Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for idaho
Winter Aglow in Idaho
By Linda Tancs
Looking for a winter wonderland in Boise? Then head for the Idaho Botanical Garden for their Winter aGlow event. As the name implies, there will be a mesmerizing display of lights. The family-friendly fest includes Santa meetups, holiday vendors, a gingerbread house exhibit and a candy cane forest. Parking is free; you can also park and ride from downtown Boise.
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Top to Bottom in Sandpoint
By Linda Tancs
Just 60 miles from Canada, Idaho’s Sandpoint is a place you’ll enjoy from top to bottom. This time of year skiers will arrive at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, with 2,900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. It overlooks Lake Pend Oreille, the state’s biggest and deepest lake. In fact, there are only four deeper lakes in the nation. The upcoming annual winter carnival is another treat, featuring the Parade of Lights, music concerts, the Let it Glow Parade and fireworks at Schweitzer.
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What’s Hot in Idaho
By Linda Tancs
Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Idaho’s Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. One of those sites is Kirkham Hot Springs outside Lowman. Nestled on the South Fork of the Payette River below a highway campground, a staircase leads adventurers down to the soaking pools. What distinguishes this locale from other geothermal pools are the small, steaming waterfalls as well. The site is open for day use only. You can enjoy the warm water this time of year without the summer crowds when the site is swarming with tourists and the lack of shade heats up the place.
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The Boise River Greenbelt
By Linda Tancs
Located in Boise, Idaho, the Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile, tree-lined pathway following the north and south sides of the Boise River through the heart of the city. It boasts a series of parks along the trail known as the Ribbon of Jewels, properties that honor some of the city’s finest leaders. Fishing and bird watching are popular activities in the greenbelt, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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The Potato Hotel
By Linda Tancs
Just 20 miles from downtown Boise, Idaho, a giant tater has earned a second life as a hotel. Originally built to celebrate the Idaho Potato Commission’s 75th anniversary, the 6-ton spud measures 28 feet long, 12 feet wide and 11.5 feet high. After touring the country for several years to celebrate the state’s prized export, a decision was made to convert the fixture into a hotel. Lest you have any doubts about its viability as a guest house, the potato hotel is air conditioned and energy efficient for optimal heating and cooling. A nearby silo has been converted into a bathroom and a spa complete with a whirlpool and a skylight for star gazing. If you’re into one-of-a-kind stays, then this is the place for you.
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Into the Woods in Idaho
By Linda Tancs
The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is the third-largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. Located primarily in Idaho (with a small portion extending into Montana), it comprises four national forests: Bitterroot National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, Clearwater National Forest and Lolo National Forest. Part of its charm are the dramatic Selway-Bitterroot peaks spanning the Bitterroot Range along the Montana-Idaho border. Wild and scenic, it’s a must-do for hikers, backpackers and other outdoor adventurers.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Silver Capital of the World
By Linda Tancs
More than 1 billion ounces of silver were mined in 100 years in the historic mining town of Wallace, Idaho. No wonder it’s called the Silver Capital of the World. And they’re not resting on their laurels; silver production is still a part of the economy. So is skiing and other outdoor recreation. But this time of year it’s the blues festival that draws crowds downtown, where every building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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What’s Hot in Idaho
By Linda Tancs
Idaho is one hot destination, literally. Just head on over to Lava Hot Springs, a quaint resort town on the way to Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons. Its therapeutic hot springs attract visitors from around the world. In addition to public pools (including an indoor aquatic center), many hotels have private hot pools. Even the “coolest” hot pool is pretty hot. Can you stand the heat? If not, then maybe an onsite massage is in order.
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Idaho’s Volcanic Wonderland
By Linda Tancs
Along Idaho’s Snake River Plain a series of eruptions over 15,000 years ago formed a volcanic wonderland known as Craters of the Moon National Monument. And yes, the name does derive from its lunar-like appearance, a moniker popularized by promoter Robert Limbert in a national magazine article. Dormant rather than extinct, the area comprises more than 25 cinder cones, each one a small volcano. This time of year tiny wildflowers in neat little rows adorn the cinder slopes of the monument. Rest assured, there’s no professional landscaping here. The plants space themselves naturally to compete for limited resources in this harsh environment.
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The Great Divide
By Linda Tancs
The Continental Divide is an epic hydrological divide separating the watersheds draining into the Atlantic Ocean from those draining into the Pacific Ocean. In the United States, its route is over 3,000 miles long, extending from the Canadian border with Montana to the Mexican boundary in southwest New Mexico. Following this course you’ll find the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, part of a series of national trails established by Congress in recognition of their natural beauty. The Continental Divide trail in particular passes through 25 national forests, 21 wilderness areas and three national parks, providing access to spectacular vistas in some of the most scenic places left in the world. The highest point is in Colorado at Grays Peak (14,270 feet) and the lowest is along Waterton Lake in Glacier National Park in Montana (4,200 feet). The long winter season along the Divide (September through May) is now over. Why not plan a hiking or camping trip! From backpacking to family day trips, there’s something for everyone.
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