Brundage Mountain and McCall Winter Carnival

Do you want to play in the snow this week-end?  Brundage Mountain just got over five feet of snow and 100% of their runs are open.  This is a great ski mountain with wide runs and excellent snow.  Head North on Hwy 55 just 8 miles past McCall.

http://www.brundage.com/

If you decide to go North this week-end, you can ski/snowboard/cross country ski/snowshoe in some great snow PLUS enjoy the McCall Winter Carnival.  The carnival runs from January 27 to February 5, 2012.  It’s loaded with events to see and participate in. Whether you would like to see a parade, hear live music, snowshoe golf, snow tube, see plays or see hockey, there is something for everyone.  The sculptures are always incredible too.  Here is a schedule of events:

http://mccallchamber.org/carnival_events.html

This could be a fun day trip or head there for the week-end!

 

Classes and Activities in Meridian and Boise

Looking for something to do this winter and spring?  It’s not too late to try something new and check out Meridian Parks and Recreation Activities and Boise Parks and Recreation Activities.  Both cities have great classes and programs available for young children, teens and adults.    The classes and activities are very reasonably priced and my family loves the opportunity to try something new.

Meridian Parks and Recreation has age appropriate spring break camps as well as art classes for children and adults.  Don’t miss an opportunity for some great adult education too.

Meridian Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

http://www.meridiancity.org/activityguide/

Boise Parks and Recreation has loads of activities for children and adults to try.  Everything from educational classes to pure fun with art, dancing, or softball are available.  We have enjoyed several of the spring break camps over the years.  Mountain Biking and golf were both big hits for my daughters.  They offer plenty of other spring break camps like art, drama, skating, hockey, zoology

Boise Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/Activities/page12464.aspx

Lock Up a Local Celebrity and Fight Hunger in Idaho

I think this sounds like an excellent event supporting two charities that need it – The Idaho Foodbank and a scholarship fund for Idaho Schools Field Trips.  This post comes directly off of the history.idaho.gov website.  Check it out:

 Escaping Hunger Event

As part of MAKE HUNGER HISTORY, on Friday January 13^th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the ISHS support organization The Friends of the Historical Museum will present the first ever “Escaping Hunger Celebrity Lock Up”; a free community event held at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Special drawings, tours, prizes and giveaways will occur all day long. While there is no charge to attend, food and monetary donations are encouraged! All proceeds will be divided between the Idaho Foodbank and a scholarship fund for Idaho school field trips. Local celebrities will be locked up from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Their goal will be to get the most food and monetary donations. The winning celebrity will be presented with the “Warden’s Cup” and bragging rights for the year!

Celebrities includes: Blue (Idaho Steelheads’ mascot), Niccole Blaze (musician), Ty Brennan (KTVB Channel 7), Bill Coffey (musician), Nate Fowler (musician), Natalie Hurst (KBOI Channel 2), Mix 106 Team, Rick Moorten (Wild 101.1), Ryan Peck (Boise Rock School and Anna Webb (Idaho Statesman).   See Mug Shots: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150439572651669.358935.94920681668&type=1

 

More information on:

 

http://history.idaho.gov/old-idaho-penitentiary-events

Day Trip to Gold Fork Hot Springs

Gold Fork Hot Springs

If you are looking to get away and enjoy a beautiful drive with a unique destination in sight, you should consider Gold Forks Hot Springs located in Donnelly, ID.   It’s an awesome place to soak your weary bones.

We go to Gold Forks Hot Springs a few times a year.  It’s clean and has several pools with varying temperatures.  Kids and adults enjoy soaking and playing in the hot pools any time of year.  It’s especially gratifying if you have been working outside shoveling or chopping wood OR if you have been playing outside skiing, hiking, snowmobiling.

It’s located off Hwy 55 just before you get to Donnelly, ID.  Here is a link:

http://www.goldforkhotsprings.com/

 

Off Leash Dog Parks for our Furry Friends

In the winter, there is more of a challenge to find areas where are furry family members can get some time off of their leashes.  Here are some Treasure Valley options for dogs and families.

Boise: 

Boise Parks and Recreation maintain 4 off leash dog parks/off leash areas.  They are located at:

• Military Reserve Flood Basin:  Military Reserve Flood Basin Dog Off-Leash Area is located at the front of the Reserve at the corner of Reserve St and Mountain Cove Rd
• Morris Hill Park:  Located at 10 Roosevelt Street.  This park is not just for dogs!  It has a 1 acre fenced dog park for your pups to romp, but it also has a picnic shelter, playground, restroom, benches, tables, and horseshoe pits.
• Pine Grove Park (undeveloped):  8995 W Shoup Dr.  This park features a 1 acre temporary fenced off leash area with trees and benches.  It will continue to have a dog area once funding is available to develop this park.
• Sterling Property (undeveloped):  9851 W Irving St.  This park is located at Mitchell and Irving in West Boise.  It currently does not have water.  There are some picnic tables, trees and a trash can.  When funding is available, the park will feature a pond, walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelter, playground, 30-space parking area and spray park.
• Off Leash Dog Trails:  The ridge to rivers trail system in Boise has several off leash dog approved trails.  Please follow this link to find more information:  http://ridgetorivers.cityofboise.org/HikesAndRides/DogOnandOffLeashTrails/index.aspx

For more information go to:  http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/ParksAndFacilities/Parks/page29664.aspx

Meridian

• Meridian Bark Park:  1401 Watertower Lane.  Winter hours are:  Friday to Monday dawn to dusk.  Restroom, drinking fountains (people & canines), open play area, picnic tables, mutt mitt stations, donation box, & trash receptacles

For more information go to:  http://www.cityofmeridian.org/parks_rec.aspx?id=2686

Nampa

• Nampa Dog Park:  The Nampa Dog Park is located at the intersection of 2nd St. S. and E. Amity Ave. near the Kings Rd. overpass.  This is a six acre park that offers off leash play for dogs of all sizes. There are separate areas for large and small dogs.  It is fully fenced park and includes grassy areas, walking trails, drinking water (for dogs and humans), shade shelters, trees, benches and ample parking. They are eventually looking to put a swimming pond in for dogs too.

For more information visit:  http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/ParksDepartment/DogPark.aspx

Remember Proper Etiquette at the Dog Park!

• Pick up after your dog
• Restrain your dog if he/she cannot play nice
• Keep your dog near you