Idaho is truly a hidden gem. Full of gorgeous rivers, canyons, mountains, and more it is the ideal destination for any outdoors lover. One of the most visited parts of Idaho just happens to be my favorite weekend getaway. Ketchum, Idaho is definitely a place to add to your travel bucket list.
Every winter since I was a little girl my family would go to Sun Valley for at least one weekend. We would stay in the lodge or rent a cabin and enjoy the peace and serenity that is Idaho. There are so many fun and amazing things to see and do while you are there but we made a day trip there recently and I made sure to squeeze in all my favorites! Oh, and if you happen to see a celebrity like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Bruce Willis that is just a casual bonus! 😉
Breakfast at The Kneadery
Our go-to breakfast spot every time we head to Ketchum is The Kneadery. With wooden bears outside and a stuffed moose hanging on the wall inside, it feels like home. I always order the Belgian Waffle and I am never disappointed! And the Eggs Benedict? Probably the best I’ve ever had outside of Denver, CO.
The Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink
As a kid by dad would bring me and my friends to this rink every year to skate. It is where I learned to skate and by far my favorite rink in Idaho. It is right in the middle of the lodging and shopping so you can see everything! It is beautiful, quaint, and always room for everyone to enjoy themselves. Ice skating is by far my favorite winter activity and being in Sun Valley only makes it that much better! I could spend hours here, usually I am the one that everyone is dragging off the ice when they are cold and hungry for dinner.
Java on Fourth
After we are all cold and tired out we always head to Java on Fourth. Java is a local Idaho chair and has this drink called The Bowl of Soul which is to die for! We have one in my home town as well but something about sipping that sweet chocolatey goodness after a day of skating is magical. It tastes a little better when you are surrounded by beauty and nature.
Smokey Mountain Pizza
The last trip on our Sun Valley day is always pizza. Call me crazy but the Smokey Mountain Pizza in Ketchum is seriously better than any of the other locations! I know I just said that about the coffee shop but it is true! I can’t even explain it to you, but you have to try it to believe me! We always get the Mediterranean pizza with peperoni added an it is DELICIOUS! Everyone can find something they love hear because of all the unique pizza toppings!
After dinner we pile in the cars and head home! Ever since I was 4 years old my family has been going to Sun Valley and doing this exact same thing every year. We go other times and explore or try something new, but at least once a year we all make it up there for our traditional day in Sun Valley. And if we have been enjoying this day trip for over 20 years I know you will love it too!!!
This looks like a great place to visit. I’ll have to put it on my list!!
I have never been to Idaho, but I love travel posts and reading about all of the fun places to visit!
It is an amazing state and such a good place to get away!
Thank you for sharing your time in Idaho. It is not a place I would naturally think about going.
It has so much to offer!
I have never considered Idaho as a getaway destination, but you make it sound appealing! And delicious 🙂
It is absolutely amazing! The perfect get away!
Sun Valley is one of my favs! Used to live in Boise, and I love all these places you pointed great…great selections!
That is awesome! We love it so much 🙂
Everything sound delicous… especially the Neadery with eggs Benedict! I’m about 400 miles from Sun Valley! We like to travel during the summer, so I’ll have to see if they have any good campgrounds close by 🙂
If you are looking for good campgrounds, look at Red Fish Lake. It is honestly THE BEST!!!