Sun Valley brings travelers to Idaho in every season of the year. Whether they arrive in the wintertime to hit the slopes in style, make their way here in the fall for the foliage, or come in the spring and summer for great hiking and biking, the experience is always exhilarating. With so much to do, see, and experience, the most difficult part of a trip this way can be narrowing down your to-do list. If you only have a weekend set aside in Sun Valley, the following itinerary is the place to start when you want to maximize the fun along the way.
Try to Arrive Friday Afternoon
If it’s possible in your travel schedule, arriving in Sun Valley on a Friday afternoon or evening is a great way to make the most of your weekend adventure here. That gives you plenty of time to get settled into your vacation rental at your own pace and relax after the journey. Once you’ve put everything away and enjoyed exploring your accommodations for a while, you’ll want to head over to Sun Valley Village and get acquainted with the area by popping in and out of the many art galleries, shops, and cafes hosted here.
This evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Ram, located right in the heart of Sun Valley Resort. The lodge-style setting is ultra-cozy, and the menu features everything from fondue and king salmon to beef tenderloin and rack of lamb to name a few of many tasty options.
Start Saturday on a Savory Note
Saturday is going to be all about adventure in Sun Valley, so it’s important to fuel up for the fun ahead. That means making your way to Java on Fourth found at 191 4th Street West in Ketchum. This fan-favorite coffee shop is known for its bold brews, but they serve up a wide variety of breakfast fare to match.
Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to put that energy to work over at Bald Mountain. While winter travelers will want to set aside a few quality hours to focus exclusively on downhill skiing and snowboarding thrills, summer weekend visitors can enjoy hiking the scenic trails or riding the gondola to the summit, which comes with the reward of amazing views.
Lunch with a View
Next up is a lunch experience that comes with panoramic views seamlessly included at Roundhouse Restaurant. This iconic eatery sits at 7,700 feet in elevation right on Bald Mountain. You’ll need to make lunch reservations in advance, but the effort is certainly worth your while once you’re enjoying delicious dishes, amazing drinks, and mountain views that are one-of-a-kind.
End the Day with a Little Luxury and a Delicious French-Inspired Dish
After all that time on the mountain, you’ve definitely earned some well-deserved pampering. Later in the afternoon, be sure to head over to The Spa at Sun Valley and enjoy a massage, facial, wrap, or aromatherapy session that will have you feeling refreshed and your best!
Tonight, make sure your dinner is a true testament to fantastic flavor by enjoying a meal at Michel’s Christiania. You’ll find this elegant restaurant at 303 Walnut Avenue in Ketchum, and when you arrive, you’ll enjoy time browsing a menu of palate-pleasing French dishes served up in a welcoming chalet-inspired space.
Start Sunday with a Touch of Serenity
When you wake up Sunday morning, count on starting your day with great views and serenity in nature too, because your itinerary will be taking you for a leisurely sunrise stroll along the Wood River Trail. Once you’ve had a chance to meander through meadows, alongside rivers, and through forested surroundings, you’ll want to follow it up with a brunch enjoyed at The Kneadery. Located at 260 N Leadville Avenue in Ketchum, this cozy breakfast, brunch, and lunch stop is a top place in town to enjoy eggs benedict and huckleberry pancakes perfectly paired with a house mimosa.
Make It an Afternoon on the Water
After brunch, it’s time to seize the opportunity to get out on the water. In and around Sun Valley, fly fishing is a popular activity in almost every season, thanks to great waterways and robust fish populations. If you’re new to the sport, consider booking an excursion to the Silver Creek Preserve or Big Wood River alongside a local guide company. Afterward, top off your afternoon in scenic style with a drive through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area as well.
Finish Your Weekend with Flavor
End your weekend in Sun Valley infused with flavor by making plans to dine at Enoteca Restaurant & Wine Bar. Located in Ketchum, this elegant eatery is a great place to relax by the fire, savor wood-fired pizzas, or delight in ordering up duck confit risotto. With an impressive wine list to match, you might find yourself lingering at the table longer than you originally planned!
Book Your Sun Valley Getaway Today
When you’re ready to enjoy all that Sun Valley has to offer, there’s no reason to wait on planning your next trip this way! Reach out to Abode Sun Valley today to learn more about our luxurious collection of local rental properties, and how our team can help you plan a getaway you won’t soon forget. We can’t wait to hear from you soon.
