Sun Valley, Idaho
"What is Sun Valley?" a person might ask, a stranger to Sun Valley. "Why is it so cool?"
This makes me think. What does make me like it so much? I usually answer something different every time, but the real answer is: the atmosphere. It's such a friendly, fun, athletic atmosphere where people can walk around in high heels and a dress or a raggy t-shirt and sweaty bike shorts and blend right in.
It is mostly known for its ski resort. Sun Valley Resort and all that. But there is so much more to it than skiing and the resort! Anyone who's been there (or lives there) will agree.
For one thing, the summer is amazing. Beautiful weather, the Sun Valley on Ice Saturday night ice shows, the freedom around town, the symphonies, and so much more. Of course, I am an ice skater, so I know everyone in the show, but that is an fantastic experience for anyone. Deep black skies and colored spotlights shining down on amazing skaters, and then afterward pose with the stars of the show, get autographs, and realize how awesome everyone really is!
When I visit Sun Valley, I am really appreciating the freedom of it now. I can hop on a bus pretty much wherever I am, for free, and get to pretty much wherever I want to go. I can meet my friends, go skating, go swimming, grab dinner, whatever! It's all close, fast, and easy. I can stroll about town with friends and family or even all by myself and be perfectly safe, chatting with people walking by and smiling in the sunshine. It's lovely.
Oh and the symphonies! Right next door to the ice rinks, I can walk into the symphony house whenever I want. Of course, you can sit in the gorgeous house and see the orchestra, but I prefer to sit on the lawn. Ah, it's a spacious lawn with sunny and shady areas where you can spread your picnic and (small) lawn chairs with umbrellas. You can watch the orchestra from a huge screen they recently added and while the adults drink wine and feast, kids can snack and play at the back of the field, where there is always something to do or someone to play with. As a teen, I love meeting my friends and snacking or visiting the village with them, getting frozen yogurt or dinner, and shopping a little.
The village I am talking about is the Sun Valley Village, right by the resort. It has delicious restaurants for all occasions, such as Bald Mountain Pizza, the Ram, and much more. It also holds the yummy Chocolate Foundry with all the candy & chocolate you can imagine, and frozen yogurt and frozen bananas. It has old fashioned candy that the adults reminisce about while kids devour, and the fresh, new candy as well. Mmm.. Also, the village has boutiques, shops, stores, and the Sun Valley gift shop. Newly opened is a sundae and make your own hot cocoa bar, the deli with sandwiches, and updated Konderrei bakery!
These places and events are just a few of the magnificent Sun Valley! I will post with more detail later as well :)
-Abby