Whether you’ve spent many years together or this is the first Valentine’s Day you’ll share, here are some hot ideas that will fan the flames of passion.
“Coeur” means heart in French and what better getaway than Coeur d’Alene for Valentine’s Day? Dine by candlelight on a four-course feast catered by the Coeur d’Alene Resort at the privately owned Idaho Wildlife Museum, while being serenaded with live performances of arias and operas, and helping non-profits. Only $200 per couple--all proceeds will be donated to a featured charity. NightAtMuseum.org
Delight in brunch or dinner on a Love on the Lake Valentine’s Cruise February 10, 11, 12 and 14 Explore the northern bays of Lake Coeur d’Alene and spot wildlife like elk or moose or a migrating population of bald eagles that visits the area to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. Savor delicious food including pink heart macaroons. cdaCruises.com
Embrace winter’s romance and your partner with a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy hills and enjoy the scenic views from Bald to Proctor Mountain in Sun Valley. Cuddle your special someone at the iconic five-star Sun Valley Lodge. Originally built in 1936, it’s been completely reborn, with a luxurious 20,000-square-foot spa, heated pool, and fitness center. Treat yourself and your sweetheart to a sweet fresh baked pastry at the Austrian-inspired Konditorei. Admire celebrity photos and maybe spot a few stars yourself while enjoying the ambiance, elegance and glamour of a bygone era. In the evening, soak in the pool and gaze at the stars overhead. SunValley.com
Burgdorf (near McCall), “the historic hot springs homestead resort has been family owned for nearly 150 years, since 1923, when Jim Harris purchased the resort from Fred Burgdorf. Current family owners for the past 54 years have striven to preserve the unique historical authentic turn of the century 1900 atmosphere, to share with guests a relaxed, peaceful experience,” shared owner Scott Harris. Reservations required. Snowmobile required in winter. BurgdorfHotsprings.com
Just 90 miles north of Boise, Tamarack Resort is an all-season destination and home to the country’s newest Alpine village with luxurious, mountain-modern lodging options and 1,100+ acres of lift-accessed terrain. “Tamarack offers much more than skiing and snowboarding,” noted Wolfe Ashcraft, VP of Marketing and Operations at Tamarack Resort. “Guests looking for adventure and activities away from the slopes will find 15 miles of dog-friendly snowshoeing, fat-biking and Nordic ski trails as well as guided ice-fishing trips on nearby Lake Cascade. Or, if you prefer some relaxation and rejuvenation, then indulge in one of the restorative treatments at the revamped Spa at Tamarack.” Bring romance into your relationship by learning how to rub each other the right way from Tamarack’s certified massage therapist. You can also treat yourself and your loved one to massage and facials in your own space with your favorite tunes and fireplace burning. TamarackIdaho.com
If your partner is passionate about pucks sliding over ice, book a suite at the Idaho Central Arena in Boise to watch the Idaho Steelheads hockey team face off against the Tulsa Oilers (February 8, 10 and 11) or the Maine Mariners (February 22, 24 and 25). Skate on the same ice as hockey players at the public skate February 26th from 1 pm to 3 pm. Or catch comedian Jo Koy on February 4. Don’t feel like battling traffic after the game or show? Share a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider and chocolate truffles in your room at The Grove while you enjoy the sunset over a fabulous view of downtown Boise.
IdahoCentralArena.com and GroveHotelBoise.com
His name means love. On February 7, Amor Towles will appear at the Morrison Center as part of The Cabin’s Readings & Conversations Series. MorrisonCenter.com
A hot spot just 45 minutes from Boise, The Springs in Idaho City opened on Valentine’s Day in 2013. A 40' x 80' geothermal pool or a 16' hot tub raising the mercury to 104 degrees are two options at this hot springs resort located on 80 acres of wooded bliss. Another option is to rent a private pool. Too relaxed to drive home? Inn The Pines, located less than a mile from the Springs makes for a perfect overnight getaway. TheSpringsID.com and InnThePines.com
Once in a blue moon you’ll have an experience like dining at Blue Moon Yurt in Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall. This unique culinary recipe for fun combines cross-country skiing or snowshoeing into the woods by torchlight with a panoply of stars overhead, a warm cozy yurt lit by candles, and an epic five-course feast. Owner Lisa Whisnant shared, “The natural world inspires us. We love to cook outdoors. It makes us feel a wee bit primal which truly ignites our love of gatherings, bringing humanity and the natural world together in a very magical setting. The Blue Moon Yurt instigates joy and we think that’s the perfect recipe for life.” BluemoonYurt.com
Take these ideas to heart and create a perfect day for yourself and your special someone.
“Tamarack offers much more than skiing and snowboarding. Guests looking for adventure and activities away from the slopes will find 15 miles of dog-friendly snowshoeing, fat-biking and Nordic ski trails as well as guided ice-fishing trips on nearby Lake Cascade. Or, if you prefer some relaxation and rejuvenation, then indulge in one of the restorative treatments at the revamped Spa at Tamarack.”--Wolfe Ashcraft, VP Marketing and Operations, Tamarack Resort