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HIDDEN PARADISE
A growing refuge for those with cancer and other challenges
THE RISE OF CRISPY CONE
Idaho entrepreneurs take the ice cream industry by storm
THE LOVE OF THE THRIFT
Sustainable practice of thrifting as consignment hits the mainstream fashion world SERENITY OF
Finding peace at Boulder Mountain Clayworks
Nature’s healing resource for Indigenous peoples
FIFTY
INTRO TO BOULDERING
The distilled essence of rock climbing
KAYAKING THE ‘WHITEWATER STATE’ Idaho is in a class of its own
SPEARHEADING THE WEST
Hunting nonnative fish species
A SOCIETAL SHIFT
Lisa Wood’s artistic commentary on our modern world
THE PLOT THICKENS
Author Kristin Hannah sits down with a character from her best-selling novel
FROM A(TWOOD) TO Z(YGAR) Sun Valley Writers Conference celebrates 30 years
RODEO THE LABEL
Riley Boyce’s new way to Western wear
FINE DINING THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Celebrating Sun Valley’s longest standing restaurants
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 , Home & Design , and Wedding sections. You can also enjoy digital editions of Sun Valley Magazine in our extensive archives and access all of our social media sites.
To explore our magazine archives, dating all the way back to the Winter 1973/1974, visit sunvalleymag.com/magazine. On our digital magazine page, you can enjoy back issues of Sun Valley Magazine . Travel back in time to see what we were covering at the turn of the century (21st!) and beyond. 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!
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As we enter our 50th year of publishing at Sun Valley Magazine, we celebrate the faces and places, people and events that have shaped this community for more than five decades. Capturing the thread of these stories—the ones we murmur about over morning coffee, animatedly debate at the dinner table or eagerly anticipate at large gatherings and events—has always been a labor of love.
It is an effort undertaken by the bright and talented team here at Sun Valley Magazine, who work diligently with each and every issue to bring a piece of this community home to our readers. Evident on every page is the talent, attention and vision of our art team, Roberta Morcone, Lillie Cooper, and Sophia Lizberg; director of marketing and sales, Heather Linhart; and editor Jonathan Mentzer and our editorial team of Carolyn French, Patty Healy and Cristy Sellas. Thank you for your commitment to upholding the quality, integrity and authenticity of the Sun Valley Magazine brand—an endeavor that began in July 1974 and continues to grow and evolve, along with the community and the great state of Idaho it serves.
This Summer 50th Anniversary issue, like so many others, has emerged as something akin to a birthing—growing from the many diverse voices that thread through each of these stories and the team tasked with bringing them in stunning color to the page—until it evolves into something as unique and diverse as the individuals, and the stunning high alpine landscapes that inspired its creation.
These are the people and histories that continue to shape our mountain valley and form our history. It is our story: vivid narrative, personal account, or stirring inspiration. In these snapshots from the Wood River Valley, and areas across the state of Idaho and the West, are some of the many faces that represent what we
are: Strong. Vital. Industrious. Imaginative. Resilient. Fun-loving. Creative. And, maybe, a little mischievous.
Read about the lost history of gambling in Ketchum and Sun Valley in the 1930s and 1940s—when blackjack, craps, wheel gambling games and poker ruled the clubs and restaurants in town like The Casino, The Sawtooth Club and The Pioneer (“Big Small Town: Gambling, celebrities and skiing: The real history of Sun Valley ” on page 108). Read about singer, songwriter, comedian and actor Joe Cannon, who was dubbed “The King of Sun Valley” in 1979 and who packed the house with his “After Ski Show Party” at the best bars in the Valley (“Joe Cannon: The king of Sun Valley ” on page 104).
Discover the unique connection between New York Times best-selling author Kristin Hannah and Jean Enersen, the first female local news anchor in the country in 1972 and the first local TV journalist to report from China (“ The Plot Thickens: Author Kirstin Hannah sits down with a character from her best-selling novel ” on page 126). Or follow the trajectory of a special band of Challis wild horses through the eyes and words of fine art photographer Elissa Kline (“Reflection of Freedom: A journey with the Challis wild horses” on page 88)—a reverse-migration and nearly 20-year journey from the sage-covered hills of Idaho to the grassy slopes of sanctuary in Northern California.
In these pages, we chronicle a slice of our shared history and community, welcoming the opportunity to reflect upon who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going.
It is only a small piece of storytelling from the past fifty years, but we hope it resonates.
Enjoy!
Laurie Sammis publisher / editor-in-chief
Elissa Kline, born in New York City and raised in Laurel Canyon, bounced between coasts before moving to a ranch near Stanley, Idaho in 1989
An assignment for Sun Valley Magazine, resulted in a twodecade journey photographing a herd of wild horses from the Challis Idaho HMA. A (2009) roundup led to the rescue of 31 horses, and eventually, their sanctuary. Kline’s photos have been featured in books, films, concerts and exhibited across the west, highlighting the plight of America’s wild horses.
Photos by Elissa Kline: “Reflection of Freedom,” page 88
Bryant Dunn owns Sun Valley Outfitters and Wanderlust Flyfishing Adventures, which outfits flyfishing groups in the Himalayas, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Bryant works for the Sun Valley Ski Patrol in the winter and is the proud Dad of his four trouble-making kids, Maddy, Amanda, Daker and Hunter. When not outfitting guests in the wildest places on Earth, Bryant spends his time hiding out at his cabin on the upper Salmon River, downstream from Stanley.
Stories by Bryant Dunn: “Natural Selection,” page 94
Jean Enersen was the first woman in the country to anchor a nightly local newscast. Her reporting took her to China, Russia, Japan, and Africa with the Gates Foundation, the war in Bosnia, a stint as co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show, and the White House for interviews with almost every President in recent memory. Jean’s first trip to Sun Valley was at age 5, and she has been skiing there ever since. Jean and her husband, Bruce Carter, have 8 (soon 9) grandchildren who are all crazy about skiing.
Stories by Jean Enersen: “The Plot Thickens: Author Kristin Hannah Sits Down with a Character from Her Bestselling Novel” page 126
Nancy Whitehead’s love of photography and the outdoor lifestyle began more than 30 years ago, while hunting and fishing with her dad and brothers in the woods of New Hampshire. Her fine art photography and field portraits of sporting dogs of all breeds has led her on assignment to hunting clubs, ranches, plantations and outdoor spaces around the world. Her work has appeared in books and on the covers of numerous magazines, including Shooting Sportsman, Sun Valley Magazine, the Staffords Catalog, the Orvis Catalog and in her celebrated book In The Field: Sporting Dogs at Work .
Photos By Nancy Whitehead: “Natural Selection,” page 94
writers - Karen Bossick, Carolyn French, Kate Hull, Sarah Linville, Jonathan Mentzer, Patti Murphy, Hayden Seder, Christy Sellas, Pamela Thompson, Winter Warchol, Claudia Weathermon, Lori Williams
photographers - Travis Amick, Zack Brown, Patrick Clayton, Evan Frost, Dev Khalsa, Adriana Klas, Elissa Kline, Heather Linhart, Hillary Maybery, Todd Meier, Amanda Nagy, Paulette Philpot, Jon Plummer, Benjavisa Rungvaree, Kirsten Shultz, Steve Smith, Paul Vecsei, Josh Wells, Nancy Whitehead, Kris Zigich.
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publisher/editor in chief Laurie C. Sammis managing editor Jonathan Mentzer associate editor Carolyn French guest art directors Lillie Cooper Roberta Morocone senior designer Sophia Lizberg sales & marketing director Heather Linhart copy editor Cristy Sellas controller Brenda Carrillo circulation director Nancy Whitehead
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
2014 MAGGIE AWARDS
Finalist, Best Annuals & One-Time Custom Publication/Consumer
2013 MAGGIE AWARDS
Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer
2012 MAGGIE AWARDS
Winner, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer
2011 MAGGIE AWARDS
Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer
2010 MAGGIE AWARDS
Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer
2010 OZZIE AWARDS
Gold Winner, publication fewer than 6 times per year
2010 EDDIE AWARDS
Gold Winner, publication fewer than 6 times per year
2010 IDAHO PRESS CLUB
Best Magazine Serious Feature & Best Blog
2010 MAGGIE AWARDS
Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer
2009 MAGGIE AWARDS
& Consumer
A growing refuge for those with cancer and other challenges
WORDS BY KAREN BOSSICK
Campers returning to Camp Rainbow Gold's Hidden Paradise Camp this summer will be greeted by a new amphitheater featuring a covered stage, stadium-style and back supporting seating for 200, two large fire pits, storage for lighting and sound equipment and a mural that augments the view of the surrounding prairie and mountains.
The amphitheater was funded by Wood River Valley residents Sam Adicoff and Sue Conner in memory of their daughter Sarah. Sarah attended camp in 2006 after her cancer diagnosis, returning for the next five years as a camper and a junior counselor.
"Sarah loved camp--it's a place where she found community with other cancer survivors who could let their guard down and talk about things they couldn't talk about with others," Connor says. "She especially loved the art shack and dressing in costume for the dances.
From the amphitheater, campers will be able to see the hills on the other side. It's a beautiful setting with lots of quiet space."
Camp Rainbow Gold, the nation's first oncology camp for children, quickly endeared itself to Wood River Valley residents when it opened at Cathedral Pines north of Ketchum in the mid-1980s. Then, the camp was not suited to children with special medical needs.
Campers using wheelchairs had a tough time navigating the dirt paths, the outhouses were not conducive to children who became sick at night and there was no storage for bikes and other camp supplies.
"We were having to turn kids and families away when, unfortunately, cancer is not going away,” says Elizabeth Lizberg, the executive director of Camp Rainbow Gold. “The number of Idaho children with cancer is increasing, and it's not because Idaho is growing."
Camp Rainbow Gold began feasibility studies to figure out its future in 2007. "We didn't have a long-term lease so we didn't feel secure and, as an organization supported by community dollars, we felt we should be more secure," Lizberg says.
The organization considered a property that a supporter donated near Ketchum in East Fork, but it didn't pan out due to wildfire concerns and neighbors' opposition.
"Treasures come out of trials because, when that was over, someone said, 'Have you heard of Soldier Mountain golf resort?’ East Fork taught us what we needed, what a capital campaign of that magnitude was going to take. And our supporters taught us about communication and working with our donors,” Lizberg says.
The 172-acre Hidden Paradise near Fairfield, which is wrapping up its initial $16-million remodeling and construction
phase, is Idaho's only medical camp. It’s become a refuge for a growing list of organizations, including Camp River Run, which use camp when Camp Rainbow Gold is not in session.
"These groups heard about the camp through media coverage of the East Fork negotiations. So, again, treasures out of trials," Lizberg says.
Camp Rainbow Gold has been building its user base back up since the pandemic shut down camp, but it anticipates serving 600 campers and family members this summer.
Among them is Paula Shaffer's daughter Luella, who was diagnosed with cancer of the cerebral spinal fluid that was presented as a brain tumor. Luella, now 8, had the tumor removed and underwent radiation and chemotherapy and has been in remission for more than two years.
"It was very hard on her little body, but
she always had a wonderful positive attitude," says Shaffer, who co-owns The Apothecary in Ketchum. "As a business we've supported Camp Rainbow Gold for 13 years and so my family used those we'd met through the organization as a support system from the moment Luella was diagnosed.”
Luella went to camp for the first time in 2023, and, like Sarah Adicoff, fell in love with crafts and dance night. Her brother Huntley attended Sibling Camp at 9, fast in warming up to the outdoor activities and camaraderie with others whose siblings had cancer. The entire family has been to Family Camp.
"Luella loved being with other kids who had experienced the things she had," Paula says. "She was happy to be away in a safe environment where she could have support from other campers that have been through things the rest of us can't understand. As for my son--when one child has cancer, it's easy
July 17th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Complimentary wine cups, beverages, & great food from Ketchum Grill Pizza Truck & Sun Valley Culinary Institute.
to forget about the siblings and how much trauma they've witnessed and how stressful it's been on them. Camp makes them feel special. And we all feel a lot of energy and connectedness from Family Camp. The morning hikes with other families are so meaningful, and it's fun as there is a lot of variation of activities."
Camp is a work in progress. Andersen Construction just finished a 3,000-squarefoot, $2.1-million medical building funded by Blue Cross of Idaho that Lizberg said is beyond anything organizers had dreamed of. It includes refrigeration for campers' medications and a window through which nurses can hand children their meds. There's an isolation room if children or staff are ill. And there are nurses' sleeping quarters should a child need help at night. The building also includes a conference room and multiple restrooms.
Six two-floor cabins previously on the property have been remodeled with ADAcompliant ramps and bathrooms. Black Rock Homes just completed the first six of 12
new cabins, each of which can accommodate 12 people.
And Wood River Valley residents Sandor and Teri Szombathy funded a new equestrian arena dedicated to their goddaughter Devon Peterson, a Bellevue horse lover who is in remission from leukemia. When completed, the fenced arena will have a metal barn with six horse stalls and a lift to hoist riders onto horses.
The Szombathys began volunteering at Camp Rainbow Gold when it was at Cathedral Pines. “We also support Higher Ground and Swiftsure Therapeutic Ranch and, so, we were familiar with the healing power of horses,” says Sandor Szombathy. “We said, ‘Let’s build a place where horses have a place to stay when there.’”
Share Your Heart Ball, held every February at Sun Valley Resort, raised $700,000 this year with the help of such auction items as an autographed Taylor Swift guitar, Travis Kelce jersey and a flag football game headed by Sun Valley's own Heisman Trophy winner Carson
Palmer. The money funds a teen support group, provides college scholarships for campers and camp tuition.
"The good news is that, while the rate of cancer is increasing, treatment has gotten better and so we do not lose as many kids to cancer," Lizberg says. "When I started with Camp Rainbow Gold 18 years ago, we had a memorial every year remembering two, three, four campers we'd lost over the previous year. In recent years, there were two years we did not have to have a memorial, and when we do, it's typically one child."
Providing camp for siblings is equally important, says Lizberg: “Brothers and sisters can have long-term psychosocial results from their sibling’s diagnosis, leading to teen pregnancies, drug abuse and even suicide.
Doctors will tell you providing something like what we do for these kids is not just a nice thing to do—it's a necessity." ï
Camp Rainbow Gold is embarking on an $8 million capital campaign to build a new lodge and commercial kitchen with seating for 200. The current dining room holds only 60 to 70 inside, with seating for 120 outside, so children must eat in various buildings during inclement weather. With the new construction, this current smaller lodge and kitchen will be converted for other uses.
Camp Rainbow Gold has already raised $600,000 of $650,000 needed to build a sports court and accessible playground that has already been designed to augment the existing archery and rope challenge course.
CBH Homes will build six more cabins pro bono in time for the 2025 summer camping season.
Bicycle and walking paths will be improved once the bulk of the construction is finished.
Camp Rainbow Gold also needs to replenish its fleet of golf carts, adding some that can handle wheelchairs, to ferry some campers from site to site.
2-6, 2024
Idaho entrepreneurs take ice cream industry by storm with a little help from Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran
WORDS BY KAREN BOSSICK
Jeremy Carlson always aspired to be an entrepreneur. In high school, he didn’t daydream about sports fame but about various companies and businesses he could one day purchase! By college, he made his entrepreneurial dreams a reality. The entrepreneurial spirit was in his genes. All it took was an idea and a lot of determination. And later, ABC’s Shark Tank.
Jeremy and his wife, Kaitlyn, are the owners and founders of Crispy Cones, a cutting-edge take on the traditional ice cream cones that are as delicious as they are unique. Rather than your typical crunchy waffle or sugar cone, Crispy Cones uses a fresh dough cone,
akin to a pastry, that is grilled rotisserie-style and covered with cinnamon and sugar or a specialty powder. Then, a gourmet flavor of ice cream or fruits fills the cones and spirals on top for a sweet treat unlike any other.
“I served my mission in the Czech Republic, and they are famous for bread making and pastries,” Jeremy says. “One of the breads they make is this dough cone cooked rotisserie-style over coal. I thought it was phenomenal. When I came back, I changed some things and Americanized it.” Thus, Crispy Cones was born.
Crispy Cones first started in 2018 as a tent on the side of the road in Rexburg, Idaho,
where Jeremy, originally from St. Anthony, was attending school at BYU-Idaho. The reception was a hit. “We sold out of the cone the first day,” Jeremy recalls.
“I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” Jeremy says. “In high school I was always looking to buy a business. I always loved the fact that entrepreneurs can create something out of nothing and make something big. I like the mindset that you are creating your own destiny.”
With an eye on growth early on, Jeremy sought out help for his social media presence and reached out to a social media student, Kaitlyn, to help.
“Jeremy reached out to me in 2018 the first year the tent version of Crispy Cones was open,” she says. “I was just starting to get into social media. He asked if I would come out and share about his business, and I’d get a free cone. I fell in love with the product on day one. I remember saying to my friend that I would support this business until the day I die. Now, here I am as an owner.”
The young couple hit it off and were married in 2020, just as the business grew from a tent to a food trailer. Next, Jeremy and Kaitlyn set their sights on taking the fluffy, delicious cones to brick-and-mortar shops.
“We were newly married and living in Logan, Utah, and watching Shark Tank one night and thought, ‘What is the difference between these contestants on the show and us?’ We went on the website, filled out an application, and waited.”
After nearly seven months of waiting, they got the call that they were heading to Los Angeles to pitch to the Sharks in September 2022.
“We flipped out when we heard we were going to go on the show,” Jeremy recalls. “We flew to Los Angeles, and it was so nerveracking to know we would pitch. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Even before they stood in front of the Sharks, they had their sights on Barbara Corcoran.
“She has a background in franchising and food business,” Kaitlyn says. “We manifested our outcome. We are going to leave this with a deal and leave it with Barbara.”
Barbara Corcoran told the husband-andwife team that she was “very interested” in this business. She said she was without a doubt the Shark on the show who knew more about franchise and food than anyone and offered the Carlsons a lucrative deal: $200,000 for 20% of Crispy Cones’ equity. Jeremy and Kaitlyn accepted the deal.
“We felt like we were on cloud nine and we were partnering with who we dreamed of,” Kaitlyn says. “Having her with us and supporting us more than a year now has been an amazing journey. She has been so great at guiding us and giving us the best advice and leadership and how we should grow.”
The pair said that Barbara’s partnership is as hands on as they need her to be or as hands off as they need. The guidance, they say, has been second to none.
As for the future? True to their motto, the young couple is “revolutionizing the soft serve cone” and bringing their idea across the country. With eleven stores planned to open throughout the country in 2024, they have plans in the works to expand their franchise to approximately fifty locations by the end of 2025. Learn more and find a Crispy Cones location in your area at thecrispycones.com. ï
Come watch your favorite legends of tennis battle it out on the pickleball court, in the name of charity! Men’s Second Chance Living has proudly partnered with the Wood River Pickleball Alliance to create a fundraising event that’s set to be an awe-inspiring weekend of Competition, Community, and Charity!
Valley Club
Mark your calendars and scan the QR code to sign up now! The weekend of August 1st-4th will be teeming with exhibition play, clinics, and matches featuring top legends, celebrities, and senior men’s pickleball pros, from across the country.
Lee Sponaugle and Sonya Wilander
Building on two highly successful past events, this summer’s fund raiser will be bigger, more exciting, and more fun than ever! The collaboration between MSCL and Wood River Pickleball Alliance stems from a shared vision to enliven the Wood River Valley with an event unlike any before, combining the thrill of pickleball with the noble cause of supporting two worthy local non profits.
Sonya Wilander, the Executive Director of MSCL, believes the synergy between the two organizations will make this year’s tournament an unforgettable event in the height of the Sun Valley Summer. Since opening the Wood River Valley’s first sober house in 2018, Men’s Second Chance Living (MSCL House) has been dedicated to helping men living with addiction succeed in their recovery and achieve sustained sobriety.
“With the growing need for our services, we opened a second house in October of 2022.
We now offer our services to up to 32 men per year, helping them regain independence, long-term sobriety, and connection with their family and community.” — Wilander
Lee Sponaugle, president of the WRPA, has found that pickleball has become an important part of the fabric of our community. Sponaugle reached out to the top senior pickleball players, and they will participate in the event and volunteer their time and talent. These top players will give clinics teaching their best-shot strategies to local players.
“Our mission is to build community through the sport of pickleball.” — Sponaugle
THURSDAY
Senior Pro Clinics at The Valley Club
8/01/24 at 1pm-3pm or 4pm-6pm @ The Valley Club
$150 VC Members / $200 Non Member Included in VIP Weekend Package*
FRIDAY
Senior Pro Team Event
8/02/24 at 2pm-5pm @ The Valley Club
VIP Seating* Welcome Cocktail Party
8/02/24 at 5:30pm-7:30pm
Private Residence Invitation Only*
SATURDAY
MSCL 3rd Annual Pickleball Fundraiser
8/03/24 at 12pm-4pm
@ The Valley Club
Entry Fee $250*
Legends Dinner Exhibition by Tennis Legends
8/03/24 at 6:00pm
Private Home
$400 per person* Included in the VIP Package*
SUNDAY
8/04/24 at 10am-11am @ The Valley Club
Spectators Welcome VIP Seating*
Senior Pro Team Event
8/04/24 at 11am @ The Valley Club
Senior Pros battle with Legends Spectators Welcome VIP Seating*
*All included in $1800 VIP Package
WORDS BY KATE
HULL
PHOTOS BY HEATHER LINHART
There is a certain bit of pride that comes with following a compliment on your fit with sharing: “I found it at the thrift store,” or “It’s vintage!” The idea of thrift shopping for your wardrobe or even home goods is no new concept, but in recent years, this act of sustainable shopping has hit the mainstream, carving out its piece of the pie in the fashion world. And in Sun Valley, thrifting is at another level.
According to global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company’s State of Fashion growth trends, the fashion industry is worth more than $2.5 trillion, with more than 100 billion garments produced annually. For shoppers, however, sustainability peaks as the most important factor for nearly 60 percent of consumers, leading the way for the secondhand fashion sect to see growth topping 127% in the past year.
“The stigma of wearing and buying secondhand clothing is a relic of the past, and the recent upswing of secondhand clothing has made thrifting ‘cool,’” says Lindy Stark, manager at the Attic Thrift Store.
The gist? Shoppers are nixing first-worn items when they can, whether for a better price point or a better sustainable practice and searching for secondhand fashion finds by using online secondhand companies like
PoshMark and ThredUp, and their tried-andtrue local thrift stores and consignment stores.
Fashion sense and the Wood River Valley go hand in hand. There is no shortage of on-trend residents hitting the trails or heading out on the town. And the plethora of thrift stores and consignment shops—and their customers—reap the benefits. The list of mustvisit shops is vast. Vintage, thrift, consign, antique and furniture shops are dotted throughout the valley, and worth a stop to search for your next thrifted or one-of-akind find.
“We are very blessed with our location,” says Raeghen Peavey, store director for Gold Mine Thrift and Gold Mine Consign in Ketchum. “With this population, those who donate are able to have full and very fashionable wardrobes. Once they come by and bring items to us, we are able to offer those great brands, too.”
Celebrated as “two great stores with one amazing cause,” Gold Mine Thrift and Gold Mine Consign benefit the Community Library Association. Proceeds support the library’s programs, such as historical archives, free print and digital resources and more. Since its founding in 1955, Gold Mine has been an anchoring part of the Ketchum region’s secondhand fashion and retail scene.
“We try to make it our approach at Gold Mine to focus on our customer base and what our responsibilities are for the Community Library,” Raeghan says.
For Gold Mine, Raeghan adds that this means working with local drama clubs to find costumes for theater productions they sometimes borrow or purchase at a discount and ensuring their customer base leaves with a smile.
In Hailey, the Attic Thrift Store also focuses on thrifting with an added cause.
All proceeds from the Attic benefit The Advocates, who offer safety, healing, and resources to people impacted by abuse in the Wood River Valley.
“Imagine changing the path forward for survivors of abuse by helping them experience a world without violence,” Lindy says. “Every day, people are taking the steps at The Advocates and turning their dreams into a reality. With your help, we can do more.” The Attic also provides free vouchers to women and men who need to shop for necessities like warm clothes, shoes, dishes, furniture and more.
“This past year, community members in need received 1,502 Attic Vouchers, valued at $75,658,” Lindy says. “This is an increase of 134% from the year prior.”
And while Sun Valley has had a variety of thrift store options for decades, in recent years, the clientele has seen a shift.
In 2023 alone, the fashion industry produced 97 million tons of waste in landfills, and it seems that shoppers are taking back
control and using their wallets to change the game, starting with even the youngest shoppers.
For Lindy and Raeghen, the changes in the thrift world can be summed up by the ages and demographics of their customers.
“The younger generations have been in the store a lot more, and that age group has found their own sense of style with thrifting,” Raeghen says. Both women and men are refocusing on more sustainable ways to shop.
Buying secondhand, Lindy explains, is not only an affordable way to shop, but it also makes buyers reconsider how they consume fashion.
“Eighty-five percent of clothing in the U.S., including donations, ends up in incinerators or landfills,” she says. “Ninety-five percent of items that hit our landfills could be re-worn in their current form. The store also allows us to offer a unique opportunity to put nice and often new items into the hands of conscientious shoppers and of those less fortunate.”
So, when it comes down to hitting the shops and scoring amazing finds to fit your
style, both Lindy and Raeghen agree that the trick is to “Shop!”
“Shop, Shop, Shop!” Lindy says. “Thrift stores move items quickly, so you must consistently check to see what new inventory has arrived. Unlike traditional retail stores, where you see multiple sizes of the same items, thrift stores offer one-of-a-kind items and shopping experiences. We are always thrilled with our local community’s generosity in donating such incredible items. It’s simply the thrill of the hunt!”
And, speaking of the hunt, it’s all about timing.
“If you are coming in, give yourself some time,” Raeghen says. “The thing I hear from customers most often is, ‘I just came in to do a quick peruse, and I have been here for an hour!’ There is such a mix of everything in the store.” ï
LEFT: Consign Design is a consignment store ready to bring classics back to the forefront.
RIGHT: Eclectic finds such as pottery or stonework give “antiquing” new life.
Thrifting is the ultimate “upcycling” and thrift shops have been popping up everywhere, not just in Sun Valley but nationwide as well.
Gold Mind Thrift Store
331 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum comlib.org/gold-mine-stores
Gold Mine Consign
580 4th Street East, Suite 120, Ketchum comlib.org/gold-mine-stores
Worth Repeating Consignment 471 Leadville Avenue, Ketchum
Good Riddance Consignment 400 Bell Drive, Ketchum good-rid.com
Capelet Consign 131 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum capeletconsign.com
Consign Design
331 1st Avenue North, Ketchum capeletconsign.com
Maude’s in Ketchum 311 N. 1st Avenue, Ketchum
The Attic Thrift 12 W Carbonate Street, Hailey atticthrift.com
WORDS BY CRISTY SELLAS
At a barbecue last summer, I asked our host, Donna Higueras about her dinnerware and was stunned to find that she had made every single plate, mug, platter and decorative piece in her home. We discovered she was a long-time potter and a member of several studios, including Boulder Mountain Clayworks (BMC) in Sun Valley. She recommended that we try “throwing pots” as it had been very therapeutic for her.
Research shows that when making pottery, the tactile sense is engaged and promotes a meditative state, helping to reduce blood pressure and regulate breathing. Tests show a measurable difference in cortisol levels—the so-called “stress hormone.” The meditative state allows your frustrations and worries to melt away, promoting a release of muscle tension and self-regulation which can allow emotions to re-set.
Donna put us in contact with Ruth Nelson, one of the instructors at BMC, and my daughter and I began weekly lessons.
Our first lesson taught us some basic facts right off the bat. First, it’s much harder than it looks. I watched a few YouTube videos before working with Ruth, and those pros made it look easy. It is not easy. But it is fun,
challenging, and messy in a good way. And the research proved true, it is remarkably soothing. We found ourselves in a zoned-out state of bliss as that wheel spun and we attempted to shape our clay.
BMC was established in July of 1997 by Susan Ward. The studio itself is fully equipped for stoneware, porcelain and raku pottery, and adorned with 12 wheels, a slab roller, a pug mill extruder and plenty of room for handbuilding. The kiln room contains two large Skutt electric kilns—one for bisque and the other for high fire. The glaze kiln is a 16 cubic foot Geil downdraft glass kiln. The entire studio is open 24 hours for members and offers multi-level classes year-round.
In 2015, Lauren Street was appointed director of BMC. Street has been working with clay since her student days at The Community School in 1986. She continued her passion for pottery at the Parsons College of Art and Design where she received her BFA in Ceramics. In addition to running the studio, Lauren makes dinnerware for restaurants, design stores and individual clients. Though she hopes someday to be a full-time potter, for now, she works hard on BMC programming, non-profit partnerships
and member relations.
Ruth Nelson, our instructor, has been doing ceramics for eight years. Her passion was ignited at Gonzaga university and following graduation she returned to Sun Valley and happily found a position at BMC where she continued her ceramics journey and engaged with the community.
Ruth patiently taught my daughter and I the basics of pottery—from wedging to glazing and trimming; from sealing and centering to opening and shaping techniques. We learned the names of all the tools and different types of clay. We watched as BMC members quietly spent time at the wheels around us, their capable hands forming beautiful pieces like magic.
Throwing pottery is truly an art form but also a skill that takes a great deal of practice. My daughter and I worked hard each week and eventually made a few tiny bowls! But we plan to spend a lot more time at BMC—taking classes but also working independently to improve our skills. Most importantly, we look forward to reaping the physical and emotional benefits of the calming effects of the process, enjoying the camaraderie with the other artists and taking in the lovely view of Baldy from the glaze studio. ï
Begin your ceramics journey this Summer! Take a short break from all your outdoor Summer fun and try something new at the Boulder Mountain Clayworks studio. BMC has a full Summer schedule of workshops, classes and camps. On July 7th, join a One Day Cookie Jar Workshop from 10:30-12:30 for $45 a person, and on July 30th, try your hand at flower pots. Bring your kids for Family Clay Afternoons from 1:30-3 pm--the folks at BMC will help you create butter dishes on June 26th and bird baths on August 7th.
($50 for each adult and child and $10 for each additional person in your party)
And on July 17th, BMC will host its annual fundraiser themed "Tuscany in the Garden." Incredible creations by studio potters will be available for purchase through a silent auction along with other prizes. This event will take place at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden--look for more information about live auction items and ticket purchase information at Boulder Mountain Clayworks.com.
BY LORI WILLIAMS
Long before hiking trails crisscrossed the valleys and hills in an alpine web, Indigenous Peoples traversed the terrain, foraging and hunting, intimately knowledgeable of what the land yielded for their own subsistence. Shoshone, Bannock (a branch of the northern Paiute) and Lemhi tribes—the original caretakers of the land, water, and natural resources in the Wood River Valley—would migrate seasonally to hunt and gather on the land, familiar with the rich resource routes at each elevation throughout the plain and into the mountain valleys. It is known that Elkhorn in Sun Valley was a year-round community, while they were also traditionally located on the Camas Prairie and the Snake River Plain.
“It is extraordinary how Indigenous peoples were able to recognize and utilize so much of their environment, and in such a comprehensive way,” says naturalist, Kristin
Fletcher, President of the Idaho Native Plant Society’s Wood River Chapter, and Programs and Engagement Manager at the Hailey Public Library. “In many ways, food for them was medicine. Ceremonial uses often crossed over into the medicinal realm.”
One of the most abundant of nature’s offered gifts was Sagebrush, the shrub covering hillsides that generates large amounts of pollen in late summer and early fall. The leaves and flowers were an important part of the sacred practice of smudging and purifying—a way to help clear negative energy and promote mindful rest. The Shoshone and Paiute used the leaves to relieve toothaches and chewed the raw leaves for indigestion. Decoctions (teas) were used to treat stomachaches, headaches, colds (with salt) and break fevers. This concoction also acted as an antiseptic wash for maladies such as inflamed eyes and ant bites. A poultice of hot branches and
One of the most toxic plants of North America--the Water Hemlock--actually grows in the Wood River Valley. It has small, delicate white flowers that grow in umbrellalike clusters, and the side veins of the leaves lead to notches, not tips. The thick rootstalk contains several small chambers that hold a highly poisonous brown or straw-colored liquid known as cicutoxin – an unsaturated alcohol with a strong-carrot-like odor - that is released when the stem is broken or cut. The plant begins growing in the spring in wet seepage areas of meadows, pastures, and in streams. As the plant matures, leaves and stems lose most of their toxicity, however, green seed heads are poisonous. Water hemlock flowers in June or July in the higher elevations. “You must really know what the plant is,” says Kristin Fletcher, “some can look very similar, even to the trained eye, some you can eat and some you cannot.”
Camas can be white or blue. While we are probably most familiar with the lovely swathes across the Camas Prairie, the white ones are called “death camas” and are very poisonous. The blue ones are edible. The blue blossoms must be observed at the time they bloom to avoid selecting the deadly white or greenflowering camas. The bulbs are ripe for eating after the flowers are gone, and once they’re gone, it is nearly impossible to tell the plants apart.
leaves could be applied to aches, sores and wounds, or used for chest colds.
Many Indigenous peoples considered the Fernleaf biscuitroot, an herbaceous perennial, to be a panacea for treating a wide variety of ailments, including colds, hay fever, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, namely by decoction. The decoction or mashed root extract was also used externally to relieve pain and as an antiseptic for wounds, rashes, and sores. The same extract was mixed with tobacco or other medicinal plants and smoked for headaches, colds, or just for pleasure. The smoke from root chips thrown on the fire, or the steam from boiling, was inhaled for lung or nasal congestion and asthma. The plant grows on open, dry rocky slopes and talus, and bears
yellow to purple flowers from April to May.
Similar to the Fernleaf biscuitroot’s healing properties was the Western Yarrow, a native perennial wildflower with rounded clusters of white flower heads blooming from May to September. It is scattered in sagebrush areas, open timber, and subalpine zones. Various decoctions of the flower, leaves, or root were taken for stomachaches, headaches, colds, coughs, indigestion or diarrhea, or gargled for sore throats. Poultices of mashed roots and leaves treated cuts, sores or painful areas.
Chokecherries were extensively used and revered by Indigenous Peoples in the Snake River Plain, Great Basin, and surrounding areas for their tremendous healing and nourishment properties. This large and hardy thicket forming shrub or tree flowers from April to July with fruit forming several months later. Berries were collected in early
Both resources were common in the Northern Paiute, Northern Shoshone, and Bannock cultures. The bulbs were relatively easy to dig, peeled and eaten fresh, or roasted and dried for storage for year-round use. The processed bulbs would be placed into bark bags and buried. As much as possible was transported to the Snake River and stored in the rocks of the canyon walls. Kristin Fletcher shares the story from a Shoshoni elder and friend who remembers from childhood that they would braid wild onions, bulbs, and other greens and put them in the eviscerated cavities of marmots or ground squirrels for flavoring. The cavity would then be stitched up, and the meat placed in a ground oven to bake. When the Camas bulbs were roasted on the ground, the natural sugars would ooze out in the form of a sticky caramel. Having indulged in a cooked sampling, Kristin Fletcher describes the texture as a cross between a potato and softly cooked rice: they caramelize and are just wonderful. You can see why they would be such an important food for Indigenous peoples.”
fall for year-round use. The dried inner bark was peeled away from the outer bark and used in tea for sore throats and winter illnesses in general. In the same manner, the Shoshone boiled the green inner bark of another native shrub, Serviceberry, and the cooled solution was used as eyedrops to treat snow blindness.
Throughout Northern Paiute and Shoshone territory, the seeds of Indian ricegrass were pounded into a flour used in mush or soup and were considered a healthful food to eat when suffering from stomachaches, colic, or aching bones. This slightly wiry, nondescript bunchgrass is a native perennial and grows in prairies, desert plains, and foothills, flowering from April through June.
Today, as we trek our well-worn paths, we can appreciate the balance and spiritual harmony Indigenous peoples sustained between themselves and their natural environment. Their science was founded on observation, experience, and trial and error efficacy of the therapy, and laid the foundation for many of our naturopathic and even conventional medicines. ï
BY CLAUDIA WEATHERMON
The Wood River Valley has long drawn residents and vacationers alike who value staying fit in service to their outdoor recreation habits. When folks aren’t skiing, golfing or hiking, they’re usually visiting gyms or taking classes that keep them in shape for adventuring or competing. To celebrate 50 years of Sun Valley Magazine, we stroll back in time to see how exercise trends have evolved since the 1970s. (Yes, 1974 was 50 years ago!)
Driven by several pop culture influences, regular exercise was rising in popularity in the ‘70s. The Olympics were viewed by millions on television, Arnold Schwarzenegger was “Pumping Iron”, and Nike was beginning to outfit the growing number of joggers and more serious marathoners. More women got active with the appeal of group fitness classes like Jazzercize. And don’t forget how television’s “Battle of the Sexes” between pros Billy Jean King and Bobby Riggs volleyed tennis into
athletic prominence.
The Wood River Trail rolled out in 1984 just as America fell in love with in-line skating. The 36-mile pathway still hosts joggers, cyclists and cross-country skiers year-round. The ‘80s also gave rise to racquetball, which hit its peak popularity. Meanwhile, an exercise that didn’t require a court was catching on at home. With music pumping to catchy routines, stars like Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda had fit fans donning Spandex,
Let’s get Physical
Fad diets were served regularly during these years, typically based on a single food item like grapefruit, cabbage soup or cottage cheese. The Sexy Pineapple diet promised more energy and sex drive if you ate the tropical fruit exclusively two days per week. The Weight Watchers program was born in the ‘70s, which has evolved at pace with nutrition science. Convenience ruled the ‘80s with appetite suppressants and shakes like Slim-Fast.
Fat became even easier to avoid in the ‘90s when food manufacturers stocked the shelves with fat-free products. Remember Snackwells? But these treats contained plenty of sugar and carbs. The fallout was a heightened sweet tooth for most Americans.
The Atkin’s Diet popularized high protein, low carb eating. Debates remain about its effectiveness and long-term health implications, but Atkin’s products are still widely available.
Americans became familiar with the fat-burning process known as ketogenesis which was achieved by consuming only fats and proteins, no carbs. Produce ketones and you’ll burn fat, but too many ketones could harm your liver. Paleo, meanwhile, encouraged us to eat like our hunter-gatherer ancestors: fruits, veggies, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. Products of the modern farming era like legumes, grains, and dairy along with anything highly processed are avoided.
Today Intermittent fasting and plant-based diets have moved into the weight-loss line-up. Fasting is credited with shaking up metabolism and decreasing inflammation. It might also improve blood sugar regulation. Going plant-based is thought to be more earth friendly. It also is chock-full of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Plant based diets are generally more a lifestyle choice which emphasizes nutrition benefits above weight-loss goals.
legwarmers and sweatbands for a good workout delivered by cable TV or VHS tape. Strength training found its way home with the Soloflex machine, credited with pioneering the infomercial. NordicTrack ski machines were also hitting it big. For Idaho residents, having a glider at home meant they could cross-country “ski” even in the summer.
When it comes to exercise, “It’s very motivating that we live in nature,” says Connie Aronson, long-time local resident and fitness expert. Like many, she came to the Wood River Valley for the ski slopes and later developed a career as a personal trainer—likely the valley’s first back in the ‘80s. Aronson remembers group fitness being popular-even her outdoor walking class had a great following, “People loved, and still love the communal aspect of exercise.”
In the ‘90s, a step was added to make
aerobics classes more challenging, and more men got into group fitness thanks to Billy Blanks’ spirited Tae Bo classes which added martial arts moves to high intensity cardio. Actor Suzanne Somers’ ThighMaster was one of the best-selling home exercise devices of the decade. Stationary bikes also became popular thanks to the innovation of indoor cycling classes now known as ‘spinning’ which remain in high gear for fitness buffs.
Aronson did personal training for 17 years in sports medicine practice and spent another 14 years teaching at the YMCA before opening her own studio. “The Core classes I started at the Y are still very popular,” Aronson says. “Kettlebells, battle ropes, TRX and yoga – there are so many trends that keep exercise interesting.”
Boot camp-style classes and circuit training grew to prominence in the early 2000s for
those who liked competitive, intense workouts. And now ropes and tires are a typical station for cross fit or HIIT, High-Intensity Interval Training. “People like the idea of a quick, efficient gym workout,” Aronson says. Which makes sense since the beautiful outdoors constantly beckons.
Aronson says the advent of technology in fitness has been a new way for people to engage with fitness using their Fitbit or Apple Watch to track improvements. High impact aerobics have taken a back seat to a more balanced mind-body workouts with the resurgence of Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi. “People just want to feel better, lower stress and keep moving.” Aronson reflects on how the area’s natural beauty supports the active life, “Even if the skies are gloomy, there’s no traffic or noise. This is beautiful mountain living and we appreciate it by being active outdoors.” ï
drink vinegar with water before every meal. Side effects included diarrhea and vomiting.
Add alcohol to every meal to help process calories and keep carbs low. Side effects: gains in weight and blood pressure, loss of coordination, judgement and reflexes.
Boiled eggs and wine every night for dinner, but steak and coffee are also allowed. High protein meant hunger wasn’t typical, but it left the body starving for other nutrients.
Started during the corseted Victorian era. It was thought the worm ate your excess calories when in reality you could end up with an increased appetite and craving carbs. Not to mention nasty side effects like damage to internal organs and the nervous system.
Eat a jar of baby food every few hours or replace a meal with two jars. The low calorie and nutrition count will likely induce hunger which can lead to overeating.
Severe calorie cuts with shots or drops of human chorionic gonadotropin which helps women get pregnant. Typically made users feel tired, grumpy or depressed not to mention it could lead to extra fluid or blood clots.
The
Wood River Valley community is special. We take care of each other, and we have a proud history of coming together to tackle important challenges. Mental health is one of those challenges.
Individuals and families can contribute to our community’s mental health and well-being by simply spending time with friends, family, and neighbors. We also know from local surveys that many people lack connections to others and are missing out on an overall sense of belonging. Each one of us can work to change that. Our schools, organizations, places of worship, and local businesses play a critical role in setting the tone and building a culture of mental well-being. Fostering conversation, providing resources, and ultimately creating opportunities for connection can happen wherever people gather.
Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative seeks to grow an integrated mental health and well-being ecosystem that improves the lives of all people in our community. “By leveraging and amplifying diverse community efforts, the Initiative supports a shared, integrated, and comprehensive vision for the future,” explains Megan Tanous, Chief Development Officer for St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. “The Initiative seeks to drive lasting, systemic solutions that help meet some of life’s basic needs, prevent a crisis before it happens, and provide connections and mental health care to all who need it.” The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation (SLWRF) has committed funding to support this large-scale community collaboration.
With clarity on the problems that need to be solved, the community began to map out solutions and through this listening process, the Mental Well-being Initiative identified five goals to guide community collaboration moving forward.
• Create a collaborative effort that supports and incentivizes local businesses and organizations to offer a multitude of welcoming community-connecting environments and activities throughout the county, with a particular focus on teens.
• Build a robust, comprehensive community training and education program focused on building a common language and understanding of resiliency, self-regulation, healthy communication, and crisis de-escalation.
• Increase behavioral health access and capacity for individuals and families by assessing the mental health continuum of care in Blaine County, addressing inadequacies within the system, and building out the behavioral health workforce of the future.
screening
throughout the year!
Now, you can choose when to have your reduced-cost annual screening:
• Create a 24-hour mobile crisis response system and crisis stabilization systems.
• Build the infrastructure required to support ongoing collaboration across organizations, entities, and businesses to prioritize our community’s mental health.
• Blood test for HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels for $10.
In a partnership with Blaine County School District, St. Luke’s Community Health and Engagement team has contracted with Communities for Youth at Boise State University to engage community partners, parents and members in a Youth Behavioral Health Initiative to assess well-being and to focus on steps to help with prevention around youth mental health in Blaine County—an initiative that draws inspiration from the Icelandic Prevention Model, an evidence-based approach successfully implemented in over 43 countries.
• Optional A1c test for people with diabetes for an additional $5.
• Test results will be entered into myChart or sent by mail, if preferred.
The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation has funded the work of the Mental Well-being Initiative to date and committed three years of additional funding to ensure expert coordination of the community collaboration. The Spur Community Foundation will continue to play a leadership role in the process, along with partnership of St. Luke’s and many other non-profits, the Blaine County School District, law enforcement, faith leaders and other community leaders.To learn more visit https://www.slwrf.org/blainecountys-mental-well-being-initiative
• Payment is due at time of service, cash or check only. Insurance will not be billed.
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WORDS BY SARA LINVILLE
To experience or excel in bouldering, one will have to drive great lengths. Despite there being bouldering within the Wood River Valley, to find the best landscapes, you’ll need to go out of town or be content with the indoor climbing gyms. However, for those who become captivated by this unique pursuit, the journey proves worthwhile.
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that simplifies an already simple sport. It emphasizes working short but usually intense “problems” on large boulders or short rock faces. Unlike traditional or sport climbing, there are no ropes, harnesses or protective gear involved. In most cases, the climber is never
more than fifteen feet off the ground. The focus lies on making powerful moves rather than on endurance.
Originally conceived as a training exercise to prepare for larger objectives, bouldering slowly started gaining a reputation as its own discipline in the mid-20th century. John Gill, regarded as the “father of modern bouldering,” was a gymnast with an affinity for nature who found he could challenge himself by climbing intensely close to the ground. He began bouldering in the 1950s long before landing or crash pads and rubber-soled climbing shoes had been invented. He was the first person to use chalk, helping him grip the rock better without having to wipe sweaty palms on his
pants or in the dirt, and now all climbers can be seen with small bags of chalk buckled to their waists.
Today, bouldering has its own substantial following. Most climbing gyms have dedicated, shorter bouldering “caves” with overhanging walls covered with brightly colored plastic holds in all shapes and sizes. There are bouldering guidebooks and online forums where people discuss bouldering problems and sequences. There are indoor and outdoor competitions and sponsored athletes. Just Google the name, Ashima Shiraishi or Daniel Woods. Bouldering’s rating scales evaluate factors based on the difficulty of holds, movement, and sequence. The most used are the Font and the V Scales. The Font Scale, named for Fontainebleau, France - the birthplace of bouldering - is used in Europe and Asia. It uses a numeric scale from 1-9, 9 being the most difficult.
Additionally, letters (a, b, c) are added to further refine the difficulty within each grade. The V-Scale, used in the U.S., South America and Australia, ranges from V0 (easiest) to V17 (most difficult). As of June 2023, only six people have reportedly achieved a V17/9a climb.
Bouldering remains an accessible entry point into the world of rock climbing, where you can gain strength and skill for other climbing goals. The gear is minimal, usually simply a foam pad, sticky small shoes, and some chalk. Because there are no ropes involved and no need for a partner to belay, bouldering can be a solo sport, though of course it’s always nice to have friends around for encouragement and on longer drives!
Torria Rossin can sometimes be found trudging her way up cheatgrass hillsides of Rock Creek Croy near Hailey, Idaho or around the shaded banks of Red Fish Lake in
Stanley, with her crash pad on her back and her dog Zander at her side, in search of some solitary bouldering.
Torria has been a backpacking, hiking and climbing guide for Sawtooth Mountain Guides for the past three years. Originally a surfer from California, she didn’t begin climbing until moving to Idaho. Her relationship with bouldering is nontraditional. She started with outdoor sport climbing, drawn to the technical gear and safety systems it requires. She started including bouldering in her repertoire to enhance her movement skills.
“It gave me more confidence with my strength and endurance,” Torria explains. “In bouldering, there is less improvisation than with other climbing; you need to perform the sequences right.”
There is an addictive form of progression with bouldering. Some may work on a “problem” for days or weeks before cleanly ascending it, but there is a deep sense of
Experience the thrill of climbing at the Wood River YMCA climbing wall and bouldering cave, conveniently open Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays.
accomplishment with each small advancement, like making the next level of a video game.
“The more I do it, the more excited I get about it,” Toria says.
The meccas for bouldering in the U.S. seem to be clustered in California: Yosemite Valley, Bishop (at the foot of the Sierra Mountains) and the desert of Joshua Tree National Park. Joe’s Valley in Utah is easily accessible and boasts black-streaked sandstone rocks. And there is even one bouldering hub in New York called The Gunk--known for its overhanging quartz slabs. The list goes on but doesn’t include Idaho, at least not yet.
However, by focusing on grading and glory one may miss the best part of bouldering: exploring your own outdoor gym alone or with friends. As Torria aptly summarizes, bouldering is about discovering a spot, wandering through it, and embracing what it offers and teaches. ï
Home to over 3,000 miles of whitewater fun, Idaho is in a class of its own
WORDS BY HAYDEN SEDER
The history of modern kayaking, as we know it, started in 1811, when a group of travelers set out to kayak the Snake River in Wyoming (yes, that same Snake River that crosses our own state) but ultimately backed out after finding the rapids too rough for their equipment and skill set. From there, more people became interested in floating these vessels down the rivers of the West. Fast-forward to the 1940s, when the use of fiberglass and aluminum to craft kayaks and canoes grew the sport’s popularity, launching the first commercial whitewater trip through the Snake River Canyon.
Whether your craft is a raft or a kayak, there’s no denying that Idaho is home to some world-class whitewater—so much so that it is known as the “white water state” among river rats. Idaho is home to 3,100 navigable whitewater miles, the most of any state in the lower 48. And if whitewater isn’t your scene, Idaho is also home to more than 2,000 lakes,
Class I is fast-moving water with small waves
Class II involves wide, clear channels that are easy to maneuver
Class III has moderate, irregular waves that can be difficult to avoid
Class IV is for advanced rafters
Class V involves violent rapids that are long and obstructed
Class VI is the highest level
the perfect setting for those looking to paddle calmer waters.
There are two kinds of kayaks: hard-shell and inflatable. Inflatable kayaks have many benefits, starting with their ability to pack down tightly for storage. They are more suited for recreational use, like paddling in calm waters or fishing. They tend to be wider, making them more stable, and they’re also easy to clean and maintain. Hard-shell kayaks are extremely durable and sit deeper in the water (and therefore track better), making them more suited for rougher waters.
If you’re new to kayaking or need a refresher, there are several spots that teach kayaking lessons, though none within the Wood River Valley. Head up to Stanley to visit White Otter for either their private kayak lessons or to enroll in their kayak school
(available for both adults and kids). Kayaks are available to rent, and private lessons (taught on the Upper Salmon) run half-day or fullday, are customizable, and are capped at two participants. For more immersive learning, White Otter offers a four- or seven-day kayak school for beginner or intermediate kayakers.
For those who want to practice their kayak roll (an essential safety skill for any kayaker), the Wood River YMCA offers 1.5-hour kayak open pool sessions by reservation for an extra charge, though no instruction is provided.
For those not ready to commit to owning a kayak just yet, there are outfits offering rentals. Black Tie Adventure Rentals in Ketchum rents inflatable kayaks for $75 for one day and $50/ day for multiple days, which you can pick up at their shop or have delivered to your lodging or hotel.
Backwoods rents hard-shell and inflatable kayaks for full or multi-days.
Silver Creek Kayaks rents kayaks to float Silver Creek Preserve or the Little Wood Reservoir; you can also book shuttle service to and from those locations. Sun Valley Resort rents kayaks on Sun Valley Lake for $45 per hour. Redfish Lake rents single or double kayaks at one-hour, half-day (four hours), and full-day (eight hours) rates. Depending on your destination, multiple rental spots exist in the Twin Falls, Boise, and Stanley areas.
When deciding where to kayak, there are two types of water to consider: whitewater or calm water. Idaho has plenty of both; generally, if you can raft or boat on it, you can kayak on it. For local, calmer waters, try the Silver Creek Preserve south of Bellevue, the Hulen Meadows pond, Sun Valley Lake, or
the Little Wood Reservoir, ten miles north of Carey. Magic Reservoir has several different access points, all leading to great boating waters. Head to Twin Falls to paddle Dierkes Lake, Centennial Waterfront Park, Shoshone Falls, or Pillar Falls (or a combination of these for a longer paddle). Spots near Twin Falls, like the Snake River near Hagerman or Lake Cleveland near Albion, are also worth checking out.
Kayaking around a gorgeous alpine lake is a must-do, so head north and launch on Alturas, Petit, Red Fish, or Stanley Lakes. If you find yourself in the Boise area, try kayaking in Lucky Peak State Park or get in some practice on the man-made waves of the Boise Whitewater Park.
For those looking to start practicing on rivers and work their way up to rougher white water, some intermediate waters are perfect to try out. Sun Valley’s own Bigwood River varies from beginner to advanced, depending on the time of year, the height of the water, and the number of downed trees in the water. The Boise River has mostly mellow waters, with three small drops in the river and several curves that require light navigation that will test your kayaking knowledge. The portions
of the Salmon River in Stanley are also considered intermediate (Class II and III).
For advanced and expert kayakers, Idaho’s biggest draws are the big guns, like the Lower, Middle, and Upper Salmon River, the South Fork of the Payette and Hells Canyon of the Snake River.
If planning a multi-day kayaking trip is more work than you’re looking for, several companies in the area offer preplanned kayaking trips. Sawtooth Adventure Company, based in Stanley, offers daily inflatable kayak trips from June 1 through September 2. No experience is necessary for these trips that run $90 (without lunch) or $125 (with lunch).
Wilderness River Outfitters, based in Salmon, offers six hard-shell kayaking trips: JarbridgeBruneau, Lower Salmon, Main Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, Middle Fork Flathead, and Owyhee, varying in price, season, and adventure level. Hard-shell kayaks are available to rent if you don’t own them, and inflatable kayaks are also available for their other river trips. The River Company in Stanley offers daily day trips on class I, II, III and IV rapids via inflatable kayak from June through August. ï
WORDS BY JONATHAN MENTZER
When you think of spearfishing, you may imagine yourself lounging on a tropical beach or diving into the ocean’s depths. However, spearfishing is broader than just these exotic locations. In fact, spearfishing has become increasingly popular right here in Idaho.
This surge in popularity is due to the havoc caused by invasive fish species on the local wild game, such as sockeye and rainbow trout. To preserve the fishing ecosystem, fans of the activity are being encouraged to fish for invasive species like carp, sucker fish and pike minnow.
Jake Whitlock and River Curtis, natives of Sun Valley and graduates of the Sun Valley Community School class of 2015, now reside in Boise and have taken up spearfishing as a hobby. They consider it a form of sport fishing, an exciting and adventurous way to spend time in the water. More importantly, they believe spearfishing for invasive fish species is a positive step towards preserving the ecosystem.
“Spearfishing is fun because it’s a blend of sport fishing, and it’s positive for the ecosystem,” Whitlock says. Although the Idaho Fish & Game prohibits using spears or bows to fish for native species, it encourages people to go after invasive fish. These invasive species deplete the food supply and game fish
eggs, making them destructive to the native fish population.
Spearfishing for invasive fish species can be done in various ways, such as using a spear from the shores, a boat, free diving, or scuba diving. Similarly, bow fishing can be done from a boat during the day or at night. Whitlock and Curtis mostly prefer free diving, although they have used scuba gear to explore deeper waters.
“Invasive fish exist at all depths,” says Curtis, emphasizing the importance of diving deep to locate them. “They can be 10 feet deep, or sometimes we go between 30 and 50 feet to find them.”
Spearfishing is fun but should be taken seriously. Curtis adds that people should be mindful of others when spearfishing at a populated lake such as Redfish Lake in Stanley.
“The speargun is a dangerous tool, so you must be mindful of people who are recreating on the beach. Redfish is a good example of a place where you can spearfish, but you should also watch out for people,” Curtis says. “In similar contrast to fly fishing, you’re not going to cast your rod right in front of people, so we make sure to keep our distance, so people don’t feel scared.”
For the most part, Whitlock says people who spearfish or bowfish are met with a positive interaction from the public, usually sparked with curiosity about the sport.
Spearfishing in Idaho is defined as fishing with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear, or mechanical device, excluding firearms. Nonetheless, you must have an Idaho fishing license; no other permit is necessary.
Spearfishing or bow fishing is allowed throughout the state between Idaho Fish & Game’s seven regions of fishable waters: The Panhandle, Clearwater, Salmon, Southwest, Upper Snake, Southeast and Magic Valley. In some areas, Fish & Game encourages people to fish for invasive species and issues tags.
Nongame fish, on the other hand, can be taken using archery or spear equipment, except protected nongame fish such as Shoshone, Wood River, and Bear Lake sculpin, sand roller, northern leatherside chub, bluehead sucker, and Pacific lamprey, which may not be taken by fishing or archery or spear equipment.
The equipment used for spearfishing includes a mask, snorkel, fins, a wet suit, and, of course, a speargun. Overall, someone who might be interested in getting into the sport would spend around $400-$500 for a complete setup.
Idaho Fish & Game encourages spearfishing to protect the local ecosystem from destructive invasive species. Spearfishing and bowfishing for native species, however, are strictly prohibited by the Idaho Fish & Game rules and regulations and should not be attempted. ï
Summer is a prized period in the Wood River Valley. It’s what keeps us here. From worldclass fly fishing to mountain biking to the summer-time favorite Fourth of July, there truly is nothing quite like summer in the Wood River Valley. However, in addition to the summer outdoor activities, this place we call home also features a wide array of art, music, culture, and great food. There are countless cultural events to attend, everything from exceptional music to stand-up comedy to the Sun Valley Writer’s Conference. Here is an abbreviated calendar of events for the summer and beyond.
June 15
Sun Valley Resort expands its wildly popular Stand-Up Comedy series into the summer with its new Summer Stand-Up Showcase at the Sun Valley Pavilion! It features two headliners and a comic MC, so get ready to laugh until you cry, surrounded by your best friends. These comedians generally stay away from politics and stray away from excessive vulgarity. However, it is always appropriate to warn families that there will likely be adult language and content. sunvalley.com/events
June 22
Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sun Valley Brewfest! One of the most popular events is aiming to continue to raise money for international and local charities/ programs; the Sun Valley/Ketchum Rotary Club is bringing back the Sun Valley Brewery at Ketchum Town Square from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Proceeds go to Blaine County Search and Rescue, the Community Holiday Baskets Project, the Wood River Rotary Scholarships Fund and The Hunger Coalition. Over 1,500+ beer lovers from all over the Intermountain West are anticipated to attend. This is a familyfriendly event with over 35 different Breweries and 50 different Beers from across the Pacific & Rocky Mountain NW. Games, music, food, and even wine! sunvalleybrewfest.com
June 26-28
Founded in 1981, the Sun Valley Wine Auction began as an intimate fundraising event for an emerging arts organization that eventually became the Sun Valley Museum of Art. Consistently ranking in Wine Spectator’s
Hailey: June 8 – Oct. 19, weekly on Saturdays
Ketchum: June 12 – Oct. 9, weekly on Wednesdays
The 2024 Wood River Farmers Market is twice weekly in Ketchum and Hailey. Ketchum’s Market is every Wednesday from noon – 4 p.m. at Forest Service Park on the grass and in the shade. Hailey’s Market is every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in front of Roberta McKercher Park (Main Street on the south end of town, between 3rd and 4th Avenue)! Enjoy some live music and ready-to-eat foods at both weekly events. Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags and market baskets. wrfarmersmarket.org
annual Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions, the festival brings together both small and large and always distinguished vintners, celebrity chefs, and wine lovers for a celebration of wine, food, and friendship, all in support of the arts. Proceeds from the Auction provide significant funding for the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. The Wine Auction fuels SVMoA’s free year-round arts integration programs so that they can reach 4,000 student participants in the Wood River Valley. It also supports the Museum’s annual Scholarship Program, which, since its inception, has awarded more than $1,000,000 to continued arts education. sunvalleywineauction.org
June 29-30
Ballet Sun Valley is thrilled to welcome The Joffrey Ballet as the 2024 Festival artist. The Joffrey Ballet, led by Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, is celebrating almost 70 years as a premier U.S. ballet company. They will light up the Sun Valley Pavilion stage on June 29 & 30. Two different programs – two magical nights of dance! balletsunvalley.org
June 5
The Argyros welcomes GRAMMY® nominated and 10-time International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, Missy Raines. She is a singer, songwriter, teacher, sideman, and bandleader. theargyros.org
June 8
Tree City Chamber Players present “The Vibrant Viola,” flute, oboe, viola, and piano selections featuring Boise State Professor of Viola Dr. Linda Kline. Works will include Ulysses Kay’s “Sonatine for Viola and Piano,” Charles Koechlin’s Suite en quatuor pour flûte, violon, alto et piano, Herman Beeftink’s “Twilight” for Flute, Violin, Viola and Piano and more. theargyros.org
June 14
See what sets this band apart sonically and visually from the average tribute show. With an incredible portrayal of one of the greatest singers/frontmen in rock ‘n roll history (Freddie Mercury), the sonic accuracy of the studio recordings, and the energy of a real Queen concert, you will be treated to all the best Queen hits and occasional deep cuts! Cult classics will be played with incredible visuals of light and sound. theargyros.org
June 19
Inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Old Crow Medicine Show has won two Grammy Awards: “Best Folk Album” for Remedy (2014) and “Best Long Form Music Video” for Big Easy Express (2013). Additionally, their classic single, “Wagon Wheel,” received the RIAA’s Double-Platinum certification in 2019 for selling over 2,000,000 copies, while the band’s debut album OCMS has been certified Gold (500,000 copies). Their latest release is ‘Jubilee’ (Aug 2023). svmoa.org
July 2-6
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Hailey’s 2024 Days of the Old West Independence Day celebration. Enjoy the celebration of a classic American parade on Main Street with local restaurants serving up their specialties. Watch world-class and local cowboys and cowgirls at the Days of the Old West Rodeo, view the Fourth of July Parade, visit the Blue Cow Antique Fair, and end with a big firework show; it’s no wonder Hailey has been called one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in the West. valleychamber.org
July 3, July 20, July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Aug. 31
Sun Valley on Ice returns and will feature medalwinning headline skaters and the talented Sun Valley on Ice cast. The first night (July 3) will feature 2x United States Gold Medalist & 2024 World Champion Ilia Malinin. To learn more about each seating experience, see the ticket information below. Sun Valley Resort is excited to bring back the Terrace seated food & beverage experience this year. sunvalley.com/ events
July 4 - Aug 22
Hailey Rocks is the Valley’s largest communitysponsored music series! Presented by Sawtooth Brewery and local sponsors, the weekly concert series brings in popular favorites alongside new bands sure to become local favorites—every Thursday night at Hop Porter Park in Hailey from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy FREE live music from local and traveling acts such as Jeff Crosby, Brad Parsons, Sheep Bridge Jump and many more. Rotating food trucks, a bike valet, and craft beer opetion make for a perfect community event! Visit sawtoothbrewery.com/ haileyrocks for more information.
July 11
Join photographer Nick Brandt and local gallery owner L’Anne Gilman as they discuss Brandt's latest photographic series SINK / RISE. Presented in partnership with Gilman Contemporary, SINK / RISE is the third chapter of The Day May Break, Brandt’s ongoing global series portraying those impacted by environmental destruction and climate change. This chapter focuses on South Pacific Islanders impacted by rising oceans from climate change. Photographed in-camera underwater in the ocean off the coast of the Fijian islands, the local people in these images are representatives of the many people whose homes, land and livelihoods will be lost in the coming decades as the water rises. There will be a free and open to the public viewing of the exhibition with Nick Brandt at Gilman Contemporary at 6:30 p.m. thecommunitylibrary.com
July 12-14
Ketchum Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Idaho art in the shadow of Sun Valley’s Baldy Mountain. It will occur from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on July 12 and 13 and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on July 14. So, take a breather from your busy summer schedule and spend some time sampling great food and beer and perusing the creative output of more than 100 Idaho artists. The kiddos will enjoy free activities in a special area while the folks can shop. Even Fido can visit with her friends (from the safety of a leash). Festival Meadow is easily accessed from the Bitterroot stop of the free Mountain Rides Blue Route bus or with a short stroll from Ketchum or Sun Valley on the bike path. ketchumartsfestival.com
July 13-14
BODYTRAFFIC returns to the Argyros with an all-new program including the Sun Valley premiere of I Forgot the Start by Matthew Neenan, created while in residency at the Argyros Performing Arts Center last summer. Neenan dives into such complexities with utter sincerity, then adds touches of whimsy that cohere into a resonant work...I Forgot the Start [includes] songs by Sinéad O’Connor, Ozzie Kotani and Daniel Ho, and Sufjan Stevens that—like the dance itself—convey a sensory meditation on disconnection, connection, and perseverance. - Melissa Strong - Broad Street Review
July 15-18
The Sun Valley Forum is a global climate solutions accelerator that brings together cross-sectoral leaders, innovators, and changemakers to collaborate on the most urgent issues facing people and our planet. With a track record of impact, the Forum surfaces the strategies, technologies, business models and financing that can power the urgent transformation of our energy and food systems, restoration of nature and revitalization of communities across the globe. Join courageous leaders including Sylvia Earle, pioneering Marine Biologist and Oceanographer and Jenna Johnson, President, Patagonia Inc. for inspiration, insights, and collaboration to accelerate climate solutions. sunvalleyforum.com
June 20-23
Back for another year, the Sawtooth Valley Gathering will be a three-day spectacle in the heart of Stanley with shows that blend genres from bluegrass, country, funk, folk, rock, hip hop, indie and much more. Headliners for 2024 include Railroad Earth, The California Honeydrops, Kitchen Dwellers, Alo, Keller Williams and Donovan Frankenreiter. There will be a pre-party on June 19 and a street dance party on June 20. sawtoothvalleygathering.com
June 25
Join us at the Sun Valley Pavilion for one of the greatest Beatles cover bands of all time! Don’t miss a night of classic Beatles music, spanning the Fab Four’s complete history and catalogue, performed by Liverpool Legends—four incredibly talented musicians and actors handpicked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison. Louise’s involvement makes Liverpool Legends the ONLY Beatles Tribute Band with a direct family link to the original band that was also nominated for a Grammy Award. sunvalley.com
June 28
Hailed as “an entertainer of the highest caliber” by The New York Times and “The First Lady of Live Entertainment” by The Huffington Post, award-winning Chanteuse Internationale, Adrienne Haan is one of the most electrifying concert and cabaret stars at work today. A singer, writer, and producer, she will be presenting her Cabaret Français, which she presented as part of the French night En Français, s’il vous plaît during the United Nations General Assembly. theargyros.org
July 18
The Sagebrush Soiree is the annual fundraiser for the Sawtooth Society, which was established over 25 years ago by Bethine Church and 31 other visionaries “to protect and preserve the natural, scenic, historical, pastoral and wildlife values of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA)...and to provide for the preservation and enhancement of the recreational values associated therewithin.”
For the 27th annual Sagebrush Soiree, the event will take place under a big tent at Pioneer Park in Stanley. Its theme, “Coming Home,” was chosen to focus on the hopeful return of the endangered salmon to the rivers that were their place of birth in the SNRA. The Soiree is an upscale outdoor evening event that typically attracts 250 people on a site with panoramic views of the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains-drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a splendid, seated dinner, silent and live auctions and a rolling pledge opportunity. sawtoothsociety.org
July 18-20
The seventh annual Sun Valley Tour de Force is a weekend of epic proportions for car lovers of all ages. The weekend’s signature event is the ‘NO SPEED LIMIT’ high-speed runs at Phantom Hill. The 3.2 miles of state highway becomes a no-speed limit zone located in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. So, for one day only, drivers can put their machines to the ultimate test. The fastest speed on record is a Bugatti Chiron, achieving 253.01 mph. Drivers come from all over the country and beyond; it’s truly an experience of a lifetime. Eight events take place for three days. sunvalleytourdeforce.com
July 20-22
Thirty years ago, the founders of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference sat around a kitchen table and dreamt up what would become today’s premier literary conference. Over the last three decades, more than 500 poets, playwrights, historians, novelists, and musicians have graced the stage at SVWC, including novelists Alice McDermott and Hernan Diaz, poets Naomi Shihab Nye and Rita Dove, and longtime friend of the Conference, Frank McCourt. “Thirty years is a long time,” writes SVWC Associate Director Anne Taylor Fleming, “but it feels as if we have kept our soul intact.” Presenters in 2024 include Margaret Atwood (recipient of the SVWC Writer in the World Prize), Judy Blume, Justice Stephen Breyer, Jonathan Eig, Niall Ferguson, Kristin Hannah, Padma Lakshmi, Anne Lamott, Erik Larson, Dennis Lehane, Ayana Mathis, Tiya Miles, David Miliband, Paul Muldoon, Maggie O’Farrell, Tommy Orange, John Vaillant, Clarissa Ward, and many more. svwc.com
August 1-4
Come watch your favorite legends of tennis— John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Vince Van Patten, Mikael Pernfors, and many others— battle it out in the name of charity on the pickleball court! Men’s Second Chance Living has proudly partnered with the Wood River Pickleball Alliance to create a fundraising weekend at The Valley Club that’s set to be an awe-inspiring four days of competition, community and charity. The weekend will be teeming with exhibition play, clinics and matches featuring top legends, celebrities and senior men’s pickleball pros from across the country. Msclhouse.org.
July 4-5
Enjoy two days of great music—and great vibes— River Run Plaza in the great outdoors. Nestled between the base of our beloved Bald Mountain and the rushing Big Wood River, the Baldy Bluebird Festival will bring a full line-up of musical acts with Midland, Charlie Worsham, & Axel Diehl performing on July 4, and Grace Potter, JD Clayton, & The Pisten Bullys performing on July 5. sunvalley.com/events
July 6
Paco Versailles is a collaboration between guitarist/composer Vahagni and songwriter/ producer Ryan Merchant (Capital Cities). Their sound is a mix of flamenco guitar rhythms with disco-leaning electronic production and captivating vocals—a new genre they call Dancemenco. theargyros.org.
July 11
A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music. theargyros.org
July 16
The Philadelphia and Los Angeles based band take their name from the quiet and rural National Park in Southwest Pennsylvania, about four hours from their Philadelphia base. Forming in 2016, they made their mark two years later when their self-titled Mt. Joy debut album spun off platinum single “Silver Lining,” an uplifting power ballad that went to #1 at AAA radio (Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay) and has eclipsed over 237 million streams across platforms. sunvalley.com
Aug. 9-11
Join the Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival in beautiful Atkinson Park off Main Street in Ketchum as we welcome 132 professional artists and craftspeople from 27 states to the Wood River Valley. This Festival is a juried, outdoor fine arts show featuring worldclass artwork in categories such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry and more. The rigorous jury process used to select artists ensures the Festival’s residents and visitors see exceptional work in all categories. The Festival also features food trucks, a picnic area, live music, and a kids’ activity area. It is entirely free and open to the public. sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1
Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) offers up to four days of racing and riding over nearly 200 miles of pristine gravel right in the center of Idaho’s heartland. Choose from one of our one-day gravel races or our coveted four-day Queen’s Stage Race for experienced and elite racers. One of America’s longest-running, massparticipation gravel races, RPI supports the charitable efforts of the Be Good Foundation. rebeccasprivateidaho.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Since 1958, the City of Ketchum has celebrated its mining history with one of the largest nonmotorized parades in the Pacific Northwest. Come spend the weekend with the whole family and watch the Big Hitch Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Big Hitch Parade, featuring quality buggies, carriages, carts and stagecoaches, is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the Pacific Northwest. The grand finale, as always, is the “Big Hitch,” the historic Lewis Ore Wagons pulled by a 20-mule jerk line. Big Hitch Parade Saturday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m., with the Street Party from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. wagondays.com
Aug. 29
Held in support of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Starry Starry Night is a celebration of elegance and tradition, weaving together the rich history and vibrant cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the wider Western region. Immerse yourself in an evening of culinary delights, live music, and spirited camaraderie, all while contributing to the preservation and presentation of this timeless heritage, honoring the resilience and ingenuity of those who have shaped the landscape and livelihoods of our community. The Argyros Performing Arts Center, 6pm. trailingofthesheep.org
July 29-Aug. 22
Celebrating its 40th anniversary and recognized by BBC Music as one of the best classical music festivals in the country, the Sun Valley Music Festival presents inspiring, admission-free concerts in a spectacular setting— in tandem with tuition-free music education programs that propel young musicians. Curated by Music Director Alasdair Neale, the 2024 summer season will feature the all-star Festival Orchestra—which comprises the finest musicians from orchestras throughout North America—performing with a stellar lineup of world-renowned guest artists that includes violinist Leonidas Kavakos, pianists Stephen Hough and Garrick Ohlsson, soprano Meechot Marrero, and cellist Jeffrey Zeigler. On Monday, Aug. 5, world-renowned cellist and musical ambassador Yo-Yo Ma will be the featured guest artist of the 2024 Gala. His appearance at the Festival’s only fundraising concert will provide an unforgettable evening of music. svmusicfestival.org
July 25-26
Dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times, two-time Tony Award winner and Theatre Hall of Fame inductee, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a career that spans Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances with the country’s finest conductors and orchestras. He received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his star turn in Kiss Me, Kate. He also gave Tony-nominated performances in Man of La Mancha, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, and Ragtime. theargyros.org
July 30
Acclaimed pop/soul group Lake Street Dive has announced an extensive North American tour throughout 2024. With tens of millions of streams, an acclaimed discography including seven celebrated studio LPs, two EPs, a slew of much-loved singles, and an enduring worldwide fanbase to their credit, Lake Street Dive has become a dynamic and exhilarating force in popular music. svmoa.org
Aug. 17
Join us for the Concert for a Cure, the capstone of the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial’s threeday event to raise funds for life-saving cancer research and patient care. Crash land into your seat with “The Rocket Man Show,” starring Scotsman Rus Anderson—Elton John’s official 70’s body double as featured in the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ world tour promo videos and photos. Chosen by the man himself, Rus’ performance pilots a night of Elton’s greatest hits, gorgeous costumes, and fierce piano playing. sunvalley.com
In the rugged wilderness of Central Idaho, where the horizon stretches upwards into the endless blue and the scent of sagebrush hangs in the air, photographer Elissa Kline found herself immersed in a story of resilience and connection with a band of the Challis Wild Horses. It’s a tale that intertwines with her journey, weaving together moments of sorrow, inspiration, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
Kline first arrived at the edges of the Challis wild horse story as a favor for a friend—writer Bonnie Garman had asked her to take pictures in 2004 after witnessing a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roundup and seeing the effect it had on the bands of family groups. It began as a documentary collaboration simply to capture the family units Garman had been observing near her ranch outside Challis, but it grew into something much more profound for Kline in the ensuing years. That collaboration resulted in Kline’s hauntingly beautiful images accompanying Garman’s groundbreaking article “Mountain Mustangs” in the Winter 2007 issue of Sun Valley Magazine:
The most wary wild horses have hidden out in these hills for generations, breeding and forming their own bands, and these are the horses I have been tracking on the trails and in the hills surrounding our ranch.
I have watched the Challis herds for many years. I move slowly, I must be patient. I’ve learned to read the movement of the horses, keeping my scent downwind. In the wild and during roundups, I have witnessed births and deaths, changing of the guard, fierce competition, blinding fear and loyal fury. What I have learned— and likewise supported through others’ research—is that wild horses emote. They love, they fear, they have a sense of humor and they mourn. They are loyal, follow rules and take time out to play.
The bands resemble a tight family unit. The stallion is the protector of that unit. He wards off mountain lions, wolves and other physical threats, including man. Once established—through bloody battles with the other males in the herd—the lead stallion will never leave his herd unless he becomes incapacitated or too old to take care of them. There will come a time when a younger or more powerful stallion will drive him away, taking over his mares and offspring.
If they survive the harsh winters, the mares begin foaling in early spring. They hold out—if they can—until nightfall so they have the added protection of darkness.
Mares who can’t care for their young, or who die while birthing, are dutifully replaced by another mare. They work together teaching the foals discipline, respect and the ways of their ancestors. The old mares know the ancient trails to high, spring-fed pastures in summer and the sheltered arroyos and canyons in the harshness of winter. They work together in disciplined order. This deep family connection is one of the reasons the roundups are so hard on the herd.
– Bonnie Garman, 2007
The written history of Idaho’s wild horses dates to 1805, when journal entries from the Lewis and Clark expedition noted that they observed at least 700 horses with the Native Americans in the Lemhi Valley.
It has been nearly two decades since Garman and Kline brought the story of Idaho’s wild horses vividly to life on the pages of Sun Valley Magazine. The journey of the Challis Wild Horses is a timeline marked by both adversity and triumph. As the years passed, the plight .h Challis herd garnered attention, leading to collaborative efforts to raise awareness and support. Fundraisers, exhibitions, and talks spurred action, culminating in the adoption of 21 mares in 2009, a testament to the impact the “Mountain Mustangs” story had on readers and a community’s dedication to preserving these symbols of freedom.
Many of today’s Challis bands are thought to be descendants of horses turned out by Native Americans when they were forced onto reservations, and even by ranchers, who were forced to trust the horses to nature when the Depression left them broke and unable to care for them.
Every summer in Challis, the Bureau of Land Management conducts a census from an airplane. When the herd numbers approach 253, they hold what they call a “gather,” rounding up and removing enough horses to bring the numbers down to around 185 to share 167,848 acres [EDITOR’S NOTE: Per BLM 2023 numbers for the Challis Herd Management Area].
To the observer, these roundups are dramatic and seem inhu-
mane. The herds are chased across wide valleys, deep canyons and eventually into burlap-lined runways that funnel into metal holding pens. As individual bands of horses are pushed in, the stress and instincts cause stallions to fight, putting mares and foals in harm’s way. Some will be injured trying to escape, some will be orphaned, and possibly some will die.
At the end of the day the shaken animals are loaded into cattle trucks to be transported to a BLM facility. At the facility the horses are sorted, some are released back into the wild and some are sent off to auction. Some will be sold for $125 each. Some will spend the rest of their lives in government holding pens, others might live their lives out at sanctuaries. Still others could find their way to slaughter [EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2004 Burns Amendment to the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act directs the BLM to sell excess (unadopted or unsold) horses “without limitation” to any willing buyer; however, the BLM Bill of Sale states that the buyer agrees not to process any of the sold horses or burros into commercial products, or to knowingly sell or transfer ownership to any person or organization whose intent is to commercially process the animals. Horse slaughterhouses were banned in the U.S. in 2007 but still operate in Canada and Mexico.].
– Bonnie Garman, 2007
Nearly 2 million wild horses once roamed the American West as recently as the 1800s. However, the encroachment of man and competition for rangeland has chipped their existence down to an estimated 82,000 wild horses today.
Integral to the history of the American West and the westward expansion of the country, the horse has always been a symbol of the American ideals of freedom, grit, loyalty and strength. And it is these virtues that drew Kline to the Challis band she first photographed in 2004. Her reflections on the parallels of their shared journey over the past two decades are captured here in words and images that chronicle resilience through trauma and adversity, joy and connection:
When I first met these horses, I was living on a ranch in a wilderness area with my (then) husband and nine-year-old son. I would sometimes drop him off at the school bus, on its way to Stanley then drive the back roads in search of horses for a few hours before picking him up at the bus. The hours I spent alone with the horses on their home range in Challis were some of the highlights of my life.
The memory of their wild, untamed beauty etched itself into my soul, compelling me to capture their essence through the lens of my camera in hopes I could bring attention to their plight. Little did I
know that this encounter would mark the beginning of an extraordinary bond that would shape my life in ways I never imagined.
As the years unfolded, I found myself drawn back to the Challis herd, each encounter deepening my connection to these magnificent creatures. The years that followed were filled with both triumphs and trials, none more profound than the 2009 round-up, a stark reminder of the fragility of their existence.
In the wake of the round-up, I found myself propelled into action, driven by a desire to make a difference. After a talk at The Community Library with Deeann Stillman, author of “Mustang,” we shared their story with the world. This helped inspire local action that led to the adoption of 21 mares with the help of Valley locals Jodi Herlich and Doro Lohman of Silent Voices Equine Rescue.
The years following the initial adoption were uncertain for the horses, but amidst the challenges, there were moments of joy and connection. Spring brought new life with the arrival of foals, and the resonance of Idaho’s wild horses found its way to the global stage, featured in Carole King and James Taylor’s “Troubadour Reunion” world tour. The horses’ plight was helped by the generosity of others through fundraisers and exhibitions featuring their images printed on life size fabric and highlighting family bonds.
Shortly after the 2009 round-up, my family moved to Santa Cruz, Ca. A couple of years later, the Challis Rescue Horses were moved to the first of two California sanctuaries, a bittersweet transition from their native landscapes to a new home. I remember sitting on the hillside the night they arrived at Return to Freedom and saying out loud to a mare I’d known in the wild, “I’m not sure what we’re doing here, but at least we’re safe”
These horses were not a family band until the day they were rounded up. In an instant, they lost their freedom, their land and their original family bands. In time, they regrouped and became a family. I too have lost my original family, and I am in the process of regrouping. Their example of grace under pressure, resilience and loyalty inspires me as I find my own next chapter.
It has now been 15 years since their rescue. Far from their Idaho homeland, and amidst tremendous change, the horses have remained standfast, forming bands and adapting to their new surroundings. The older (gelded) stallion, Nelson, leads a separate group of mares, a testament to the bonds forged over time. Despite their freedom being restricted, they communicate with grace, living alongside other bands while maintaining their unity.
We are all getting older. The once vibrant brown mares have turned gray, echoing the passage of time. The dapple grays have turned white and adopted a white filly who lost her mother during one of the moves. She is always with them, perhaps because they
are similar in color to the mother she lost. Three of the brown mares have been together since the beginning and never leave each other’s sides.
Some of the feisty ones who would buck and kick are content to stand around and close their eyes as the sun hits the land. Despite having thousands of acres to roam, and hundreds of other horses, the herd stays together. Moving in the same small groups, but always within proximity of the other horses from Challis.
Some of them are moving slower but they can all still run and navigate the hills with ease. All of them are more relaxed, and I feel a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that their needs to roam freely are met now that they are safe on thousands of acres at Freedom Reigns Equine Sanctuary in Central California, after making the move from Return to Freedom in 2015. Hopefully, the last move of their long journey from their Challis homeland.
– Elissa Kline, 2024
The story of the Challis Wild Horses is not just one of survival but of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of freedom. In their journey, we find echoes of our own struggles and triumphs, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is hope and beauty in the bonds that unite us. ï
Genetic analysis has shown that the horse family lineage in North America dates back nearly 60 million years. Fossil remains have been collected at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, about 90 miles from Ketchum, where a skeleton of the Hagerman Horse can be seen. These fossil remains are genetically different than modern mustangs, which most scientists believe were reintroduced to North America in the 1500s by Spanish explorers.
Ephemeroptera. Trichoptera. Plecoptera. Chironimidae. If these words immediately dredge up distant memories of your high school Latin teacher and his/her weekly quizzing of your sum, es, est memorization skills, not to worry. You’re not being tested here. In fact, the above entomological nomenclature refers to the scientific orders of insects that serve an important purpose in the minds of flyfishing enthusiasts. These monikers signify fish food. Trout, though lacking entirely in language skills, are fluent in the nature of the mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies and midges referred to above. In fact, their intimate knowledge of these insects is critical in supporting their fishy lifecycles. The language of fish food might not be familiar to you, but it most certainly is to trout as it has been long before the days of the imperialist policies of the British and their ubiquitous distribution of Salmo trutta (read: brown trout) to the most remote corners of the globe. Dumbed down, I do this for my own benefit; trout like bugs. They need bugs. Insects are a central focus of their feeding behavior in addition to many other desired food sources, including freshwater shrimp, terrestrials, leeches, snails, fish eggs and a wide variety of other fish. With this in mind, let’s take a quick look at four of the most common examples of insect-specific trout food to identify each and accurately choose the right imitation fly pattern to tie to the end of your line.
Mayflies , of the scientific order Ephemeroptera, are nature’s little ballerinas. Dainty and sublimely beautiful, they plie and pirouette above our serene Rocky Mountain waterways, appearing like colorful petite sailboats with their wings held high when they drift peacefully down the current lines and eddies of our local freestone rivers and spring creeks. That is, of course, until they are mercilessly devoured from below by voracious and bloodthirsty rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat and, yes, tiger trout.
Mayflies make up a significant portion of a trout’s diet, and nowhere is this more notably true than on Silver Creek, a spring creek in the southern Wood River Valley near Picabo that is said to maintain the highest population of mayflies per river mile of any spring creek in North America. In parallel, Silver Creek also offers the highest trout population of any spring creek in North America per river mile.
The mayfly’s lifecycle begins with mating and the midair laying of eggs, which are dropped from the female to the surface of the water after fertilization by a similarly fluttering male. Within minutes of completing the annual ritual, both females and males alike, known as spinners in this stage of the life cycle, fall to the stream surface, lay out their wings and expire, often by the millions. The eggs sink to the streambed, where they mature for nearly a year as nymphs before swimming to the surface twelve months later as emergers and dry their wings as they momentarily float downstream as adults or duns and then fly away to rest, molt and return to the creek a day or two later to mate, die and initiate another chapter in the mayfly genealogy.
Ephemeroptera — Mayflies
Greek ephemeros ‘of/for a day’ + pteron ‘wing’ - refers to the short-lived adults
MAYFLY adults Tend To appear in numbers starting in May and continuing Throughout the Summer.
Common Mayfly Hatches:
• Blue Wing Olives
• Callibaetis
• Pale Morning Duns
• Tricos
• Green Drakes
• Brown Drakes
• Cahills
(Adams — i.e. parachute adams, is NOT a fly, only a pattern that IMITATES mayflies)
Chironomids , also commonly referred to as midges or snowflies, are most often present in our local river systems in the wintertime where they make up the bulk of entomologic intake for overwintering trout. These diminutive insects have black bodies and whitish wings, and, especially in February and March, they can result in spectacular dry fly activity on the Big Wood River, the Big Lost and Silver Creek. Due to lower angler numbers than the popular summer and fall seasons, this provides an excellent opportunity for those who value elbow room while experiencing our local world-class blue-ribbon trout waters. Dry fly patterns tied with CDC wings (cul-de-canard or duck anal feathers) are naturally buoyant dependable patterns, and subsurface options such as Zebra and Disco Midges make for excellent pupae imitations.
In sum (es, est), trout feed on the abovementioned food sources locally and globally, whether in Idaho, the chalk streams of the English countryside, the freestones of Chile and Argentina or the massive rivers of the eastern Himalayas. But, especially for the less-experienced angler, matching the hatch, meaning selecting an insect imitation that is essentially the same size, shape and color as the insects one witness flying, emerging or skittering around, will often lead to a productive and enjoyable day on the river. Even if the nomenclature of entomological fisheries biologies such as Paraleptophlebia, Callibaetis or Tricorythodes eludes you, ultimately, with sufficient determination and a handful of carefully chosen fly patterns, the trout at the end of your flyline will not.
Chironimidae — Midges (snowflies)
Resemble mosquitoes but do not bite. They Often “dance” in the air in large swarms over water or lawns. At rest, Midges hold their front legs extended forward above headheight. Note red worm imitates a larvae stage — The haemolymph of the red Chironomus larvae, called “bloodworms,” contains hemoglobin, unusual for insects.
Larvae are often very abundant and are an important food item for many freshwater fish
Caddisflies of the order Trichoptera, more commonly referred to as moths by non-Latinspeaking non-anglers (read: normal people), are extremely robust-bodied insects and rich in protein. As such, they are a perfect dietary supplement for hungry trout, whether in their pupal stage (like the nymphal stage of mayflies), while emerging or as adults. Caddis are superb swimmers, and when they leave the subsurface to emerge, the gutsy caddis rush upward to avoid cruising trout on their way to the freedom of the skies above. There are few insects that elicit more aggressive trout strikes than caddis as fish recognize that the window to attack is limited, and they’d better hustle full-bore to intercept the highly valued mothy meal.
Trichoptera (Greek = “hairy wing”)— Caddisflies
Adults resemble moths, but their wings are hairy instead of scaly, the flight begins at dusk. CADDISFLY FLIGHT TYPICALLY BEGINS AT DUSK. IDENTIFIABLE BY THE “A-FRAME TENT” SHAPE OF THEIR WINGS AT REST.
Of the Plecoptera order, perhaps none is more revered than Pteronarcys californica, the legendary Salmonfly. Stoneflies, in general, are badass bugs. They have the capacity to grow larger than the other insects that populate a trout’s daily menu and will emerge with such prodigiousness that a serious hatch can effectively blot out the sun. Their four-winged torpedo-like bodies move with athleticism and speed around and over the boulders and bushes they inhabit during their molting behavior before their eventual mating cycle.
I recall driving along the Salmon River several years ago on a perfectly sunny day, only to notice a haze that occurred quickly and unexpectedly. Upon pulling over to investigate the dimming daylight, I realized that I had driven smackdab into a massive Salmonfly hatch. It was an eye-opening entomological experience.
Commonly, during stonefly season, most notably in early summer, trout gorge themselves so aggressively that their stomachs will bulge and overflow into their throats. And yet they will continue to feed. Some trout populations consume as much as 40% of their annual diet in a 10-day period, thanks to prolific stonefly hatches. Other stoneflies of note that occur throughout the year in central Idaho and the Northern Rockies include the Yellow Sally, Lime Sally, Little Black Stone, Large and Small Golden Stones and a variety of other sizes and colors that will test the lexicon of even the most proficient Latin-lover. ï
Drab colored with four membranous wings held flat over the abdomen when at rest; front wings narrower than hind wings. Nymphs occur primarily under stones in cool unpolluted streams; some species occur along rocky shores of cold lakes, in cracks of submerged logs, and In debris that accumulates around stones, branches, and water diversion grills. Spring and summer adults may be found resting on stones and logs in the water or on leaves and trunks of trees and shrubs near water; Nymphs of most Stoneflies. develop in cool, well-oxygenated water and do not tolerate pollution, therefore, their presence is an indicator of good water quality, and their absence in areas where they previously occurred may indicate pollution
Common Stonefly Hatches:
• Yellow Sally
• Lime Sally
• Little Black Stone
• Large and Small Golden Stones
BY PATTI MURPHY
In 1955, 17 forward-thinking women in Sun Valley created the unique idea of donating one dollar each to start a library fundraising effort. Determined that the library would be independent and not government-funded, the women also established a thrift store, the Gold Mine, to generate an ongoing revenue stream for the new library’s future.
Today, the same sort of ingenuity that launched the library nearly 70 years ago is being continued by another forwardthinking woman, Community Library of Ketchum Executive Director Jenny Emery Davidson. Along with staff, volunteers, board members and the community, she has led an effort to “re-imagine” the library’s space, offerings, and role in the community, transforming it into a hub of activity with more than 100,000 visitors annually.
Raised in Twin Falls, where she graduated high school, Davidson earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Carleton College in Minnesota and her doctorate in American Studies from the University of Utah. Along the way, she interned in journalism and fought Summer wildfires with the BLM.. “I think it (firefighting) was just as important as my liberal arts education. I found myself in situations that were outside of my comfort zone, and I learned how to do things like use a Pulaski and change a tire,” she laughs.
After school, she returned to Idaho and worked as an English teacher at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), then served as the CSI Hailey Off-Campus Center administrator. When Davidson was finishing her dissertation on Contemporary Western Literature, the Ketchum Community Library had been a great resource for her. When the executive director position came open, she threw her hat into the ring. That was 10 years ago.
Recently retired library member Donna Delahorne describes Davidson as a “valley treasure.” “I’ve never worked with anyone who’s as good a leader as Jenny, and I’m not alone,” Donna says. “Jenny brings out the best in people. She’s a great listener and a great motivator. She’s very hands-on, but everyone around her has a voice and can contribute.”
Donna noted that Davidson has been a driving force behind creating or expanding many innovative programs that make the library Ketchum’s gathering space.
Among these offerings are a new youth section, a Writers in Residence program at the Ernest and Mary Hemingway house, craft
times for kids, expanded bilingual programs, internship opportunities for high school students, the Bloom Bookmobile, which partners with the Hunger Coalition to bring books and free lunches to Blaine County neighborhoods, exhibits, and numerous partnerships with other libraries, community organizations, and events that encourage conversation and foster creativity.
“Jenny doesn’t think of the library as just a place where books are,” Donna says. “She thinks of it in broad terms, where people can meet, do crafts, access speakers and socialize with others. It’s become a community living room.”
Davidson, her staff and the board of trustees directed the redesign. She also spearheaded the “re-imagining” of the former Ketchum Heritage and Ski Museum, rebuilding it as the Wood River Museum of History and Culture, housed in a newly remodeled building near the library with over 4,000 visitors per month.
Davidson has also been a voice for libraries across the state facing legislative censorship.
“We believe in the library’s mission, which is a person’s right to read freely, to read broadly, to exercise intellectual independence, so we certainly feel deeply unsettled and concerned about any legislation that would hamper an environment that is supportive of intellectual freedom,” Davidson says.
That’s one reason Davidson and her team came up with “A Little Book of BIG Stories,” a book of brief testimonies on the importance of libraries written by library patrons throughout Idaho. Copies were sent to all Idaho legislators and officials, including the governor.
Davidson and her husband, Mark, live in Hailey. When she isn’t working, she reads obsessively and immerses herself in the beauty of Idaho’s landscape through the limitless outdoor activities with Mark and their German shorthair pointer, Roy.
“I like trying new things, whether it’s cooking something or trying watercolors, something I have no expertise in,” she says.
She expresses a deep love for the West, and Idaho in particular.
“I love the spaciousness of the state and the variety of the landscape. Davidson says, “The Community Library is so deeply rooted in this place, shaped by the women devoted to this place, shaped by the people who use the library every day. I think the library will always be fertile terrain for imaginative work.” ï
BY CRISTY SELLAS
In January 1974, Joe Cannon drove his Ford Econoline from California to Idaho. He brought his wife and his guitar and not much else. The manager of the Tarr and Feathers Saloon in San Francisco (Joe’s gig at the time) had a friend in Sun Valley who needed a new act in his bar. Joe was offered a two-week trial gig at one of Sun Valley’s now oldest haunts: The Ram Bar. Joe played for the aprés ski crowd and slept on a cot at the Inn because no one had thought about lodging. Within days, word of mouth spread, and lines started forming at the bar door before the ski lifts closed. Joe had it all. He was talented musically; he was charming and handsome and had a great sense of humor. His show was such a hit that The Ram asked him back for two more weeks in March and then for the whole Summer and, eventually, the entire Winter. Bar sales multiplied exponentially (even with 25-cent beer nights!), and by 1979, the Twin Falls Times-News dubbed him “The King of Sun Valley.” Ultimately, Joe would play at the Ram Bar, Creekside in Warm Springs (where they turned the entire upstairs into The Joe Cannon Bar), and at the Elkhorn Saloon. By then, he had a faithful following and always packed the house. His “After Ski Show Party” was a hit for 20 years.
heard the demo, and by the following week, Joe had acting, recording, and songwriting contracts. He acted and sang in 12 episodes of the show and wrote eight original songs.
Joe also appeared twice on the Grand Ol Opry— where he received an encore— and on the Mike Douglas show. In 1968, he signed with Buck Owens, who wanted Jean Peloquin to change his name before they left for Nashville to start shooting the TV series Hee Haw— Jean (Joe) declined because he was the last Peloquin. It wasn’t until he started writing for Lee Hazlewood’s publishing company that he became Joe Cannon.
Joe started playing as a solo act at the Tarr and Feathers in San Francisco in 1972. Wayne Tarr was a fan of Joe’s and the San Francisco 49ers, so Joe sang the National Anthem at many games for the 49ers plus two NFC Championship Games. Soon after this, Joe began his reign as the “King of Sun Valley.”
Joe now splits his time between Sun Valley and Laguna Beach, California. His love for the valley inspired him to write “Idaho Sky” and “The Great State of Idaho,” a centennial song used by the state. One crowd favorite is “Sun Valley Sally,” a sentimental song Joe wrote about a 92-year-old dorm mother who lived above the Ram bar and would often come down to join Joe on stage.
Jean Pelaquin (Joe’s birth name) was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1940. As an only child, he spent hours playing records and learned not only how to sing but also memorized hundreds of songs. He was obsessed with all the great R&B artists of the mid50s—Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and his idol, Chuck Berry. Joe’s father owned a construction company and actually thought music was a waste of time so Joe joined the army in 1959, serving 3 years on active duty and learned to play the guitar while stationed in Germany. After his service, Joe moved to Hollywood and got a construction job on the Universal Studios lot. He took care of the horses on “The Virginian” set, and in 1966, he wrote a song for his father—a birthday gift. The producer of “The Virginian”
Joe Cannon loves to sing and play guitar. And he loves to make people laugh, so when he’s on stage, he’s about as happy as a man can be—and it shows. Joe energizes audiences with his own enthusiasm and warmth. For a musician without any formal training, his genrecrossing talents are phenomenal, but Joe is nothing if not humble. He’s 83 now and still handsome and healthy. He has seven grandsons, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters. Most importantly, he has no regrets.
“I’ve got my friends and my music, and my kids still like me, so that’s good,” Joe says. ï
Find Joe's music at JoeCannonMusic.com
BY CAROLYN FRENCH
Alate March night vibrates with the energy of rock n’ roll. The Whiskey’s on Main dance floor is a mass of motion, bouncing and swaying with music. But all eyes lead to the stage, where Thunderpussy’s show entrances its audience in a symphony of sound and movement. “Thank you,” lead singer Molly Sides says. “For bringing us back home.”
Sides is a born and raised Blaine County artist; dance and movement are in her DNA. While her lure to the arts is genetic, her range of talent manifested in Sun Valley. After spending her childhood playing “fairies” in the Sawtooth forests and writing songs with sticks into rocky mountain dirt, Sides owes much of her creative approach to art to her relationship with Sun Valley’s landscape.
A true entertainer, Molly Sides brings a distinctive spirit to the stage.
“I feel so connected to that place, to the water and the mountains and the plants. Having space to cultivate your inner imagination was huge for me,” Sides says. “A lot of what I do through movement and music is connected to mother nature, to the source, to the elements.”
Side’s fate to pursue the arts was set by the mountains and sealed in the valley. Camp Little Laugh, nextStage Theater and Footlight Dance Centre kickstarted her career, where her teachers laid out the artistic blueprint. “There’s so much power in believing in each other,” Sides says. “And a lot of the teachers in town showed me that.”
Today, Sides is a Seattle-based Sound, Movement and Film artist, a Pilates teacher and a birthing doula with training as a death and bereavement doula. Despite juggling a breadth of disciplines, Sides intertwines her talents on the stage by sealing them on the foundation of movement. Her presence for new chapters and transitions of life and loss ground the interconnection of her talents, and her curiosity to learn pushes her to new skills.
Side’s toolbelt of talent is best exemplified on stage. In 2014, Sides and Thunderpussy’s guitarist Whitney Petty founded the all-female
rock group. Dating at the time, Sides and Petty considered Thunderpussy their classic rock love child, born from a love of rock-and-roll. Sides says the show is tongue-in-cheek and a little unhinged, but at its core, it’s all about music. And while its style has evolved since its start, Thunderpussy has always offered open arms to its audience.
“I think it’s about integrity and authenticity. There’s such power in vulnerability,” Sides says. “My hope is that we create a space that’s fun and playful, inviting and a bit wild, and feels different from a day in the life of the norm—like a sanctuary or a portal.”
Despite offering an unconditional invitation, being a female band in a male-dominated genre and boasting a controversial name has familiarized the group with rejection. Thunderpussy didn’t initially want to be funneled into the “women in rock” category — they wanted the same acknowledgment and treatment as their male counterparts. However, the band eventually embraced becoming a symbol of feminism within the genre.
“You can only push against the stream for so long,” Sides says. “After a while, you’re like, ok, I am a woman in rock, I’m a woman in music, I’m a woman in art, I am an artist. I know who we are, I know who I am, but the industry may not understand, and there will always be pushback. There will always be doors to high kick down.”
Thunderpussy released their new album on May 10, playing alongside the Seattle Symphony to debut the music. Sides describes the album as a “color wheel of emotions.” While the band’s tonguein-cheek style is maintained, beautiful darkness can be uncovered in their latest work. The show turns the page into a new chapter of Thunderpussy, opening the space for connection and vulnerability.
“I truly believe in the power of connection, but we can only do that by showing up for each other. To have a space that people are invited to, where there’s an open door to walk through,” Sides says. “At the end of the day, it’s an invitation, and it’s up to you to show up and see what happens.” ï
WORDS BY JOHN M. LUNDIN
Sun Valley was opened in December 1936 by Union Pacific Railroad, led by Averell Harriman, designed to restore rail passenger service that had “collapsed like a rotten trestle” during the Depression. Ski instructor Otto Lang said, “Sun Valley was a magnet for the ‘beautiful people,’ a meeting place for movie stars and moguls, chairmen and captains of industry, Greek shipping
tycoons, and peripatetic playboys - and playgirls - of the international social set. All flocked to this wintery Shangri-la.”
Ketchum, a small, quiet mountain town, rapidly changed. Entrepreneurs set out to capture some of the wealth the resort’s clients brought to the area, where gambling was “tolerated,” although it was not strictly legal. A number of clubs and gambling establishments opened all
over town that attracted Sun Valley’s wealthy guests, employees and locals. Clubs on Main Street included the Alpine, owned by Lou Hill, and the Sawtooth, owned by Owen Simpson. The Tram, the St. George Hotel and the Casino were all located south of Sun Valley Road; the Stockman’s Club, the Idaho Club, where the Pioneer Restaurant is now; and the Wooden Spur, where Sturtevants is now. Club Rio was on Leadville Ave., off Sun Valley Road.
One resort employee said the guests were wealthy, got good service, and “showed their appreciation with the green stuff.” Waiters often got a $20 tip for a $10 bill. “If you didn’t gamble, there wasn’t much to do,” and employees spent money “like it was going out of style.”
In December 1937, a high-end gambling establishment opened on Sun Valley Road, the Christiania Club, managed by Dutch Weinbrenner, allegedly a member of “Detroit’s Purple Gang,” giving rise to rumors that mob money was financing the “very up-town dinner club that brought a touch of class to gambling in Ketchum.” The food was good, the drinks were free and the resort offered high-stakes gambling, attracting the resort’s wealthier guests. Sun Valley publicist Dorice Taylor said it was “a favorite gathering spot for the Hollywood crowd in 1939...and everything was done in perfect taste...The big play at the tables was from the film colony.” Hollywood producer Darryl Zanuck allegedly lost $100,000 there one night.
“ A favorite gathering spot for the Hollywood crowd in 1939 ... and everything was done in perfect taste...The big play at the tables was from the film colony”
In January 1939, Fortune magazine said, “After dinner, you may go down to Ketchum, where there are now more gambling houses than private homes.” A Sun Valley regular said the Tram, Alpine and Sawtooth Clubs offered drinking and gambling. Poker was played in the back, and roulette, blackjack and dice were played in the front. Many guests and locals played for high stakes. Sheepherders with large stacks of cash kept their sidearms on the tables. In February 1941, a Seattle Times reporter said the Christiania “outrivals any elaborate night club I’ve ever seen, including those in New York, Havana or Honolulu.”
During WWII, a naval rehabilitation hospital operated at Sun Valley. The Navy Commander told managers of the bars and clubs in Ketchum and the Red Light district in Hailey that Navy personnel could drink and gamble as long as they did not get drunk and the games were not crooked. If his rules were not followed, he would make their places off-limits. They got his message and followed his rules.
-Sun Valley publicist Dorice Taylor
The Christiania was closely tied to Sun Valley. Weinbrenner lived in a Lodge apartment. Arriving guests found invitations to the Club in their mailboxes. When guests wrote IOUs to cover their gambling losses, they were charged to their Sun Valley accounts.
Jack Simpson, whose father owned the Sawtooth Club, said after WWII, five or six bars in Ketchum offering gambling were open all night.
Things didn’t really pick up in Ketchum until about 11:30 p.m. or 12:00 a.m. when things shut down in Sun Valley. All the guests and employees at Sun Valley would come to town and stay there until nearly daylight. It was a tough sort of group but also involved movie stars. Ketchum was full of movie stars, movie producers and other various important people. At that time, nobody paid attention to the movie crowd, and they were treated just like everyone else.
Ketchum had gambling clubs, and Hailey had prostitution. Casino-
The past treasures of Ketchum and Sun Valley are fragmented but still alive and echo today’s spirited mainstays. The Casino built a steady, resonated following, and the ghosts of good times still linger.
type gambling was popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and clubs offered blackjack, craps and wheel gambling games. There were no regular poker games, but poker was played in a number of locations.
In fall 1946, Ernest Hemingway returned to Sun Valley with a new wife, Mary Welsh, who said Sun Valley was a fashionable resort, but Ketchum was still a sentimentalist’s dream of the old West. Aged wooden sidewalks provided footpaths along the two blocks of Main Street. Most of the one-story brick or frame buildings held up innocently pretentious peaked false fronts another story high.
The Alpine Restaurant, where we devoured “sizzling steaks,”...was the town’s refuge for stomach hunger, and its adjoining bar and casino, where silver dollars clanked day and night at the poker and roulette tables, appeased other appetites. Ernest admired the Alpine...for its rule that drinks were on the house from the morning opening, about six o’clock, until 7 or maybe 8 a.m., thus enabling the town’s impecunious drunks to “get a hold on” themselves for the day. But he was also a patron of the Tram, a long, dank smelling bar on one side of the Alpine and its twin on the Alpine’s other flank, the -2- Sawtooth. Across the street was the Casino, offering booze, games of chance and light conversation.
In 1947, Idaho law changed to permit the sale of liquor by the drink, but on-site gambling was outlawed, and slot machines appeared. “From 1947 to 1953, one-armed bandits could be found on the outskirts of Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Garden City,” said a local newspaper. There were slot machines in Ketchum clubs, groceries and drug stores. Sun Valley had slot machines in the Lodge’s lobby, the Challenger
Inn had 14, and there were small portable slot machines guests could take to their rooms. Revenue from the resort’s bowling alley, pool tables and slot machines often totaled $41,000 a month, largely from the slots. Union Pacific did Sun Valley’s accounting and did not know about the gambling. When its accountants asked how it was possible to earn that much money from bowling and pool, General Manager Pat Rogers said, “It’s possible.”
In February 1948, the New York Times said Sun Valley was modern and glitzy, but Ketchum was an old-time western town where sheepherders and cattlemen mixed with skiers, celebrities and Hollywood stars. Winter sports enthusiasts imbibe such tasty Basque dishes as arroz con pollo, chorizos or patatas en salsa verde, and then...listen to the clanking of silver dollars in a slot machine, watch a spinning roulette wheel or follow the antics of expertly rolled dice.
The town’s gaming tables were “in a class with Reno...” Visitors find themselves dining or dancing beside the strikingly familiar outdoor enthusiasts customarily glimpsed only on the silver screen. Ralph Bellamy, Jane Russell, Ingrid Bergman, Gary Cooper, Daryl Zanuck, Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Lamour and Phil Harris have all lent a cosmopolitan touch to such way stations along the ski trail as the Sawtooth Club and the Tram, where a former trainer of Jack Dempsey adds to the atmosphere.
The Idaho Legislature outlawed slot machines in 1953, ending Ketchum’s wide-open era. The Christiania closed, and Atkinson’s grocery store opened on the site. ï
Launched in 1974, the first official issue of Sun Valley Magazine featured stories by Jack Hemingway on trout, an interview with actor Paul Newman, and an overview featuring tours of the newly-established Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Just under 35 years later, the iconic Summer/Fall 2008 issue featuring Sigrid, a female Gyrfalcon captured in stunning black and white by photographer Todd Meier, on the cover, became the most lauded issue of the publication.
The cover and corresponding “Spirit Messengers” feature provided a rare look inside the world of birds of prey, and won three prestigious national awards—a Maggie Award for overall design from the Western Publications Association, and both an Ozzie Award for design and an Eddie Award for editorial content from the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) in New York City. The multiple awards placed Sun Valley Magazine in the company of past winners such as Fortune, National Geographic, Architectural Record, Texas Monthly, Sunset, Smithsonian Magazine, Islands, Bon Appetit and Vogue We couldn’t be more proud.
The first Idaho publication to feature cover girl Mariel Hemingway (three times: the Summer 1982 issue, Fall 1988 issue, and Summer 2021 issue), Sun Valley Magazine has never shied away from controversial topics, choosing instead to present both sides of an issue and respecting our readers and their ability to ponder all aspects of a story and to continue asking questions.
The Summer 2016 issue of Sun Valley Magazine , with Chief Joseph on the cover, featured “The Long Journey Back,” a story by then managing editor Adam Tanous on wolves, people and reconciliation in the West. In “The Long Journey Back,” which was nominated for a national award, Tanous expertly deconstructs one of the most contested topics in the West, compiling facts, figures, a timeline, and providing insight and a roadmap through the many agencies and stakeholders involved with wolf reintroduction in the West.
Another award-finalist, “The Great Migration” by publisher Laurie Sammis in the Summer 2015 issue of Sun Valley Magazine , covered the migration of Idaho’s anadromous fish (salmon and steelhead) runs, including the science and politics, and the heated debate, surrounding their decline and potential recovery. Another reader-favorite was the Fall 2021/2022 issue featuring “Spirits of Sun Valley” by Bryant Dunn. Accompanied by Travis Amick’s haunting images, “Spirits of Sun Valley” uncovers the ghost stories of the Wood River Valley and central Idaho.
Photo credits: Grain Silos and Spirits of Sun Valley feature opener: Travis Amick; Coho Salmon: Patrick Clayton; Fish Fry: Paul Vecsei; Fall 2021/2022 Cover: Josh Wells; Chief Joseph: Library of Congress; Mariel Hemingway, courtesy Mariel Hemingway
The Fall 2021/2022 issue featured “Spirits of Sun Valley”—a ghost story primer highlighting the men and women who lived and died in the areas boom towns and are reported to haunt the prairies and mountains, as well as local watering holes like the Pioneer Saloon and the Ketchum Grill. Want the juicy details, but missed it. ... head to sunvalleymag.com to read your favorites.
WORDS BY WINTER WARCHOL PHOTOS COURTESY LISA WOOD
As both a multidisciplinary artist and an observer of our rapidly changing world, Lisa Wood's art reflects her growing engagement with the critical themes defining the 21st century. Wood’s connection to the natural world runs deep, fostered by her love for Sun Valley, which she’s called home for over three decades. She credits Sun Valley’s
proximity to wilderness and the area’s Dark Sky Reserve designation as influences behind her work.
Wood began her artistic career in photography with a six-part body of work titled “Surface Surveys” (2015-2019). Then came a pivotal moment in the 2020 pandemic. The unprecedented event that brought the
developed world to a standstill prompted Wood to partner with World Land Trust, a global conservation charity, to align her artistic vision with the WLT’s practical mission of safeguarding vulnerable wilderness acres around the world.
Sun Valley, long celebrated for its luxurious amenities set against an awe-inspiring
“White Sands - Surface Surveys” photographs, size variable
landscape, serves as more than a backdrop for Wood’s work. It’s her catalyst, inspiring exploration into the contradiction of luxury and the conflict between our collective fate and quest for personal fulfillment. Wood uses works such as "SHIFT," (2024) "Luxuriate in Discomfort" (2018-2021), “HUMUS” (2021), and "Twenty-first Century in Black and White" (2021) to illustrate these curiosities. Each project, rooted in personal experience and the broader narrative of 21st-century anxieties, examines the role of the individual in shaping societal purpose and fostering its sustainability.
Wood has seen Sun Valley’s ecology “shift” during her thirty years. The rise of smoke and fire season in August and September, and a noticeable decline in local bird populations are a couple of concerns that Wood said allowed her to “come to understand the direct link between my habits and our environmental changes. My work now reflects an urgency and commitment to embedding measurable impact into my projects.”
In Wood's recent project, "SHIFT" (2024), unveiled at midnight on New Year's Eve at the National Mall, she reimagines freedom for the 21st century via the site and timespecific public art installation. At a time when individual decisions profoundly impact global communities, Wood presented SHIFT in collaboration with the World Land Trust (WLT) to underscore the individual’s role in securing a sustainable future and to enable the permanent conservation of land and biodiversity directly through the artwork.
In a fantastic conversation with Wood, she explained that her WLT collaboration brought SHIFT to life, allowing the artwork to impart a universal message while offering a tangible intervention to the critique it presents. In doing so, SHIFT confronts the disconnect between concern and action, empowering the viewer to reassess their habits and claim their agency in shaping a sustainable future. In a time of overwhelming challenge, SHIFT champions the individual who, despite feeling insignificant and helpless, is central to
achieving global sustainability.
Through SHIFT, we see the impact of our lifestyle choices on global health, while Wood’s “Luxuriate in Discomfort” (2018-2021) challenges us to consider that discomfort might be the path to achieving both personal well-being and environmental harmony.
In “LUX”, Wood confronts our pursuit of comfort and luxury via a double entendre: by living a life of luxury in day-to-day torment, and by seeking discomfort as a means toward contentment. The project reflects her practice
of engaging in excessively hot and cold environments over the past 7 years, a discipline that helped her to overcome the challenges of isolation and self-doubt throughout her practice.
Wood's body of work reflects the evolution of an artist influenced by the world around her and serves as a profound commentary on our times. Each project is rooted in personal experience and the broader narrative of contemporary anxieties. Wood champions the individual, motivating a collective
push towards action, at a time of escalating isolation. It's just us and our planet. Working together to inspire change is a shift we need to make.
Looking ahead, Wood aims to advance narratives of societal purpose and sustainability while simultaneously generating concrete, real-world impacts. Her partnership with World Land Trust ensures that her artwork will directly contribute to the preservation of protected wilderness areas globally. ï
WORDS
BY
JEAN ENERSON
PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTIN HANNAH
Kristin Hannah is the author of more than two dozen books. Her bestselling book “The Nightingale” sold more than 4.5 million copies worldwide and was published in 45 languages. Another bestseller, “Firefly Lane,” was made into a popular Netflix series. In that book, the main character says she wants to be like TV anchorwoman Jean Enersen. So now, for me [Editor’s note: the real-life Jean Enersen], it wasn’t enough to just read her books: I wanted to meet Kristin Hannah. Our conversation about her new book, “The Women,” was our first meeting.
“The Women” centers on the heroism of military nurses in Vietnam, whose return home is as devastating for them as the war itself. Hannah’s inspiration for writing this story arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she observed frontline nurses lacking the recognition they deserved. She found parallels between the Vietnam War era and today’s divided society, prompting her to revisit the Vietnam narrative.
JE: What compelled you to write this story and to write it now?
KH: I first pitched a story about the Vietnam War to my editor in 1997. She said, “Kristin, you’re just not ready, and the world isn’t ready to listen.” Then came March of 2020, the pandemic; I was watching the news and seeing how divided we were and seeing nurses on the frontline of the pandemic who were not getting the support and gratitude they deserved. That made me think it was time for the Vietnam book. I couldn’t go to Vietnam because of the lockdown, but the lockdown also gave me lots of time for research.
JE: You open the book with a quote about Vietnam from former U.S. Senator Frank Church of Idaho: “This war has…stretched the generation gap so wide it threatens to pull the country apart.” Did you think that idea resonates because of the polarization we see today?
KH: It’s a volatile world again today, and I think the book speaks to that. We were at this stage then, and we came out of it and came back together. We healed and moved on. It makes me hope there’s a path forward for that now.
JE: You were a young teenager when the war ended. What do you remember from that time?
KH: My best friend’s father was a pilot who was shot down in Vietnam. We all wore bracelets to remember the people who served
in Vietnam. My bracelet was a physical presence of the war throughout my life. But also, as I started researching, I was lucky to meet a woman named Diane Carlson Evans, who was a nurse in Vietnam, and she became my inspiration, my mentor and my factchecker throughout this process. She opened the door for me to a lot of veterans, men and women.
JE: You were trained as a lawyer. Does that training help in your research or your writing?
KH: You know, I think there’s a reason so many lawyers become writers. The skill sets are similar: a lot of reading, analysis and research. Then, using the facts of the law, you make creative arguments to win your case. As a writer, I’m arguing to create a world and put you in it.
JE: What inspires you to write? What fires your imagination?
KH: I like a challenge, and I’m always looking for conflict. The challenge is to write the best novel about an idea that I can write. I will throw out hundreds of things to come up with the best version of that idea. The editing can take a whole year. Then, there also has to be conflict in the story. Creating that conflict is the magic. I don’t need burning candles or the sound of the sea to write. I’m hyperfocused and can write anywhere, anytime, always long hand on a yellow legal pad.
JE: Do you start with a plot or with the character?
KH: If I start with a character like Frankie in “The Women,” I list the traits, beliefs and background of the person who is representative of the story I want to tell. I create enough information for five characters to put into that one person. Then I hone it down and hone it down until I understand the backstory I want to tell. With Frankie, what was most important in the final analysis is that she begins as an innocent; she becomes hardened and cynical and then ultimately finds her voice. That’s the character arc for this book and for most of my books.
JE: How did you write your first novel?
KH: My mom and I decided to write a book together when she was in the final stages of breast cancer. She was in the hospital. I was in law school. I think it was her way of putting me on the path. A path she probably had wanted for herself but never took. She passed away, and I went back to law school
and started practicing law. I worked on the book for two years but never finished it. I decided it was a very bad idea. But the process was like going to college. I learned about the marketplace, how what I wanted to say might fit in, and what was selling. Then, I finished my first published book two years later when my son was two. The book “Firefly Lane” many years later, was really my way of dealing with the loss of my mother.
For others who want to start writing, I say: Words have power. You tell yourself you are going to do this, and you sit down and do it. Don’t stop. Just keep writing. You have to be brave.
JE: I’m glad you referenced “Firefly Lane”… because, for me, it wasn’t enough just to read your books. After your character in “Firefly Lane” states she wants “to be like Jean Enersen,” the TV anchorwoman, I wanted to meet you. Today was the first time.
KH: Well, actually, this is not the first time we’ve seen each other. I was a student in a big communication class at the University of Washington, and you came to teach a class I was in one day. We didn’t meet, but I saw you there.
JE: Now that we’ve met, is there anything that surprises you about the real Jean Enersen?
KH: No. What really surprises me is that it turns out we live about a mile apart in Seattle.
JE: What surprises me about you is that, in spite of your phenomenal writing success, you seem like the mom next door.
KH: When I was a stay-at-home mom writing during nap time, I was just hoping someday to sell a book. I could never have imagined this kind of success. It’s beyond surreal. It feels like someone else.
JE: What’s next for you?
KH: Besides advising those working to make “The Women” into a movie and hoping for the release of a movie about “The Nightingale” soon, I’ve just started a new book. It’s about Sun Valley. I’ve never been there. I’ve been wanting to go forever. We are big skiers. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about coming to the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. I think Sun Valley is going to feature prominently. But I’m never sure because things change a lot in the writing of a book. So, if it’s still Sun Valley in three years, I’ll let you know. ï
Maggie O’Farrell, Tommy Orange, John Vaillant, and many more. For a complete list of 2024 presenters go to https://svwc.com/ writers-presenters.
The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer at the Sun Valley Resort and Pavilion. From Saturday, July 20 – Monday, July 22, some of the world’s best writers (fiction, nonfiction, poetry and journalism) will share their ideas and inspirations with sold-out audiences. This year’s all-star lineup includes Margaret Atwood (recipient of the 2024 SVWC Writer in the World Award), Judy Blume, Justice Stephen Breyer, Niall Ferguson, Kristin Hannah, Erik Larson, Padma Lakshmi,
Like all great stories, SVWC began with an idea. “Years ago, when I was hired as a reporter at The Arizona Republic,” says founder Reva Tooley, “I inherited the responsibility for a popular Books & Authors Luncheon, sponsored by the newspaper. Some years later–after marriage, motherhood, and a home in Ketchum–I got the idea that Sun Valley might embrace a similar sort of event.” Reva was right. The Conference soon blossomed into an annual affair, with the help of a number of people. “Fortunately, a few locals, including Diane Peavey, Barbi Reed, and Linda Sherwood, helped me think through the possibilities,” Reva continues. “The magic sauce came from Jon and Leslie Maksik of The Community School, who not only offered the school campus as the first venue, but also talked one of the school’s Board members,
entrepreneur Gordon Russell, into funding the experiment.”
Reva remembers those first stages fondly, saying, “We wanted to kick off our fledgling project with respected writers. Ridley Pearson and Ethan Canin, along with a few of their fiction and nonfiction writer pals, agreed to give talks in the school classrooms. In those early days, SVWC felt like a great little summer camp. My son James, who was a Community School senior, volunteered to work at the event, as did our cousin, Robin Eidsmo, who sold $2 lunch tickets from Perry’s to the 110 attendees who turned up.”
During the inaugural SVWC in 1995, Bruce Willis and Richard Dreyfuss read stories to a group of young children spread out on the grass; short-story writer and physician Ethan Canin spoke about his acclaimed first book, Emperor of the Air; Freida Lee Mock showed her Oscar-winning documentary film on Maya Lin and the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.; novelist Mark
Salzman accompanied his remarks by playing sublime cello interludes; and iconic journalist David Halberstam and the two-time president of CBS News, Van Gordon Sauter, shared their insights with attendees. The novelist E.L. Doctorow soon dubbed SVWC the “best-ever summer camp for writers.” In just three years, the Conference grew from 12 writers and 100 readers to 30 writers and 600 attendees, and its numers are still growing.
Today, 30 years later, Robin Eidsmo has taken position as the Executive Director and James Tooley as the Creative Director, working closely with longtime Literary Director John Burnhan Schwartz and Associate Program Director Anne Taylor Fleming. “I’m so grateful to them, the Sun Valley Company, the Board members, our donors, the writers who trust us, and several generations of staff and volunteers from the community and beyond who have worked at the Conference over the last three decades,” says Reva. “And I’m still somewhat astonished and grateful that it has all turned out so well.”
The enthusiastic response from the literary community continues–SVWC passes sold out this year in less than 15 minutes. A limited number of single event tickets to individual presentations featuring Paul Muldoon, Margaret Atwood with Ayad Akhtar, Niall Ferguson with Evan Osnos, Erik Larson, and Anne Lamott will be available for sale on the SVWC website starting June 12 for $35 each.
“Our opportunities for growth feel boundless,” says Eidsmo. “We hope to find more ways to involve young people; to imagine a program that allows us to beam in writers remotely from around the world; to promote even broader access to talks beyond just the Wood River Valley; and to closely follow the careers of our treasured alumni and stay connected with them.”
When asked how the group of writers is selected for each event, James explains, “One of the unique challenges of programming the Conference is that we’re always looking ahead and asking questions about what the world will look like in six months or a year.
What will be the most pressing issues facing humanity? What will our audience be curious about and who are the best presenters to bring those topics to our stage? Will our audience want an escape from the headlines, or will they want a deep dive into current events? Ultimately, we’re always trying to find the right balance of topics that speak to the head as well as the heart.”
“There is so much joy in creating our annual feast for readers,” adds Eidsmo. “We have come to see it as a source of inspiration on many different levels. That inspiration certainly comes from the astounding privilege of simply spending our time reading works of literature, but it also comes from the immensely gratifying connection and participation of the donors and attendees and listeners far and wide. In a world where we hear so much about polarization, the Conference is a respite that is all about connection.” ï
Riley
WORDS BY CAROLYN FRENCH
Riley Boyce grew up in Hailey, Idaho, surrounded by a family of crafters and creators. Her mom was the first to introduce her to the sewing machine, and as her interest in fashion grew, she looked to needle and thread to personalize her style. Boyce began altering thrifted pieces, hemming them to her size and adding or deleting elements to match her aesthetic. However, it wasn’t until college that Boyce turned to sewing as a creative outlet and a potential business, which is how RODEO The Label was born.
“RODEO happened on the floor in my first apartment in New York,” she says. “It was literally just my sewing machine, some hand needles, and some scraps from the Sheepskin Coat Factory that used to be in town.”
Boyce began her partnership with cofounder Daniel Leeds during her senior year, when building RODEO became a professional focus. Having worked on projects prior to RODEO, the pair decided a partnership would allow them to build and refine the brand. “We have a lot of trust creatively in each other,” Boyce says, nodding to the balanced partnership she and Leeds have mastered, despite her maximalist and his minimalist creative approach.
The finalized RODEO look is rooted in traditionally Western materials. It uses upcycled vintage quilts, leather, and old denim,
as well as techy fabrics, to draw on the ski culture of Sun Valley. Each piece is one-of-akind, hand-sewn, and styled to represent and rework Western motifs.
“I feel like there’s something really timeless about those materials,” Boyce says. “How they wear and hold value and also become something new and unique as they age.”
Boyce’s first collection was pieced together with articles she’d made through the early stages of RODEO, while her following two collections have showcased carefully constructed capsule pieces. Boyce’s handcrafted pieces range from quilted hoodies, to patchwork denim, to mesh jersey-style t-shirts reminiscent of a “Friday Night Lights” Americana theme.
RODEO also boasts a collection of vintage leather cowboy boots—thrifted from Idaho and Texas and refurbished in New York. When a cowboy boot became the fad summer style of 2023, Boyce knew she wanted to offer a more authentic and longlasting rendition of the trend, cementing the classic quality of a true boot. “To me, the perfect cowboy boot with the most delicious, old, well-produced leather will never go out of style and will always, always get better with time,” Boyce says. “I think they’re the most beautiful, vintage, honest-to-God cowboy boots you can find.”
The repurposing aspect of RODEO is integral to the brand—most of the materials used are found, thrifted, or donated to Boyce. “That’s my contribution to slow fashion and doing away with not-so-great one-offs that are just going to the landfill and not speaking to anyone’s style,” Boyce says.
Inspired by materiality, Boyce’s sewing process starts with a search for exciting pieces or materials that need reshaping—the foundation is in the fabric. “Most of the time, I’m trying to wrangle a piece of clothing that already exists into something else that is more myself,” Boyce explains. “It’s like a puzzle I’m trying to solve, and I’m not sure how it’s going to turn out.”
Repurposing as an independent designer doesn’t come without challenges. Boyce recounts pieces she’s taken to the mat, wrestling with the material until she can produce the perfect look. Finalized designs can take anywhere from days to months to create, and since she operates the sewing machine alone, the process can be taxing. However, the next steps for RODEO promise more efficient and widespread production, and, in the fall, Boyce plans to return to New York from Sun Valley to re-enter an urban atmosphere and work face-to-face with Leeds to help with a tactile and collaborative design approach and space for Boyce to develop the brand. ï
The Sun Valley area boasts a diverse and cosmopolitan art community. Here is a sampling of what’s in store at galleries this summer.
June – Dec
The Living with Wolves Museum showcases Jim and Jamie Dutcher’s captivating photographic exhibit, produced in collaboration with National Geographic and featuring images from their six years living with a wolf pack. Commissioned infographic drawings by National Geographic senior artist, Fernando G. Baptista, are interspersed with the Dutchers’ photos and interpretive captions, all drawing visitors into the world of the wolf. Multi-media educational material along with film clips and wolf howls from the Dutcher’s Emmy Award-winning documentaries play in the screening room and main gallery. Living with Wolves is a nonprofit organization and admission to the museum is free. Tues.-Sat., 11am to 4pm.
Solo Exhibition: Billy Schenck — “Storytelling”
Billy Schenck has been painting in a reductivist, paint-by-numbers style since the 1960’s. Schenk was 18 years old when he saw his first formal art show— Warhol’s Campbell Soup collection. Subsequently working for him the following year, Schenk notes Warhol’s pop art style as an early influence on his work. In Schenk’s artistic version of a mythic “New West,” he satirizes the surrounding universal truth and lies. This new body of Schenck’s work will be shown side-by-side with a selection of pop art images from Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians portfolio (1986). Exploring the West through myths and nostalgia, the images were Warhol’s last major project before he passed away in 1987. This show will compare these two recognized pioneers of Pop Art, displaying their differing styles and interpretations of the American West. The exhibit will also show a new selection of large-scale photographs by famed British photographer David Yarrow.
Group Show — In Bloom II (Continued)
The exhibition features different artists’ interpretations of botanicals across various mediums. This selection of artwork illustrates the sensuous beauty of flowers and the symbolism found within the cyclical nature of life. In her prints, Hung Liu adopts and interprets traditional Chinese images of flowers, incorporating their historical significance. Valerie Hammond posits leafy vines as common threads through nature and spirituality. Laura McPhee’s largeformat photography captures the beauty of Idaho wildflowers while exploring the intersection of man and nature. Kathy Moss’s large-scale paintings serve as archetypes, relying on the psychological associations we assign to flowers. Works on a more intimate scale will also be featured, such as beeswax collages by Kenna Moser and chiaroscuro tulips by Michael Gregory. Additional artists include Andrew Weir, Tom Hammick, Diane Andrews Hall, and Sheila Gardner, among others.
Group Exhibition
This group exhibition will feature paintings, prints, and sculptures by artists working in different mediums with an emphasis on color, form, and texture. Large color field, fresco paintings, by Marcia Myers, take on powerful scale and
presence. Kiki Smith’s prints are tethered to the spiritual realm, where mystical animals are adorned with gold and silver leafing. Tom Hammick’s prints are in line with the British colorist tradition of deeply saturated hues, depicting ambiguous figures and landscapes. Robb Putnam will debut new textile sculptures of animals, delicately constructed from recycled fabrics and thread. Nicolas Africano’s figurative, cast glass sculptures will also be included in this selection of dynamic and diverse artwork.
Group Show — Andrew Bolam, Lori McNee, Dave LaMure
This will be English artist Andrew Bolam’s first exhibition at Kneeland Gallery. His acrylic paintings follow two separate yet linked directions — building abstract marks into recognizable imagery and using silhouettes of animals to elicit an emotional connection to his paintings. His love of the American West is evident in his images of deer, elk and bears roaming through aspen trees as well as his Native American subjects.
Local artist Lori McNee is talented in several disciplines, including landscape and still life subject matter. Her work is opulent in color and texture, and her imagery is as ornamented by detail as it is rich in symbolism. Lori is an exhibiting member of Oil Painters of America and Plein Air Painters of Idaho.
Sculpture by Magic Valley artist Dave LaMure will complete this exhibition. LaMure’s inspiration is tethered by his love of the outdoors, his bold forms capturing the rhythm of life in the various animals he portrays in his largescale vessels and wildlife bronzes. His monumental sculpture depicting native Cutthroat trout can be viewed in the gallery courtyard.
Solo Exhibition: Nick Brandt — SINK / RISE
Author Speaking Engagement: Thursday, July 11th, 5:30 pm—6:30 pm, The Community Library
Gilman Contemporary presents the US exhibition debut of Photographer Nick Brandt’s SINK / RISE, the third chapter of “The Day May Break.” This ongoing series portrays those impacted by environmental destruction and climate change. Previous chapters depicted people and animals affected by environmental destruction in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Bolivia. Each poignant image begs the question – Can we be good ancestors?
Shot in camera underwater off the coast of the Fijian Islands, “SINK / RISE” is a powerful homage to the Pacific Islanders who are facing incredible devastation as the water level rises. Viewers are presented with an underwater odyssey across ten large-scale photographs. SINK / RISE continues Brandt’s exploration of the environmental adversities facing both human and animal life, steering the narrative toward the urgent and escalating issue of rising sea levels. Brandt
extends an artistic invitation to contemplate our relationship with the natural world, showcasing the fragile beauty of the Fijian Islands juxtaposed against the looming specter of submersion. For those drawn to the intersection of art and advocacy, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience.
Solo Exhibition: Gwynn Murrill
Gwynn Murrill’s life-sized bronze sculptures depict regal animals such as horses, bears, coyotes, and eagles. The artist stylizes her subjects into purified forms, emphasizing primal characteristics and transmogrifying each animal’s unique spirit. Murrill simultaneously distinguishes and obscures by sculpting figures that are at once based on realism as well as being fiercely enigmatic. Murrill expertly transforms such heavy and static material as bronze into figures stirred with subtle movement and dynamic energy. Some of Murrill’s accolades include a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Prix di Roma Fellowship, and a Purchase Award from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
July 13th – August 17th Solo Exhibition: James Chronister — “Tomorrow’s Flowers” Opening Reception: Saturday, July 13th, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
“Tomorrow’s Flowers” is a solo exhibition of new paintings by Missoula, Montana-based artist James Chronister. This marks Chronister’s debut solo presentation with the gallery. The exhibit features Chronister’s deeply intricate, monochromatic landscape paintings. Conveying space and depth utilizing mark-making akin to an intaglio print, the white ground becomes highlights, the opaque passages become shadows, and cross-hatching emerges as midtones. Unassuming but vastly complex in their subtlety, these scenes of nature depict an unseen environment that is both a rich and rewarding investigation. Monochrome lends a unifying quality to Chronister’s paintings, distinguishing them from realism despite his faithful adherence to the source photographs, mostly pulled from around his home in Montana. Each piece encapsulates a wealth of visual detail, often portraying objects across various depths with remarkable clarity, all harmonized by their depiction in a single hue.
Solo Exhibition: Betsy Margolius
Betsy Margolius approaches the subject of flora with different impulses and considerations. In a highly saturated, free-form style, Margolius abstracts nature’s many forms and rhythms. Collecting ideas and visions from the natural world, the artist arranges her composition like a bouquet of colorful bursts and vibrating floral forms. Margolius creates her own environment and invites the viewer in to awaken their senses.
Solo Exhibition: Seonna Hong — Freytag’s Pyramid
In the exhibition, “Freytag’s Pyramid,” artist Seonna Hong uses the framework of novelist Gustav Freytag’s dramatic structure to visually chronicle the ebb and flow of life, memory, and human experience. The structural elements of storytelling, as laid out by Freytag, are broken up into a five-part pyramid: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and finally, denouement. Hong’s paintings visually evoke the tension and drama of storytelling. Her figures — typically women — drive the narrative across landscapes varying from rocky and rugged to hazily rendered liquidlike dreamscapes. Each canvas reveals moments of chaos and calm, reality and fiction, illustration and abstraction. Hong’s work successfully balances controlled graphics and intuitive, loose application of materials, revealing what every great story does — the grandness of the shared human experience.
Solo Exhibition: Sally King Benedict
Sally King Benedict’s exuberant style is unmistakable thanks to her expert use of color and dynamic brushwork. Known for both her figurative and abstract work, Benedict has built an impressive following, including features in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Domino and Southern Living. Now living and creating in the Wood River Valley, Benedict’s summer show will showcase signature works on canvas, paper and ceramics.
Solo Exhibition: Maggie Shafran
Maggie Shafran demonstrates her technical virtuosity using pencil, charcoal, and thread to construct hyperrealist still-life drawings evocative of 18th-century Flemish “flower painting.” Shafran inserts her own narrative into a long tradition of depicting what is not (or no longer) living and cannot move. Also known as “Nature Morte,” still life painting can serve to remind the viewer of their own mortality by dramatically emphasizing flowers, plants, or food amid decay. She emphasizes the paradox of attempting to preserve the ephemeral and discover divine beauty in the outlandish.
July 29th — August 2nd
Group Show: 33rd annual Plein Air Exhibition
Featuring: Steven Lee Adams, Jack Braman, John Horejs, Shanna Kunz, Lori McNee, Robert Moore, Robbie Moore and Garth Williams
En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works. Kneeland Gallery’s exciting annual plein air event invites its viewers to participate in a variety of fun activities involving 8 of their premier plein air painters. In addition to the paint-out, various events include a plein air workshop with Robert and Robbie Moore, a demonstration and a gallery walk where patrons will have a chance to chat with the artists and view their work from the week—giving patrons an opportunity to become a collector, featuring works from the local landscape, offering a true sense of place and meaningful remembrance of our beautiful surroundings.
Solo Exhibition: Jason Wheatley — Language of the Birds
Jason Wheatley’s first solo exhibition at Gilman Contemporary, Language of the Birds, features surreal and dreamlike still-life paintings that explore our relationship to fantastical ideas and recognizable imagery. Embracing the illustrative style of John James Audubon’s famed Avion paintings, Wheatley deploys realist and absurdist sensibilities to each still life. Filled with metaphors and riddles, each canvas demonstrates a contemporary sense of humor and folly. Through repetition and practice, Wheatley paints from memory and life; the oddities found throughout his work counterbalance the classical rendering in oil.
Solo Exhibition: Michael Gregory
Michael Gregory’s paintings depict the iconic American landscape as a terrain where space seems infinite, where light can shine in the sky uninterrupted by the debris of civilization. These paintings harken back to another time and are strikingly contemporary. Stripped down to the essence of structure, a barn sets the stage for a sense of moody nostalgia and memory. Gregory’s skies are as important as the land and the structures in his paintings. Sometimes, the atmosphere is ominous and stormy, while others are peaceful and filled with golden light. There is an interesting tension created by a style that is simultaneously hyperrealist yet exorbitant in scale and color. This exhibition will feature new paintings by the artist, who has work included in the collections of the Boise Art Museum, Idaho; Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington; Denver Art Museum, Colorado; Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, Indiana; San Jose Museum of Art, California, and numerous private collections.
Solo Exhibition: Ezra Siegel
Ezra Siegel has spent over thirty years exploring forms, shapes and paint surfaces to create something that is both simple and complex. His paintings are both empty and full, ordered yet improvised. With multiple layers of washes and thin paint, Siegel’s work is full of nuanced color and tone. His work suggests a minimalist approach but exhibits a human touch in the hope that the viewer can experience beauty through imperfection and subtlety.
Solo Exhibition: James Austin Murray — On the Return
“On the Return” features new work from painter James Austin Murray, who continues to demand that we put aside preconceived perceptions of light and dark. Murray rakes, scrapes, and physically moves his thickly applied black paint making the flat surface expand and contract, ripple, and pulse. Each painting is informed by years of innovative, intentional practice that is tempered by the fickle nature of wet oil paint. Murray’s ability to create an infinite possibility with paint and canvas is one that belies the limitation of material. The simplicity creates a visual complexity that can only be experienced when standing in front of one of his paintings. With each piece, we are given a glimpse into Murray’s artistic and material perspective.
Solo Exhibition: Pegan Brooke
Pegan Brooke is an abstract oil painter working in a minimalist style and monochromatic palette. She mixes metallic pigments with her medium, adding a rich sheen and texture to each staccato brushstroke. Brooke carefully organizes her compositions into grids, giving structure to hundreds of reflective swaths of paint. These paintings are conceived with meditative repetition, organically evoking the sense of light falling on water or snow. Pegan Brooke’s work is held in public and private collections, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and U.S. Embassies in Sri Lanka and Bolivia.
Solo Exhibition: Flávia Junquiera — The Graceful and the Absurd
Brazilian artist Flávia Junquiera’s poetic photographs are carefully staged and produced odes to monumental architecture and the ephemeral essence of childhood. Junqueira creates site-specific installations that are dreamlike and playful; Grand theaters are filled with balloons, a lone carousel horse sans rider intrudes upon an ornate library, and balloons and bubbles litter and float above the Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro. There is a sense of joy as Junqueria pays homage to the imagined universe that dwells in childhood. Each photograph works as a memory of an installation; they capture the brightness and lightness of the unexpected.
Group Show: Andrew Skorut and Mark Gibson
Andrzej Skorut was born and raised in Krakow, Poland, before immigrating to the U.S. in 1987. At first glance, his paintings seem simple landscapes, but further study reveals they are as abstract as they are representational. He reveals concealed depths within his surfaces through layers of paint and glaze, which he then partially removes with rags, sticks and other objects.
Montana artist Mark Gibson originally trained in architecture. This formal training directly affected the architectural forms of the teepees that characterize his work. Gibson has been pushing himself to focus on purity of color and masterful composition, working to move the viewer’s eye around the entire piece. Most recently, he has been working on increasing the scale of his works, which has contributed to his achievement of creating a powerful mood and atmosphere in each painting.
Joint Exhibition: Cubby West Spain and Ansley West Rivers
Hemmings Gallery presents a joint show by sisters who are inspired by the beauty and importance of preserving wilderness areas. Cubby West Spain is a painter who uses line and shape to find and define forms in the landscape. Working with gouache, watercolor, acrylic and oils, Spain paints subjects such as western landscapes and the American buffalo, employing her distinct use of pattern and intentional brush strokes. Ansley West Rivers is an artist whose photographic practice focuses on the intersection of landscape and humanity. For the past ten years, Rivers has been photographing American rivers, including her own watershed in Idaho’s Teton Valley. Using historical photographic techniques and a large format film camera, she layers several shots on each piece of film with masking made in the camera to create an expansion on the singular landscape image.
Picture Framing & Art Installation for 48 Years
Severn Art Services offers custom archival framing, featuring vintage and contemporary frames for fine art, mirrors, and three-dimensional objects of all sizes
Art storage and professional advisory services for artwork valuations conservation and restoration
Professional services for indoor and outdoor art installations
Severn Art Services is located in Gail Severn Gallery
BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON
Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort, opened in 1936, offering scenic slopes and exceptional culinary attractions. Here are five notable eateries offering memorable menus in the Wood River Valley for over half a century.
Sun Valley’s original restaurant, the rusticyet-elegant Ram, has been wowing guests since 1937, including Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe. The Ram’s delectable offerings range from Hagerman Trout (potato leek hash, artichoke, spinach, crispy shallot, beurre blanc) to King Salmon ala Oscar (hickory, Dungeness crab cake, asparagus, whipped potato, bearnaise) to SRF Wagyu NY Strip (sherried mushroom, honey carrot, black garlic, potato pave). Travel back in time with the heritage menu and savor classic dishes such as Pork Tenderloin Schnitzel (1982--braised red cabbage, warm potato salad, lemon, lingonberry jam) on Wednesday or Stuffed Sole (1967--pacific sole, snow crab, tarragon beurre blanc, haricots verts, basmati pilaf) on Friday, while being entertained by Pianist Larry Harshbarger on the baby grand piano.
Boasting a venue that is truly above it all, The Roundhouse has served memorable meals since 1939. With 46 windows to take advantage of its 7,700-foot elevation on Bald Mountain, the octagonal restaurant offers an unforgettable view to match its menu. Try the Fondue for Two with artisan bread, grapes, granny smith apple, gherkin or Braised Lamb Shank—caramelized shallot polenta, honey roasted carrot, braising jus, and gremolata. The six-course prix fixe menu on Friday or Saturday night inspired by the resort’s European heritage includes Elk Tartar, Filet mignon, Pancetta-Wrapped Pheasant, and Zucchini e Zucca Pomodoro prepared by Chef Dustin White. The fixed price for this extravagant meal even includes the gondola ride to the restaurant and back.
A local favorite since opening in 1974, the Kneadery is housed in a quirky, charming old log cabin. Whether you crave cinnamon rolls or fresh Atlantic salmon with grilled watermelon, or the Cowboy Benny, which features a flat iron steak, jalapenos, poached eggs and house-made hollandaise, the Kneadery is sure to become your favorite. Under the watchful eyes of a moose and other game trophies adorning its walls, customers can grab a seat next to a roaring fireplace, nurse a hot chocolate or Kneadery smoothie and indulge in chicken-apple sausage or homemade blueberry bread.
The Christiania--a favorite of actor Gary Cooper’s--opened in 1959. This restaurant quickly became a place to see and be seen. Author and longtime local Ernest Hemingway had his own table and would read his mail at the bar. Photos and mementos from owner Michel Rudigoz’s time as the U.S. Women’s Olympic Ski Team Coach decorate the walls of the Olympic Bar, including skis signed by Picabo Street and Alberto Tomba. In honor of the sheep that have been so important to the Wood River area for decades, Christy’s has served lamb shank since its opening. Try the popular jarret d’agneau--lamb shank braised with red wine, or another local favorite--filet de truite meuniere--sautéed filet of Idaho Ruby Trout with parsley, lemon and finished with a touch of butter.
Along with the Ram, The Sawtooth Club also first opened its doors in 1937. This was another favorite of Hemingway’s and a local hangout of legendary actor and motorcycle and race car enthusiast Steve McQueen, who used to hop behind the bar to pour drinks and tell stories. Although McQueen favored a can of Old Milwaukee, The Sawtooth Club has a wide selection of signature cocktails made with craft regional liquors to choose from.
Specialties include Idaho Lemonade, made with Idaho Blue-Ice huckleberry vodka, Sprite and lemonade, or the Western Old Fashioned, which is a mixture of small-batch Yellowstone Select Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, fresh orange, and a splash of Grand Marnier with a cinnamon-sugar rim. Or warm up with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate--Hot Chocolate, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Tuaca, Caramel and Whipped Cream or a Baldy Bomber-Brandy, Peppermint Schnapps, Hot Chocolate and Whipped Cream. For dinner, indulge in the award-winning Rack of Lamb, marinated in olive oil, rosemary, garlic, soy and merlot, seared on the mesquite fire, then oven-roasted, served with house-made mint sauce, red wine demi-glace. Or savor the Mesquite-Grilled Filet Mignon, the tenderest cut of all, specially-aged, northwest-grown, grass-fed beef, hand-cut at 8 ounces and grilled over a mesquite fire, finished with a rich red wine demi-glace.
Housed in a building over a century old, the Pioneer Saloon opened in 1945. It
underwent a transformation in 1972--hence the phrase “Where were you in 72?” the theme of their annual Pio Days celebration held each November. Now owned by Duffy and Sheila Witmer, this Ketchum landmark, known as “the Pio” by locals, is a perennial favorite not just for its Western charm–check out the tin ceiling, pioneer artifacts (including bullet boards and a 1953 Winchester Model 21 twelve-gauge shotgun used by Hemingway for bird hunting), and trophy animal heads that line the wall, but also for its food. The grub also has timeless appeal. Favorites among locals and visitors include the Prime Rib - Midwest Certified Angus Beef aged in-house, the Pioneer beef kabob, or Jim Spud (Baked Potato with Teriyaki Beef, Potato Toppings and Cheese). Some say if you haven’t been to the Pioneer Saloon, you haven’t been to Ketchum.
Whatever your taste or preference, you are sure to enjoy the fine culinary traditions of these time-honored establishments. ï
Less than 30 years after silver was discovered near the headwaters of the Big Wood River, a mining town called Leadville was firmly established with a population of 2,000. Home to four restaurants, numerous “female boarding houses,” and 13 saloons, the town applied for official recognition but was informed there were too many towns named “Leadville.” It was decided to name the community after David Ketchum, a colorful local. It takes plenty of hard-drinking miners to keep more than a dozen bars open in such a small town. From the start, Ketchum has been a place to party.
Ketchum now has a population of about 3,600, and many of its watering holes have been around for decades. Here is a sampling of those with a long history of welcoming imbibers.
Whiskey Jacques’ was destroyed by fire in 2008, but owner Karin Martin rebuilt the live music venue and sports bar with higher ceilings and a much roomier feel but still managed to keep the dark-wood, mountain-town feel of the old Whiskey’s. Started in 1938 as the Alpine Club, it occasionally hosted games of chance and was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Renamed Whiskey Jacques in 1977, it’s a premiere venue for live music. Find a spot on the dance floor or drink in the views of Bald Mountain.
Hemingway discovered the Duchin Lounge (sometimes called the “Duchin Room” by locals)
in the 1930s. Named after Marjorie Duchin, who decorated the room in the lobby of the Sun Valley Lodge, the Duchin Room offers signature cocktails like the Jamaican-Me-Crazy (Appleton estate rum, Averna amaro liqueur, lime, orgeat, topped with nutmeg) or Huckleberry Collins (belvedere organics lemon & basil vodka, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, huckleberry syrup, lemon, club soda, mint sprig). Ask for the “Hemingway Special Daiquiri,” made with fresh lime and grapefruit juices.
Built in 1926 of logs harvested from Baldy, the Casino was once a working casino, café and hotel until gambling was outlawed in the 1950s. One of Ernest Hemingway’s regular haunts, the Casino is a favorite late-night spot. Though you can no longer play craps, blackjack or roulette, don’t miss your cue to play billiards with a local celebrity. This favorite watering hole is known by numerous nicknames like “the Cash Bar,” “the Casbah,” or “the Can’t Say No.
Almost 50 years old, Grumpy’s started around Cinco de Mayo in 1978. Indulge in one of the schooners they serve, which is about the size of a kiddie pool, and it’s unlikely you’ll stay grumpy if you come in that way. Serving both burgers and beers to locals, skiers, and celebrities like Bruce Springsteen or Tom Hanks, the ceiling is festooned with a kaleidoscope of beer cans.
In an Old West town like Ketchum, plenty of saloons offer a spirited time.
At 4 Roots, all of our juices, smoothies and acai bowls are all made fresh and customizable! Dedicated to being as organic as possible, all thier meats are humanely raised and free from all nitrates and antibiotics. Juices are cold pressed to order using the freshest ingredients in unique and healthful flavor combinations.
611 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.420.8418.
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.
Visit us at one of our spectacular locations, both featuring beautiful outdoor views, fantastic food and outstanding service. Baking locally in Sun Valley since 1997 using only the most wholesome ingredients from sustainable sources. Fresh and homemade is how we do it! 271 Northwood Way, Ketchum. 208.726.2035.
Locally roasted, custom blended coffee brewed to perfection. Large selection of loose-leaf tea. Home-
baked scones, muffins and breads. Breakfast and lunch. 208 N. River St., Hailey. 208.928.6200.
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 pickup. 103 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0263.
Offering rich and mouth-watering gelato, milkshakes and empanadas. Also serving a selection of boba tea, coffee, and sweet treats and baked goods—all handmade from scratch.
126 S. River St. A-8, Hailey. 208.928.4814
The perfect place for a summer or winter outing. Enjoy one of the carefully maintained trail loops (on foot or bike in the summer, or on Nordic skis when the snow flies), before sitting down for a handcrafted lunch using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Call or check their website for special dinner events and offerings, like their Galena Full Moon Dinners. 15187 State Hwy. 75, Ketchum. 208.726.4010.
Adjacent to the Sun Valley Lodge lobby, Gretchen’s
Restaurant welcomes you with a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and full bar service.
Sun Valley Lodge. 208.622.2144.
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.
Hangar Bread is a neighborhood bakery, specializing in long-fermented sourdough breads. They also make baguettes, bagels, rolls ciabbatta, cinnamon rolls, pizzas, cookies and sandwiches. Open Mon-Fri. 111 N. 1st Ave., Ste. #1., Hailey.
We are a bakery, floral design and gift shop offering fresh-baked sweets, custom cakes, flowers, and an array of unique gifts.
580 4th St. East, Ketchum, 208.726.0115; 91 E. Croy St., Hailey, 208.928.4088.
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.
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.
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
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. 391 Walnut Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.6413.
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 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.
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.
Best sandwiches in town! Enjoy a perfectly packed breakfast burrito, fresh salads, the locals favorite “Bacado” (house roasted turkey, bacon, Swiss, avocado), and a wonderful lineup of homemade soups—all served with fresh ingredients and a warm chocolate chip cookie.
14 E. Croy St., Hailey. 208.788.8844.
Established in 1996, Shorty’s is a family-owned business that serves great food with exceptional customer
service. Step out of the present and back into the 50s, with genuine, functioning old school jukeboxes which add an extra touch of authenticity and nostalgia to this retro American Diner experience. Open every day. Serving breakfast All Day.
126 S. River St. A-2, Hailey. 208.578.1293
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. 16546 N. Hwy. 75, Sawtooth City (over Galena Summit). smileycreeklodge.com.
Offering a 100% plant-based menu, designed with the mission of making healthy and sustainable dining more available to everyone, Wylde Beet creates mindful eats that taste good, makes you feel great and helps us tread a little more mindfully.
400 N. Main St. Hailey. 208.913.0087
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.
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.
Salted Sprig specializes in fresh, thoughtful and inventive meals that satisfy the needs of all palates at your table—offering delicious and healthy gluten-free, dairyfree, vegan or nut-free options to satisfy every dietary need. The talented team of chefs and bakers at Salted Sprig can also work to create the perfect menu for all of your events small and large. Reach out to see how they can help plan your event!
220 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.957.3092
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.
For 34 years, Apple’s Bar & Grill has been a popular spot for lunch and aprés-ski—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 gathering with good friends.
205 Picabo St., Ketchum. 208.726.7067.
A family-friendly restaurant with exceptional service and food, the Ketchum Burger Grill has been providing loyal customers with the best burgers, lobster bisque, soups and chowders in town since 1995!
102 N.Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.7733.
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.
Enjoy the neighborhood-tavern feel of La Cab Sports Bar while dining on local favorites that include a buffalo chicken sandwich, jalapeño poppers, wings, burgers and fish and chips.
107 Hwy. 75, Hailey. 208.788.5048.
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.
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 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-oniontopped hamburger.
104 S. Main St., Bellevue. 208.788.4449.
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
25 taps with beer, wine, cider, and kombucha on tap! Join us for the game on one of our big-screen TVs. We fill growlers, crowlers, and have kegs, bottles, and cans to go! Two locations—Hailey and Ketchum—with seasonal outdoor seating at both spots.
631 Warm Springs Rd., Ketchum. 208.726.6803; 110 N. River St., Hailey. 208.788.3213.
Roots offers a chic and cozy space to explore wine and food. The menu is geared toward lunch and happy hour snacking, with an array of cheese and charcuterie boards, snacks and small plates.
122 S.Main St., Hailey. 208.928.4376.
Scout is a celebration of good wine, good food and community. Their extensive wine list is accompanied by a selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as thoughtful bar snacks.
360 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.928.4031.
Ketchum’s original wine bar is the place to go for lunch, an afternoon break, happy hour, après ski, or to meet up with friends. The owners are passionate about wine, carrying over 1,000 bottles of hand-curated wines to satisfy wine enthusiasts of every type.
360 Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.2442.
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.
Featuring award-winning, authentic barbecue right here in Idaho, along with 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
TNT / Tap Room is a craft beer and wine bar focusing on organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines, with 12 rotating taps of independent craft beer. We’re located in a piece of Ketchum history in the dynamite shed.
271 Sun Valley Road E., Ketchum.
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.
The ever-changing menu brings you the best provisions from across the Northwest in our comfortable neighborhood pub setting. The best summer deck in town with fire pits and rocking chairs for comfort and conversation. 280 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.2739.
Whiskey’s on Main is a historic venue and sports bar serving upscale pub fare that offers a lively and casual atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, Whiskey’s boasts a wide selection of brews including local craft brews, as well as a full bar with a variety of spirits and cocktails. 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.620.5496.
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. Their distinct seasonal menu will introduce you to unique Indian ingredients, combined with the freshest of produce in seasonal dishes that are an interpretation of customary Indian cuisine using international techniques and inspirations. 230 Walnut Ave., Ketchum. 208.913.0609.
MEXICAN/SOUTH AMERICAN
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.
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.
Authentic Peruvian cuisine served in a family-friendly atmosphere. La vida mas feliz! 200 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.7929.
This cheerful, laid-back burrito joint serves delicious fish tacos and offers a make-your-own burrito, with a choice of 27 fillings.
460 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.928.6955; 121 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.7217.
Only one way to put it…best authentic Mexican food in town. The town’s hidden gem that is truly a favorite. 103 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.1255; 160 W. 5th St., Ketchum. 208.725.5001; 745 N. Main St., Bellevue. 208.928.7550.
Enjoy true Mexican food in downtown Hailey. Pollo rancherito, carne asada and “Sandy” tacos are house specialties not to be missed.
14 W. Croy St., Hailey. 208.578.1700.
Serva Peruvian Cuisine is all about simple clean ingredients and inspiring flavor. Step inside and experience a fusion of Peruvian and American food served in a healthy and unique way using the freshest quality ingredients seasonally. Traditional recipes from Rodolfo Serva’s family appear alongside the unique creations of Chef Edgar for an upscale Peruvian dining experience.
200 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.4332.
MEDITERRANEAN/ITALIAN/PIZZA
A culinary collaboration between Juan Flores and Cristina Ceccatelli Cook (founder of Cristina’s restaurant), Aroma serves lunch and dinner weekly, with daily rotating specials featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and gourmet European specialties. AROMA is the place to be for an authentic taste of Europe right here in Idaho!
520 Second St., E., Ketchum. 208.726.6427.
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.
Lupo 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.
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.
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 and memorable neighborhood experience that people love!”
200 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.622.5625.
Outstanding Pizza with great mountain vibes. Local family-owned restaurant focusing on crazy good pizza, salads, and appetizers. Dedicated to using the best ingredients from our true Italian San Marzano tomatoes, housemade sausage, freshest produce available, our touch is in everything we
offer. Great beer and wine selection to fill every need. Stop in and see if you are Tall enough for a free pie!
121 N. Main St., Hailey 208.913.0523.
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.
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.
Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a log cabin with views of Bald Mountain. With specials such as tender slow cooked Lamb Shank served in a Massaman curry, Shrimp in a Ceramic Pot served on top clear vermicelli noodles and Fresh Rolls with housemade peanut sauce, Ida Thai is your place to celebrate a special occasion, relax after a day on the mountain, or order online.
310 S. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726-7155
Hailey’s newest sushi-seafood-steak and martini bar. Serving Asian fusion, sushi, steak and seafood selections. A full bar with handcrafted cocktails and lounge for drinks you can’t put down.
416 N. Main St., Hailey.
“The Ramen Place,” Ramen Cowboy is a local’s take on traditional Japenese noodle soup, serving fromscratch ramen using all locally sourced ingredients, handmade noodles and featuring their 18-hour authentic Tonkotsu broth! The menu features snacks, noodles and more with Dine-In or To-Go options that are quick, homemade and delicious!
640 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.309.3493.
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 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.
Japanese Steak House serving fresh Hibachi-style Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Scallop and Salmon grilled fresh to order with mixed vegetables, and fresh rice and fried rice. Sushi that is mouth watering with fried and fresh sushi rolls, along with Nigiri and Sashimi.
745 N. Main St., Suite B, Belleue. 208.751.1497.
This cozy place was built in 1932 as a church and then later on was an architect’s office, 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.
Bellevue’s Cutthroat Club highlights the best Wood River Valley and Idaho has to offer by partnering with area farmers and producers.
200 S. Main St., Bellevue.. 208.913.0285.
All new and inviting, this legendary lounge serves up cocktails, imported beer and an extensive wine list. Now, you can also duck in for a quick bite from our lounge menu. Sun Valley Lodge. 208.622.2145.
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.
For over 30 years (since 1991), 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.
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.
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 golf course (summer) or Nordic trails (winter). The Sun Valley Club brings exciting, contemporary dishes that are focused on local ingredients. 1 Trail Creek Rd., Sun Valley. 208.622.2919.
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.
The Pioneer Saloon, renowned for perfectly aged, tender and flavorful beef, is typical of an earlier 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.
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 at the Sun Valley Inn. 208.622.2225.
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 Main St S., Ketchum, ID 208.726.5233
TUNDRA Restaurant in Hailey is a hip place serving creative, freshly made food, beer, wine and bubbles. We strive to provide the best service, best food and an unique and fun experience! Reservations can be made online at tundrahailey.com.
516 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.4121.
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.
This cheerful, laid-back burrito joint serves delicious fish tacos and offers a make-your-own burrito, with a choice of 27 fillings.
2794 S. Eagle Rd., Suite 600, Eagle. 208.629.8553; 616 N. Third St., McCall. 208.634.5500.
Come experience Boise’s newest culinary hub—with 10 eateries and two bars, all under one roof. The vendors were carefully curated to reflect Boise’s diverse culture and showcase some of the city’s best up-and-coming culinary talent, with room to grow. Diners can check out fresh and exciting eateries with every type of cuisine. So next time you find yourself in downtown Boise, belly up to the bar, grab a bite, enjoy the weekly live entertainment, and taste for yourself at The Warehouse Food Hall. 370 S. 8th St., Boise. warehouseboise.com.
Award-winning restaurant, Elevation 486 is perched on the south rim of The Canyon, 486 vertical feet above the beautiful Snake River. Voted Idaho’s “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” in 2022, Elevation 486 is a charming and modern bistro serving up eclectic new-American cuisine with global influences. The dining area and patio terrace offer stunning views of the Snake River Canyon, the Perrine Bridge and the surrounding Magic Valley region. 195 River Vista Place, Twin Falls. 208.737.0486.
Milner’s Gate is an Idaho craft brewery and restaurant located in a historic brick building in the heart of Twin Falls. The carefully chosen menu features “creative interpretations of classic American bistro and pub fare” along with a full bar featuring craft cocktails.
w e d d i n g s
WORDS BY LORI WILLIAMS
PHOTOS BY HILLARY MAYBERY
When setting up mutual friends to meet at a party in New York City backfired on Jacqueline Fox and Anthony Heaton, the two hit it off instead. Both are from New Jersey and attended Georgetown University at the same time but never formally met there.
During a cold NYC winter, Anthony took Jackie to Palm Beach to visit their friends for a warm weekend. The friends weren’t in town, but that was Anthony’s plan, as he proposed in a lovely park in the Florida sunshine.
Marrying in Sun Valley was an easy decision as Jackie had spent summers and Christmas here her entire life. A string quartet played “Stand by Me” as Jackie walked down the aisle in the Idaho hills, the scene set against a moody sky that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses and the fabulous florals and petal-carpeted aisle of bright pink and orange hues by Taylor’d Events. Among the 200 friends and family members were Anthony’s grandparents from Italy.
One of Jackie’s favorite details was the pink sneakers she changed into for the after-dinner dance party.
In the end, it was the guests that truly made the wedding special. “We had such an amazing combination of family and friends who were just excited to be there, and we could not have asked for a more incredible celebration to start our life together. ï
s o u r c e
Location: Private Residence
Planner: Heather Minor Events
Photographer: Hillary Maybery Photography
Florist: Taylor’d Events
Catering: At Your Place Catering, Steven & Becky Ludwig
Cake: Hank & Sylvie’s
Rentals: That’s Entertainment & Studio 11
Entertainment: High Line
Dress: Amsale
Bar: Road Bars
Hair: Danielle Anspach
Beauty: Britt Davis Beauty
As a special touch to the service, Anthony’s grandmother chose a passage from the Bible to read during the ceremony. Another personal inclusion was the reading of the Bob Dylan song “Make You Feel My Love,” covered by Adele.
WORDS BY CAROLYN FRENCH PHOTOS BY AMANDA NAGY
Kelley and Chris were surrounded by 45 of their closest family and friends when they exchanged their “I do’s” at their winter wedding. The intimate affair was a celebration of love, skiing, and family history.
Kelley, originally from Sun Valley, and Chris, from Detroit, Michigan, now reside in Park City, Utah. Their love story began in Park City at a ski racing “fit night.” Chris, then working for Fischer Skis, noticed Kelley, who was fitting kids for POC gear. Introduced by a colleague, they quickly bonded over skiing dates, ensuring they
could keep up with each other on the slopes. The proposal was equally adventurous: on a mountain biking ride in Greenhorn Gulch. Their wedding at Trail Creek Cabin held deep personal significance for Kelley. Her parents had lived in the upstairs apartment in the 80’s while her dad managed food and beverage services there. Stunning florals, sage accents and greenery adorned the venue, and an “après ski party” at Roundhouse, a nod to the mountains that brought them together, rounded out the weekend festivities. ï
s o u r c e
Location: Trail Creek Cabin
Planner: Absolute Weddings / Amanda Seaward
Photographer & Videographer: Amanda René Photography
Florist: Tara Bella Flowers
Catering: Sun Valley Company
Cake: Cakes by Amber Greene
Invites: Zola.com
Entertainment: Travis McDaniel
WORDS BY CAROLYN FRENCH PHOTOS BY ADRIANA KLAS
Taylor and Will Brokaw’s love story began in Idaho, and a decade later, their commitment was sealed in the very heart of their hometown. The couple first met in 2010 during preseason soccer at Sun Valley Community School in Ketchum, shortly after Will’s family moved to town. Their high school romance blossomed again years later in San Francisco, where they both moved after college. Will, originally from Brooksville, Maine, and Taylor, a Ketchum native, knew their wedding had to be in the place where their story began.
Will proposed to Taylor on December 26, 2021, in front of the Sun Valley Inn. After her enthusiastic “yes,” they celebrated with loved ones at Taylor’s family home, enjoying a meal catered by her favorite restaurant, Enoteca.
The couple planned a wedding embodying simple elegance, with a bridal hike up Proctor Mountain and a rehearsal dinner at the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens. The blue, green, and white color palette beautifully complemented the natural surroundings. ï
s o u r c e
Location: Private Residence & Sawtooth Botanical Gardens
Planner: Heather Minor Events
Photographer: Adriana Klas Photography
Florist: Taylor’d Events
Catering:
Mason Family Restaurant Catering
Rentals:
That’s Entertainment & Studio 11
Invites: Willow Papery
Entertainment: Modern Retrospect
Hair: Danielle Anspach
Dress: Monique Lhuillier
WORDS BY LAURIE SAMMIS
PHOTOS BY SYDNEY MARIE
Kenny and Gray wanted their wedding day to honor and reflect the abundance of love in their lives because of the people in it—the people both physically with them and those who were looking down on them. They had both lost friends at a young age and it was important that their spiritual presence was honored. Ties of family and friendship were embedded into every detail of the wedding, from the vendors chosen, to the botanicals stitched onto her bridal veil, to the notes written to the guests.
The bride discovered a shoulder bag from the Fall 2019 Valentino collection featuring the work of four romantic poets embroidered in images and poetry, which essentially set the mood and theme for the wedding. She says that when she saw the words of Robert Montgomery, “There’s a forever beyond the sky. I think we should go there tonight,” inscribed on an ethereal shoulder bag, she knew the rest of her outfit would have to revolve around that piece. ï
The bride’s best advice, passed down to her from countless family and friends was to hire professionals to help bring your vision to life and then to enjoy the day: “Your wedding day will fly by, just try your best to take it all in.” Gray credits Taylor Holden and her entire team with helping to bring that pivotal image and quote to life on her wedding day.
BY
Our floral design is uniquely elegant for every occasion. Locally owned and operated, we take pride in meticulously creating thoughtful floral arrangements tailored for every occasion.
s o u r c e
Rehearsal Dinner & Caterer: The Grill at Knob Hill
Reception & Caterer: The Valley Club
Planner: Londyn & Grey Events
Photographer: Sydney Marie Co.
Florist: Fleur De V
Paper & Placecards: Designs by Lauren Phillips
Tabletop: XoWyo Paper & Press
Videographer: George Mays
DJ: Jackie Hollander
Sound & Production: Soundwave Events
Hair: The Feathered Flip
Beauty: Britt Davis Beauty
WORDS BY LORI WILLIAMS
PHOTOS BY KIRSTEN SHULTZ
The best of fall in Sun Valley wrapped itself up in the glorious, late September wedding day of Andie Taylor and Gabriel Alvarado at Trail Creek last year, and the season blazed from within the bridal bouquet’s bright fall colors to the evening’s last amber glass of champagne.
The pair first met and became friends while at Stanford University, but it wasn’t until after graduation they began to date. Gabe proposed to Andie privately at a favorite location—Crane Cove Park in San Francisco—and the next day, the two jetted off on an international trip.
After the ceremony, Gabe and Andie planned an extended cocktail hour, including corn hole, live string musicians, a saxophonist, plenty of cocktail sipping, and guests mingling. Andie’s Dad selected the flavors for the three-tiered cake from Sun Valley as a surprise. ï
s o u r c e
Location: Trail Creek Cabin
Rehearsal Dinner & Caterer: Enoteca Restaurant & Wine Bar
Reception & Caterer: Sun Valley Resort
Planner: Absolute Weddings / Amanda Seaward
Photographer & Videographer: Kirsten Shultz Photography
Florist: Bloom Theory
Rentals:
That’s Entertainment & Studio 11
Dress: Ines Di Santo
Hair: The Feathered Flip
Beauty: Meredith Skillman
As the premiere event rental company in the Sun Valley area, That’s Entertainment has everything you need to bring your vision to life. From classic china and stemware, to handmade tables and luxurious dining chairs, to sub-flooring and large-scale tenting, we carry it all. We also sell wine by the case at the best prices in the valley! Whether you’re planning a dinner party for 12, a cocktail party for 75, or a wedding for 300, That’s Entertainment can help you make your next event an exceptional one.
WORDS BY LAURIE SAMMIS
PHOTOS BY DEV KHALSA
Rebecca & David had quite the party to celebrate their love at Trail Creek Cabin on Saturday! David’s family has been coming to Sun Valley for many years, and the couple, who met just before starting Harvard Business School together, were so excited to share this place that is so special to them with all of their family and friends. The wedding was the perfect mix of all of the right things—the sweet intimate moments of the first look, a touching ceremony under the Chuppah overlooking Baldy, cocktails by the creek, touching and entertaining toasts and dancing up a storm with a great band! ï
s o u r c e
Location: Trail Creek Cabin
Wedding Planner: Heather Minor Events
Photographer: Dev Khalsa Photography
Florist: Tara Bella Flowers
Catering: Sun Valley Company
Rentals:
That’s Entertainment & Studio 11
Invitations: Union Street Papery
Late Night: The Haven & The Grill at Knob Hill
Entertainment: Metro Music Club & Kevin Ware
Hair:
Danielle Anspach & Mane Muse
Makeup: Lea Bare Sun Valley
Videographer: Radion
Transportation: Sun Valley Shuttle
Officiant: Rabbi Robbie
Pure Medical Spa
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
PURE provides the highest quality skin care and cosmetic products for everyone. With a well-stocked inventory of the best products available, we provide a positive, personal and pleasurable experience for everyone— men, women, teens and children.
208.727.9080 | puresunv.blogspot.com
Full service, professional and pampering nail services with multiple chairs for your entire wedding party. Offering manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, nail art, waxing, polish changes, and kids services.
208.928.7385 | saigonvnnail.com
Simply Skin
With over 12 years of experience in medical aesthetics, Deidra Piper is dedicated to serving her clients with the most resultdriven, innovative procedures available. Her everyday mission is to help you feel beautiful in your own skin. We offer many top grade medical aesthetic services, injections, fillers, Intense Pulsed Light, Laser Hair Removal, Sclerotherapy, Microdermabrasion, facials, chemical peels and more!
208.725.0150 | simplyskin511.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 | zenergysv.com
Whether you are looking to plan a private event at one of our restaurants or would like us to come cook at a venue of your choosing, we are happy to help you set up the perfect event. Our catering team loves to spend time working with clients to provide a perfect menu and wine parings for your next party—and can easily work with all types of budgets and offer options to fit everyone’s preferences. Contact our catering team at mfrprovisions@gmail.com. 208.928.6280 | ketchum-enoteca.com
Grill at Knob Hill
The environment at the Knob Hill Inn is casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated; and stunning outdoor garden seating offers the perfect summer event backdrop.
Featuring distinctively Northwest cuisine and a variety of American and European classics. A top local favorite and the perfect location for your private event!
208.726.8004 | grillatknobhill.com
Privacy and breathtaking natural beauty create the picture-perfect setting for your wedding or private party at historic Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Charming accommodations, excellent cuisine and a gracious staff provide a perfect celebration event. Martha Stewart Weddings named Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch an outstanding wedding destination venue.
208.725.3000 | idahorocky.com
dinner enjoyed
Ketchum Grill
For over 30 years (since 1991), Ketchum Grill has brought your dining experience to the highest gastronomical level, and the best Idaho has to offer. Whether you are looking to plan a private event at one of our restaurants or would like us to come cook at a venue of your choosing, we are happy to help you set up the perfect event, working with all types of budgets and offering options to fit everyone’s preferences.
208.726.4660 | ketchumgrill.com
Fresh, locally grown food prepared with creative flair. Callie and Maeme Rasberry were born in the bi-cultural city of El Paso, Texas, on the border of New Mexico and Old Mexico. Growing up on a farm, they learned to appreciate the seasonality of ingredients. Whether tending to the garden, bees or chickens, the love of fresh, local ingredients was born. The girls learned to cook family recipes from Italy, the Middle East, the East Coast, West Coast and of course Texas. Prepared with love. Presented with joy. Proud to cook and work with you. 208.726.0606 | rasberrys.net/catering
Salted Sprig specializes in fresh, thoughtful and inventive meals that satisfy the needs of all palates at your table—offering delicious and healthy gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or nut-free options to satisfy every dietary need. The talented team of chefs and bakers at Salted Sprig can also work to create the perfect menu for all of your events, small and large. Reach out to see how they can help plan your special occasion!
208.957.3092 | saltedsprig.com
Originally started as the historic Alpine Club in 1938, this establishment served as a casual watering hole for locals and, occasionally, some not-so-legal gambling. Best known as a favorite location of Ernest Hemingway, the Apline’s historical roots are still alive and well within the newly remodeled Whiskey’s on Main. We can accommodate intimate gatherings of 25 to 50 and larger-scale events from 150-300 guests. Whiskey’s features four different spaces to accommodate your group size, and several outdoor decks.
208.620.5496 | whiskeysonmain.com
Privacy and breathtaking natural beauty create the picture-perfect setting for your wedding or private party at historic Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Charming accommodations, excellent cuisine and a gracious staff provide a perfect celebration event. Martha Stewart Weddings named Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch an outstanding wedding destination venue. make the entire Ranch your own—all 900 acres and 21 accommodations.
208.725.3000 | idahorocky.com
Shore Lodge
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 Sawtooth 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 Paviliion, Trail Creek Cabin, River Run Lodge, Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge or the Duck Pond Lawn. As a full-service resort, all our facilities fall under one umbrella, simplifying the planning of everything from horseback rides to cocktail hour.
208.622.2101 | sunvalley.com
Wild Horse Creek Ranch
Wild Horse Creek Ranch sits in an open valley nestled in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho. The town of Ketchum and Sun Valley Ski Resort lie 22 miles to its southwest, and to its north you’ll find Idaho’s nine highest peaks—including Mount Borah in the Lost River Range, the highest in Idaho. Wild Horse Creek Ranch accommodates a limited number of guests allowing for an exceptional experience in a casual and intimate setting. The ranch can accommodate your special event, such as hayrides, barbecues, private parties, weddings, and executive retreats.
208.588.2575 | wildhorsecreekranch.com
Absolute Weddings is a full-service wedding and event planning business that has been operating and making dreams come true in the Valley for over 10 years. We will help you with all details, from invitations and save-the-dates, 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
Alpen Joy Events
With a big heart and a lot of enthusiasm, everyone at Alpen Joy Events listens, then curates your event and guides you through every step of the planning process, making sure your dreams become beautiful
memories—from the very first chat to the final toast. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic wedding, a corporate retreat or a special celebration, let us tailor every detail to perfection. We turn moments into memories. 503.329.3673 | alpenjoyevents.com
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
Londyn & Grey Events
Londyn & Grey is an elite destination and full-service wedding and event planning company that specializes in producing and designing luxury weddings and social events with flawless execution. Our exclusive one-on-one planning and design process is tailored to each of our client’s desires, creating a timeless, beautiful and unmatched celebration. Taylor Holden, founder and executive creative for Londyn & Grey, has been featured in BRIDES, The Knot, Carats & Cake, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, Sun Valley Magazine, and several other publications. Her weddings are known to be timeless, classic and understated elegance..
208.721.3843 | londynandgrey.com
EVENT
The EVENT is a premier party planning and event rental company that creates unique & unforgettable functions. We execute your dream from concept to completion, taking your vision and keeping it within your budget. Co-owners Penny Weiss and Brittany Pieschl have a combined over 35 years of experience in the hospitality and event business. Our goal is for you to be a guest at your own party.
208.309.2208 | theeventsv.com
rentals
That’s Entertainment
Servicing events all the way from Stanley and the Sawtooth Valley in the north to the lower Wood River Valley, That’s Entertainment provides exceptional rental
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company services to the Sun ValleyKetchum area. They carry an extensive line of high-quality rental items including a variety of tent and table sizes, a selection of folding and ballroom-style chairs, dance floors, multiple china patterns, and more. That’s Entertainment provides free consultations along with CAD-generated tent floorplans and will happily assist you with your tabletop and linen design. 208.726.8800 | thatsentertainmentsv.com
Brass Ranch
Brass Ranch specializes in on-trend and classic apparel and accessories for men and women, there is something to meet everyone’s needs. Some of our featured designers include Moncler, Frauenschuh, Bogner, Goldbergh, Arc’teryx, Kjus, Half Days, Fusalp, Toni Sailer BA&SH, Paige Premium Denim, Clare V., Aviator Nation, Veja, Vince, Rodd and Gunn, Ralph Lauren Polo, Rails and Vuori.
208.622.2021 | sunvalley.com/shopping
Earl’s Authentics
We’re an independent purveyor of quality goods for men (and humans in general) nestled in the mountains of Ketchum, Idaho. Earl’s Authentics provides a unique menswear retail experience for those with discerning tastes with a focus on durable, domestically manufactured products. 208.913.0043 | earlsauthentics.com
Elle Rose
Luxury fashion designers in world famous Sun Valley ski resort, featuring two locations—the contemporary store and the designer store. Shop luxury fashions, accessories and jewelery designs from top brands including Alaia, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Botegga Veneta, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermés, Isabel Marant, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Mansur Gavriel, Loro Piana, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Versace, Ipploita, Pasquale Bruni, and more.
208.726.8871, 208.726.8873 | ellerosesv.com
Premier Cleaners
Fine, quality dry cleaning. Experience is our biggest strength and our team consists of expert dry cleaners, master tailors, and knowledgeable staff who have been in the business for generations. Premier cleaners
is eco-friendly…We use biodegradable and clear detergents for all our services. Open Monday through Saturday.
208.928.7880 | premiercleanersid.com
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, including fantastic pieces that will make you stand out in a crowd.
208.622.4228 | panachesunvalley.com
Silver Creek Outfitters
Silver Creek Outfitters, simply put, defines the Sun Valley lifestyle. From caddis flies to cashmere, we carry hand-selected items of the finest quality that will take you from a day on the river to an evening on the town. Offering elegant and unique gift items, and the finest selection of ladies and men’s clothing and accessories—a beautiful collection of everything you need to look like a local.
208.726.5282 | silver-creek.com
The Wildflower
From silk to cashmere, a trip to this distinctive store is an opportunity to sample from fashion’s latest trends. Carrying favorite brands such as Johnny Was, Wildfox, Joe’s Jeans, and many more, The Wildflower specializes in affordable, elegant clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts in a lovely, boutique atmosphere.
208.788.2425 | thewildfloweridaho.com
Gourmet gift baskets, fresh, silk and dried flower arrangements. We deliver and wire flowers anywhere.
208.726.7788 | primaverasunvalley.com
Tara Bella Flowers
Tara Bella Flowers specializes in beautiful destination weddings and eye-popping special events. Celebrated for her unique style and meticulous 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
Two Hands Floral
At Two Hands Floral, we believe in the power of flowers to shape and tell your story. Whether it is through delicate hand-tied bouquets, extravagant hanging installations, or luxurious floral arrangements, our passion is to personalise your event with meticulous attention to detail. We take pride in using only the freshest, highest-quality blooms, sourced from local farmers and growers. We aim to create curated and impactful floral designs that truly embody the magic of your story.
208.727.7079 | twohandsfloral.com
Yellow House Floral
Specializing in innovative and stylish floraldesign, Yellow House Floral (formerly Sue Ellen Bridgman Florist) is the premier florist in the Sun Valley-Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue area (consistently voted the #1 florist in the valley). Our reputation for quality and service is built on years of creating beautiful and spectacular everyday flower arrangements, weddings, parties, conventions, and distinctive events. Our award-winning design team can create anything you can dream up ... or, we can do the dreaming for you! From the exotic and bold to simple and elegant, we can do it all.
208.725.0606 | yellowhousefloral.com
Taylor’d Events
Primavera Plants & Flowers
Primavera Plants & Flowers is Sun Valley’s premier florist specializing in weddings, parties and home décor. Orchid plants, blooming and foliage plants, baskets, candles, pottery and planters.
Taylor’d Events offers full wedding and event planning services and also offers full floral services, from a single arrangement delivered for a special occasion to a full floral scheme designed, created and installed for your wedding or event.
208.725.2027 | taylordeventssv.com
— Andie & Gabe
Barry Peterson Jewelers
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.
208.726.5202 | barrypeterson.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelery at the Sun Valley Resort
After 25 years trailblazing the luxury jewelry market in Oklahoma City, Valerie Naifeh of Naifeh Fine Jewelry has expanded to a second location in the iconic Sun Valley Resort where the beloved Towne & Parke Jewelry resided for 33 years. An award-winning designer known for her carefully curated selection of dazzling global jewelry, art and gifts, Naifeh Fine Jewelry specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces for a collector of any age, starting at just $300.00. Synonymous with craftsmanship, value and sustainability, Valerie is famous for her eponymous, colorful line of fine jewelry and known for her superlative custom jewelry designs. With state-of-theart equipment and a team of nine artisan jewelers in her arsenal, anything you dream up Naifeh Fine Jewelry can do!
208.622.3522 | naifehfinejewelry.com
Adriana Klas Photography
When it comes to your special day, Adriana Klas strives to document every curated detail, but her commitment goes beyond just the aesthetics. Her couples can expect her to capture authentic moments throughout the day and provide delicate guidance during portraits. “It’s about understanding the essence of your love story and translating it into a visual masterpiece,” say Adriana. “I take pride in collaborating seamlessly with your vendors to ensure a flawless experience for you and your loved ones. Your wedding day deserves nothing short of perfection.” adriana.klas@gmail.com | adrianaklas.com
Amanda René Photography
Amanda René is a multi-talented photographer offering a variety of services to the Valley while specializing in wedding photography. If you are looking for a photographer to capture special images of your wedding and more, look no further. Amanda René also offers services for family portraits and senior pictures.
615.495.0789 | amandarene.com
Dev Khalsa Photography
I am a documentary photographer at heart, but, to me, photographing weddings is more than simply capturing the moments before me. Providing truly great images goes beyond technical expertise. It requires insight, intuition and the ability to connect on an emotional level. Success, for me, is measured by the amount of laughter and tears my images provoke. My goal is to create images that are bold, authentic and enduring. As a wedding photographer, I am devoted not only to creating spectacular images, but also to ensuring a wonderful experience for my clients.
208.788.2849 | devkhalsaphotography.com
Hillary Maybery Photography
A SoCal girl at heart, I fell in love with photography after discovering the darkroom in high school, but put that dream on hold to pursue my passion for sports. At 23, I became one of the first female professional snowboarders, traveling the world competing in various events (including the X Games), but always knew that I would come back to photography. My goal is to approach each wedding from a unique perspective and love for the joy of mountain living. I love what I do, and take pride in a knack for noticing and capturing what makes my clients special.
208.720.3817 | hillarymayberyweddings.com
Kirsten Shultz Photography
An award-winning editorial and wedding lifestyle photographer, unobtrusively documenting the beauty of the day as it unfolds. Recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. Available in Sun Valley and worldwide (Kirsten will travel to your location).
208.481.0138 | ksweddings.com
Picket Fence
Proudly serving our loyal clientele for over 30 years, The Picket Fence offers stylish tabletop settings, luxury gifts, unique home
décor and fine bath products. Conveniently register online, and have your gifts wrapped and ready for pick-up, or let our friendly staff assist you in our Sun Valley store. 866.944.5511 | thepicketfence.com
Willow Papery
Celebrating in Sun Valley? Let Willow Papery help. A full-service stationery boutique, Willow Papery carries a wide range of invitations, gifts, greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbon and Kristy Logan Jewelry. We’re also here to assist with lastminute printing needs: menu cards, place cards, gift tags and so much more. 208.726.0456 | willowpapery.com.
Miller’s Limo
Miller’s Limo is capable of packing your skis, snowboards, dogs, bikes, wedding bouquets, and whatever else you need to enjoy your time in Sun Valley. We’re perfect for taking you and your family for a day trip up to Stanley, or picking you up at the Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City airports. Whatever your needs, Miller’s Limo can deliver! We also provide transportation for weddings, private parties & special events. 208.720.3861 | millerslimo.com
Mountain Resort Services
Mountain Resort Services offers chauffeured transportation using professional local drivers with over 75 years of combined experience. 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 preand post-wedding group tours, our team has you covered. Make it a vacation—leave the details to us.
208.726.9351 | mountain-resort-services.com
The Sun Valley Sun is as storied and varied as the history of the Sun Valley Resort iteslf—dating to the very beginning, in 1936, when resort founder Averell Harriman’s PR man Steve Hannagan famously coined the phrase “Winter Sports Under a Summer Sun” and marketed it on every poster he could print. Since then, creative variations on the Sun Valley Sun have appeared on everything from posters and ice sculptures to Barry Peterson’s famous diamond-encrusted sun and the original Sun Valley Magazine logo. Perhaps, the presence of all these suns and the sunny attitude of Valley locals simply help prove the truth in Walt Whitman’s words: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
PHOTOS: COLLECTION FROM THE WOODRIVER VALLEY
