Summer is winding down.  The tell-tale signs are the back-to-school ads, feverish efforts to finish highway construction projects and the push to have a few more weeks of summer fun.  When school starts folks are locked into the routine of school and work and the activities of fall.  Since life as most of us knew it has changed because of the economy – a word has crept into our vocabulary – the word is “staycation.”  This means you stay at home or closer to instead of traveling far from home for relaxation and fun.  I read an article last week where the author actually stayed in his home and surfed the endless channels on his tv and gave a report of the unusual programs available.  If your idea of fun and relaxation is different….may we suggest: 

• A County Fair – upcoming are fairs in Jerome, Cassia, Gooding and Twin Falls Counties.  Fairs are terrific events with something for every member of your family.

• The last literal enactment of the crossing of the Snake River by the pioneers at Three Island State Park west of Mountain Home.

• Get Outside!  Explore and hike and bike  or just soak in the surrounding scenery at City of Rocks NationalReserve and Castle Rocks State Park or the nine units of Thousand Springs State Park in and around Hagerman. 

• When we were kids we used to call it “sleeping out”  - what we did was go camping…and there are great places…the South Hills – part of the Sawtooth National Forest is a terrific place.  Be careful – the fire danger is high and as Smoky says – “only you can prevent wildfires.”

• And indeed if you want to stay closer to home – explore the various parks within our communities  - they are great places to while away an afternoon.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

Take Care * Be Safe and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho.

VFR – in tourism-talk this is the acronym for visiting friends and family.  This weekend is my husband’s 40^th class reunion and there are many others in our valley, it is the time to re-connect with old friends and visit family.  Time is a great equalizer – we all experience challenges just living our lives – what was perhaps important in high school is no more.  Time is valuable – it is better spent sharing memories and reconnecting with old friends in a new and meaningful way.  I did not grow up here or go to high school here – yet I know the Class of ’69 Reunion will be a highlight of our summer.  It will be the warm and good memories we will reflect on during the cold days of winter; we will have “new” old friends to email back and forth or literally spend time with.  And we will draw on these good memories as we face or support friends and family through the heartbreaks life will present. Yet – this weekend here and in countless communities it is a time of celebration, of life, of change, of growing up, of good friends and the coming together again.  We welcome the families coming together and the reuniting of classmates for the many class reunions– a special welcome to the Twin Falls High School Class of 1969 – welcome home to Southern Idaho…have fun making memories!

Upcoming over the next few weeks are some terrific events:  It is County Fair season – this week the Camas County Fair and the Minidoka County Fair swing into action….county fairs are a microcosm of our lives – experience and enjoy!  The world comes to the Magic Valley with the 5^th Annual International Dance and Music Festival in Burley.  Teams of international musicians and dancers share their native drama, music and culture in one of the most captivating events in Southern Idaho – this is a must-see!!! 

Take care * Be Safe * Be Happy and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho

On this the 40^th anniversary of the first man on the moon…we invite you to visit the moon….Craters of the Moon that is.  This is a National Park property, jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service.  You can drive or walk. We recommend walking; marvel at the forces that created this amazing and weird landscape some 2000 years ago.  The lava flows, softened this time of year by Syringa flowers is an unforgettable site.  Craters of the Moon is part of of the legacy of space exploration  In 1969, NASA astronauts Alan Shepherd, Edgar Mitchell, Eugene Cernan, and Joe Engle explored Craters of the Moon while training to visit the moon.  Their first steps before landing on the moon were on the moon-like landscape of Craters of the Moon. Travel to Craters via Highway 20- it is the construction season….check 511.gov for road construction updates.  Craters of the Moon is only a click-away if you want more information.  Space exploration tells us anything is possible – we just have to show up daily and make it reality! Take care – stay safe and we’ll talk soon!

Southern Idaho is remarkable for the variety of unique events and recreational opportunities.  Last weekend was an amazing time – for those of you who celebrated the 4^th of July with us….thank you!  I went to Buhl for Sagebrush Days  - had a great time – ran a little  and marveled at this small community swelling to twice its size for the 4^th of July parade.  Yesterday I was in Rupert   - if you haven’t been to the Historic Rupert Square – do so….there are historic buildings, great shops and great restaurants tucked right in the center of town.  Be sure to stop by the Historic Wilson Theatre – the town has combined human and financial resources to restore this wonderful building.  Immediately, outside of the Wilson Theatre is the story of Rupert – it used to be known as WellFirst…and it boasts having the first all-electric high school in the US.  Of course, if you are a quilter (or not) – The Gathering Place is feast for the eyes and makes you want to get creative! This weekend is two great events – the Lavender Festival just outside of Buhl.  Go early and follow the signs.  Experience lavender in all ways possible!!!  Or if you want a great old-fashioned community celebration it is Good Neighbor Days in Kimberly – a fun run, breakfast and events in the park in a truly great community – have fun with all the good neighborly citizens of Kimberly.  Coming up July 17 is the Star Party at Castle Rocks State Park in Almo….view the stars among the magnificent spires of this gem of a park.  And of course, the county fairs in our communities start the end of July – each is unique and fun…. come be our guest!!!  If you travel with a pet – make sure your furry family member has an ID tag – we learned that puppies and kitties wander away or in our case tunneled out of the back yard to get away from the sound of the fireworks – there was no reprieve.  Good neighbors rescued our Bu from the busy streets and were looking for his home; when we arrived after walking a few blocks for a clear view of the fireworks.  Bu now has a tag with his address and telephone number.  Lesson learned! 

Our National and State Parks are treasures – you will see amazing sites and there is plenty of recreation opportunities for everyone – The City of Rocks National Reserve has over 22 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding…all set in a most amazing landscape!  Explore the City of Rocks and its sister – Castle Rocks State Park  right next door. The wildflowers are blooming at Craters of the Moon National Monument.   It is remarkable to see all the color softening the lava rock.  It is construction season – if you are traveling eastbound to Craters of the Moon – take Highway 20 as Highway 93 from Shoshone to Carey is closed until July 6.The picture to the left is Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Nature Preserve – this is one of nine units of Thousand Springs State Park.  This is a great time of year to hike – it is warmer but not too hot.  You will see the springs surrounded by a desert landscape.  The path is steep – please use caution…and you can always take in the view from the overlook at the top. Ritter Island – another unit of Thousand Springs State Park is open.  The birds and the kids (of all ages) are eating the cherries – don’t you just love summer!  This is a special place – don’t miss it – hours are 10 am – 3 pm seven days a week! Have you made plans for 4^th of July – can you believe this All-American holiday is just around the corner….our Calendar of Events lists all the community celebrations in the area

May we suggest….Buhl Sagebrush Days features a full day of events – starting with a fun run and then the parade and of course –  food and fun all day in the park.   Historic Downtown Twin Falls hosts the first-annual Quilt Walk - July 1 – 4; it is new this year – we hope to see you strolling Main Street to view the quilts displayed on storefronts.

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

 As we approach the traditional first weekend of summer – I want to tell you  about the truly amazing events on the agenda this year in our area.  You can choose from a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities; double your fun –  there is all sorts of great events; all are unique, fun and above all you will have a great time!

 This weekend, May 22, 23 and 24 is Fossil Days – A Renaissance in Hagerman.  The Hagerman Valley is one of best places to visit – and this traditional community  festival features a parade saluting the service of our military men and women and the music of Rosalie Sorrels.  Rosalie is a Grammy winner and her music and stories are truly Idaho. There is more information available here. 

A different kind of festival is held in Fairfield – Camas Days.    This community festival celebrates the blooming of the Camas Lilly and features a Fun Run, Kid’s Fishing Derby and an Arts and Crafts Fair. 

 Snake River Canyon Jam -  June 10 – 13 in Twin Falls.  This is the best music to enjoy at one of the most unique venue-the Snake River Canyon. On Saturday, June 13 it is an all-day affair  — and there is nothing better than enjoying great music with your friends against the backdrop of majestic scenery!  Click above and get your tickets!!!

Everything Scandinavian is celebrated at Skandi Dag and if you are athletic sign up today to participate in the Viking Man Triathlon.  The lovely community of Oakley is home to over 20 historic homes.  Every other year theses homes are featured on the Oakley Historic Home Tour…..get a glimpse of the past – this is a can’t miss tour!  While you are in the neighborhood – visit Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Reserve.

This is just a taste of what is upcoming – click here for the complete list.

Have you requested your Visitor Information packet  to help you plan -  this is the information you need to decide what to do and where to go!

 Take care, Be safe and we’ll see you soon!

The best part about the Snake River is you do not have to be an adrenaline-junkie to enjoy yourself.

One of the really great things to do is take a dinner cruise or a scenic cruise with 1000 Springs Tours.  You will see amazing things – Blueheart Springs where you actually gaze at the bottom of the river and it is true to its name- Blue!  You will see birds, wildlife, and scenery – some of the best South Central Idaho has to offer.  Experience dining on the mighty Snake – take a dinner cruise…you will be dining on truly yummy food prepared and served by Kirt Martin of the Snake River Grill – in Hagerman. Make a weekend of it and stay at Hagerman Valley Inn…right next door to the Grill!  And while you are in Hagerman, explore Thousand Springs State Park - there are nine units of this park; you can see and do amazing things.  Get a taste of the Hagerman Valley right now by viewing our TravelCast

 Have you planned your visit to South Central Idaho – request our complete visitor information packet….be sure to check back often for Perks and Packages!

 Every day we add new Events and Things to Do – plus we have great places to Stay while you play!

 Take care and Be Safe…and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho!

It is Spring and the water is flowing!!!

The Murtaugh Section is scheduled to be a approximately 6000 cfs beginning this weekend – April 18.

This is one of the best whitewater trips in the U.S. and is a spring-only trip.  Inconsistent flows make running the Murtaugh Stretch  a “get-it” now opportunity.  Idaho Guide Service is the experienced outfitter and guide for your trip.  Schedule now – we have about a 30 day window…it may last longer - that is up to Mother Nature.  The Murtaugh stretch is a strong Class 4+ – 5 section.  There are 16 major rapids in 14 miles; the Snake River at this point drops an impressive 25ft per mile.  Minimum age for this trip is 16 and previous whitewater or a go-for-it attitude is required.

 Also Shoshone Falls is running at about 5000 cfs.  Plan your trip to Twin Falls to see the  “The Falls.”  today.  If you need more information about what is going on click here!

 We’ll see you soon – Happy Spring!!!

It is beginning to look alot like spring!  It is sunny today and maybe it is time to put away the winter stuff and lighten up for spring!

Over the weekend, the neighborhoods were full of spring noise….lawn mowers, trimmers and people clearing away winter – making room for a new season.  The trees are starting to bud out and the daffodils are blooming….what a welcome sight!

It  must be spring because we are starting to field lots of calls as to whether Shoshone Falls is flowing.  The north face is covered- similar to the picture.  However….the “Falls” as we affectionately call this area is home to two parks in one.  Dierkes Lake has a great trail back to the Hidden Lakes….you can fish and there is a picnic shelter.  Shoshone Falls proper has an area to launch your boat and if you are brave enough to ski this early – go for it!  The Centennial Trail is a 1.4 mile paved  trail and will take you along the canyon to the top of the rim.    On a clear day you can see forever…it is a great view of the Snake River and the surrounding landscape…plus it is just fun to walk the trail on a spring day.You can view the Evel Knievel launch site from the Centennial Trail – remember it is on private property – please respect this!

You can plan to play with us this year by viewing the Travel Casts for the area – this will give you a taste of what there is to see and do! 

 Happy Spring – be safe and we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho

It isn’t quite spring – that being said between our winter-like weather you can engage in spring activities and more important actually plan where you want to go and what you want to do.  Plus you can check scheduled activities in our communities on our Calendar of Events. 

One very special event is this weekend April 4 – 5.  It is the Desert Sage Quilters Guild Spring Show.  This show is held every other year and features amazing quilts quilted from the heart by guild members.  They are truly artists!  The show is held at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, 215 Fair Avenue in Filer.  Hours are 10 am – 6 on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.  For more information click Desert Sage Quilters.  This is a precursor to another premier event in our valley – celebrate 4th of July this year at the Historic Downtown Quilt Walk.  This event is July 3-4 in Historic Downtown Twin Falls. Here is more information about the Historic Downtown Quilt Walk.

Need help in your vacation planning click here for Things to Do and Places to Stay.  We’ll send you helpful information about visiting Southern Idaho at your request.

Happy almost spring! – we’ll see you soon in Southern Idaho  – we’ll be sporting a whole new look soon – watch for it!!!!