Want to see beautiful scenery as you travel on your Idaho vacation? Take just about any highway and you are never far from one of the 30 specially designated scenic, historic, or back country byways. Some of the byways follow major highways and some are back country mostly gravel roads that take you to truly unique scenery and locations.
The byways range from a short 22 miles for the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to 202 miles in length for the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway which parallels the route followed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition over 200 years ago. Eighteen byways are designated as scenic byways, five as historic, five as back country, and one each as historic rivers passage and lost gold trails. There are designated byways in every corner of the state.
Seven of the byways also have the distinction of being named as "National" scenic byways or an "All America Road." Two byways in the northern panhandle, are also part of the "International Selkirk Loop," a 280 mile long loop through Idaho, British Columbia, and Washington, encircling the Selkirk mountains. A 64 page full color guide for this loop is available to download or delivery by mail at http://selkirkloop.org/. The web site also gives an abundance of additional information to help plan trips along the loop. It is a full blown trip and activity planning site.
Idaho has a glove box size booklet with detailed descriptions, maps, and attractions for each of the byways. These booklets can be downloaded or ordered from http://www.idahobyways.gov/. The 36 page booklet is very useful in trip planning as it provides estimated drive times. general roadway conditions, attractions, camping and services along the byway as well as contact information. It also has links to other agencies with useful travel information. In an earlier post, I highlighted and described a number of sources of "official" information sources for Idaho travel information.
Information on America's National Scenic Byways is available at http://www.byways.org/, www.bywaysonline.org, and http://www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/. Each of these sites has volumes of trip planning helps and have an abundance of information to make trips along these byways more enjoyable. In addition to fantastic scenery, many byways also have historic features.
A fun, educational, and great way to keep memories of these sites is by logging them to your personal travel logbooks or to post the sites visited on the web. Several organizations make this possible including HMdb and Markeroni. The Idaho Highway Historical Marker program is another great way to learn about the history of Idaho as you travel this great state.
Whether you are just passing through Idaho (big mistake), or making Idaho a vacation destination, you are never far from a Scenic, Historic or Back Country Byway. Slow down a bit and enjoy some of natures beauties, visit with helpful and sometimes colorful locals, and enjoy an Idaho vacation. There is an abundance of great things to do and see in Idaho.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Idaho Vacation: Gunfighter Skies 2011 Airshow
The Gunfighter Skies 2011 Airshow features the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Put Mountain Home Air Force Base on your trip radar for an exciting September weekend and an Idaho vacation. Best of all, it is free!
The airshow is sponsored by Silver Wings of Idaho, a part of the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB. The USAF Thunderbirds will be flying on both Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18, 2011. Because the air show will be held on a USAF base, security checks will be in place. Please review the FAQ's on the web site for recommended highway access, security procedures and guidelines, and all other useful information.
Here is the essential show information:
Gunfighter Skies 2011, Saturday and Sunday September 17-18, 2011, Mountain Home Air Force Base. Gates open at 8:00am both days. Web Site: http://www.silverwingsofidaho.org/, Contact Names: Shane Zenner or Paula Riggs, Phone: 208-587-2173.
As of March 19, 2011, there is not much detail about the show on the web site, more details will be added a bit later in the year.
Mark September 17-18, 2011 on your calendar, grab some sunscreen, and get ready for a full weekend commemorating the history of airpower and the development of Mountain Home and Mountain Home AFB. This event will be a great addition to your Idaho vacation plans.
The airshow is sponsored by Silver Wings of Idaho, a part of the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB. The USAF Thunderbirds will be flying on both Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18, 2011. Because the air show will be held on a USAF base, security checks will be in place. Please review the FAQ's on the web site for recommended highway access, security procedures and guidelines, and all other useful information.
Here is the essential show information:
Gunfighter Skies 2011, Saturday and Sunday September 17-18, 2011, Mountain Home Air Force Base. Gates open at 8:00am both days. Web Site: http://www.silverwingsofidaho.org/, Contact Names: Shane Zenner or Paula Riggs, Phone: 208-587-2173.
As of March 19, 2011, there is not much detail about the show on the web site, more details will be added a bit later in the year.
Mark September 17-18, 2011 on your calendar, grab some sunscreen, and get ready for a full weekend commemorating the history of airpower and the development of Mountain Home and Mountain Home AFB. This event will be a great addition to your Idaho vacation plans.
Idaho Vacation: Orofino Lumberjack Days Festival
Lumberjack Days may be one of the more unique festivals held in the US. Orofino has been hosting this celebration of the logging industry since 1947. Add the 64th anniversary of this show to your Idaho vacation list.
With events like birling, springboard chop, vertical and horizontal chop, single and double bucking, axe throwing, speed climbing, tree topping, choker setting, and hot sawing, one may want to do a bit of research before attending this event. Fortunately, all is explained on the user friendly web site for this family friendly celebration. Events start on Thursday September 15 and conclude Sunday September 18, 2011. These events require agility, strength, balance, concentration, and stamina. Think balancing on a spring board while chopping or climbing a 65 foot tree in just a few seconds.
The contests are for serious competitors (i.e. professionals) as well as divisions for seniors, juniors, and locals. Special events feature lumberjills (females) as well as mixed Jack and Jill pairs. In addition to lumberjack events there is also horse pulling, truck driving, and, of course, a Lumberjack Days queen contest. The Lumberjack Days Celebration is held in conjunction with the Clearwater County Fair.
Complete information can be obtained from the Lumberjack Days web site and by contacting Orofino Celebrations, Inc., P.O. Box 543, Orofino, ID 83544, phone 1-208-476-3412, email info@orofinolumberjackdays.org. Orofino is located approximately 43 miles east of Lewiston, on the historic Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, and is the starting point for the Elk River Back Country Byway.
Lumberjack Days can be combined with numerous other outdoor activities in the region. There is an abundance of recreational opportunities to fit every agneda and family activity. Add this to your list of Idaho things to do.
With events like birling, springboard chop, vertical and horizontal chop, single and double bucking, axe throwing, speed climbing, tree topping, choker setting, and hot sawing, one may want to do a bit of research before attending this event. Fortunately, all is explained on the user friendly web site for this family friendly celebration. Events start on Thursday September 15 and conclude Sunday September 18, 2011. These events require agility, strength, balance, concentration, and stamina. Think balancing on a spring board while chopping or climbing a 65 foot tree in just a few seconds.
The contests are for serious competitors (i.e. professionals) as well as divisions for seniors, juniors, and locals. Special events feature lumberjills (females) as well as mixed Jack and Jill pairs. In addition to lumberjack events there is also horse pulling, truck driving, and, of course, a Lumberjack Days queen contest. The Lumberjack Days Celebration is held in conjunction with the Clearwater County Fair.
Complete information can be obtained from the Lumberjack Days web site and by contacting Orofino Celebrations, Inc., P.O. Box 543, Orofino, ID 83544, phone 1-208-476-3412, email info@orofinolumberjackdays.org. Orofino is located approximately 43 miles east of Lewiston, on the historic Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, and is the starting point for the Elk River Back Country Byway.
Lumberjack Days can be combined with numerous other outdoor activities in the region. There is an abundance of recreational opportunities to fit every agneda and family activity. Add this to your list of Idaho things to do.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Idaho Vacation: Great Mexican Food in Nampa
The Treasure Valley of Idaho is reported to have the best Mexican food in the state and perhaps in the entire Pacific Northwest. Finding good food is always a worthy goal while on an Idaho vacation.
The El Rinconcito, located in Nampa for the past 26 years, is one of the best choices for Mexican food in the region. A few days ago, my wife and I decided to visit the El Rinconcito on a weekday evening. We encountered good food, no crowds, friendly staff, lively music, and a truly enjoyable evening.
The modest building sits on 1st street just north of the new Public Safety building, currently under construction. The address is 824 1st S, Nampa. Phone 208-466-6963. They are located about 3 blocks west of the Nampa Post Office and a block north. If in doubt on directions, Google the address to get a map.
This family owned and operated restaurant is everything good if you are wanting to avoid chain organizations and patronize independent family operations. Most, if not all, employees are family related. With 26 years experience, they have tailored the menu and service to that expected of their clientele. Their very high reviews and ratings are well earned. Our server, Ilia, was very friendly, knew the nuances of various menu items, and provided very fast courteous service. The decor is very typical but authentic Mexican style. The music was lively and at a very pleasing volume. Conversations were not difficult because of extraneous sound levels.
Time for the food. Fresh crisp chips were served with a bean dip and salsa. The salsa was hotter than I enjoy but when mixed with the bean dip gave a near perfect blend of flavors. My wife ordered a Chili Relleno and I had the El Rinconcito special. Service was very quick. Portion sizes were very adequate to large, the dishes were well presented, and the food was excellent. It is easy to understand how they have been able to stay in business for 26 years. Prices are extremely reasonable with most dishes priced under $10 and the most expensive about $14. We will be returning here frequently.
We agree with many other reviewers, the Treasure Valley has great Mexican food. El Rinconcito ranks among the very best. A visit to El Rinconcito, whether it is just an evening out or a stop after a long day of traveling, will add sparkle to your day. It is a great place to visit on your Idaho vacation.
The modest building sits on 1st street just north of the new Public Safety building, currently under construction. The address is 824 1st S, Nampa. Phone 208-466-6963. They are located about 3 blocks west of the Nampa Post Office and a block north. If in doubt on directions, Google the address to get a map.
This family owned and operated restaurant is everything good if you are wanting to avoid chain organizations and patronize independent family operations. Most, if not all, employees are family related. With 26 years experience, they have tailored the menu and service to that expected of their clientele. Their very high reviews and ratings are well earned. Our server, Ilia, was very friendly, knew the nuances of various menu items, and provided very fast courteous service. The decor is very typical but authentic Mexican style. The music was lively and at a very pleasing volume. Conversations were not difficult because of extraneous sound levels.
Time for the food. Fresh crisp chips were served with a bean dip and salsa. The salsa was hotter than I enjoy but when mixed with the bean dip gave a near perfect blend of flavors. My wife ordered a Chili Relleno and I had the El Rinconcito special. Service was very quick. Portion sizes were very adequate to large, the dishes were well presented, and the food was excellent. It is easy to understand how they have been able to stay in business for 26 years. Prices are extremely reasonable with most dishes priced under $10 and the most expensive about $14. We will be returning here frequently.
We agree with many other reviewers, the Treasure Valley has great Mexican food. El Rinconcito ranks among the very best. A visit to El Rinconcito, whether it is just an evening out or a stop after a long day of traveling, will add sparkle to your day. It is a great place to visit on your Idaho vacation.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Idaho Vacation: Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest
Where can you find a harmonica contest with nationally ranked judges and contestants in a community of only 35 population? Get your Idaho map and find Yellow Pine. Make plans for an unusual but fun Idaho vacation.
The 2011 contest will be the 22nd annual installment of this popular, remote, back-woods festival. Events start Friday afternoon August 5 and conclude Sunday morning August 7, 2011. The outdoor stage is open to all entertainers Friday and most Saturday. The popular "Crowd Pleaser" contest will also be at the outdoor stage. Winners of this contest are chosen by popular vote.
The Harmonica Contest begins at 11:00am inside the Community Hall and concludes later Saturday. Divisions of the contest include Youth, Diatonic, Chromatic, and Groups. Winners are announced on Sunday morning with winners performing at the awards ceremony. Concerts by the judges are given both Friday and Saturday evenings in the Community Hall. All performances are free except the judges concerts which are a low price of only $10.
Because of the remoteness of Yellow Pine and lack of motels, attendees are encouraged to camp at one of the nearby campgrounds or at dispersed camping spaces in the forest. Vendors and meals are available at the contest site. Yellow Pine is located near the confluence of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek. Access is by one of two primary routes - Highway 48 (Lick Creek Rd) east of McCall or by traveling east of Cascade on Warm Lake Rd.(Forest Road 22). Continue east of Warm Lake on Forest Road 579 to Landmark Ranger Station then north on Forest Road 413 to Yellow Pine.
There are many outdoor activities available in the Yellow Pine area. Fishing is popular as well as hiking. The Idaho Centennial Trail roughly parallels Forest Road 413 from Landmark Ranger Station almost to Yellow Pine. Yellow pine is also the access point for the Frank Church River of no Return Wilderness Area. Yellow Pine is in the Payette National Forest.
Information - Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest, VYPA - Harmonica Contest, PO Box 10, Yellow Pine, ID 83677;Information & General Store:(208) 633-3300, Hotel:(208) 633-3377, RV & rustic cabins:(208) 634-5527, RV & cabins Alpine Village:(208) 633-8300; email: fillerd@q.com; web site: http://www.harmonicacontest.com/.
Due to remote location and scarcity of facilities, attendees are encouraged to review the web site information and use a good map before embarking on this Idaho vacation. This is sure to be a memorable weekend, filled with music, good food, new friends, and an appreciation of outdoors Idaho. Add it to your list of Idaho things to do and see. The entire weekend is a family friendly event.
The 2011 contest will be the 22nd annual installment of this popular, remote, back-woods festival. Events start Friday afternoon August 5 and conclude Sunday morning August 7, 2011. The outdoor stage is open to all entertainers Friday and most Saturday. The popular "Crowd Pleaser" contest will also be at the outdoor stage. Winners of this contest are chosen by popular vote.
The Harmonica Contest begins at 11:00am inside the Community Hall and concludes later Saturday. Divisions of the contest include Youth, Diatonic, Chromatic, and Groups. Winners are announced on Sunday morning with winners performing at the awards ceremony. Concerts by the judges are given both Friday and Saturday evenings in the Community Hall. All performances are free except the judges concerts which are a low price of only $10.
Because of the remoteness of Yellow Pine and lack of motels, attendees are encouraged to camp at one of the nearby campgrounds or at dispersed camping spaces in the forest. Vendors and meals are available at the contest site. Yellow Pine is located near the confluence of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek. Access is by one of two primary routes - Highway 48 (Lick Creek Rd) east of McCall or by traveling east of Cascade on Warm Lake Rd.(Forest Road 22). Continue east of Warm Lake on Forest Road 579 to Landmark Ranger Station then north on Forest Road 413 to Yellow Pine.
There are many outdoor activities available in the Yellow Pine area. Fishing is popular as well as hiking. The Idaho Centennial Trail roughly parallels Forest Road 413 from Landmark Ranger Station almost to Yellow Pine. Yellow pine is also the access point for the Frank Church River of no Return Wilderness Area. Yellow Pine is in the Payette National Forest.
Information - Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest, VYPA - Harmonica Contest, PO Box 10, Yellow Pine, ID 83677;Information & General Store:(208) 633-3300, Hotel:(208) 633-3377, RV & rustic cabins:(208) 634-5527, RV & cabins Alpine Village:(208) 633-8300; email: fillerd@q.com; web site: http://www.harmonicacontest.com/.
Due to remote location and scarcity of facilities, attendees are encouraged to review the web site information and use a good map before embarking on this Idaho vacation. This is sure to be a memorable weekend, filled with music, good food, new friends, and an appreciation of outdoors Idaho. Add it to your list of Idaho things to do and see. The entire weekend is a family friendly event.
Idaho Vacation: Discovery Center of Idaho
A visit to the Discovery Center of Idaho is a wonderful way to spend a few hours while visiting Idaho’s state capital, Boise. Add this fun, interactive, science based learning experience to your Idaho vacation.
With hands on experiments and displays throughout the building, children (and adults) of all ages will be entertained as they learn. Last Saturday, my wife and I took our 8 year old grandson to the center. It was our 2nd trip there but Jake had been there multiple times. He loves the Discovery Center and goes as often as he can convince someone to take him. We tried to keep up as he dashed from exhibit to exhibit.
We tried to get his favorite exhibit identified but he said they were all favorites. He kept us busy for almost three hours of non-stop learning.
The Discovery Center of Idaho's stated mission is to inspire lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering and math. We can attest to the success of that mission in one grandson and apparently in many others as judged by watching the action last Saturday. There are a large number of exhibits so relatively large crowds can be accommodated without anyone having to wait very long to gain access to an exhibit.
The Discovery Center of Idaho is located near downtown Boise and is close to several other museums,the zoo, and Julia Davis park. General admission is $6.50, children 3-17 is $4.00, and seniors is $5.50. The center has joined with a number of other Boise museums to offer special admission packages. Visit seven museums for the low price of $19.00, and get discounts at gift shops at four more museums.
Discovery Center of Idaho, 131 Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702, 208-343-9895, http://scidaho.org/index.php.
The Discovery Center has cooperative programs with many organizations that include many outreach programs as well as classes and special programs for schools. Make this a stop on your Idaho vacation. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
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| Jake generating electricity to power the skeleton cycle |
With hands on experiments and displays throughout the building, children (and adults) of all ages will be entertained as they learn. Last Saturday, my wife and I took our 8 year old grandson to the center. It was our 2nd trip there but Jake had been there multiple times. He loves the Discovery Center and goes as often as he can convince someone to take him. We tried to keep up as he dashed from exhibit to exhibit.
We tried to get his favorite exhibit identified but he said they were all favorites. He kept us busy for almost three hours of non-stop learning.
 |
| Jake watching vibrations from sound waves |
The Discovery Center of Idaho's stated mission is to inspire lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering and math. We can attest to the success of that mission in one grandson and apparently in many others as judged by watching the action last Saturday. There are a large number of exhibits so relatively large crowds can be accommodated without anyone having to wait very long to gain access to an exhibit.
The Discovery Center of Idaho is located near downtown Boise and is close to several other museums,the zoo, and Julia Davis park. General admission is $6.50, children 3-17 is $4.00, and seniors is $5.50. The center has joined with a number of other Boise museums to offer special admission packages. Visit seven museums for the low price of $19.00, and get discounts at gift shops at four more museums.
 |
| Jake blowing on a soap bubble film |
Discovery Center of Idaho, 131 Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702, 208-343-9895, http://scidaho.org/index.php.
The Discovery Center has cooperative programs with many organizations that include many outreach programs as well as classes and special programs for schools. Make this a stop on your Idaho vacation. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Idaho Vacation: National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival
Spring is the time of year to plan your Idaho vacation. Listed here and in other posts are a few of the significant festivals and events to include in your list of Idaho things to do.
Here is another unique one-of-a-kind Idaho festival. If you enjoy fiddle music, Weiser, Idaho is the place to be the 3rd week of June. Make it an Idaho vacation to remember.
The information is believed to be accurate and is largely taken from the respective sponsoring organization web pages. Contact information is that given by the sponsoring organization.
National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival - June 20-25, 2011, PO Box 447
2235 Paddock Ave., Weiser, ID 83672, 208-414-0255, http://fiddlecontest.com/index.php. Judged contests are held in the air-conditioned gym at Weiser High School.
Fiddling has been popular in Weiser since 1863 with fiddling contests from 1914. Formal fiddle contests date from 1953 and the present association with National Oldtime Fiddlers has been in place since 1963. Weiser is more or less formally recognized as the "Fiddling Capital of the World".
There are many additional activities during the week including: workshops, parades, car shows, steam engine equipment displays, a carnival, bluegrass bands, and other activities to fill every one's schedule of entertainment. City park is turned into Bluegrass Village with food and craft vendors and numerous bands. An area near the school accommodates campers for those wishing to spend the night.
Tickets are available now from the web site by calling the festival office, by fax or by mail. Ticket prices for the judged nightly contests range from $8.00 for children, $14.00 for general admission and $16.00 for reserved seating. The National Grand Champion Finals on Saturday night tickets are $20 or $25 for general admission and reserved seating, respectively. There are no charges for 30+ hours of Bluegrass band performances in the park.
Check out the festival web site for full schedules of activities. This is always a busy and entertaining week. This festival is sure to bring smiles to everyone in the family. Add this festival to your list of things to do in Idaho in 2011.
Here is another unique one-of-a-kind Idaho festival. If you enjoy fiddle music, Weiser, Idaho is the place to be the 3rd week of June. Make it an Idaho vacation to remember.
The information is believed to be accurate and is largely taken from the respective sponsoring organization web pages. Contact information is that given by the sponsoring organization.
National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival - June 20-25, 2011, PO Box 447
2235 Paddock Ave., Weiser, ID 83672, 208-414-0255, http://fiddlecontest.com/index.php. Judged contests are held in the air-conditioned gym at Weiser High School.
Fiddling has been popular in Weiser since 1863 with fiddling contests from 1914. Formal fiddle contests date from 1953 and the present association with National Oldtime Fiddlers has been in place since 1963. Weiser is more or less formally recognized as the "Fiddling Capital of the World".
There are many additional activities during the week including: workshops, parades, car shows, steam engine equipment displays, a carnival, bluegrass bands, and other activities to fill every one's schedule of entertainment. City park is turned into Bluegrass Village with food and craft vendors and numerous bands. An area near the school accommodates campers for those wishing to spend the night.
Tickets are available now from the web site by calling the festival office, by fax or by mail. Ticket prices for the judged nightly contests range from $8.00 for children, $14.00 for general admission and $16.00 for reserved seating. The National Grand Champion Finals on Saturday night tickets are $20 or $25 for general admission and reserved seating, respectively. There are no charges for 30+ hours of Bluegrass band performances in the park.
Check out the festival web site for full schedules of activities. This is always a busy and entertaining week. This festival is sure to bring smiles to everyone in the family. Add this festival to your list of things to do in Idaho in 2011.
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