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Canada
Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Photos Courtesy of Idaho Tourism Council.
Although it's cold, you'll be "bundled up in blankets" and once you arrive, a three-course meal with "a great steak" and tiger prawns await. Plus for entertainment, there is bluegrass music and cowboy poetry. Read more.
National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest & Festival
Weiser
800.437.1280
Weiser is the Fiddling Capital of the World and has been host to the National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest & Festival since 1953. Now more than "350 fiddlers of all ages from all over the country gather here for the festival." During this weeklong event, there are numerous activities, including "a bluegrass festival, carnival, and rodeos." There are also free music workshops during the week and a parade on Saturday. You'll find activities and food "to suit almost anyone." Read more.
Music at the Pub & Duds Laundry
Pocatello
208.232.9755
Pub & Duds Laundry combines a "great bar and acoustic cafe" with a Laundromat. You can hear everything from Celtic music to bluegrass. It's "great fun," and "musicians can participate or just listen." They serve "food, wine, and beer (including a local brew)."
The Library Coffeehouse
Meridian
208.288.1898
Big Juds
Ashton
208.652.7806
Big Juds is a "big-time diner in a small town." It is the home of the one-pound burger, the Big Jud, and if you finish one, you get your picture on the wall. The hamburgers are "as big as the plates they come on." The "atmosphere is always friendly." Come here for burgers, fresh-cut fries, shakes, and more. If you get your picture on the wall, that's great, but the true test is "if you can take on a country-style waffle cone after eating a Big Jud." Only the bravest of us would even consider the Hungry Heifer--15 scoops of ice cream with five toppings. Read more.
1313 Club
Wallace
208.752.9391
The 1313 Club is "a family-owned and operated historic saloon." So named because the original bar was 13-feet high and 13-feet wide. This is a "great place to visit, coming or going, on I-90." The food is great, and the staff and owners "make you feel like part of the family." As their motto goes: "Go slow and hurry back!" Read more.
St. Chappelle Winery Outdoor Concerts
Caldwell
208.459.7222
The summer concert series at St. Chappelle Winery is the perfect way to enjoy scenic beauty, fine wine, and the great outdoors. The "acres and acres of vineyards and orchards are lovely," and the "view of the Snake River Valley from the hill where the winery is located is breathtaking." Situated about 30 miles west of Boise, it is one of Idaho's best-known wineries. Set up a picnic, gaze at the Snake River and the Owyhee Mountains, and listen to some jazz. The grounds are "well-kept and beautifully landscaped"--perfect for an afternoon concert.
Elk River Lodge and General Store
Elk River
208.826.3299
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman
208.373.4100
Idaho is home to some of the best natural hot springs in the country. The Kirkham Hot Springs is no exception; they "feel great after a long hike or a whitewater-rafting trip on the Payette River." The hot springs are easily accessible and are close to a "cool, large stream." There is a hot-water waterfall and temperatures range from 102 to 118 degrees. Located in one of the "most beautiful mountainous regions in the Western U.S.," a soak here while it's snowing is a treat to remember. Read more.
Big Wood Bread
Ketchum
208.726.2034
For a popular, locals' bakery, go to Big Wood Bread. The bread is "amazing and is made daily from scratch." They sell only "naturally leavened bread" that is made of "organically-grown whole wheat and rye flours." The bakery is also famous for its "delicious pastries" and for lunch soups, sandwiches, and salads. The "owners are very friendly and often provide live music in the evenings." Come in the mornings for just-out-of-the-oven, fresh bread--"it's still warm." Read more.
Bogus Creek Outfitters Dinner Sleigh Ride
Bogus Basin
208.887.7880
Between November and March, the Sleigh Ride and Dinner with the Bogus Creek Outfitters is a "wonderful experience." Take a "horse drawn sleigh ride at night, in the mountains, and through the snow." The ride is about half a mile to "a warm cabin." The "horses wear bells, people sing carols, and the stars in the sky" are the only light.> Continue to next column.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
