You never know what you’ll find when you take a sojourn somewhere new.
On a recent trip to the Wood River Valley, discoveries included a chiming prayer wheel, a famous author’s typewriter, and small-town charm balanced with opulent elegance.
My best friend Leslie Morthland and I explored Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley in April.
Ketchum
We spent most of our trip here, moseying from hangouts like Grumpy’s and Pioneer Saloon to shops like Chapter One Bookstore.
If you’re an Ernest Hemingway fan, you’ll find his typewriter in the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.
Highlight: Sawtooth Botanical Garden, 11 Gimlet Road. Filled with art and floral color, the Garden makes for a lovely stroll. Stop by the Garden of Infinite Compassion and spin the Tibetan Prayer Wheel, one of only two in North America blessed by the Dalai Lama.
Sun Valley
The Sun Valley Resort was a blast to explore, particularly because of vintage photographs showing the world’s first chairlift, Idaho Olympians, and swimsuit-clad women dueling with icicles.
We shopped around the area and peeked into the Sun Valley Opera House, which plays the 1941 movie “Sun Valley Serenade” every weekend.
Highlight: Konditorei, 1 Sun Valley Road. We ordered a decadent brunch of croffles (croissant waffles) and a mimosa flight. Bring your sweet tooth!
Hailey
The quietest day of our trip, we grabbed ciders and pretzels at Sawtooth Brewing and checked out offerings at The Barkin’ Thrift Store, which supports Mountain Humane.
Highlight: The Draper Wood River Preserve, 255 Croy Creek Road. Whether you prefer short jaunts or longer hikes, the Preserve offers both. I particularly liked the Bow Bridge, styled like archery gear, with a massive arrow firmly planted at one end.
Bonus
Mountain Rides, the free bus system, is excellent. We used this daily for easy town-hopping.