By MIKE MCKENNA
As the days grow shorter and the leaves take turns dive-bombing off their limbs, it’s a good time to remember how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful place. Fall in the Wood River Valley is pretty special and not just because it’s so darned pretty around here.
Hailey is home to some fun fall traditions and it’s the perfect time to bite into some of the Gem State’s booming foodie scene.
Each fall, the State of Idaho hosts its annual conference on recreation and tourism, better known as “ICORT.” The latest version was held recently in Garden City and, as usual, lots of interesting stats and trends were shared. The most interesting information came from Longwoods International, which has been a global leader in the tourism field for decades.
For the last four years in a row, Idaho has set record tourism numbers and tourism is now Idaho’s third largest industry. There appears to be a few keys to our tourism success.
The first key is our low-key vibes. The studies have shown that the top things people envision when they think about visiting the Gem State are:
#1 Relaxation, #2 Calm, #3 Enjoyment, #4 Interest, #5 Excitement. You can come to Idaho and do a lot or do nothing at all and that’s what people like so much about our state. They also like that “locals” are usually very friendly and welcoming, with our state scoring much higher marks in those fields than just about any other state.
The second key is that we offer a lot of variety. The average Idaho visitor wants to experience a lot of different things: from recreation and relaxation to culture, from sightseeing and history to unique local culinary treats.
We’ve got a lot to offer around here and visitors appreciate that.
Finally, Idaho is becoming known for our growing culinary scene. Visitors are reporting they love Idaho’s unique food options, from fresh lamb and potatoes, to our growing winery and brewery options, to good old Idaho finger steaks. Visitors love to eat like Idahoans!
“You guys have become a foodie state!” Brian Screptock, from Longwoods, said.
After attending the latest ICORT, this much is clear: variety is definitely the spice of life in Idaho.
Pumpkin-spiced lattés are a good idea for parents and friends walking around Hailey for the annual Halloween Hoopla. The annual trick-or-treat around downtown Hailey runs from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. We sure are lucky to have so many local businesses participate! Hailey’s Halloween Hoopla is another reminder of why it’s so important to shop local!
The 21st Annual Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day. Starting and finishing at Hailey’s Town Center West, the 5k wanders from downtown, across the river and through the woods of the Draper Wood River Preserve, around the neighborhoods of Della View and back down River Street—with a few special “beverage stations” along the way. The family- and pet-friendly walk offers two starting times.
Sign up for the Turkey Trot or find out more about everything happening in the Wood River Valley at ValleyChamber.org or by calling (208) 788-3484.
