Things To Do
Sun Valley Lodge
This is the famous Sun Valley Lodge, the very first ski lodge. It's a very cool spot with spas, restaurants, bars, and photos of all of the celebrities that have stayed their line the walls. It's worth checking out just to see it or for a fancy drink. It even has a bowling alley if you're into that sort of thing. Be sure to explore the surrounding Sun Valley Village as well!
See The World's First Chairlift
This is where it all began! The very first ski resort in North America and the very first chairlift in the world. Although the Sun Valley resort moved to Bald Mountain decades ago, the chairlift still stands.
Mountain Biking and Hiking
There are a ton of great hiking and biking trails all up and down the valley. Lake Creek, Trail Creek, and Adams Gulch are great hiking areas if you don't want to look up your own. If you're looking to mountain bike, reach out to Austin for some good trail recommendations.
Fishing
The Big Wood River runs all the way through the valley (hence "Wood River Valley") and there's great fishing just about anywhere. There are plenty of fishing and guide shops around that can set you up and give recommendations, but Silver Creek Outfitters in Ketchum will be your go to spot.
Check Out the Ski Resort
Bald Mountain has two side: River Run, which is what you see when you pull into town and is right in Ketchum, and Warm Springs which is more the locals side of the mountain in the winter. The lifts/gondola are running on the River Run side only in the summer, but there's some great hiking and views from the top!
Breakfast
Here's a list of good breakfast/coffee spots: The Kneadery - If you want a big breakfast, this has been the de facto spot for decades Big Wood Bread - Another great spot with big breakfasts and delicious breads and pastries Maudes Coffee - A friend of mine from growing up has a great little coffee shop/thrift store. Highly recommend checking them out and supporting them. Java - The local coffee spot that's been here forever and has a few good pastries as well. The Konditerei - Austrian inspired breakfast spot and bakery in the Sun Valley Village.
Lunch/Dinner
Here's a list of some of the best lunch/dinner spots around Ketchum: WrapCity - Lunch - I think I've eaten more WrapCity than anything else on the planet. Great simple food (wraps and bowls) for not a lot of money, and a staple in the local diet. The Chinese Chicken Salad is my goto. KBs Burritos - Lunch/Dinner - One of the best burritos you'll ever have with locations in both Hailey and Ketchum. Grumpy's - Lunch/Dinner - Local dive bar that serves a mean burger and famous for their schooners of beer. Sawtooth Brewery - Lunch/Dinner - The Valley's only brewery with great food and beer options. Johnny Gs - Lunch - The local sub/sandwich spot. WiseGuy - Lunch/Dinner - Best pizza in the valley with locations in both Ketchum and Hailey. Apples - Lunch/Dinner - The local ski bum bar at the base of the mountain out Warm Springs and located right underneath the ski team locker rooms. Great spot for those staying out there or who want to see Warm Springs.
Dinner Only
On top of the lunch spots that serve dinner, here's a list of some other great dinner spots. Please note that many restaurants do not have liquor licenses and only serve beer and wine. Rickshaw - Upscale Asian-inspired food. This may be my favorite restaurant in the world. Sometimes you have to wait a while to get in (no reservations) but it's worth the wait. Enoteca - Owned by our friends, the Masons, this is a great spot for upscale Italian-inspired cuisine including wood-fired pizzas. Ketchum Grill - Another one owned by our friends, the Masons. Upscale American food and one of the best spots in town. Sushi On Second - Great Sushi and the only spot in town for it. Despos - American Mexican food with a great patio right on the main drag. The Pioneer Saloon - If you want a great steak and one of the best baked potatoes you've ever had, this is the spot. They have a full bar and liquor license as well.
Dinner Cont'd
Warfield - A fairly new distillery that serves great drinks and American food. The Sawtooth Club - Old school bar with traditional American. Great spot for steaks and their seafood specials are great.
Bars/Late Night
There are only a few bars in Ketchum, but here's the rundown: Whiskeys - This is the nicer "club" style bar in Sun Valley. Big dance floor, good food, good drinks. The Cellar - This is a great little underground dive bar. Probably my favorite in the area. Lefty's - I believe they only serve beer and wine, but this is the ski bum's bar. The Casino - This is the dive bar. And when I say "dive bar", I don't mean the trendy kind, I mean the seedy kind. Half of the locals love it, half of the locals are downright afraid of it. But if your up for the adventure, the Casino can be a great time. The Duchin Room - If you're looking to get fancy, this is the spot. Located in the lobby of the Sun Valley lodge, this place has incredible drinks usually has live jazz music going. There's not really a dress code here, but I highly recommend wearing something halfway nice or even getting some extra miles out of the fancy suits and dresses you all packed.
Groceries
This is the local grocery store. It may be small, but it has some great food and just about everything you could need, plus some great pickup items for lunch. Beer and Wine can be purchased in the grocery stores. In the same building are Chateau Drug (they carry literally everything), Ketchum Kitchens, and a great little souvenir/clothes shop. This is definitely the best grocery store in the area (with a location in Hailey as well) and the grocery stores we grew up with, but there is another new market in Ketchum or an Albertson's in Hailey if you need a bigger store.
Liquor Info
Idaho is one of those weird states with state run liquor stores. Beer and Wine can be purchased in the grocery stores, but if you'd like to pick up liquor, know that there's only one liquor store in Ketchum and one in Hailey. They both close at 7 (5 on Sundays). The address listed here is for the Ketchum liquor store.