Wine, Art, Apples, Feasts, and Fun:
An Autumn Weekend in Southern Idaho
Think the fun’s finished now that summer is over? Just biding your time until the snow flies and it’s time for winter sports? We have the cure for what ails you during autumn. In Southern Idaho, the weather is still warm (though there’s a nice crisp edge to it) and there are plenty of places begging for leisurely exploration. Here are a few of our favorites.
Visit An Island Of Art
The Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts has been a must-do for Southern Idahoans for more than 25 years. Located on Ritter Island, a wildlife-rich haven in the Snake River, theThousand Springs Festival of the Arts brings more than 80 artists, food vendors, musicians, and local wineries together. But the art — though beautiful — isn’t the only attraction. Nature lovers will thrill at the cool, crystalline waters surrounding the island — for an up-close look, take advantage of the canoe rides. Prefer to stay on land? See the island from horseback or a mule-drawn wagon during the festival.
Get there: Buses to the island will be available from the festival parking lot located on 3000 S. outside of Hagerman. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 23 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 24. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 children, free admission for toddlers and infants.
Holesinky Vineyard and Winery
Locals have been quietly savoring Idaho’s wines for some time now, but the secret is getting out: Holesinky Vineyard and Winery’s special-edition Blackout wine — made for the solar eclipse — was recently featured on the Today show. This family-owned vineyard crafts merlots, red blends, roses, syrahs, Rieslings, and ice wines, all without any additives or aggressive filtering. But plan ahead: To experience the gorgeous property and taste Holesinky’s wines, you have to make an appointment.
Get there: The winery is located at 4477A Valley Steppe Drive, Buhl. Appointments: Call 208-720-0113 or email eric@holesinky.com.
Pick A Bumper Crop
Southern Idaho’s bountiful orchards offer a late-season treat: Pick-your-own fruit. Kelley’s Canyon Orchard has many varieties of ripe, crisp apples, while Northview Orchard is known for its pear and apple orchards.
Get there:
- Kelley’s Canyon Orchard is at 1903 River Road, Buhl. Visit their Facebook page for the latest crops.
- Northview Orchard is located at 1826 E 4500 in Buhl; find their in-season list on their Facebook page.
Eat On The Edge
Elevation 486, perched on the precipice of the Snake River Canyon, has earned a reputation for its super-fresh local produce and mouthwatering takes on Western favorites — in fact, it’s been named one of the 10 best restaurants in the state. Feast on the Double R Ranch ribeye or red trout straight from the nearby Hagerman Valley while enjoying one of the most spectacular views in the Intermountain West: The glorious Snake River Canyon and the Perrine Bridge.
Get there: 195 Pinnacle Court, Twin Falls. For reservations, call 208-737-0486.
Want more Southern Idaho ideas? Check out the trip itineraries on VisitSouthIdaho.com.
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