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A Winter Wonderland
Whether
you're one of the rich and famous who fly in by private
jet or a family looking to share a memorable winter
experience, Sun Valley offers something for everyone.
Nestled in the Wood River Valley is the old mining town
of Ketchum, Idaho. This understated town has a charm
all its own. Several exquisite shops, excellent restaurants
and ski slopes for all levels. My favorite time to visit
is the week after Christmas.
We stayed at the Sun Valley Lodge, a stately hotel built
by Averill Harriman, Chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad.
His vision was to create a destination ski resort like
those of Europe, where wealthy travelers from both East
and West coasts could enjoy a luxurious train trip to
the valley. Guests would be greeted with a horse drawn
sleigh, to take them to the grand old-fashioned lodge.
His vision panned out - he created the ultimate great
escape, which opened December 1936. Among his first
guests were Claudette Colbert and Errol Flynn.
Today, you will see children of all ages laughing on
the outdoor ice-skating rink, sipping hot chocolate,
while others enjoy a dip in the heated pool. There is
also an old-fashioned 6-lane bowling alley in the adjoined
game room.
My favorite evening is a romantic horse drawn carriage
ride for dinner at the Trail Creek Cabin Restaurant,
a picturesque log cabin. Our evenings usually end in
front of the fireplace.
You never know who you're going to run into during your
visit to Sun Valley. My children met actor Tom Hanks,
while snow boarding. Later the same day they saw Arnold
Schwartzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Jamie Lee Curtis
(though not all at the same time).
Sun Valley has a variety of ski runs for every level.
Dollar Mountain is perfect for beginners; while Bold
Mountain has more challenging runs for the advanced
skier. For those who don't ski, there are activities
galore.
I have to say that of all the ski resorts I've visited,
Sun Valley is one of my favorites. I can't wait to go
back there next winter.
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Dining
The
Pioneer Saloon
In business since
1950, the Pioneer has become a traditional stop for
locals and visitors alike. In the heart of Ketchum,
Idaho, the gateway to the beautiful Sawtooth mountains.
A mile away lies the town of Sun Valley, one of America's
oldest and most elegant ski resorts. The surrounding
area is a recreation-lover's paradise in both winter
and summer.
308 Main Street, North Ketchum, ID 83340 208-726-3139
Evergreen Restaurant
Nestled among tall pines in a country-inn-like setting,
Evergreen Restaurant accommodates up to 175 guests in
the gardens and on the terraces for receptions. For
private parties indoors, their prix fixe or a la carte
dinners are prepared for up to 100 guests.
171 First Avenue, Ketchum
Reservations by telephone only 208-726-3888
Nightlife
The Mint
Their upstairs Nightclub provides world-class sound.
Some of the notable acts to make their mark on The Mint
stage are: Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Charlie Daniels, Los
Lobos, John Popper, Stephen Stills, and of course -
local favorites, Bruce Willis & the Accelerators. Open
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and for special events.
116 South Main Street, Hailey ID 83333 208-788-Mint.
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Sun
Valley, America's finest ski resort and an idyllic haven for
fishing, tennis, hiking and golf, provides the setting for
Joe and Sandy Koenig's Knob Hill Inn. This magnificent chalet,
perched at 1,750 meters, offers warm Austrian hospitality
and beautiful guest rooms that open onto balconies with stunning
mountain views. After an invigorating day on the slopes, savor
delicious European cuisine and fine wines. Place Restaurant
at the
Knob
Hill Inn features
unparalleled fine dining service in a relaxed yet sophisticated
setting. Chef owners Steven and Rebecca Ludwig describe the
menu as seasonal comfort food artfully prepared. Attention
to detail and respect for ingredients reflect the Chefs' artisan
approach to cooking pan sauces, assorted breads baked daily
and downright fancy desserts. Wine list hand-picked to compliment
the oft-changing menus boutique wines, great finds from the
Pacific Northwest and extensive by-the-glass listings designed
to encourage course-by course pairings. The Inn's own Konditorei
serves espresso, European pastries and Austrian charm each
afternoon. Of course, a sumptuous buffet breakfast is included.
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Call
1-800-727-0817 for great Honeymoon Travel Specials
BeverlyClarkTravel.com
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Planning
Your Honeymoon?
for more great locations!
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