Spend the Perfect Day in Southern Idaho
Southern Idaho, also known as the Magic Valley, offers diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike. Those lucky enough to call Southern Idaho home have a splendid backyard to enjoy, from the cascading Shoshone Falls (nicknamed the “Niagara of the West”) to Lake Walcott State Park in Rupert, a scenic spot to camp, fish and play disc golf. Weekend fun can include seeing a concert or gathering with friends for dinner at a local restaurant.
But really, it’s a choose-your-own adventure in the Magic Valley, because residents can tailor their downtime to match their hobbies and interests, whether exploring the great outdoors, sampling local craft beers or enjoying the local arts and culture scene.
These locals share their itineraries for their versions of a perfect day in Southern Idaho.
Kayaking and Live Music
Cari Eskridge, owner of “I Do” Idaho Weddings and Events, has lived in the Magic Valley for almost her entire life. She and her husband have raised five children in the area, and recently welcomed their first grandchild. Summer is Eskridge’s favorite time of year in Southern Idaho.
“I still find amazing opportunities to have fun with friends and family,” she says.
Her favorite days start at Java Blue Lakes, a Twin Falls coffee shop where she picks up a “Bowl of Soul,” a specialty mocha topped with a crown of whipped cream.
An avid kayaker, Eskridge says Blue Heart Springs, a brilliant blue natural spring, is the most beautiful place she’s paddled.
“When you put in on the Snake River, you’re rowing downstream along beautiful scenery in the canyon and wildlife all around you,” Eskridge says.
On weekend nights, locals will have no problem finding live music in downtown Twin Falls.
“Before heading home, I like to stroll along Main Street, looking up at the bright marquee lights of the Orpheum Theatre and checking out the upcoming productions,” Eskridge says.
BASE Jumping and Breweries
Sean Chuma is a professional BASE jumper and owner of Tandem BASE who’s logged more than 8,500 jumps. You may catch him doing aerial tricks with his parachute at the Perrine Bridge, which towers 486 feet above the base of the Snake River Canyon.
“We love nature here,” Chuma says.
During his downtime, he enjoys taking a boat ride to Centennial Waterfront Park with AWOL Adventure Sports, an outfitter that does boat tours, rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and offers zip line excursions that soar through the Snake River Canyon. He and his wife, Brenton Black, a native Idahoan who also BASE jumps and skydives, love to ride snowmobiles, too.
During a night out, he and Black enjoy going to Koto Brewing Co., a local craft brewery with live music, stand-up comedy and trivia, or Elevation 486, which is perched on the south rim of the Snake River Canyon, 486 feet above the river, and where dinner comes with the most spectacular views. A brewery and restaurant in the heart of downtown Twin Falls, Milner’s Gate is another one of their local favorites.
“There are quite a few good restaurants here,” Chuma says.
Book Club and a Secret Bar
Judi Baxter was born and raised in Rupert, Idaho, on an 80-acre family farm. After graduating from the University of Idaho with a degree in elementary education, she moved to Twin Falls to teach before opening up a bookstore downtown.
Now retired, she is on the Children’s Museum of Magic Valley board, which is working to build a museum in the Historic Warehouse District in downtown Twin Falls.
Baxter’s hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling and wine tasting, and she combines some of those interests in her “Wines Between the Lines Book Club.” Book lovers are welcome to gather at Rudy’s – A Cook’s Paradise to discuss their chosen book and enjoy small plates paired with wines, theming the menu to tie in with the setting of their books.
“It feeds my soul,” Baxter says. “I’ve made some wonderful friends, and it’s so gratifying to bring together a community of readers.”
Some ways to spend a perfect day, she says, would include popping into the Book Haven in Buhl, a used book shop with excellent coffee and homemade pastries. It’s a “real small-town treasure,” Baxter says. Baxter suggests the Turf Club in Twin Falls for a night out with friends. The remodeled former supper club has spectacular seasonal menus, spotlighting local purveyors. After dinner, head to the adjoining secret speakeasy, she adds, and order a French 75 or your classic cocktail of choice.
Refuel with Some Southern Idaho Staples
You know Idaho for its spectacular spuds. But the Magic Valley has some culinary surprises of its own in store. Here are three delicious signature Southern Idaho dishes, and where to find them.
Finger Steaks: Finger steaks are lightly breaded sirloin tips, and they’re a specialty at Depot Grill, a popular Twin Falls institution. These delicious finger steaks come with your choice of sauce for dipping — honey mustard, house-made ranch, barbecue, tartar or cocktail sauce.
Huckleberry Ice Cream: Sweet and tart, huckleberries are the official fruit of Idaho. Cloverleaf Creamery in Buhl makes good use of the fruit with the shop’s popular huckleberry ice cream on its year-round lineup of flavors.
Trout: Dinner comes with a stunning view at Elevation 486, which is set on the Snake River Canyon rim. A popular dish, the Idaho Ruby Red Trout is pan-broiled and based with a red pepper butter. Fish lovers can also try a local trout dish from the appetizer menu: The smoked trout is served with brie, capers, a cucumber dill sauce and whole-grain crackers.
Get to Know Southern Idaho
Want to learn more about living and working in Twin Falls and Southern Idaho? Check out the latest edition of Livability Southern Idaho.