing its

student who had come to visit her twin sister Skye, who was working

roof. They’ve had to carry buckets of water from their cabin across

as a ski instructor. The two became smitten and were married in the

the highway to the lodge to wash dishes when the lodge well has gone

meadows outside the lodge on June 25, 2022.

out. And they’ve had to scurry to save food when power went out and

Pauly grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, in an outdoorsy family

the freezer broke down.

that spent summers at Lake Chelan, for which she was named. Her

Pauly and Oldemeyer’s wedding in Senate Meadows was the first

family worked in the fruit industry, packing apples and cherries.

of many weddings destined to take place at Galena Lodge this sum-

She, like Oldemeyer, fell in love with Galena Lodge during her visit

mer. They went easy on staff, pitching in to help with the dinner and

and returned to work two seasons teaching skiing and working in the

dance party for 125 people.

retail shop before trading the invigorating mountain air and local

The couple say they have relished the outpouring of support

mountain bike trails for a muggy Mississippi, where she learned to

from the community. “The Wood River Valley has such a strong

canoe and bike flat trails while getting a graduate degree to teach

community,” says Pauly. “Once people found out that we were tak-

high school science and math.

ing over for Don and Erin, they really began taking it on themselves

“I thought she was crazy trading this for Mississippi, but I followed. And I ended up getting a master’s degree in sports and

to get to know us more. It really feels like everyone is behind us,” adds Oldemeyer.

ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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Bronco riding and parades entertained crowds of guests and locals in 1940.

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BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The nitty, gritty

s Sun Valley Resort’s first winter as America’s first destination ski resort drew to a close, Union

Pacific Railroad earmarked more than $2.5 million to make the summer of 1937 in Sun Valley equally memorable.

history of rodeos in t he

Wood River Valley

It built a covered grandstand seating 18,400 at the Sun Valley Horseman’s Center. And it advertised a rodeo that would eclipse the best Cheyenne and Pendleton had ever staged. “…the wildest horses ever roped, fighting broncs that pant, grunt, leap, and strain under the best saddle sitters of the age,” promised the Hailey Times.

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Rodeo horses are herded across from the rodeo grounds and grandstands, which were originally located at the site of today’s Horseman’s Center.

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View of the rodeo grounds in 1939, which were located at the present site of the Horseman’s Center The Sun Valley Rodeo, held in midAugust, began in 1937 to great fanfare but only ran for six years.

Spectators arrayed in silk and satin cowboy and cowgirl outfits and Parisian fashions came from afar. Blaring trumpets and a cannon blast announced a parade that included a

General

Custer

impersonator,

Canadian Royal Northwest Mounted Police, Shoshone-Bannock Indian chiefs wearing war bonnets, calvary horse riders, and covered wagons. Rodeo legends showed up, including bronc buster Turk Greenough, who doubled for Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. One man rode two Irish Hunters over a burning automobile. Clowns did donkey tricks, and togaclad contestants competed in chariot races. Others took part in boomerang throwing, fancy roping, and wild cow milking contests, while a red-haired woman was said to have ridden a bronc every bit as good as a man. “It was a revelation to see the so-called fair and weaker sex perform so courageously and daringly,” wrote James Knipe, who was among the Pulitzer Prize winners and newsreel companies covering the action. The effort paid off—the National Rodeo Association voted the Sun Valley Rodeo of 1937 the finest in the United States and Canada. The rodeo prospered until Sun Valley Resort was turned into a Navy convalescent hospital during World War II. Union Pacific made a half-hearted attempt to revive it when the resort reopened in 1947. But restoration costs, rising insurance rates, and tired stock were too much, not to mention that the railroad spent a fortune wining and dining VIPs. But, as the resort turned the grounds into a practice field for the Baltimore Colts, local cowboys formed the Sawtooth Rangers. They built a rodeo arena in 1948 and organized the Wood River Roundup. A smaller arena with more seating capacity was built in 2009 to house what is now

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known as the Hailey Days of the Old West Rodeo. “It’s part of our history,” says Cheryl Bennett, a former rodeo competitor. “We’re a Western town, and people like the opportunity to dress up and put their boots on.” One of the best to come out of this area was Bellevue’s Kelly Wardell, voted the 1997 Original Coors Fans’ Favorite Cowboy. Wardell won the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1998 and rodeoed professionally for 30 years, qualifying for the National Finals rodeo four times in bareback riding. He even got a bronze medal and helped the United States to a team gold medal at the Olympic Command Performance Rodeo, held as part of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Twenty-three-year-old Sarah Rau of Bellevue is riding the rodeo circuit now as a barrel racer. She fell in love with horses at 4-H club and dreamed of making the National Rodeo Finals. “You feel like you’re

Parading through the Sun Valley Rodeo arena in August 1940

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flying,” she says of her 14- to 17-minute ride around the barrels. “Even with the loud music and lights and people cheering, you don’t hear anything. It’s just you and your horse, in sync.” Rau moved to Texas after graduating from Wood River High School in 2017 to put herself in the center of people who could help her achieve her goal. She won the 2020 Texas Circuit Rookie of the Year Award and finished second among Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s rookies. That year, she put 20,000 miles on her Ford F-450 pickup driving her three horses to nearly 80 rodeos. During Fourth of July, she did seven rodeos in four days in Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. No sooner than she finished her ride, she began loading up her horses and driving all night to the next rodeo venue. Upon arriving, she’d feed and water her quarter horses, put icy packs on their legs, massage them with a massage gun and cover them with magnetic blankets. Only then

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A horse race at the rodeo grounds in 1939

did she get to catch a couple hours of sleep in 12 feet of living quarters in the front of her trailer, which includes a couch, kitchen, and shower. “I love the beautiful places in Montana and Wyoming that rodeoing takes me to,” Rau says. “And it’s the most incredible experience getting to do what I love.” Rau’s top prize so far is $8,000 she won for first place at the San Antonio Rodeo. Entry fees cost between $75 and $350, and first-place results earn between $2,500 and $50,000, depending on the rodeo. Between her winnings and her work selling equipment like drilling fluids for oil companies, she was able to purchase a home this year in Stephenville, Texas, known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. Competing in dusty, 110-degree temperatures or running into barrels, which counts against her score, sometimes brings Rau to her knees. “When they talk about blood, sweat and tears, they’re not lying,” she says. “Sometimes I just want to sit and cry. But, when I lose, it’s a learning experience that makes me better for the next rodeo. I figure I have five minutes to be down, then I have to tough it up. Each day is a mental game, and I need to be able to go in with confidence. And I want to be able to use my platform in rodeo to be a good role model for women.”

Roberta Brass demonstrates her archery skills from the back of her horse “Doc” in June, 1939

Hailey resident Chloe Deffe is one of three students in this year’s Wood River Rodeo Club. She started competing in high school rodeo in eighth grade after learning to ride horses in 4-H club. When her classmates are skiing, she’s working a horse that Amy Federko loaned her in Picabo. From early April to late May, she competes in barrel racing, rein cow horse and pole bending, in which horse and riders weave between poles set 21 feet apart. “That’s not a big space—you and your horse have to be one,” Deffe says. “You have to have laser focus. You start out learning slow, and it becomes muscle memory. Then it’s trusting that your horse knows what to do.” “You know that every kid there has worked hard to be there,” Deffe adds. “I like being surrounded by a bunch of good people who are there to compete and have fun.” 

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inthearts Judith Freeman’s Many Worlds The multi-dimensional nature of her writing BY WINSLOW BROK AW

Judith Freeman at her home on the Camas Prairie, Idaho, 2022

Judith Freeman, a speaker at the 2022 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, attended the very first Writers’ Conference 25 years ago and has continued to attend every year, either as a speaker or participant. She says, “I remember those early conferences. I’d come away feeling blessed by the most amazing literary experience. From the beginning, the Writers’ Conference was brilliant. It has been a huge inspiration to me over the course of my writing life.”

From that point forward, Freeman spent 20 years teaching herself to write before publishing her first book in 1988. She would read, study, and dissect books so that she could better understand how the author had accomplished something she admired. She says, “I studied how authors moved characters through scenes, how they transitioned from one scene to the next, and how they created tension and dialogue.” This process informs her work to this day, and she believes that

any aspiring writer should read, study, and emulate the books they love in order to hone their skill. Many authors remain important to Freeman, including Cormac McCarthy for his Border Trilogy books and Alice Munro for her mastery of the short story and plumbing the depths of human experience. Freeman’s own ability to dive deep into human existence and to observe life’s subtleties allow her to explore age-old literary themes, including friendship, identity, courage, and

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BOOK : PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

JUDITH FREEMAN: ANTHONY HERNANDE Z

here do dreams, ideas and stories come from? Most of us are so immersed in our physical lives that we forget to ponder our multidimensional potential. For example, where do we go when we daydream? Where do we exist while drawing, designing or creating? As we rush about the main lobby floor of the physical world, we forget that we exist in multiple realms. So, what if we were to consciously travel up the elevator shaft of our imagination? There are so many floors available to us that hold unique perspectives and possibilities. Artists, writers, musicians and creatives have long undulated between these realms to bring forth their stories, music, art and beauty. One of these extraordinary writers who expresses herself in the physical and creative realms is renowned American novelist, critic and essayist, Judith Freeman, author of eight books including Family Attractions, The Chinchilla Farm, A Desert of Pure Feeling, Red Water, Set for Life, and the nonfiction book, The Long Embrace: Raymond Chandler and The Woman He Loved, as well as a memoir, The Latter Days. Her most recent novel, MacArthur Park, was released in October 2021. Freeman will be speaking at this year’s Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. Freeman’s literary career spans 20 years of learning and 30 years of writing. A fifth generation Westerner raised in Ogden, Utah, Freeman surprisingly did not grow up in a household of readers. It wasn’t until high school that she discovered the joy of literature in the novels of Thomas Hardy and Willa Cather, among others. “That was a tremendously exciting moment,” she says, “because I knew then that I wanted to tell stories, and I knew I would gravitate towards fiction because that’s what captured me.”

BOOK : PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

JUDITH FREEMAN: ANTHONY HERNANDE Z

perseverance in a refreshing and profound way. While each of her eight books stands alone, each story highlights “the ordinary, humble, and flawed human being and how we are all trying to make our experiences turn out right,” says Freeman. “In my most recent book, MacArthur Park, I did some of my deepest diggings into the subject of friendship and marriage, the deepest relationships we have outside of our birth families. The story is about conflict and compromise and what we do to sustain love.” As readers, these familiar themes never get old because each author’s lens provides insight, depth and wisdom that sustain us. “Even as authors explore the same topics again and again, they differ each time because who we are influences every idea; it’s wonderful because it’s inexhaustible,” says Freeman. “This gift of bringing such complex and perennial ideas into the physical world is the magic of writing.” Just as Freeman is at home between the worlds of ideas and writing, she is also at home in two distinct landscapes, the Camas Prairie, Idaho, and Los Angeles, California. Freeman first moved to Idaho in 1970 as she was trying to become a writer. Living in Ketchum with her young son, she taught skiing in the day and wrote at night. After a few years of enjoying the beautiful outdoors, horseback riding and wrangling, she moved to Los Angeles to be with other young writers, hoping some day she would return to the country. This dream became a reality when, years later, she and her husband, artist and photographer Anthony Hernandez, purchased a 15-acre farm on the Camas Prairie an hour from Sun Valley. She says, “I feel deeply connected to the natural and urban landscape. I love our community in Los Angeles, and I love the counterpoint of the prairie, where the antelope are moving around and the sandhills are flying over. I really want both worlds, and I write about both worlds.” Ultimately, Freeman reminds us of what’s possible when we remember our multidimensional potential. As a writer, she inhabits so many worlds—“real life,” stories, imagination, and ideas—and seamlessly

“

In my most recent book, MacArthur Park, I did some of my deepest diggings into the subject of friendship and marriage, the deepest relationships we have outside of our birth families.” —JUDITH FREEMAN

moves between them. When she is immersed in writing a book, she’s all in, “entering that world, enlarging it, and moving it forward. It’s not something I have to force myself to do,” she says. “Each day, I go into that world, pick up with the flow and get carried along.” When Freeman is between books, she is always ready for the next idea and inspiration to drop. She laughs, “I never lack ideas. I have so many circling, like planes overhead. I just lack the time to write all the books!” So where do stories come from, according to Freeman? “We’re magpies!” she says. “Someone tells us a story, we read something, or we remember something. It’s an amalgam of memory, imagination, and a spark of some incident, event or person. It’s a mystery and a gift from a place, like a dream.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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inthearts // the moore family

Striking a Chord A love of nature led Robert Moore to a life of painting

“Sawtooth Wildflowers” by Robert Moore at Kneeland Gallery, oil on canvas, 29 in. x 39 in.

B Y H AY D E N S E D E R

he process of painting for impressionistic oil painter Robert Moore is practically a full-body experience, involving constant rotation of the canvas (either by lazy Susan or by hand) and the use of both hands to imbue color to his palette with a palette knife, paint brush, or his own fingers. His unique process and its vivacious results have made him one of

the leading impressionistic oil painters in America, with works shown in top galleries in Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. He has been featured in numerous magazine profiles and was even awarded the Idaho Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2012. After a lifetime of being exposed to their father’s ideas of design and color, four of Moore’s six children—Robbie, Anna, Rachel, and Caleb—became artists in their own right,

and they will exhibit alongside their father this fall at the Kneeland Gallery in Ketchum. “Family Ties: The Moore Family” will exhibit from September 1 to October 12, with an opening reception on Friday, September 2. Before becoming the renowned plein air painter he is today, Moore was once a farm boy, growing up in the Snake River Valley in Declo, Idaho (where, incidentally, he now lives again). As the youngest of five children, Moore drew to get attention. As he pondered

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Oil on canvas

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inthearts // the moore family

“An Open Door” by Robbie Moore at Kneeland Gallery, oil on canvas, 24 in. x 30 in.

his direction his life, he knew he wanted to be outdoors and to use the responsibility instilled in him in his farming upbringing, without actually becoming a farmer. “I didn’t like the tractor work,” says Moore. “So, I thought, ‘how can I be outside, in the mountains, hunting and fishing and still working?’ I thought if I were an artist, I’d still have that flexibility and could just be responsible for sowing my art seeds, instead of farming seeds.” Moore’s rural Idaho upbringing instilled in him a love of nature that he expresses today on his canvases, resulting in a multitude of vivid oil hues and textured layers. Anywhere there’s nature and beautiful shapes and color relationships is fair game for inspiration for Moore, though his favorite spots tend to be in the Rocky Mountains in the spring and aspen groves in the fall. The ways in which Moore creates one of his works are unique, owing to several factors, the biggest being that he is partially color blind. This affects his work immensely, from his choice of color palette to the way he sees the canvas. The artist has developed his own system, which utilizes painting horizontally on a large table with a lazy Susan (or simply on the ground when painting en plein air) so 96

he can rotate the canvas constantly. “I paint relationships more than objects,” explains Moore of his technique. He also mostly uses a palette knife instead of a brush, which he says turns colors into a single note, whereas the knife creates a color “chord.” “You pick up a rock, it’s 20 different colors, not just one color,” explains Moore. “You could play a song on the piano with

one finger, and it would be accurate, but it’s a lot richer with chords.” Since Moore’s perception of color varies, his apprentice will keep track of where the colors go on his palette so that in the process of mixing hues and picking up different brushes or knives, he doesn’t mix them. Also unique to Moore’s process is his use of both hands simultaneously, the result of breaking his dominant wrist when he was 21 and having to learn to use the other. Using both hands cuts his painting time in half as he mixes his colors with two knives, then applies at the same time. The result is thousands of marks on the canvas from his fingers and tools, giving his pieces variety. “I think you can feel how I attack a painting. There’s a lot of energy to it,” says Moore. The Moore family’s fall show at Kneeland Gallery will feature paintings and sculptures by Moore and his children. Being a family is what ties the art together, but each Moore has their own medium, style, and subject matter, which makes for an interesting show. Rachel, Robbie, and Anna are painters while Caleb is a sculptor. While the children were growing up, Moore would often cart a child in a backpack as he worked outside, exposing his children to the outdoors and its relationship to artistic practice from a young age. “Since they were children watching me work, they have heard me talk about design and color with my apprentices and students,” says Moore, “so they have a wealth of knowledge, but how they express that in their paintings and sculptures is unique.” ï

“Refuge,”2020, and “Scout Lake,” 2018, by Rachel Moore (Robert Moore’s daughter) at Kneeland Gallery, oil on canvas

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inthearts // aidan brezonick

Dean Stanton (played here by Logan Leavitt) races across Arrow Rock Dam.

A “Mirage” in the Distance “The greatest Idaho film that ever was” BY LORI CURRIE

he short film “Meridian” screened at the Sun Valley Film Festival in March and struck a chord with audiences, with its intertwining tales of remorse, revenge, and acceptance as seen through the lens of climate change. Winner of the Gem State award, “Meridian” is the passion project of Emmy-winning writer and director, Aidan Brezonick, who set out to show that climate change isn’t political, but rather, has been politicized. “There’s a lot of frustration and spin around the topic when, in reality, we’re all fighting for the same thing,” says Brezonick. “Everyone wants their kids to grow up and experience the outdoors. That sentiment was drilled into me, growing up in Idaho. We live

in one of the most beautiful, untouched spaces in the country, and we want to preserve that. So, the story and ideas of multiple vignettes around everyday people, and how they’re affected on a day-to-day level, just felt right.” Growing up in Boise, Brezonick—whose work has appeared on Rolling Stone, NPR, NBC, MTV, IFC, and the Sundance Channel—credits a great video production class in high school, that “kinda let me do whatever I wanted,” for lighting a creative spark within. Years later, during film school in Chicago, a parent point-blank asked him if we had movies in Idaho, “any movies.” “It was a small moment, but, as a kid, it felt pretty traumatizing. Nationally, we were identified as the Napolean Dynamite state, and I took immense issue with that — nothing against Jared Hess’ great movie. I wanted to get as far away from that label as fast as I could, but life had other plans, and I found myself drawn to Idaho narratives.” He eventually doubled down and said, “If people aren’t going to acknowledge Idaho as the amazing place it is,

well then, I would make films that showcased just how much history and culture we have.” Brezonick’s next project does just that, putting Idaho squarely in the spotlight in a neo-noir Western feature entitled “Mirage,” with production slated for July 2022. “Our not-so-subtle goal is to make ‘The Greatest Idaho Film That Ever Was.’ Sure, there’s a history of film production within the state, but the stories have never been about Idaho.” Set in 2008, “Mirage” follows a young local news videographer named Dean, loosely modeled after Brezonick’s time working at KTVB in high school. There’s a kind of duality to the narrative. Dean is working on a piece for the state anniversary celebration, and there’s a big event planned. “Think of the Fourth of July celebration in Jaws,” says Brezonick. In preparation for the event, he’s tasked with traversing the state, interviewing locals about what makes Idaho great. Meanwhile, a reclusive billionaire makes the largest land grab in state history and sets into motion a chain of events that lead Dean

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inthearts // aidan brezonick

LISA HOLLE Y

CONTEMPORARY BOTANICAL ARTIST

“You Are What You Eat Series”

Dean speaks with his surrogate father figure/boss at the El Korah Diner.

down some dark paths. He begins to realize how much change has occurred because of this billionaire land buy and the influx of new residents from out of state, how it’s affected local livelihood, the environment, and in turn,

“

I keep coming back to the line ‘if you can’t afford to live in Idaho, where can you?’ ” “CURIOUS SPIDER MONKE Y ” W/C 23”H X 14” W

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Dean. For that part of the movie, the cast and crew will be spending several weeks traveling the state, shooting everywhere from Sun Valley to Sandpoint and looping back to Boise. “Our goal is to shoot as many historical landmarks as possible that feel natural to the narrative,” says Brezonick. Brezonick sees “Mirage” as a kind of spiritual origin story to the Continental Op character in Dashiell Hammet novels. “In most noir stories, the detective or protagonist is this jaded, brooding archetype—already having lived through years of work that’s left them cynical of the world,” says Brezonick. “The idea behind our narrative is to take this young optimistic kid and show him all these injustices within his state and see if he can rise above that cynicism. We lead Dean down 100

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some pretty interesting avenues I don’t think most viewers will be expecting.” “I get a lot of inspiration from Robert Altman and Paul Thomas Anderson films, sweeping narratives with large ensemble casts,” says Brezonick. “’Mirage’ is an Idaho story, so we wanted to finance with people who live here and have a stake in these narratives firsthand. We’re currently in talks with some extremely talented actors, who I’m not allowed to name, or my producer will yell at me. Our hope is that we can show what major production can do here. Putting those funds back into the community in as many ways possible — and eventually get some production tax credits started. Idaho has the same potential as Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans. We want this to be a case study for future productions.” The timing of “Mirage” is no coincidence. Idaho has experienced seismic shifts in population and affordability over the past few years, growth that Brezonick feels has been extremely divisive. “I try to keep politics out of my films and focus on the characters/people that are affected, but I keep coming back to the line: ‘If you can’t afford to live in Idaho, where can you?’” says Brezonick. “I grew up with a split childhood. Living in the historic North End of Boise with my father, while my mom had the first house on the block in a new subdivision of Eagle; feeling trapped between the tradition of preserving things as they are, and the natural change and expansion that happens to a place over time. In a lot of ways, I feel like I was made to tell this story.” ï

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John Moyers | “Heavy on the Mind” | 45” high X 28” wide | oil on linen

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inthearts // rick bean “The Nashville” by Rick Bean, handcrafted leather saddle

Leather Tamer Rick Bean won’t be fenced in

ick Bean wasn’t born with $45,000 saddles under him, but he has made

them. The Meridian, Idaho, resident doesn’t hold much back when he talks, and it’s probably why he never lacked much confidence when corralled with a client’s elaborate dream of imagery carved into a custom Western saddle. Some of his most legendary work recently was exhibited and offered for sale in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, a showcase of the U.S.’s best in saddle, bit and spur making, silversmithing and rawhide braiding from fellow members of the esteemed Traditional Cowboy Arts Association. That was the swan song for those saddles, as he looks to find new adventures in his art and craft. And an adventure in silver, or leather, it will be. Bean is a storyteller in every way. Every significant thing in his life has a vivid expression or memory attached. He likes adjectives. His best stories often don’t leave his lips but his hands. Some of his richest tales are told through one of his signature “Legacy” saddles, where Western legends, scenery, and folklore were handtooled in leather with delicate swivel-knife cuts. Like most stories, his work has a theme. They are historically 102

representative and include outlaws and heroes. The ornate leather saddles are rideable but unlikely to gather any real dust. “First and foremost, everything has to have form and function,” says Bean. “The same amount of rivets go into my show saddles as my working saddles.” His brother, Bill, builds the tree of the saddle, its foundation. The leather comes from a tannery in St. Louis. His raw silver, from Albuquerque. For his custom saddles, Bean took his final drawing to tracing paper and lightly stenciled the pattern on new leather. Floral patterns became three dimensional as the leather was dyed, creating dramatic and original effects. He cobbled them together on a vintage sewing machine. These showy saddles are collected by those who are drawn to the history of the West and can afford to dream, and pay, big. His induction into the venerable trade association known as the TCAA in 2005, “was a match made in Heaven,” that was initiated by a delighted client. Like a tattoo artist, Bean had to be both talented and tactical, and able to spell well. Mistakes can be costly. “The farther along I get,” say, 45 hours into the several 100 he usually invests, “I start to get a lump in my stomach. There’s no eraser on the other end of the knife,” he explains, sounding more

like a plastic surgeon than a leather craftsman. “Once that knife cuts the leather, it’s cut. You drop that eyeball a fraction too long, and you just made Frankenstein. So, it’s not a matter of whether the face will look like a person, but is the cowboy or cowgirl cute and handsome, or will they look like something from a horror movie?” “Rarely have I ever had to start over, but yes, I’ve had to,” Bean admits. He is more relaxed when working with silver, which, like paint, can be obscured, blurred, or buffed out to disguise the mistake. He embellishes some of his saddles and stirrups with the shiny metal but also makes jewelry and buckles.

All of Bean’s creations start with hours of sketches. Drawing, often cowboys, was something he discovered in school as a distraction. The son of an artistic woman and her rancher husband, Bean, his two brothers and three sisters, grew up on a ranch in southwestern Idaho near his home and shop today. His trajectory took root through a Tandy leather carving kit he received for his 12th Christmas. His neighbors were saddle shop owners who welcomed his daily visits seeking scrap leather and mentoring. Harnesses for the coveted draft horses his father sold were his first major endeavors, and a retail business was born. RC Bean Saddlery opened in 1978. It was there that he met, “the reason for all my success,” his wife of 23 years, Kristie, a horse trainer, and artist who is his partner in all things. “When two people who are good at stuff are thrown together, they come up with some radical ideas,” says Kristie of their dynamic. “And then, if they are dumb enough to actually execute them…” “I have three passions,” says Bean. “Kristie is the main one. My property in Star. And my store.” Though what the future bend will be is under wraps, Bean will stay in the artistic saddle. “I’ll do this as long as my eyes and hands work.” ï

DAVID K ALE: ALBLIE MITCHELL

BY JENNIFER LIEBRUM

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Kneela

DAVID K ALE: ALBLIE MITCHELL

ROBERT MOORE

“CONTENT TO BE”

oil on canvas, 60” x 48”

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271 First Avenue N, Ketchum, ID 83340 • PO Box 2070, Sun Valley, ID 83353 www.kneelandgallery.com • art@kneelandgallery.com • 208.726.5512

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inthearts // gallery buzz

2022SUMMER GALLERYBUZZ

The Sun Valley area boasts a diverse and cosmopolitan art community. Here is a sampling of what’s in store at galleries this season.

“I See Fire, I See Rain,” by Jodie Stejer at Stejer Studio, encaustic on panel, 36 in. x 48 in.

JUNE/JULY EXHIBITIONS

GAIL SEVERN GALLERY May 12 – July 1 GROUP SHOW – “FLORA AND FAUNA” Flora & Fauna is a group show celebrating the changing seasons and the beauty found in nature’s vibrant palette. The exhibition features large paintings by Kathy Moss, Michael Gregory, James Cook and Allison Stewart, as well as smaller, intimate works including the detailed paintings of Diane Andrews Hall and collages by Kenna Moser. Kara Maria, Chris Maynard and Theodore Waddell broadly interpret our

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natural world by abstracting animals in various different ways. Sculptors like Jane Rosen, Gwynn Murrill, Carolyn Olbum and Bean Finneran explore the beauty of nature through the unique materials of glass, bronze and ceramic.

STEJER STUIO June – September “CREATING ART WITH FIRE” Jodie Stejer is an encaustic artist working from her Wood River Valley studio in downtown Ketchum, Idaho: applying a fired torch to fuse together beeswax, resin and pigment to create abstract art. “As a commission artist I am fortunate to paint many different styles, from photo encaustics, landscapes and abstracts, to skulls and old wooden

skis,” says Stejer. “It’s an honor for me to work directly with my collectors to create a unique piece for their homes.” Currently booking commissions for next April, 2023. Stejer Studio will feature opening receptions during the Gallery Walk evenings this summer on Julv 8th, August 5th and September 2nd, with additional opening receptions during the Artist Studio Tour on August 10th and 20th.

training under the tutelage of his father, a noted artist and professor, during the height of the Armenian colorist movement, which left a strong impression on him. Berberian continued formal education from internationally acclaimed impressionist Sergei Bongart. His work can be found in numerous public and private collections worldwide. Opening Reception: Friday, July 8, 5-7:30 p.m.

GILMAN CONTEMPORARY

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July 2022

June will present works that highlight Gilman Contemporary’s continued work to bring exceptional contemporary art to the Valley with an exhibition that focuses on what drives their vision. The gallery has established a program that is driven by a belief that art resonates differently for each collector, and an embrace of art that is innovative, inspirational and thought provoking. June features new work by Paul Béliveau, Jill Lear, David Burdeny, Laurie Victor Kay and Marco Casentini.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS — “NEW VOICES”

KNEELAND GALLERY June 24 – July 25 OVANES BERBERIAN – SOLO EXHIBITION A painter’s painter, Ovanes Berberian is a colorist who endows every painting with the certainty of his convictions and dexterity. A plein-air purist, he elects to paint on location, inspired by a more direct confrontation with his subject. He states unequivocally that, in painting, the most important thing is color harmony. Ovanes moves from landscape to still life with ease, his identifying characteristics being the lush surfaces and lively color of oils. Born in Russian Armenia, Ovanes received his academic

Gilman Contemporary is celebrating 15 years of contemporary art with “New Voices” highlighting the work of emerging female artists. Driving this anniversary exhibition is a gendered exploration of space and place by women working in a range of media. “New Voices” showcases how gender can distort our views, while acknowledging that it is a force for power. While there have been great strides to embrace and promote work by marginalized voices, women remain in the minority of major gallery and museum collections. Owner L’Anne Gilman reflects that “while we continue to nurture and promote artists with whom we have established relationships, it is exciting to look ahead and feature artists who are just beginning their careers. I want to continue our work in embracing new and unique perspectives.” Emerging artist Hannah Parrett’s paintings draw on symbols and tropes of the American West. Inspired by the landscape of her childhood in southwestern South Dakota, Parrett offers painterly cinematic vignettes in oil on canvas. In her ongoing series Annie’s Dilemma, Parrett has created a

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“Empress Royal Hague Blue Floral with Orange,” 2019, by JP Terlizzi at Gilman Contemporary, archival pigment print, 21 in. x 14 in. or 30 in. x 20 in.

visual key that references the ‘40s comic book series Annie Oakley and Deadwood Dick dime novels. By synthesizing these pieces of Americana into an explicit and repeated visual language, Parrett explores the gendered narrative of the West. Her work is both sophisticated and visually captivating and draws a fresh understanding to the ways we use and see gender within popular culture, especially that of the “West.” Glass and textile artist Brianna Gluszak’s work utilizes shape, color and material to both question and play with viewers’ perceptions of gendered traits, circumstances, and implicit bias. In bright and colorful tufted rugs, Gluszak bends edges and draws the eye around an unconventional visual plane. These edges, curves, colors and shapes are all “stand-ins for our bodies in

space.” The tufted rugs featured in this exhibition came out of the lockdown in 2020 in the absence of access to her studio. Since then her practice of converting her drawing into these textile wall hangings has continued to evolve. Gluszak received a bachelor’s in fine art with distinction in glass from The Alberta University for the Arts (formerly The Alberta College of Art and Design) in 2016. Gluszak has studied and worked at Pilchuck Glass School, The Corning Museum of Glass, The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Wash., and StarWorks Center for Creative Enterprise. California-based artist Carmen McNall’s paintings are punctuated by deep woodcuts creating a balance between textured patterns and stretches of pure pigment. McNall explores the body as a vessel, her

figures and vases and containers are all treated with the same understanding of movement, shape, and form. These dynamically made pieces require the viewer to look beyond the flat surface. Through a distinct process of painting and woodcarving, McNall balances intricate patterns and textured mark making with flat stretches of pure pigment to create dynamic environments and conversations. Her practice relates directly to the handmade in both subject matter and execution, suggesting a dialogue about the timeless relationships between people, their unique environments, and what inherently fastens us to our surroundings, as well as the empowering qualities these places and objects retain. In intuitive and expressive abstract paintings, Brazilian born Thai Mainhard externalizes her relationship to the world we all inhabit. With a practice that harnesses her own raw and immediate need to create, Mainhard’s work is fraught with tension, yet has a harmonic energy. Each abstract painting combines expressive mark making with dense blocks of color exploring the opposing forces that make up our lives. She reflects “I like painting from a place that’s deep within my emotions and let it speak the language that I don’t have, especially about love and being loved. It’s my most extensive subject.”

OCHI May 28 – July 16 AARON MICHAEL SKOLNICK – “TO DRAG THE EARTH WITH A SLEEPY RHYTHM” OCHI is pleased to present this solo presentation of new paintings by Aaron Michael Skolnick. This

tis he artist’s first solo exhibition with the gallery. To Drag the Earth with a Sleepy Rhythm features an array of paintings that portray intimate and poetic scenes from everyday life conjured through quiet observation, reading, walking, and reflection. Framed by elements of desire, intimacy, and mortality, Skolnick navigates easily between landscapes, domestic scenes, and intimate portraits full of novelistic details. In To Drag the Earth with a Sleepy Rhythm, Skolnick strikes moments of connection through universal relevance, making space for the viewer to reflect on each visceral instance in time. Skolnick’s paintings are vessels to capture moments, feelings, and gestures, successfully subverting the enormity of the present.

WOOD RIVER FINE ARTS June – September At Wood River Fine Arts, we are pleased to announce that we have moved the gallery to an online-only format, with in-person appointments on request. As always, collectors will be able to visit Wood River Fine Arts from the comforts of home and receive the same personalized service they have come to enjoy and expect. For serious inquiries, private in-person service is available to those who live locally or are visiting the region. Our list of world-famous painters and sculptors remains unchanged. Our commitment to offering the highest quality service and expertise continues to be our goal. We look forward to hearing from you. Wood River Fine Arts is an online gallery and open for showings by private appointment only.

“Looking at Hockney,” by Aaron Michael Skolnick at OCHI Gallery, 18 in. x 24 in.

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inthearts // gallery buzz paintings exemplify “the myth of the hero and the truth of America.”

AUROBORA GALLERY July – September

“Lily Heart,” by Dara Mark at Friesen-Lantz Fine Art, watercolor on layered Yupo paper with thread, 41 in. x 44 in.

For more information contact owners Tom Bassett and Sandy Gregorak at (208) 928-7728 or visit our website at woodriverfinearts.com.

SUN VALLEY MUSEUM OF ART June 16 – August 20 GROUP SHOW – “GARDENS: COLLABORATIONS WITH NATURE” Participating Artists: Anna Maria Hernando, Katy Stone, Jil Weinstock, Sarah Jones Sun Valley Museum of Art sits in the middle of a town surrounded by vast areas of wilderness. Of land left largely free of human intervention. This BIG IDEA project considers natural spaces that are in many ways the inverse of wilderness: gardens. Gardens, as the artist Kimberly Trowbridge has said, are places where nature is curated and transformed. At the same time, she notes, they are natural spaces that transform those who experience them, whether as gardener or visitor. Through a museum exhibition, panel discussion, lectures, tours and films, this BIG IDEA project uses these two ideas (nature curated, nature as curator), as well as the idea of nature as collaborator, as lenses through which to view the role of gardens in our lives. How are gardens spaces for the expression of artistic creativity? How do they offer solace and joy, changing our human experience of the natural world?

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“Cerements,” 2022, by Sarah Jones at Sun Valley Museum of Art, screen ink on silk, courtesy the artist.

How do flora and human beings work together as partners in the creation of garden spaces?

FRIESEN + LANTZ FINE ART July 1–31 A NEW EXHIBITION FROM ACCLAIMED WATERCOLOR ARTIST DARA MARK “The paintings in this exhibition were made over the five year period after my husband died. Each of them reflects my emotional state during the process of grieving and healing and describes in abstract terms an arc of personal growth. My practice is very intuitive and allowing. It is transparent not only because of the transparency of my materials, but also as a window into my spiritual heart. My hope is that a viewer will sense the increasing freedom and vitality in the work so that artist and viewer can share this transformational journey.” — Dara Mark

tribe west of the Mississippi. Landscape works will highlight recent acquisitions of paintings by Russell Chatham, who died November 10, 2019. In viewing a Chatham painting, one typically gets a feeling of recognition of place. What is actually revealed is a feeling, a sense of emotion that goes deeper than the visual mind. Theodore Villa’s work is distinctive in its dazzling saturation of watercolor paints. Of Apache heritage, Villa finds his subject in imagery from his Native American culture. Billy Schenck focuses upon Western imagery in his paintings, producing flat, poster-like imagery characteristic of pop art with iconic Western motifs. His

Aurobora is an invitational fine art studio that publishes and exhibits works by artists of regional, national and international reputations. This summer Aurobora will continue to exhibit regularly changing shows of works by various artists that have worked in the Aurobora studio for the past 30 years. Artists include Lynda Benglis, Dana Frankfort, Fraser Taylor, Pia Fries, Willy Heeks, Richmond Burton, Wesley Kilmer, LoopmasterM, Clem Crosby, Lisa Williamson, William T. Wiley, John Zurier and others.

GAIL SEVERN GALLERY July 1 – September 1 HUNG LIU – MEMORIAL EXHIBITION We honor the life and work of Chinese American artist, Hung Liu, whose legacy continues to inspire awe. Lui’s work explores history and memory through the stories of marginalized figures, as well as her own experience. She resurrects faces of the past in her layered portraits that are deeply emotive. Her stunning oil paintings, mixed-media work, photographs, and prints have been exhibited in over 80 museums around the world, including her

“4 Hoops for 4 Dreams,” by Theodore Villa at Broschofsky Galleries, watercolor on paper, 40 in. x 60 in.

BROSCHOFSKY GALLERIES July – September Summer showings feature an array of subjects and interpretations of the American West, historic through contemporary. Presenting a selection of photographs by Edward Curtis’ project, The North American Indian (1898-1928). Over the course of this 30-year project, Curtis documented every

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620 Sun Valley Road | Unit D101 A | Ketchum, ID 83340 stejerstudio.com | @jstejer.encaustic | 509.993.1213

2 0 2 2 G R E AT N O R T H W E S T W I N E

Idaho Winery of the Year Start Sippin’

1 4 9 8 VA L L E Y S T E P P E D R I V E | B U H L , I D A H O , 8 3 3 1 6 | 2 0 8 5 3 9 8 3 6 0

H O L E S I N S K Y. C O M

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inthearts // gallery buzz

“Migrant Child: with Kitty (Silver),” 1/9 by Hung Liu at Gail Severn Gallery, monotype with hand leafing, 32 in. x 31 in.

current retrospective, “Portraits of Promised Lands,” at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. AUGUST EXHIBITIONS

KNEELAND GALLERY July 29 - August 31 31ST ANNUAL PLEIN AIR EXHIBITION Workshop with Shanna Kunz: August 1 and 2 Painting Dates: August 3-5 Each summer Kneeland Gallery invites its own group of plein-air painters to participate in an artistic celebration featuring gatherings and events throughout the week. The participating artists this year are Steven Lee Adams, Ovanes Berberian, Jack Braman, John Horejs, Shanna Kunz, Lori McNee, Robert Moore, Silas Thompson and Bart Walker. The event begins with a two- day painting workshop with Shanna Kunz and culminates with the Gallery Walk where the newly completed paintings from the week are on display. The public is encouraged to watch the artists at work throughout the week. Opening Reception: Friday, August 5, 5-7:30 p.m.

GAIL SEVERN GALLERY August 1 - September 30 LAURA MCPHEE – SOLO EXHIBITION The artist’s large-format, film photographs vividly frame the natural

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landscape and often elucidate human intervention within these scenes. Laura McPhee captures the collective footprint of our culture and the various traces we leave behind, brilliantly illustrating our complex and contested relationship to the earth. McPhee’s work is found in over 30 museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, J. Paul Getty Center Museum, SF Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Museum of Fine Art Houston, LA County Museum of Fine Arts, Saint Louis Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum.

GILMAN CONTEMPORARY August – September WENDEL WIRTH AND JP TERLIZZI Wendel Wirth – grüv. grüv is a photographic study of sound vibrations, recorded by some of the world’s greatest musicians, as etched in vinyl. Wirth states, “The recording of sound began in 1857, when Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville’s curiosity led him to create an image of sound waves. To capture these vibrations, he covered a sheet of paper with a fine layer of soot and moved it under a stylus. The result was a fine, wavy trail that one might consider a fingerprint of sound. Some twenty years later, Thomas Edison wondered if the grooves, created by vibrations, carried the potential to play back the same sound that originally etched their path. Much to his surprise, the reciprocal was an exact match and the

reproduction of sound was born. My lifelong devotion to blues and classic rock music led me to photograph nearly two hundred albums. I was curious about the physicality of the vinyl and set out to explore its ‘audio fingerprints.’ I found that the grooves, captured by the camera, formed seemingly three-dimensional, subtle undulations showcasing the beauty and complexity of music. Human elements surfaced; scratches, dust, and fingerprints, encouraging memories surrounding the tactile experience of vinyl. Inscribed signatures and markings appeared, some, a symbol of pride, left by the artists in the record-pressing industry. Others, a pressings documentation of time and place. Thoughtfully curated color blocks, chosen to compliment both sound and history, cover the center labels in hopes of directing one’s attention to these subtleties. Grüv is a conceptual project intent on blurring the line between photography and minimalist art. It was photographed with a 150MP technical camera and is presented as individual albums (two photographs – side a+b – 17” square), sub-collections of 17” photographs of various quantities (i.e. – grateful dead studio albums/13 albums/26 photographs) and as select individual albums – 70” square. Photographer JP Terlizzi’s series The Good Dishes draws on the formality of dinnerware while offering a playful interpretation of food arrangements. Terlizzi writes that ““Eating is a physical need, but meals are a social ritual. Utilizing the passeddown heirlooms of friends and family, ‘The Good Dishes’ celebrates the memory of family and togetherness. It borrows the stylized rituals of formal tableware and draws inspiration from classic still-life paintings.”

FREISEN + LANTZ FINE ART August 1-31 HUNT RETTIG – SOLO EXHIBITION Rettig is known for his elegant 3D creations that produce the illusion of 2D, backlit, digital compositions that shift color. These original works are built from molded and shaped polyester on an acrylic substrate, which

is coated — through a proprietary method developed by the artist — with paint, film, synthetic rubber, and silicone. “I know that perfection only exists in my mind, I therefore explore from the inside out. Especially with plantlike forms, I see what I can best describe as the invisibly visible, out of reach and out of context, infinitely reproducing.” — Hunt Rettig SEPTEMBER EXHIBITIONS

KNEELAND GALLERY September 1 - October 12 “FAMILY TIES: THE MOORE FAMILY” featuring Robert, Robbie, Anna, Rachel and Caleb Moore (see story on p. 94) Renowned plein-air painter Robert Moore serves as an inspiration and mentor to many accomplished painters. His technique involves applying a multitude of oil hues onto his canvas then working a palette knife with both hands until his composition emerges from the apparent chaos of texture and color. The process is all the more extraordinary given the fact that Moore suffers from partial color blindness. Following in their father’s footsteps, two of Moore’s sons and two of his daughters have become talented artists in their own right. Their work will be exhibited alongside Robert’s in this first-ever show as a family. Opening Reception: Friday September 2, 5-7:30 p.m.

FREISEN + LANTZ FINE ART September 1-30 NFT EXHIBITION Friesen+Lantz announces our first-ever educational NFT community event and exhibition. This unprecedented exhibition will feature both physical and digital artwork displayed in our gallery as well as our 3D environment constructed within the Metaverse. The goal of this exhibition is to help bridge the gap between NFT enthusiasts and traditional art buyers, while also introducing a younger generation to a new and accessible way to experience world-class art.

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MAP TO THE GALLERIES 1)

Aurobora 415.546.7880

2) Boulder Mountain Clay and Art Gallery 208.726.0773

6) Friesen + Lantz Fine Art 208.726.4174

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Sun Valley Museum of Art 208.726.9491

7) Gail Severn Gallery 208.726.5079

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Wood River Fine Arts 208.928.7728

8) Gilman Contemporary 208.726.7585

3) Broschofsky Galleries 208.726.4950

GALLERY WALKS

9) Stejer Studio 509.993.1213

4) Davies-Reid 208.726.3453

Enjoy free evenings of art viewing and conversation at the Sun Valley Gallery Association’s “Gallery Walks.” Galleries are open from 5-7:30 p.m. with artists often in attendance.

10) Kneeland Gallery 208.726.5512

5) Frederic Boloix Fine Arts 208.726.8810

11)

OCHI Gallery 208.726.8746

Friday, July 8, 2022 Friday, August 5, 2022 Friday, September 2, 2022 Friday, December 30, 2022

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food&drink Farms of the Future Impact Idaho Fund supports regional food systems

he Sun Valley Institute for Resilience has been raising awareness about the importance of regional food systems through the Local Food Alliance since 2016. Early last year, the Institute launched the Impact Idaho Fund as a tool to take regional food systems to the next level. “Local food systems touch every area of our economy,” says Amy Mattias, program director for the Institute. “With the Fund, we reach beyond the farmer/buyer connection and invest in projects that cross

the boundaries of impact, addressing food, water, land, energy, and community at once.” In the food sector, this means providing capital to strengthen and shorten the food supply chain, increase opportunities for farming families and regenerate natural resources. “When a borrower repays their recoverable grant, funds are recycled. With the same donor dollars, we can help multiple

resilience projects,” says Amy. “We also provide technical support, setting businesses up for success, whether or not their project is funded.” To date, funds have been deployed to Itty Bitty Farms, Lookout Farm and Wild Spaces Farm, who all serve the Wood River Valley region.

IT T Y BIT T Y FARMS (THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE PAGE): MIKE GORDON

TEX T AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE GORDON

Brooke Methaney and Victor Ortiz cultivate a bed for planting at Lookout Farm.

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ITTY BITTY FARMS Itty Bitty Farms received one of the first investments from the Impact Idaho Fund. With the funds, they increased production space, enhanced on-farm efficiency and purchased a freezer for their store. The Impact Idaho Fund investment set the stage for Itty Bitty Farms to increase their production of high value market crops while keeping fresh produce affordable and easily accessible to their neighbors. “People are telling us how glad they are that they can get local, affordable, highquality food right in town,” says Emily.

IT T Y BIT T Y FARMS (THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE PAGE): MIKE GORDON

At the Itty Bitty Farms store, the freezer is stocked with locally raised meats and fish. The fridge holds local dairy products and eggs. Shelves hold snacks and pantry staples alongside Itty Bitty Farms’ own baked goods. With a door directly into their solarheated greenhouse, there is almost always freshly grown micro-greens and other produce available, too. Emily and Landon Knowles started Itty Bitty Farms in 2017, just one year after Adamsons, the only grocery store in Carey, closed its doors. Five years later, Itty Bitty Farms is an essential agricultural and business anchor for Carey.

Emily and Landon Knowles with their family

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food&drink // farms of the future

LOOKOUT FARM: MIKE GORDON

LOOKOUT FARM Last summer, the Big Wood River south of Bellevue stopped flowing. Just up the hill from the dry riverbed, Lookout Farm was working hard to cut water usage and create a model for field transition that could be used by other area farmers. Owners Briana Swette and Simon Neely started working on transitioning two acres of Lookout Farm from animal forage crop production to vegetable crops early in 2021 with investment from the Impact Idaho Fund. Their process utilizes regenerative agriculture practices, including minimal soil disturbance and cover cropping. On average, vegetable production uses 2.5 times less water per week than hay production. The return on the investment from the Fund is not just the water savings. The added acreage has allowed Lookout Farm to increase the health of their entire operation by providing the space and time to plant cover crops and rest portions of their older fields. “The capital from the Impact Idaho Fund has allowed us to invest in the long-term sustainability of the farm, while also increasing our total production,” says Neely.

Lookout Farm

Simon Neely of Lookout Farm

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Smion Neely of Lookout Farm

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Atkins

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The West’s Most Unique Grocery Store

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KETCHUM Giacobbi Square 726.5668 | HAILEY Alturas Plaza 788.2294 | BELLEVUE Main Street 788.7788 www.atkinsons.com

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food&drink // farms of the future

WILD SPACES FARM

Wilder Jones of Wild Spaces Farm

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WILD SPACES FARM: MIKE GORDON

Wilder Jones, the owner of Wild Spaces Farm in Glenns Ferry, is looking to be a model for the recovery of the community milk producer. He launched his grass-fed, organic micro-dairy this past January to produce raw and minimally pasteurized products for southern Idaho communities. Small-scale dairies have a smaller footprint, use less energy in processing and refrigeration and can incorporate waste back into the farm, according to Jones. Not only is he creating a model for the micro-dairy of the future, he is filling the gap created when southern Idaho

NEWLY BUILT lost raw milk producer, Old Almo Creamery, in 2021. The investment made by the Impact Idaho Fund allowed Wild Spaces Farm to purchase infrastructure and equipment and cover operating expenses during the start-up phase. The micro-dairy is now selling their products at the Boise and Ketchum farmers’ markets. For Jones, the Impact Idaho Fund investment was more than just financial capital. “I think I have an MBA now just from working through the process. As I launch the dairy, it is incredibly valuable to be part of a team and not feel like I have to go at it alone.” The Impact Idaho Fund has identified and funded these projects because they create

interconnections within our region and have positive impacts across food, water, land, energy, and community. As the Fund expands, the investment criteria will ensure that future projects continue to cross these boundaries, building resilience within multiple sectors of the community. The Impact Idaho Fund is currently accepting applications for funding. The investment capital for the Fund comes through charitable contributions and recoverable grants. For more information and to get involved, visit impactidahofund.org. ï

711 North Main Street Hailey, Idaho 83333

(208) 788-8500

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WILD SPACES FARM: MIKE GORDON

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Wilder Jones surveying with Amy Mattias (from Sun Valley Institute for Resilience).

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Wilder Jones enjoying a rare break in the action.

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food&drink // dining guide

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

DINING AROUNDTOWN A fast guide to the Valley’s best eateries HANK & SYLVIE’S

BREAKFAST & CAFES

We are a bakery, floral design and gift shop offering fresh-baked sweets, custom cakes, flower arrangements, and a large array of unique gifts. 471 N. Leadville, Ketchum, 208.726.0115; and 91 E. Croy St., Hailey, 208.928.4088.

AROMA COFFEE & BAKERY A coffeeshop and bakery collaboration between Juan Flores and Cristina Ceccatelli Cook (founder of Cristina’s restaurant), serving breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch, as well as pastries, breads and cakes in the deli case. 520 Second St., E., Ketchum. 208.726.6427.

JAVA COFFEE AND CAFÉ Truly a great coffeehouse! Baking from scratch daily. Serving the finest Fair Trade and organic coffees. Sound like a local and order the “Dirty Hippie Burrito” and a “Bowl of Soul.” 191 4th St. W., Ketchum, 208.726.2882; 111 N. 1st Ave., Hailey, 208.788.2297.

BIG BELLY DELI Homemade soups, salads, and a variety of great sandwiches. Serving the Valley for over 15 years and rated #1 Best Sandwich Deli. Let us prove it, and your belly will thank you. 171 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.2411.

JERSEY GIRL

BIGWOOD BREAD Visit us at one of our spectacular locations, both featuring beautiful outdoor views, fantastic food and outstanding service. Fresh and homemade is how we do it! 520 Second St., E., Ketchum. 208.726.2035.

Big Wood Bread

Best sandwiches in town! Jersey Girl is home of Trenton, New Jersey-famous porkroll, egg and cheese sandwich, the locals favorite “Bacado” (house roasted turkey, bacon, Swiss, avocado), a bangin’ lineup of homemade soups and a mean biscuits and gravy. 14 E. Croy St., Hailey. 208.788.8844.

BLACK OWL CAFÉ

GLOW LIVE FOOD CAFÉ

KONDITOREI

Locally roasted, custom blended coffee brewed to perfection. Large selection of loose-leaf tea. Homebaked scones, muffins and breads. Breakfast and lunch. 208 N. River St., Hailey. 208.928.6200.

Glow is a plant-based and organic café and health food store. Glow specializes in delicious, plant-based foods, emphasizing locally grown produce. 380 Washington Ave. #105, Ketchum. 208.725.0314.

CAFÉ DELLA

GRETCHEN’S

Lunch dishes range from pumpkin spaetzle with sausage and apples to roasted chicken crepes with spinach and spicy Liptauer cheese. The café offers a full complement of artisanal coffee and hot chocolate drinks, plus house-baked European pastries. Sun Valley Resort, 208.622.2235.

Café, bakery, and market located in the heart of Hailey. Our market offers prepared dinners to-go, housemade provisions, grocery essentials, local produce, dairy, meats, fish, beer and wine. Stop in to shop our daily “Dinner Tonight” offerings and more, or order from our weekly dinner and grocery menu online for Friday pickup or FREE delivery. 103 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0263.

Adjacent to the Sun Valley Lodge lobby, Gretchen’s Restaurant welcomes you with a relaxing indoor/ outdoor feel with easy access for Terrace dining all day long. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and full bar service. Sun Valley Lodge. 208.622.2144.

GALENA LODGE The perfect place for a winter or summer outing. During the winter months Galena is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 15187 State Hwy. 75, Ketchum. 208.726.4010.

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HAILEY COFFEE COMPANY Our café serves delicious gourmet espresso drinks and fresh-baked goods from our on-site bakery. All of our coffees are fresh roasted in Hailey and our baked goods are served fresh from the oven. 219 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.8482. 611 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.928.7955

MAUDE’S COFFEE & CLOTHES Maude’s is a coffee shop and a clothing store that serves traditional espresso, small eats, and is a purveyor of unique vintage contemporary clothing for women and men. The husband and wife team, Jacob and Tara, who started Maude’s, believe in products made with integrity and intention. 391 Walnut Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.6413.

NOURISHME Julie Johnson opened NourishMe in June 2010 in order to bring her love of nutrition and local food to the community in which she lived. This light-filled

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store on Main Street in Ketchum features everything from seasonal produce and bulk seeds, nuts and fruits, to a wide variety of supplements, homemade sandwiches, salads and soups, wellness products, gluten-free foods and organic cosmetics. 151 Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.7604.

RASBERRYS Callie and Maeme Rasberry believe all the senses must be involved in meal preparation; therefore, the menu is eclectic, just like the chefs, with dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients when available and their own take on comfort and ethnic food. 411 Building, 5th St., Ketchum. 208.726.0606.

SMILEY CREEK LODGE Under new ownership, Smiley Creek Lodge is located near the headwaters of the Salmon River at the top of the Sawtooth Valley, 37 miles north of Ketchum/Sun Valley. A full restaurant serves delicious homestyle food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a newly renovated market features fresh and wholesome take-away meals and provisions. The connecting retail store is small, but well-stocked with provisions and gear for all your outdoor adventures. 16546 N. Hwy. 75, Sawtooth City (over Galena Summit). smileycreeklodge.com.

STANLEY BAKING CO. Set amidst Idaho’s majestic Sawtooth Mountains and the mighty Salmon River lies the sublime mountain town of Stanley … And in the heart of Stanley lies a bakery where homemade meals are served, the baked goods are legendary, and the atmosphere is humming. Open seasonally for breakfast and lunch from mid-May through October. 250 Wall St., Stanley (over Galena Summit). stanleybakingco.com.

THE KNEADERY The Kneadery combines wholesome fresh food with a rustic Idaho atmosphere. All meals start with the freshest ingredients: locally baked organic breads, farm-fresh, cage-free eggs, seasonal fruit and top-quality meats. 260 Leadville Ave. North, Ketchum. 208.726.9462.

DELIS

ATKINSONS’ MARKETS Atkinsons’ Markets, serving you and your family at our three locations in the Wood River Valley with deli sandwiches made to order, hot soups, grab-and-go meals and desserts, and a full

deli case of freshly made main dishes and sides. 451 E. 4th St., Ketchum, 208.726.2681; 93 E. Croy St., Hailey, 208.788.2294; 757 N. Main St., Bellevue, 208.788.7788.

JOHNNY G’S SUB SHACK Serving the best subs in the Great State of Idaho! Family owned and operated since 1998, and serving up hot subs like the popular “5B” (turkey, bacon, cream cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato) or the “Mama Sass’s Meatball” (Italian meatballs, marinara, parmesan). Homemade soups, salads, smoothies and build-your-own round out a solid menu of delicious sandwiches. 371 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.725.7827.

WRAPCITY Wrapcity serves up creative wraps and salads, homemade soups, and unique quesadillas. Wrapcity also serves breakfast wraps all day with special breakfast creations on Saturdays and Sundays. 180 Main St., S., Ketchum. 208.727.6766.

PUBS, GRILLS, & LOUNGES

APPLE’S BAR & GRILL For 33 years, Apple’s Bar & Grill has been a popular spot for lunch and aprés-ski. Apple’s is still the best spot to fuel your body after a long day ripping turns on Baldy—and it’s now open year-round for lunch and dinner! At the base of Baldy near Warm Springs Lodge, the restaurant is known for mouthwatering grub and as the locals’ #1 post-ski destination. Now open year-round and available for private events. 205 Picabo St., Ketchum. 208.726.7067.

GRUMPY’S Grumpy’s is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. We are a little hard to find, but not hard to find out about. 860 Warm Springs Rd., Ketchum. No phone.

LEFTY’S BAR & GRILL Lefty’s has a great casual dining menu, including killer burgers served on fresh-baked bread, monster hot sandwiches, wings, salads and the house specialty, fresh-cut French fries. And the outdoor deck can’t be beat in the summer! 231 6th St. East, Ketchum. 208.726.2744.

LIMELIGHT LOUNGE When late afternoon hits, we swing our doors wide open for guests and locals to dig into our friendly après food and drink specials. Our full

dinner menu is available evenings in the Lounge, for in-room dining, or take-out. 151 South Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.0888.

MAHONEY’S BAR & GRILL Mahoney’s offers a full bar, a terrific patio that’s just a short stroll from Bellevue’s Howard Preserve and a tasty menu featuring their famous “Juicy Lucy” cheese-filled, grilled-onion-topped hamburger. 104 S. Main St., Bellevue. 208.788.4449.

POWER HOUSE Serving locally-raised Wagyu beef burgers, blackened Ahi sandwiches and tacos, hand-cut fries, and organic salads with a wealth of beers on tap. 502 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.9184.

SAWTOOTH BREWERY 25 taps with beer, wine, cider, and kombucha on tap! Join us for the game on one of our big-screen TV’s. We fill growlers, crowlers, and have kegs, bottles, and cans to go! Two locations—Hailey and Ketchum—with seasonal outdoor seating at both spots. 110 N. River St., Hailey; 631 Warm Springs Rd., Ketchum. 208.726.6803.

SCOUT WINE & CHEESE Started by two friends, Dianne Dillingham and Amie Marvel, Scout is a celebration of good wine, good food and community. Featuring a dynamic selection of new and established producers, as well as familyrun, small estates making outstanding wines in both classic and New World styles. Scout offers a mix of classic vintages, limited-release gems, and regional favorites in constant rotation. Their extensive wine Wood Bread listBig is accompanied by a selection of beer and nonalcoholic beverages, as well as cheese from the U.S. and Europe, cured meat, and thoughtful bar snacks. 360 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.928.4031.

THE CELLAR PUB From traditional pub fare such as buffalo burgers or fish & chips to original dishes such as our flat-iron steak salad, we have something for everyone in your party. We have a full bar and feature a great selection of draft beer and fine wines. 400 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.622.3832.

THE RED SHOE Enjoy the neighborhood-tavern feel of The Red Shoe while dining on local favorites that include a meatloaf sandwich, wild Alaskan sockeye salmon and braised pork ribs. 107 Hwy. 75, Hailey. 208.788.5048. SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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food&drink // dining guide

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

LA CABANITA Only one way to put it … best authentic Mexican food in town. The town’s hidden gem that is truly a favorite. 160 W. 5th St., Ketchum. 208.725.5001; 745 N. Main St., Bellevue. 208.928.7550.

LAGO AZUL Enjoy true Mexican food in downtown Hailey. Pollo rancherito, carne asada saran and “Sandy” tacos are house specialties not to be missed. 14 W. Croy St., Hailey. 208.578.1700.

INDIAN

THE SMOKEY BONE BBQ Featuring award-winning, authentic barbecue right here in Idaho. Featuring Texas-style brisket cooked with applewood smoke, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, sausage and a selection of mouthwatering sides to fill up any plate. 315 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.0772 210 2nd Ave. S., Twin Falls. 208.733.3885

TASTECRAFT / RO’S RAMEN Serving fresh and authentic ramen bowls (winter only) along with beer, wine, and craft cocktails made with a variety of champagnes, liqueurs and wine. 117 N. River St., Hailey.

TNT / TAP ROOM TNT / Tap Room is a craft beer and wine bar focusing on organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines. We’re located in a piece of Ketchum history in the dynamite shed. We have 12 rotating taps of independent craft beer along with bottles and cans as well as a unique and younger approach to wine. We don’t serve food but we welcome and encourage guests to bring in their food of choice. Open Wed.-Sat. 271 Sun Valley Road E., Ketchum.

summer deck in town with fire pits and rocking chairs for comfort and conversation. 280 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.2739.

MEXICAN

BARRIO75 TACO LOUNGE & TEQUILA BAR Tucked into the edge of downtown Ketchum with patio views of Baldy, Barrio75 offers a lively and decorative take on a beloved culinary duo … tacos and tequila. Every day, they grind organic heirloom corn, crafting housemade tortillas—the base of everything they do—while paying homage to the traditional street tacos of Mexico and South America. Don’t miss the list of over 40 tequilas, draft beers and wines, and a cocktail menu designed to accentuate the bold and bright flavors of each dish. 211 4th St. E, Ketchum. 208.726.3068.

CHAPALITAS GRILL A family Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes, including specialties such as pollo a la chapala, chicken carnitas, and huevos con chorizo. 200 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.7306.

A communal space for relaxed social dining, Saffron draws its inspiration from the vibrancy of the culture and art, as well as the innovative spirit of authentic Indian cuisine. We have traversed the length and breadth of the country to create our distinct seasonal menu, which will introduce you to unique Indian ingredients, combined with the freshness of produce in fresh, seasonal dishes that are an interpretation of customary Indian sensibilities through international techniques and inspirations. 230 Walnut Ave., Ketchum. 208.913.0609.

ITALIAN & PIZZA

ENOTECA Ketchum’s newest gastronomic addition, with its upscale pizzeria and wine bar. Enoteca has a plethora of small plates to choose from. 300 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.6280.

IL NASO Il Naso is special whether you drop by to have a burger and beer at the wine bar, or to relax in the candlelit dining room. The extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff will help you choose just the right bottle to enhance your dining experience. 480 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.7776.

VILLAGE STATION

DESPO’S

Enjoy a wide selection of cocktails and craft beer on tap, as well as a crowd-pleasing menu of classic American favorites: hearty cheeseburgers, chicken wings, pizza and family-style salads. Sun Valley Village, Sun Valley. 208.622.2143.

ROMINNA’S

Despo’s is committed to authentic, delicious Mexican dishes that respect your desire for a healthy meal without compromising flavor. 211 4th St. E., Ketchum. 208.726.3068.

Since 2013, we have been offering contemporary Italian cuisine prepared to the highest standards. Our premium wine selection includes more than 150 wines to pair with any course. 580 Washington St., Ketchum. 208.726.6961.

WARFIELD DISTILLERY & BREWERY The ever-changing menu brings you the best provisions from across the Northwest in our comfortable neighborhood pub setting. The best

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KB’S This cheerful, laid-back burrito joint serves delicious fish tacos and offers a make-your-own burrito, with a choice of 27 fillings. 260 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.6955; 121 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.7217.

BARRIO75 TACO LOUNGE & TEQUIL A BAR: RAY J. GADD

SAFFRON INDIAN CUISINE

Barrio75 Taco Lounge & Tequila Bar

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA & GRILL Our fresh, handcrafted food is what brings people in, and our service is what keeps them coming back for more. We pride ourselves on creating a “nourishing

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and memorable neighborhood experience that people love!” 200 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.622.5625.

wine list. Now you can also duck in for a quick bite from our lounge menu. Sun Valley Lodge. 208.622.2145.

WISEGUY PIZZA PIE

GRILL AT KNOB HILL

Serving New York-style, hand-tossed pizzas topped with whole-milk mozzarella, and baked to perfection in our stone deck ovens. Large selection of local and regional bottled and draft beer. 460 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum, 208.726.0737; and 411 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.8688.

The environment at the Knob Hill Inn is casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated, with distinctively Northwest cuisine, and a variety of American and European classics. A top local favorite! 960 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.8004.

KETCHUM GRILL ASIAN/SUSHI

DANG’S THAI CUISINE

BARRIO75 TACO LOUNGE & TEQUIL A BAR: RAY J. GADD

Dang’s offers a wide selection of popular dishes ranging from sushi, green papaya salad, pad thai, and their famous green curry with chicken! Highly recommended as an affordable, flavorful and fun experience in Hailey! 310 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.7111.

RICKSHAW Serving “ethnic street foods,” inspired by the flavors and foods in locales such as Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. 460 N. Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.8481.

SUSHI ON SECOND Sushi on Second is the Valley’s oldest sushi restaurant. But don’t let age fool you. A talented crew of Sushi Chefs are in the center and delight in creating dishes that are as appetizing to look at as they are to eat. 260 Second St., Ketchum. 208.726.5181.

ZOU 75 Zou 75 is your destination for more than great Asian fusion, sushi and seafood selections. With fresh fish flown in several times a week straight from Honolulu, Hawaii, you can always count on the best in quality and freshness. Zou 75 is the perfect choice for your next dining event. 416 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.3310.

REGIONAL NORTHWEST

COOKBOOK This cozy place was built in 1932 as a church and then later on was an architect’s off ice, daycare, butcher shop, BBQ restaurant and bakery. Vita and Burke Smith fell in love with this cute building and decided to give it a new life. 271 7th St. East, Ketchum. 208.720.3260.

For nearly 28 years, Ketchum Grill has brought your dining experience to the highest gastronomical level, and the best Idaho has to offer. 520 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.4660.

REDFISH LAKE LODGE Taste a true Idaho mountain brand of comfort food—cuisine that will pleasantly surprise you in the shadow of the Sawtooths. Starting with local, Idaho-grown ingredients and adding in their own blend of flavors from the Northwest’s wild resources, the dining room at Redfish Lake Lodge specializes in salmon, trout, wild game and other regional favorites, alongside wines from acclaimed local, domestic and international producers. Serving dinner nightly and hearty, traditional breakfasts daily. 401 Redfish Lodge Road, Stanley (over Galena Summit), 208.774.3536.

ROUNDHOUSE Perched midway up Bald Mountain on the River Run side, the Roundhouse is a culinary destination not to be missed. Serviced by the Roundhouse Gondola, the restaurant offers spectacular views of the Valley. Bald Mountain, Ketchum. 208.622.2012.

Idaho where ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere. 320 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.3139.

THE RAM Sun Valley’s original restaurant, The Ram has been warming and welcoming diners since 1937. Travel back in time with the nightly “Heritage Menu”—a series of historic dishes such as pork tenderloin schnitzel, Hungarian goulash, and the famous Ram fondue. Located in the Sun Valley Inn. 208.622.2225.

THE SAWTOOTH CLUB Always busy with a great mix of locals and visitors, The Sawtooth Club offers a unique blend of American steakhouse classics, fresh seafood, wild game, unique pasta dishes and much more. Many entrées are cooked over the live, mesquite-wood fire, and all are prepared with a singular creative flair. The award-winning wine list offers a diverse selection of reasonably priced wines to compliment any of the delicious menu offerings. 231 North Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.5233.

VINTAGE A favorite of the locals, chef Rodrigo Herrera is tuned into the best of the season’s offerings. With a lovely ambiance, both inside and seasonally outside, Vintage offers a dining experience like one would have in France: leisurely, lively, and without pretension. 231 Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.9595.

SUN VALLEY CLUB Among the most popular places in Sun Valley to eat, drink and relax, the wraparound terrace at Sun Valley Club offers stunning views of Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain and the 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course. The Sun Valley Club brings exciting, contemporary dishes that are focused on local ingredients and big flavors. 1 Trail Creek Rd., Sun Valley. 208.622.2919. SUMMER 2022

THE COVEY Offering an intimate ambiance with an alwaysevolving menu. The relaxed atmosphere is a place to enjoy good friends, fine wine, and delicious meals. 520 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.3663.

DUCHIN LOUNGE

THE PIONEER SALOON

All new and inviting, this legendary lounge serves up cocktails, imported beer and an extensive

The Pioneer Saloon, renowned for perfectly aged, tender and flavorful beef, is typical of an earlier

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Pick up a copy of TASTE OF SUN VALLEY for menus and more! TASTE of Sun Valley - Dining & Menu Guide showcases feature articles on the latest in food and drink, chef and restaurateur profiles, restaurant TO GO menus from the area’s best eateries, and tantalizing recipes.

SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddin stories Laura + Matt

A grand celebration of love and joy WORDS BY LORI EGGERS CURRIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES AND SCHULZE

Venue – Private Home (former North Fork Store) Planner – Heather Minor Events Dress/shoes – Vera Wang Haute gown / Louboutins (ceremony); Oscar de la Renta hand beaded dress / silver d’orsay Louboutins (reception) Cake – Rasberrys Bar – Roadbars Hair – Danielle Anspach Hair Makeup – Ashlee Glazer

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or the October 2021 nuptials between Boise-native Laura Minskoff and San Diego-native Matthew Ostrup, it was a night of confetti, sparkle, magic, and whimsy. Emphasis on confetti. “I like to say that our colors were confetti and jewel tone,” says Laura. “I definitely didn’t narrow down to a few colors – anything really saturated and jewel-toned was part of our palette.” The team from Jane’s Party Rentals in Hailey built the couple a custom walkway into the middle of the field where they were married. If the reception looked like whimsy, party, sparkle, and magic, the field was truly magnificent with the outdoors and landscape as the star of the show. There was a beautiful flower arch, and their 180 guests were greeted with shimmery champagne using rose gold prism powder, so everyone’s champagne sparkled in the light. To honor both family’s Jewish heritage, the couple did a ketubah before the wedding and wrote their own vows. After they were pronounced man and wife, Matt stomped on a glass at the end of the ceremony. The traditional first dance was combined with a father/daughter and mother/son dance, made all-the-more memorable for taking place under custom reflective ceiling panels from Confetti System in Hailey. But the bride’s favorite moment? When she jumped off the stage into Matt’s arms. “[It was] totally unplanned and also really

lucky he caught me because he describes it as more of a running jump into a body slam versus the Dirty Dancing leap image I had in my mind,” says Laura. To keep the confetti theme going, the couple had giant confetti balloons floating from each table and then more balloons were brought in in large bouquets with dessert. After dinner, the team from Roadbars unveiled a scotch and whiskey bar in an adjunct tent, and a glitter makeup artist arrived at 10 p.m. to glitterize guests’ faces. “I loved seeing my brother and brother-in-law with rhinestones on their faces,” says Laura. Confetti cannons went off once at the end of the ceremony and twice in the tent, and the couple ended the evening with cold sparklers shooting from the stage to keep the sparkle theme going. “We were planning for 18 months,” says Laura, “and Heather Minor took every wild idea and helped us find a way to execute it. The evening was truly magical.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddingstories // roundhouse

Ally +Tyler That on-top-ofthe-world feeling WORDS BY LORI EGGERS CURRIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEV KHALSA

Venue/Catering – Roundhouse/Sun Valley Resort Wedding Planners – Kelley Maybo + Heather Minor Events Florist – Taylor’d Events Party Rentals – That’s Entertainment Catering – Sun Valley Resort Invites – Willow Papery in Sun Valley Makeup – Ashley Hurley Hair – The Feathered Flip Band – Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra

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uring the COVID pandemic, Ally Leighton and Tyler Moragne took advantage of their employer Tesla’s remote work policy and found themselves setting up shop at Tyler’s family home in Sun Valley and taking frequent evening hikes on Proctor Loop. On one of these hikes, right at sunset, Tyler surprised Ally with a proposal on the very top of Proctor. To share the magic of their mountaintop engagement, the couple chose to get married on Bald Mountain with sweeping views of the Pioneers as the backdrop. For their September 2021 wedding, the lovebirds welcomed their 160 guests to Sun Valley with a “Dressy Western” themed party at the Warfield. “Our guests went all out on the outfits with cowboy boots, hats, and bolo ties. There were also fake mustaches (not sure why??). It was so much fun and got everyone into a mountain town party state-of-mind right away,” says Ally. On the big day, guests sipped champagne as they rode the gondola up Bald Mountain to the Roundhouse. Just before the wedding ceremony, the winds started gusting up to 40 mph, toppling over 200-pound flowerpots. The couple

was strongly encouraged to relocate their ceremony to the base of the mountain, but Ally and Tyler decided to go for it! As Ally made her way down the aisle to “Hallelujah” on acoustic guitar, one sudden gust of wind blew her veil off ! Their officiant carried on with their vows and, just like in a movie, as Ally and Tyler said, “I do,” the clouds parted and sunbeams illuminated the couple, making it a “truly memorable moment for all,” says Ally. After the ceremony, everyone made their way to the deck of the Roundhouse for more views, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a jazz quartet before descending the gondola to River Run Lodge for dinner and dancing. Ally and Tyler’s first dance was to, “You’re All I Need to Get By,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, played live by the Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra. “Our florist Taylor did an amazing job of incorporating the colors of the natural Sun Valley landscape into bouquets and arrangements at River Run Lodge,” says Ally. “And Taylor and [wedding planner] Heather Minor transformed the lodge for the occasion with greenery, dozens of candles, and gold accents. Everything was perfect.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddingstories // trail creek cabin

Micaela The Sun Valley wedding + TJ of their dreams WORDS BY LORI EGGERS CURRIE P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y H I L L A R Y M AY B E R Y

Venue/Catering – Trail Creek Cabin/Sun Valley Resort Planner – Heather Minor Events Florist – Tara Bella Flowers Dress – Galvan, from Elle Rose Party Rentals – That’s Entertainment and Studio 11 Hair + Makeup – Danielle Anspach and Lea Webb Catering – Sun Valley Resort Band – New Soul Brigade

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rom the beginning, there was a spark. On the first day of school at the University of Arizona, Micaela Bisio and TJ Dalton lived across the hall from each other in the dorms. “I’ll never forget walking down the hallway after we met,” says Micaela. “My mom was there helping me move in, and she was gushing over how cute he was. At the time, we were just friends (lots of ‘friend zone’ jokes), but then we finally started dating after college.” But the timing, it would seem, was not quite right. The pair broke up after graduation and went their separate ways. It was a chance meeting at Coachella a few years later that re-ignited the spark, and the duo “immediately fell in love.” After doing the long-distance thing for four years, they both moved to her hometown of Portland, Oregon. When these lovebirds became engaged during a surprise weekend at Pronghorn Resort in Bend, Micaela knew exactly where she wanted their nuptials to take place: Sun Valley, where her parents had gotten married at the Sun Valley Lodge and where the family continued to gather at their cabin every summer. “We were so excited to share Sun Valley with our 150 guests,” says Micaela. “We had a Sunday wedding due to availability, but it ended up being a blessing because it allowed us to pack the weekend with

events,” including a welcome dinner at The Christiania, a pickleball tournament at Sun Valley Resort, a KB’s food truck at her family’s cabin, and a rehearsal dinner at CK’s in Hailey. For the main event, the bride opted for a color palette of white with lots of greenery and hints of cognac. “I really wanted to play up fall tones that elevated Trail Creek while not being distracting. Magnolia leaves and cala lilies were a beautiful connector for the overall palette,” says Micaela. There were many little touches that helped the couple personalize their big day; for example, their table numbers were the names of their favorite restaurants in NYC, San Fransisco, and Portland. “I was very involved in all of the details with Heather and my mother, “says Micaela. “I had so much fun working on everything, from the stationery in our invites to seating charts to our menus. I loved every minute of it.” ï SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddingstories // galena lodge

Katy + Conner Tying the knot Idaho-style PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE MARIE

hen Katy Lohn and Conner Beckwith tied the knot at Galena Lodge in July 2021, they leaned into the DIY talents of family and friends. Their invites were done by a friend (who also was their officiant). Conner, his dad, and uncles built the ceremony arbor. Family friends foraged greenery from their gardens to be used as decorations. Katy hand knit bags for her bridesmaids, and Conner chose gemstones from the collection of his late grandfather (author of Gem Minerals of Idaho) and used them to make bolo ties for each of his groomsmen. ï Planner – Absolute Weddings Rentals – That’s Entertainment Music – Sound Wave Events Venue /Catering – Galena Lodge Cake – 3 Peas Bakery

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Londyn

Photos: Brett Heidebrecht

Londyn & Grey is an elite and luxury full-service wedding and event planning company, specializing in unforgettable weddings and social events.

208.721.3843 | londynandgrey.com

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JOIN BRANDS

WHO KNOW MARKETING! Sun Valley Magazine has been delivering national award-winning publications for 49 years and has the largest requested circulation of any magazine in the area, period! We are the only magazine in our market with both local and national distribution. Aligning your brand and business with Sun Valley Magazine will ensure that you stay top of mind among this coveted audience—we are an inﬂuencer in the Sun Valley market! Since 1973, Sun Valley Magazine has remained the trusted resource for passionate residents and curious newcomers. We continue to deliver the most sought-after demographics in the state of Idaho:

AFFLUENT, EDUCATED, ACTIVE and SOPHISTICATED readers living a LUXURY RESORT LIFESTYLE!

Love Life. Love Sun Valley. Email: sales@sunvalleymag.com

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MAKING MOVIES | STARS IN OUR MIDST | LIFE OF AN EXTRA | FILM FESTIVALS | CINEMATIC FEASTS

DREAM HOMES | GHOST STORIES | GRAVEL BIKING | MARK PATTISON | CAROLE KING

Fall 2021/2022

HOME+ DESIGN Issue

the

FILM ISSUE

EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN | KNEE HEALTH | CURLING | SNOWMOBILE SKIING | VALLEY STARTUPS

DREAM HOMES | KITCHEN FACELIFTS | SHE SHEDS | CHARLES BRANDT | BOHO LOUNGE

| recipes

Winter 2016/2017

Fall 2019/2020

Summer/Fall 2010

The arT of food

Sun Valley Magazine

The

Habitat Issue

A tAco truck sAfAri

A Life in the Sky

VicTory gardens this idAho town

ED VIESTURS’ 18-YEAR JOURNEY TO THE WORLD’S HIGHEST PEAKS

Edible Idaho The sTaTe of our food

issue +

The Valley’s best burgers Who invented fry sauce The festivals of summer

Spring/Summer 2009

W inter/Spring 2007

W inter/Spring 2008 2007

Summer/Fall 2007

Idaho’s Bounty

Cooperating for farm fresh eating

Ranching Redefined

Conservation is the name of the game

special double issue with

HOME

Must Love Dogs Young at Art Reinventing the Ski Industry

Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands Tony Foster: Art Adventurer Idaho Ghost Towns

Luxury home design, architecture and interiors

C E L E B R AT I N G

w w w. s u n v a l l e y m a g . c o m

Ski patrol Mountain mustangs Chimney sweeps

YEARS

Winter/Spring 2005 2004

Summer/Fall 2004

Exploring Backcountry Yurts

Idaho’s Surfing Pioneers

Boulder Mountain Tour

The Lure of Driftboats Exploring Alpine Lakes Annual

Wedding Section

At the center of it all for 49 years

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weddin details From choosing the perfect venue to finding a fantastic photographer and florist, there are a million details to consider when planning your big day, and luckily for you, the Wood River Valley has dozens of professionals that will assist in all the small things that go into planning a mountain wedding and creating a day (or week) you will never forget. Here are some of our favorite details from the past year:

Tying the knot in the Boulder Mountains under an arch of branches and antlers. A mobile bar with signature cocktails. Planner – Jessica Hamilton Florist – Tara Bella Flowers Cocktails – RoadBars Catering – Spring Bullard Photographer – Dev Khalsa

Historic family wedding pics set the stage. Champagne toasting glasses with seat assignments. Seats with hand-stamped goodie bags for guests. Late-night fries. Photographer – Two Bird Studio Venue – Trail Creek Cabin

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FROM PRACTICAL TO PAMPERED.

Something borrowed ... something blue ... for a winter wedding wonderland. Wedding – Abby + Pete Planner – Amanda Seaward’s Absolute Weddings Photographer – Kirsten Shultz

Bringing Paris to Sun Valley. Bespoke Christian Louboutin bridal shoes and Ladurée Paris macarons. Wedding – Laura + Matt (see Wedding Stories, p. 120) Photography – James and Schulze

PROFESSIONAL, LO CAL DRIVERS FOR ALL O CCASIONS.

From small, intimate groups to large corporate or community events, our local team will take you there. Whether it’s a few hours, or a few days, our fleet of luxury SUVs, full-sized vans and coaches offer exceptional transportation, comfort and safety.

•

Weddings & Rehearsals Executive Airport Transportation Events & Corporate Meetings Nonprofit & Community Events

•

208-726-9351 • info@mtnrct.com • mtnrct.com SUMMER 2022 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddingdetails // local resources

sun valley wedding guide and beauty is both her calling and her passion. Judith’s current endeavor, the catering and entertainment company she founded in 1998, Judith McQueen Entertaining, is the culmination of her thirty-three years as a professional chef, six years in corporate food service, and nearly two decades of events, party planning, and corporate functions. Judith McQueen Entertaining delivers unparalleled service, tailor-made cuisine, and pitch-perfect atmosphere every time. Your affair—whether a wedding, a shower, or an intimate dinner with your closest friends—will be a memorable one! 208.720.2657 | judithmcqueen.com

SHORE LODGE

Photographer – Two Bird Studio Venue – Trail Creek Cabin/Sun Valley Resort

BEAUTY

CATERING & EVENT LOCATIONS

PURE MEDICAL SPA

IDAHO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCH

Idaho’s secret for more youthful looking skin, PURE Medical Spa offers dermaplaning, HydrafacialTM MD, LED Therapy, Forever Young BBL, Halo Laser, Injectibles, Fillers, Cool Sculpting, Laser Peels, Collagen Induction Therapy, and a selection of medical grade and dermatologist recommended skin care. 208.788.4747 | puremedicalspaidaho.com

ZENERGY DAY SPA Zenergy is the Valley’s premier health club and spa. This 48,000-square-foot facility features a world-class spa with nine treatment rooms, a variety of massage modalities, acupuncture, reflexology, a nail salon, Greg Hinshaw’s hair studio, and tanning services. The health club includes indoor and outdoor saline pools, tennis courts, cardiovascular and weight training gym, squash court, Pilates, group fitness, indoor cycling, and yoga studios—but that’s just the beginning of all that Zenergy has to offer. 208.725.0595 | zenergyts.com

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Nestled among hillside pines and aspen, the 900-acre Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch offers the perfect base to explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Pry yourself away from your beautifully appointed cabin to revel in activities showcasing the Sawtooth Valley’s best. Enjoy everything from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on scenic trails to climbing pristine peaks, fishing trout-filled waters, swimming, and rafting the clear lakes and rivers. Relax and take in the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains from front-porch rocking chairs, read by the fire, or stargaze from the natural hot springs pool. At the lodge, enjoy Chef Victor Kendlehart’s bountiful breakfasts, perfect picnic lunches, and delectable dinners. 208.725.3000 | idahorocky.com

JUDITH MCQUEEN ENTERTAINING It’s no understatement to call Judith McQueen a legendary Sun Valley chef…ask around, it’s true. Her relentless pursuit of marrying food

With a spectacular lakeside setting, generous accommodations and well-equipped facilities, Shore Lodge is the perfect place for your special day in McCall, Idaho. Our experienced on-site event planning and catering staff is available to assist with all aspects of your wedding to ensure a worry-free and memorable experience. Our combination of rustic elegance and natural beauty provides a backdrop for weddings like no other. No matter the season, weddings are always magical here. 800.657.6464 | shorelodge.com

SUN VALLEY RESORT A lifetime of memories begins right here. With sweeping views of the majestic Pioneer Mountains and the warmth and charm of a historic ski town, Sun Valley Resort is an idyllic destination to kick off your happily ever after. Our four-season setting offers spectacular indoor and outdoor mountain wedding venues for gatherings of all sizes, including the Trail Creek Pavilion, Trail Creek Cabin, River Run Lodge, Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge or the Duck Pond Lawn. As a full-service resort, all of our facilities fall under one umbrella, simplifying the planning of everything from horseback rides to cocktail hour. 208.622.2101 | sunvalley.com

EVENT/WEDDING PLANNERS

ABSOLUTE WEDDINGS Absolute Weddings is a full-service wedding and event planning business that has been operating and making dreams come true in the

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PHOTOS: LEXI HATCH

AMANDA SEAWARD’S ABSOLUTE WEDDINGS

WEDDING AND EVENT COORDINATOR | 208.720.4713 | amandaseaward.com | amanda@amandaseaward.com

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weddingdetails // local resources

Valley for over 10 years. We will help you with all details, from invitations and save-thedates, to appointments, vendor selection and budgeting. Absolute Weddings’ hands-on approach allows you to relax and enjoy this special time with friends and family. We will take over all details to make your event, day and experience stress-free. 208.720.4713 | amandaseaward.com

fashion mingles seamlessly with must-have gear from top brands in outdoor wear, offering guests a beautiful collection of everything they need to look like a local. 208.726.5282, 800.732.5687 | silver-creek.com

JEWELRY

BARRY PETERSON JEWELERS

HEATHER MINOR EVENTS Heather Minor Events offers creative wedding planning and event planning services that will help you create an event that reflects your own personality and style. We are here to make your magical day a reality from start to finish. Our proven approach ensures that your event will be meticulously planned and perfectly executed so you can sit back and enjoy. We look forward to working, with your help, to plan your big day or next event. 208.309.1014 | heatherminorevents.com Photographer – Two Bird Studio

FASHION/DRESSES

PANACHE Panache is a clothing boutique located on the mall in Sun Valley. We carry exclusive and unique brands that are hard to find anywhere else—fantastic pieces that will make you stand out in a crowd. 208.622.4228 | panachesunvalley.com

attention to detail, Tara Ooms and her talented staff tailor custom elegant floral designs for every occasion. Ooms’ passion for flowers shines through with the grace and hospitality that only a true Southern belle could possess. 208.788.4046 | tarabellaflowers.com

THE WILDFLOWER

GIFTS + GEAR

The Wildflower is an eclectic clothing boutique located in the heart of Hailey, Idaho. This unique shop was created to fill a clothing, jewelry and gift idea niche that was missing in the town of Hailey—a place where locals could shop for interesting, thoughtful clothing, jewelry and gift ideas with the goal of helping each customer feel their very best. The Wildflower offers an array of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, shoes, and personal essentials. From silk to cashmere, a trip to this distinctive store is an opportunity to sample from fashion’s latest trends. Stop by this beautiful store to find the perfect piece to wear or gift to give. 208.788.2425 | thewildfloweridaho.com

BACKWOODS MOUNTAIN SPORTS Backwoods Mountain Sports is an outdoor shop run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. The best way to enjoy the mountains is with the best gear. Visit the local experts at Backwoods to get outfitted and learn where to go— everyone at Backwoods loves to get out and play, and we’re happy to share (most) of our favorite spots with you! So come on in, ask a few questions, pick up a few last-minute things and GET OUT THERE! 208.726.8818 | backwoodsmountainsports.com

SILVER CREEK OUTFITTERS FLORISTS

TARA BELLA FLOWERS Tara Bella specializes in beautiful destination weddings and eye-popping special events. Celebrated for her unique style and meticulous

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Silver Creek Outfitters, simply put, defines the Sun Valley lifestyle. From cashmere to caddis flies, we carry hand-selected items of the finest quality that will take you for a day on the river to an evening on the town. Offering the finest selection of ladies and mens clothing and accessories. Here, the best in mountain

Since 1971, Barry Peterson has been matching the elegant beauty and sophisticated elegance of Sun Valley with his stunning jewelry designs. Along with the iconic “Sun Valley Sun” design, which was done at the request of former Sun Valley Company owner Bill Janss, Barry Peterson is well known and highly respected for his work with diamonds and precious stones, as well as his designer and unique collection of custom-made jewelry and wearable art. Come find your special jewelry for your big day or custom-design gifts for your bridal party or groomsmen. 208.726.5202 | barrypeterson.com

CHRISTOPHER & CO. Providing a traditional jewelry store experience and offering custom designs, a full repair shop with hand engraving and diamond or stone cutting, Christopher & Co. is a full-service jewelry store that caters to its clients personally. Now featuring its Boulder Mountain Collections with 18K, 14K sterling silver and diamond ring and earrings. 208.788.1123 | christopherandcojewelry.com

TRANSPORTATION

MOUNTAIN RESORT SERVICES Mountain Resort Services offers chauffeured transportation using professional local drivers with over 75 years of combined experience in local knowledge. Their fleet of luxury 4x4 SUVs, luxury high-top vans, grand motor coaches and mini coaches, ensures that your group can travel to and from your event with the utmost in service and luxury. From wedding-day transportation and rehearsal dinners to pre- and post-wedding group tours, we’ll implement the perfect transportation and tour plans for your group. Make it a vacation —leave the details to us. 208.726.9351 | mountain-resort-services.com

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ARRANGING BLOOMS SINCE 2002

Tara Bella Flowers SUN VALLEY, ID AND BEYOND tarabellaflowers.com

H E AT H E R M I N O R E V E N T S

WEDDING EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN S U N VA L L E Y, I DA H O 208-30 9 -10 14 W W W. H E AT H E R M I N O R E V E N T S . C O M

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whywelivehere // #sunvalleymag

“INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER, WE ARE AN OCEAN.” —ARSHDEEP SAMRAL A A tender moment at the October 2021 nuptials of bride Laura Minskoff and groom Matthew Ostrup at a private home north of Ketchum that perfectly captures the idea that some of the biggest transitions in our lives and momentous occasions—weddings, births, graduations—are actually defined by a series of smaller moments like stepping stones across a pond. PHOTO BY JAMES AND SCHUL ZE

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