Rugged Idaho occupies an almost mythical place in the
American imagination. The final home of Ernest Hemingway, the
qualities that transformed the writer into a literary icon are the
same that have made Idaho legendary.
It is a harsh landscape of jagged peaks, waterfalls,
and deep canyon gorges, where the hardiest outdoorsmen can find
adventure. Idaho also offers opportunities for fly fishing, skiing
on pristine slopes, and viewing wildlife in its natural habitat,
all in a dynamic environment that has, to a large degree, remained
unspoiled.
In the early 1800s, explorers Lewis and Clark dazzled
Americans back east with descriptions of Idaho. Pioneers began to
trickle into the territory, growing Idaho from frontier outpost to
posh locale. The real estate market has exploded, particularly in
resort areas, with several celebrities taking up residence. Sun
Valley, the state's original ski destination, is now a magnificent
vacation spot.
Idaho is a perfect destination for outdoor
recreation, from boating and white-water rafting to rock climbing
and horseback riding to skiing and dog sledding. But, unlike
neighbouring Colorado, the state remains hidden away, tucked into a
far corner of the US. Even the fashionable resort towns, like Sun
Valley, Ketchum and Coeur d'Alene, for all their luxury remain laid
back and unhurried. In spite of its increasing popularity, Idaho
has maintained its small-town, friendly nature. Boise, the state
capital and largest city, has fewer than 220,000 residents. It is
this atmosphere that makes Idaho the ultimate escape.