This month HuffPost released an article with the most romantic getaway in every state and, wouldn’t you know, McCall is listed as the most romantic getaway in Idaho. We couldn’t agree more! McCall is an amazingly romantic place year round, but in the fall love is just in the air. For those of you who are coming from out of town, here are some insider tips for a most romantic weekend.
Lodging
Our top two suggestions for romance both happen to be on the shores of beautiful Payette Lake. Hotel McCall is right in the center of town and is within walking distance of many restaurants and activities. Choose the Lakeview Condo or a Courtyard King Deluxe room for the best views.
For more of a resort feel, try McCall’s Shore Lodge. Make sure to request a lake view suite for the best views and take advantage of McCall’s amazing Indian summers by enjoying a cocktail on the resort’s private beach or take a tandem sit-on-top kayak out on the lake together.
Dining
Breakfast: When staying at Hotel McCall take advantage of the hearty continental breakfast and delicious coffee offered in their Rupert’s restaurant. Read the newspaper together while watching the morning sun on the lake or a quiet morning walk along the lakeside promenade and grab a delicious latte at the nearby Mountain Java.
Alpine Pantry, just across the street and across the Payette River from Shore Lodge, offers made-from-scratch nourishing breakfasts using mostly organic and all-natural ingredients. Chilly fall mornings will find a cozy fire in the wood stove where you can linger over a delicious morning meal.
Lunch: Bistro 45, a wine bar and café located in the courtyard of Hotel McCall, is the perfect spot for a quiet lunch with your partner. On warmer days enjoy eating under the fall foliage and playing a game of bocce to while away the time. Make sure to pick up a bottle of wine from their extensive collection to enjoy in your room later.
If beer is more your style (it is Oktoberfest season after all) then pop upstairs from the Bistro and have lunch at the Salmon River Brewery. With several craft beers on tap and a full lunch menu, you won’t be disappointed.
Cocktails: The most romantic spot to grab a cocktail is, hands-down, the Narrows Grill at Shore Lodge. Looking out over the lake, the creative cocktails and live music will start your romantic evening off right.
Dinner: From there decide where you want to go to dinner. For fine dining try Rupert’s at Hotel McCall. James Beard Nominated Chef Gary Kucy creates incredible specials with international flare. On Main Street try Steamers Steak and Seafood restaurant. Its hole-in-the-wall feel makes for a cozy atmosphere for a dinner for two.
For less casual dining, the Sushi Bar offers premier lake view dining and an extensive sushi menu. If at Shore Lodge, walk across the street to Lardos. While not the most romantic spot, it is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Activities
Where to begin? McCall is well known for both its summer and winter outdoor activities, but don’t discount fall. Take a trip into the mountains to enjoy the fall colors and visit Burgdorf Hot Springs with your loved one. Autumn’s cool days are perfect for basking in the natural hot springs in the middle of an old mining town.
Fall hiking in Ponderosa State Park is also an enjoyable activity as is the mountain biking in nearby Bear Basin and Jug Mountain Ranch. Or get a new vantage point on McCall by renting a SUP from the McCall Sports Exchange and heading out on the glass.
Make sure you don’t forget to schedule a treatment at The Cove, Shore Lodge’s new spa. Plan on spending extra time at the indoor-outdoor saltwater immersion pools. You can’t get more relaxed than this.
We know why HuffPost chose McCall for the most romantic Idaho getaway. Now it’s time to discover it for yourself.
