Talk about Southern Idaho

Our area is remarkable for the varied unique events and recreation opportunities.  Visit t Our parks, local, state and national offer everything under the sun and stars.  Remember August 14 and 15 is free fee weekend at Craters of the Moon, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monuments and City of Rocks National Reserve.  We have great  food and wine too!  Visit our wineries, Holesinki Vineyards is an organic vineyard – taste away in their tasting room – Snyder’s Winery is a delightful place – be sure to make reservations for dinner – the food and the wine are amazing! Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise in Historic Downtown Twin Falls is the place to browse for every cooking gadget and they also have a terrific selection of wine and specialty foods- while you are there  sign up for a  cooking class.   Joe Mama’s Car Show rolls into Jerome on August 18 – the cars and the experience is remarkable! And Fair season is here –  up next are the Jerome, Cassia, Minidoka and Gooding County Fairs.  Be there for the fun!  One of the great values of the summer is a special all inclusive camping/white-water rafting adventure with High Adventure River Tours.  Sign up today.  We can  assist you with your planning – call or contact us.

Take care – Be safe and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho

 Celebrate the 4th of July in Southern Idaho!  It is the perfect time see, do and stay to enjoy all there is do offer.  Our suggestions:  The Sagebrush Days Parade in Buhl - this is the quintessential Independence Day Parade.  Get a jump on the parade and run or walk in the Sagebrush Days Fun Run. Camp in the new yurts now available for rent at City of Rocks National Reserve; learn to climb – their experiential climbing program gives you the leg up!  Camp and fish at your favorite spot.  Go to the moon - Craters of the Moon and experience the wildflower explosion.  Because or our late rains - this is a banner year for the wildflowers.  In most all our small communities , there are 4th of July Fireworks…take your choice, your blanket and enjoy!  Be safe with your fireworks and remember fireworks are prohibited on all public lands.  Please take extra precautions to prevent wildfires.  Check here  for any construction delays where you are heading.  Take Care * Be Safe * Be Happy …and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

Tis’ the season to get out and go!  May we recommend - Shoshone Falls  - don’t miss this amazing site and the park, swimming, fishing and trail system makes this a great family place.   Camp in the new yurts now available for rent at City of Rocks National Reserve; learn to climb – their new experiential climbing program gives you a leg up!   The wildflowers are in bloom at Craters of the Moon- because of our recent rain - it will be a banner year for this color explosion!   The big and the fast boys are here this week for the  Idaho Regatta on June 26 and 27 on the Snake River in Burley.  This is one of the premier boat racing events in the nation – don’t miss it. Remember to check here if there is construction delays where you are heading out!

Take Care * Be Safe * Be Happy …and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

It is Spring….and the last few days have been great to get outside and enjoy what makes our region unique and fun for visitors and those of us who live here.  I run the neighborhoods of Twin Falls and this weekend I was not alone in my outdoor pursuits.  The motorcyclists were out,  as were the cyclists, the tennis, baseball and softball athletes. Spring is a wonderful time of year!  Get out and take a scenic drive– may we suggest you trek either the Back-Country Byway to City of Rocks ….a variety of lodging, restaurants and even a relaxing dip at Durfee Hot Springs will make the trip worthwhile.  Or travel west on Highway 30 which is the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway….here again you will experience  small-town charm and good things everywhere you go.  My personal favorites – coffee at the Cosmic Jolt in Buhl; experiencing the warm soothing waters of Miracle Hot Springs on your way to Hagerman. Just outside Hagerman, take a hike at the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Nature Preserve, part of Thousand Springs State Park.  Afterward, dinner at the Snake River Grill – where you can sample exotic faire such as alligator and then slumber away at the Hagerman Valley Inn. Unique stuff - you don’t want to miss….the Idaho version of Monopoly is available at the Jerome Historical Museum.  This week is National Park Week and our region is home to four National Park properties….entrance is free from April 17 – 25 at City of Rocks National Reserve, Craters of the Moon –  where the loop road is now open to cars and Hagerman Fossil Beds and Minidoka Internment National Monuments. 

Take Care *  Be Safe *  Be Happy …and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

Saturday was a great day to plant trees and we did!  Over 100 citizens of all ages gathered at Billingsley Creek Unit of Thousand Springs State Park to plant trees….and in just under 2 hours we planted 75 trees along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.  Thank you to all for making this possible;  most of all the volunteers from all over the Magic Valley who spent the morning demonstrating their commitment to our Park.  We had students, square dancers, business owners and managers, city and county officials, Cub Scouts, CSI students and so many more that cheerfully spent the morning beautifying the Park.  Throughout the summer there are opportunities to volunteer – are you interested?  Please email us at contact@visitsouthidaho.com for more information. It is spring even though winter keeps trying to stick around….however it is always time to take in a baseball or softball game at the College of Southern Idaho.  They are good and oh-so-fun to watch. Go treasure hunting - every weekend through the fall is the Flea Market at Billingsley Creek Unit of Thousand Springs State Park.Upcoming are great arts events like the Odd Couple a female version of the classic or view the stars and celebrate International Astronomy Day at the Herrett Center for Arts and Sciences and don’t miss District High School Rodeo at the CSI Expo – April 9 and 10

Take Care *  Be Safe *  Be Happy …and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

 I’ve written a lot about Thousand Springs State Park….during the past few months so many of you have helped to keep this park open for all to enjoy.  It is one of the great places to play…hike, fish, picnic, explore the past and in general be outside in truly amazing surroundings.  On Saturday, March 27, you can literally help Thousand Springs State Park.  We will be assisting Park staff in planting 150 trees at the Billingsley Creek unit just outside the City of Hagerman.  Just show up at 9 am in your work clothes ( dress for spring weather), bring shovels, gloves and if you have them heavy-duty wire cutters.  The more the merrier and the task will be accomplished in no time.  Lunch will be available, water is being furnished by Hagerman Valley Water.  Many, many thanks to Kimberly Nursery of Twin Falls for contributing the organic compost to go around the tree roots and to the City of Wendell for pre-digging the holes for the trees.  Just email us at contact@visitsouthidaho.com to volunteer. Bring your checkbook and buy your State Park Annual Park Pass – a value at $35 and you can visit any park in our great state!!!

• In this nice weather be sure to take in a men’s baseball or ladies softball game at the College of Southern Idaho.  They are good and oh-so-fun to watch! 
• Go treasure hunting - every weekend through the fall at the Flea Market at Billingsley Creek Unit of Thousand Springs State Park.
• Spend the evening with Simply Sinatra  well it is Steve Lippia doing Sinatra on March 29 – the Arts on Tour performance in the Fine Arts Center on the College of Southern Idaho campus.

Welcome 2010 - we hope this New Year is one of hope, peace and one where we truly work with each other to accomplish things for the collective good. The last little while many of us have focused our efforts to prevent the closure of  Thousand Springs State Park.  The collective units of this Park represent the best of our area…fishing, hiking, history, spectacular scenery and of course water - the lifeblood of our Valley. The  unique experiences offered are intrinsic to Idahoans and a gift we offer to guests of our state. Have you seen the Devil at the Devil’s Washbowl, enjoyed a hike along Billingsley Creek, enjoyed the splendor of Niagara Springs or fished at Crystal Lake?  The St Patrick’s Day Run at Malad Gorge means spring is here and the Thousand Springs Festival in September attracts thousands of visitors to historic Ritter Island. These are only a few of the experiences that could be lost if Thousand Springs State Park is closed.  We need your help - please contact Governor Butch Otter  or our Legislators mbell@house.idaho.gov or dcameron@senate.idaho.gov  and tell them how much Thousand Springs Park means to you and also how integral Idaho Parks and Recreation is to the management of  all our State Parks.   You can send your comments to contact@visitsouthidaho.com  or just comment on our  blog; we’ll pass them on. Margaret Mead said -  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ”   Be Safe* Be Happy * and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

There is a bit of snow on the ground, it is winter here in Southern Idaho and Thanksgiving is just a few days away. This is the time of year we work to update and make changes especially to our website that will give you the information you want and need plus some little extras. Right now we are proud for you to be able to  “Bid on the Best.” Yes you can actually buy products and packages representing the best of Southern Idaho…the first few packages are online now…just click and bid.  In the coming days you will be able to bid on some exciting packages such as skiing packages, a dinner cruise and a whitewater raft trip….we hope you’ll keep checking back.   Thank you for allowing us share all that is new, exciting and wonderful about Southern Idaho with you.  On a personal note, thank you for allowing me to come into your computers and visit with you from time to time…it is truly one of the joys of my busy life. It has been a year of change in my family…my mom has moved from my hometown…my brother, sisters and I were the recipients of many things in my parents’ home.  My father passed away over nine years ago –although it seems like only yesterday and my mom generously shared with all of us many of my dad’s belongings - now treasured by all of us. Following this tradition, last night, I gave my son; books his Grandfather loved and wanted him to have.   My son is allowing me to keep a pencil sketch he made of his beloved Grandpa until he is settled in a permanent place.  Now my dad will look down from the upstairs hallway all the time.  Sharing, memories and love - this is what Thanksgiving is all about. I hope this time of year finds you sharing love and memories with those you care about. Be safe * Have a Happy Thanksgiving and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

My childhood piano teacher used to say that fashion, music - everything always comes back every 30 years.  Jane was a really wise lady!  Look at the fashions of today…the empire waist-tops and heaven-forbid – bell-bottom jeans and platform shoes….all are making a return engagement from the 70’s.  As summer turns to fall…we turn inside for entertainment as the weather is too unpredictable for playing outside – We’ve had snow and a little rain–interspersed are the beautiful blue skies and golden colors of fall. The days are cool, the nights even cooler – the trees are turning from green to red and gold. Take a drive –one of the easiest and best is a drive to the South Hills through the Sawtooth National Forest - just travel southeast of Twin Falls through Hansen and Kimberly. Take a walk, shuffle through the leaves or go for a run before the snow and the cold sends us inside to the treadmills.  One of the best things about fall is the food – go out and eat. Any of our small communities feature great places to eat – explore the flavors of our valley or better yet learn to cook at Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise – they have a full schedule of cooking classes. Haunted Houses are big and one of the best is at Campus Grove in Albion.  The former Albion Normal School (where many of our teachers were educated early on) has been transformed into Haunted Mansions and from all reports will scare your socks off!   If you’re after tamer fare for younger kids the CSI Corn Maze is a great place - twist and turn on nearly a mile of trail in the corn.  And if you are a craft-show aficionado – do not miss the best of the best – the CSI Craft Show and Sale – November 6 – 8 at the CSI Expo Center.  Anytime is a great time in Southern Idaho – come stay and play!Be Safe * Be Happy and we’ll see you soon!

Take a bike ride - you don’t have to wait for it to cool off and the trails are calling….whether you ride in the hills, the parks or on the road - get on the two-wheeler and ride.  Take a walk - with your husband - with your kids, with your dog or just clear your mind -the weather is beautiful  - the past few days there has not been a cloud in the sky and just a hint of breeze!  If you are a runner - I run to clear my head - it is a great time to put some miles in before we are relegated to the treadmills!

There are some great events coming up!  One of the premier events of our area…the Thousand Springs Festival is this weekend at Ritter Island which is now part of the Thousand Springs State Park.  This is a benefit for the Southern Idaho Land Trust - go and enjoy - you will not be disappointed.  Oktoberfest in Downtown Twin Falls is October 2 and 3 - a can’t miss event.

Going back to my “mom” days - take in a cross-country event and cheer on the runners at your local high school or experience “Friday Night Lights” Idaho-style in any of our communities at the local high school football stadium…you will have a great time!

Last night, we went to see “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  This was the Montana Repertory Theatre’s performance as part the 2009-2010 Arts on Tour Season….it was a great performance.  We will not miss another performance - the arts are alive in our community!  

We hope you are having a wonderful fall - please know that any  time is a great time to visit - there is so much to see and do. 

Take care - be safe and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho