Romantic Getaways in Idaho

Some of the most spectacular mountains, lakes, and forests in the continent make Idaho an ideal place to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life and enjoy quality time with your sweetheart. Here you can choose from a variety of potential romantic getaways, ranging from the scenic to the fun, from the cultural to the adventurous.

Boise

The capital city of the state of Idaho is fast turning into a major city in the Pacific Northwest. However its growing commercial prowess does not mean that its natural and cultural attractions are any less. Here you and your partner can stroll through the Idaho Historical Museum, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Boise Art Museum, Idaho Black History Museum, Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and World Center for Birds of Prey. Summer invites short float trips on rafts or tubes on the Boise River. During the winter, Nordic and alpine skiing and tubing are only 30 minutes away at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. There is also the Boise National Forest includes about 2,612,000 acres of forest land located north and east of the city of Boise. Over 80 campgrounds and picnic areas provides a variety of recreation experiences.

But if you are not keen on straying outside city limits, a great downtown option for romancing is the Julia Davis Park. Boise's oldest park, located near downtown Boise has something to offer to couples of every taste. Named after an early Boise resident who died in 1907, the Julia Davis Park includes Zoo Boise, rose gardens, a pioneer village and several museums which will take you back in time. A particular favorite attraction of lovers is the Boise River Greenbelt pathway meandering next to the Boise River. A bridge crosses the river to Boise State University where you can continue your explorations. The 87-acre park even offers rentals at the lagoon so that you can set off on your very own romantic boat ride.

To inject yet more adventure into your romantic vacation, move a little further north of downtown and you will get a chance to enjoy Boise in a unique way with your beloved – by hot air balloons. Because of the wide open spaces even within the city, hot air balloons do not have too many hindrances, like skyscrapers, to compete with. Boise Hot Air has a bevy of balloons ready to take up you and your partner. While you may have to get up early for this treat since the best conditions are early mornings, the ride is sure to make for a perfect romantic view-filled outing.

Despite its growing urban centers, Idaho is best known for its natural attractions; it is in its mountains, rivers, canyons and forests that the real beauty of the state resides. So if you are looking to romance your partner in the midst of nature, what better choice than the scenic attractions of Idaho. The Bitteroot National Forest for instance is a spectacular 1.6 million acre forest straddles Idaho and southwest Montana. Half of the forest is dedicated to the largest expanse of continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states. If you and your partner are keen on adventure sports, head to the Bayhorse Recreation Site in Central Idaho which is one of the most popular attractions for adventure lovers in the state. This site along the Salmon River was named for an old mining community in the area and provides plenty of fishing opportunities besides camping, rafting and kayaking. For a full blown adventure though, head to the Blackrock Canyon in south-eastern Idaho which is developed campground with 40 miles of designated routes for OHV riding, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, big game and upland game hunting. Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Center also in the south-eastern part of the state is a waterfowl refuge, along the north shore of beautiful Bear Lake, is great for observing white-faced ibis, Canada geese, ducks, sandhill cranes and a variety of songbirds.

For a romantic getaway with a higher style quotient, head for Coeur d'Alene Area in northern Idaho. This has developed from a mining and timber town into an international resort destination on the north shore of one of Idaho's most beautiful lakes. The World's Longest Floating Boardwalk surrounds the Coeur d'Alene Resort's marina. If you or your partner are in the mood for golf, you can choose from any of the eighteen North Idaho courses, including a floating golf green on the Resort's famous course. The Northwest's largest theme park, Silverwood, and Boulder Beach Water Park, are just 15 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene. A take in the cultural attractions of the area like the Museum of North Idaho, Fort Sherman Powder House and the Coeur d'Alene District Mining Museum or whisk away your beloved for a romantic cruise on the lake.

Hells Canyon Winery

Opened in 1980, the Hells Canyon winery is located near several other wineries in a grape-loving stretch of land near the Snake River which is only about 45 minutes from Boise. Named for the Snake River's famous Hell's Canyon, the chateau-inspired winery opens its doors to visitors on the weekends for wine tasting. Here you can partake of winery’s award-winning chardonnay and other wines under the Hell's Canyon label and if in the mood to extend your romantic getaway, explore other wineries which form Part of the Treasure Valley's growing wine country or perhaps even book a room at an inn or bed and breakfast.

Sawtooth Winery

In keeping with the wine and roses theme, yet another option for a romantic getaway is Sawtooth Winery. With the rugged Owhyee Mountains as a backdrop, the views are endless from this winery where you can explore the vineyards, stay overnight, dine on gourmet food and of course go wine-tasting. The Sawtooth Winery offers a variety of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Originally named Pintler Cellars, the winery is now part of the Corus Northwest Wineries.

Emmett & Gem County

Known as "The Valley of Plenty", Emmett & Gem County are home to many local fruit orchards. Though fruit availability varies by season, there is some activity going on almost throughout the year.  Many orchards allow you to pick fruits straight off the trees while others offer already-picked fruit. Activities also vary by orchard. Some orchards have farm tours and hands-on farm and ranch experiences. Ideally look through their website – www.emmettidaho.com to find what fruit is in season and how to get to the orchards.  Ask if you can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating among the trees. Gift shops are at many of the orchards with fresh jams, jellies or other wonderful handmade items. Get a first-hand experience in Emmett, Idaho and your memories of a romantic afternoon spent here are sure to last for a lifetime.

Sun Valley

Finally what is a romantic getaway in Idaho without some skiing? And Sun Valley has long been one of the most romantic destinations in the country since it was created over a half-century ago.  Part of this resort’s appeal for lovers is that if offers the best of both worlds - It is isolated, yet comfortable; rough in texture, but also refined. The Sun Valley Company keeps the skiing and riding as up-to-date as any in America but its real charm lies in the atmosphere of restrained elegance. If you enjoy history, stay at the Sun Valley Lodge, a beautifully preserved property with a pronounced mid-20th-century feel where Hemingway is believed to have written most of For Whom The Bell Tolls. Or else simply soak in the romantic ambience at its sophisticated dining establishments, quaint village square with a steeple and horse-drawn carriages but most of all in the magnificent natural views around.