Idaho tourist information with details about travel
to and around the state. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips
and hand-selected Idaho links, by dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The
Online Guide to Travel.
Also known as the Gem State, or Gem of The Mountains, Idaho might be
famous for potatoes but the unspoiled mountains of coniferous pines, in the north of the
state, is what most visitors come to Idaho for.
Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, laundry facilities, free parking, airport
transportation, and use of a local fitness center.
All rooms feature mini-kitchens (with microwaves, coffeemakers, and refrigerators),
free high-speed Internet access, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, free weekday
newspapers, voicemail, dataports, and cable TVs with pay-per-view movies and Nintendo
games.
The Grove Hotel is
located in downtown Boise, adjacent to the Qwest Arena.
The European elegance of the
entry warms the guests with cherry-paneled walls, neoclassical chandeliers, and brass
accents. The adjoining lobby bar encourages lingering in overstuffed sofas, and chairs
around the fireplace.
The Grove houses Emilio's Italian restaurant, Satori Sushi Bar, and a Grand Entree
Brunch on Sundays.
The hotel also has a retail shop and Gold's Gym with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and
steam room.
All rooms contain in-room entertainment and advanced telecommunications, turndown
service, valet, high-speed Internet access, voicemail, irons, minibars, and terrycloth
robes.
With its convenient
location, well-appointed accommodations, and full-service features, the Holiday Inn Boise
Airport sets the standard of value for Boise airport hotels.
Local attractions include
Idaho Ice World, Boise State University, State Capitol, Edwards Entertainment Complex,
Gowen Field, Bogus Basin Ski Area, Boise outlet centers, and nearby skiing and white water
rafting.
Guest rooms feature high speed Internet, cable/satellite TV, dataports, video
check-out, iron and ironing board, air conditioning, safe deposit boxes, coffeemaker,
hairdryer, and AM/FM alarm clock radios.
Conveniently located
off I-184 in the core of downtown Boise, this AAA Three-Diamond Red Lion is just 15
minutes from the airport, via complimentary airport transportation, and a short drive to
the State Capitol, the Boise Convention Center and many other popular attractions.
With
8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, the Red Lion Hotel Boise
Downtowner is a full service convention hotel able to accommodate up to 300 guests.
All rooms completed renovations in May of 2006, this includes all new plush
pillow-topped beds, new furnishings, and new bathrooms. The bathrooms have all new showers
with surround currtains, and adjustable shower heads, all new granite counter tops, and
lighting.
The hotel also has a fitness room, swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and lounge.
Lake Pend Oreille and Coeur d'Alene are both natural lakes tucked
away in the north of the state, and there are many artificial ones on the Snake River and
its tributaries.
Salmon and trout fishing are popular in Idaho, and some of the best
white water rafting can be found along the western border.
In May, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out from St.
Louis, with some 45 men, to explore the the newly gained lands west of the Mississippi and
open up a route to the Oregon.
The expedition followed the Missouri River north to Fort Mandan in
North Dakota, where they spent the winter, and east to the Missouri headwaters.
They then came over the Rockies and followed the Snake river through
Idaho and Washington to join the Columbia river.
Sun Valley, outside Ketchum, is the state's ski resort that
allures the rich, famous, and fashionable. The hot springs in the hills are also an
attraction.
Sun Valley Guide:
The Sun Valley Guide is distributed free twice yearly to residents and guests throughout
the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area communities. Or you can read the features online.
Sun Valley Seasons:
Comprehensive guide with listings for local events, restaurant reviews and an insiders
scoop on the endless recreational activities the Sun Valley resort area has to offer.
Visit Sun Valley:
The Chamber of Commerce in the mountain resort towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum can help
you plan a winter or summer vacation to the year-round resort area located in the central
Idaho Rockies.
Columbia River
Cruises:
The American West Steamboat Company runs riverboat cruises on authentic paddle-wheelers
along the Columbia River, Snake River, and Willamette River.
Destination
Wilderness:
The Main Salmon River combines all the elements that bring people to wilderness river
travel. Legendary whitewater, pristine scenery, abundant wildlife, sandy beaches and hot
springs are samples of what this magnificent canyon has to offer. Guided family trips,
inflatable kayaks and kayaks support trips.
Idaho Wine Country:
While a few of the 15 Idaho wineries are located in the beautiful northern Panhandle area,
most are concentrated along the Snake River in south-western Idaho.
Rafting The
Main Salmon:
This is the one families enjoy the most. The Salmon river canyon is one of the deepest in
America and is famous for exhilarating rapids, abundant wildlife, big sandy beaches and
numerous historical sites. June, July and August.
The Middle
Fork of the Salmon:
To professional river guides and long time river runners, the Middle Fork is considered
America's best wilderness river trip. Depending on your interests the best time to float
the Middle Fork will vary. You'll find the most exciting rapids in June and and the best
combination of whitewater and weather in July and August. Fishing gets better as water
levels decline.
A narrow and winding road following the Clearwater and Lochsa
Rivers. This road is not designed for the fast traveller. There are lots of pull-outs, to
let traffic pass and to take in the breath-taking views of the country.
Idaho's Highway 12:
Tourism website promoting recreational activities along Highway 12 -- Clarkston, Lewiston,
Lenore, Peck, Orofino, Greer, Kamiah, Kooskia, Lowell, Lolo -- with side trips to Pierce,
Weippe, Asotin and Lapwai.
