It’s all hot springs and Hemingway lore here.
“ Idaho is like the new Colorado , and Sun Valley is like the Modern Aspen , ” a char leaned over and allege as we began our line of descent into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey , Idaho . “ Everyone ’s follow here now . ”
interchangeable toAspen — which has realize an unprecedented influx of transplants from around the area since the pandemic began — Sun Valley has served as Idaho ’s revered ski town ever since it was established as the rural area ’s first specify ski recourse in 1936 . But those same snow - covered mountains people swoosh down all wintertime look awfully pretty come summer , surrounded by the nearby Sawtooth Mountain range and set within the sweeping Wood River Valley .
celebrity , artists , and fiercely passionate local have long been a part of the fabric of this townsfolk ever since Ernest Hemingway was ask for to live and write in theSun Valley Lodgein 1939 .
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“ Many celebrities were invite to come for free . ” actress and Sun Valley occupant Ali Larter told me atThe Sun Valley Film Festival(SVFF ) in April . “ Hemingway was one of the first far-famed citizenry to come and help establish up what this mass town was , and it ’s become a part of what cook this valley the originative hub that it continues to be even today . ”
Sun Valley ’s caché remains alive and well , with its contingent of place - back locals , cool barroom , eating house , and always - cheery Sun Valley vibes . While the secret about this idyllic mountain township may be out , Aspen , I can assure you , it is not . From spending some clip soaking in the local red-hot springs to claver a few of Hemingway ’s favorite haunts , here are all the slipway to revel Hollywood ’s favorite lot townspeople , no matter the season .
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Hot springs, rail trails, lunar landscapes, and starry mountains—all under-the-radar.
Walk in Hemingway’s footprints or drink amid the flowers
With 50 peak , 300 lakes and rivers , and 250 - miles of trails , wherever you are in Sun Valley , dangerous undertaking is n’t far behind .
A good place to get your bearings is the White Cloud Trail . One of the most popular hiking loops at a easygoing 2.5 miles , it ’s a short walk or bike ride from the Sun Valley resort region . As you make your way of life along the track , contrive to contain by the Hemingway Memorial , which is a fantastic stead to soak in some persuasion .
About four miles down the Wood River Trail is theSawtooth Botanical Garden , which make for a adorable bike - drive name and address . The garden is a beautiful place to spend a few hours , specially in the summer when legion events take place , like hitch , wine tastings , and cocktail eve .
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Come on Down for the Big Cozy Sheep Parade
Every October, fans of sheep and all things fluffy flock to Idaho.
Spend the morning soaking in local hot springs or angling for rainbows
Just 10 miles west of business district Ketchum onWarm Springs Road , Frenchman ’s Bend is the full place to soak in local hot spring . This shallow spring has long been a local Sun Valley hot touch , though it ’s very muchnotclothing optional , so boney dippers mind .
But pay back hot and pruny is n’t the only room to enjoy the body of water here . Stretching 137 - miles longsighted and running at once through Sun Valley , Big Wood River is a great spot to gowhite water raftingin nearby Stanley or stress your hand at rainfly sportfishing .
If you ’re angle to get out and entrance those elusive rainbows , try aguided fishing tripor even a women ’s intro to take flight fishing clinic withSun Valley Outfitters . Big Wood is known for wild trout , though Silver Creek Preserve is another fantabulous spot ( and a Hemingway favorite ) .
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They don’t call it the Badlands for nothing.
Eat homey dishes in cozy settings
Sun Valley ’s food scene rivals that of any big city , get down with coffee berry and a ham actor and cheese croissant atKonditorei . Otherwise guide directly forThe Kneaderyfor a state frittata and ultimate Belgian waffles pass with whipped cream in downtown Ketchum .
Walk it all off before heading toWarfield Distillery & Brewery , which serves up some of the best elevate pothouse solid food . The beautiful rooftop is perfect for drinking in the views over downtown Ketchum and Baldy mint . Do n’t miss the theme song Warfield Burger and Bacon Blue Ridge Salad and carry through some room for the carrot cake if you could .
Set on a side street in downtown Ketchum , The Covey ’s hearth panache , seasonally inspired card more than delivers when it come to homemade pastas and some of the good topically catch trout you ’ve ever had . It ’s also got a killer wine leaning and a gorgeous new outdoor garden to delight it all in . If energy comes to thrust , do n’t be afraid to post up at the bar , where you could chat with some of Sun Valley ’s coolest team of locals and longtime friends who own and operate this awesome spot .
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Rickshawis the informal [ read : tiny ] region juncture to fulfill all your Asian- fusion cravings . The Korean Fried Chicken ( KFC ) , Chiang Mai Curry Noodles , and Green Papaya Salad are fudge to chef - kiss perfection . Just note that this place packs up quick and reservations can be problematical to come by , so if you ca n’t get a spot , grab your food to go and post up for a picnic in any of the nearby parks .
One absolute ca n’t miss when you ’re in Ketchum is the chance to guzzle down schooners atGrumpy ’s , a true Sun Valley legend . you could sit out front and delight the chili fries and beer , but you ’ll be missing out on the indoor ambience of this time - capsule - of - a - ski - town dive .
Come nighttime , psyche toPioneer Saloonfor margarita , pints atThe Cellar Pub , a tipple and some of Tom ’s Mom ’s Meatloaf at theSawtooth Club , before an obligatory lap atCasino .
Strike gold at the local thrift
There ’s no shortage of high - end dress shop in and around the Sun Valley Resort and business district Ketchum , but for a substantial taste of local good , Gold Mine Thrift Storeis considered the ultimate choice for all your thrifting pauperization . There ’re always gem to be found here and it ’s an added bonus that all of the proceeds go towardsThe Community Librarynext door .
For all your gear and outdoor needs , head to theElephant ’s Perch ; or for some groovy local read , face no further thanChapter One Bookstoreon a side street off the Main drag . ultimately , The Farmer ’s Daughteris the arrant plaza to pick up some cool , local home décor andIdaho knick knack .
Sleep like a star at Sun Valley’s best hotels
TheSun Valley Lodgeis the go - to spot for a five - star stay in Sun Valley . Dating back to 1936 , it ’s also the former residence of Ernest Hemingway , whose way here is said to still house his typewriter .
The hotel ’s pool area and bowling alley are always buzzing with activity , but if you ’re in the mood for some bonafide “ me time , ” head up straight to The Spa at Sun Valley , where a spin inside one of their “ Experience Showers ” in the locker way is enough to make you a believer in the top executive of one really expert shower .
Right across the court from The Lodge , theSun Valley Innis a flake more rustic than its glamourous twin — but lately remodeled and offering access to all of the same amenity as the Lodge at a fraction of the price , the Inn is a more frugal way to stay in the resort expanse .
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Just off Main Street in Ketchum , Limelight Hotelis the perfect , pet - favorable place to stay if you want to be in the meat of the action . Word to the judicious , snag a room with balcony horizon over Baldy , and do n’t miss a chance to meander down with a magnetic dip in the pond and hot tubs .
Warfield Distillery & Brewery
Rickshaw
The Gold Mine Thrift Store
Sun Valley Resort
