http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/archive_201804/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ With the days lengthening and the warmer temperatures rolling in, you will want to shake off the winter months and catch some sunshine.  For a pleasant, leisurely day in Sun Valley, you should check out these gems.Sawtooth Botanical Garden - Botanical gardens always offer a relaxing, aromatic outing.  The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens specialize in cultivating high altitude flora and showing five biomes common in the Idaho landscape, including a lava rock garden.  Make sure to check out their calendar for insightful workshops, including the “Astronomy in the Garden” event happening this May.The Center:  Hosting a range of events, The Center’s May calendar is packed full of fascinating days.  Bring the family out for a “Bees and Pollinators” and learn all about the importance of these key species through a myriad of artistic pathways.  Take your education of these buzzing insects a step further and join others at The Center for a “Cooking with Honey with The Haven” event where you’ll concoct culinary dishes and cocktails featuring honey as the primary ingredient.The Public Artwork:  Not set in a building or within an organization, artwork speckles the Sun Valley landscape.  Grab your walking shoes and check out some of the amazing exhibits, such as the 20 plus decorated electrical boxes around town featuring local artists’ talents or the decorated manhole covers within the city or the stunning Craters of the Moon sculptures created by John Grade that now reside in the Sun Valley.  Grab a cup of coffee at one of the local shops and try to find all of the artwork hidden within the city. Gallery Walk:  For a more sophisticated evening, grab your date and enjoy a gallery walk.  If you’re feeling mod art, head over to the Gilman Contemporary gallery. The Gail Severn gallery is the perfect setting for a spring, sculpture stroll with their outdoor exhibit.  Make your way to the MESH Gallery for stunning snapshots of the western culture that flows through Idaho’s veins. http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5739/a-spring-stroll-in-sun-valley/ Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Whether you’ve already committed to moving to the beautiful Sun Valley or your following you dream of living the ultimate ski bum lifestyle, here are a few points to note before packing your bags.Grab Your Walking Shoes and the Bus ScheduleSki towns know from years of experience that with the snow comes the powder hounds and with the powder hounds comes traffic.  Many ski towns, including Ketchum and the surrounding Sun Valley region, consequently adopted a superb, often free transportation system.  In the Sun Valley region, if you live in town basically everything is accessible on foot. If the distance might be a tad too far to be a comfortable stroll, pick up a bus schedule for the Mountain Ride Transportation Authority to help you get around the valley.Stock Your Winter WardrobeSun Valley is an incredible ski resort town.  Famous ski towns couldn’t have made it to that level of status without one very important element: snow.  To get the most out of the ski slopes in your backyard, make sure you own a warm ski coat, good waterproof ski pants, a vibrant Hydroflask to keep your caffeine warm all day (or whatever else you might need to keep you going), and of course, the right gear to get you flying down the slopes.  Get your Hemingway OnHemingway spent a great deal of time in the Sun Valley and even finished writing For Whom the Bell Tolls during his time in Idaho.  In fact, many attribute his presence in the Valley a significant factor in drawing other celebrities to the region.  Today, famous figures, such as Oprah Winfrey and Justin Timberlake to name two, end up making a home in the Sun Valley.  Don’t be surprised then if you spot some Hollywood appearances in the valley.   http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5710/know-before-you-go:-sun-valley/ Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Renovating or upgrading your home seems like a simple idea, right? Figure out what you want to do and find a contractor to do it. But there is so much more that goes into renovating and so many common mistakes that can make an upgrade or renovation go south very quickly. Below are some common mistakes you want to be sure you avoid when you begin the renovation process or even when you start thinking about renovating.  ·         Kitchen revamp – One of the biggest errors when people update their kitchens are incorrect measurements. Replacing cabinets or adding additional storage in your kitchen will change the look completely, but be sure you measure properly to ensure they fit around your appliances. ·         Not setting a proper budget – Most people only budget out their exact renovations. But along the way, you may find electrical issues or something could become damaged. Adding 10-15% to your budget will create a safe enough cushion that if anything does happen, it will be covered.·         Changing layouts – Don’t be afraid to move things around to create a space that makes more sense. If your bathroom seems cramped because the sink is too close to the shower or you don’t like where the toilet is placed, change it.·         Going cheap – Just because you like the figures a contractor gives you, doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best job. Get multiple quotes from different contractors and view pictures of their previous work so you can get an idea of the work they will be doing for you. ·         Choosing the wrong design – When you begin selecting materials, it’s best to choose a design that won’t go out of style too quickly. Make sure you are selecting designs that will be well-liked years down the road that won’t take away from the value of your home.  Revamping your home is always exciting. Changing things and making them your own makes it feel more like your home, but it’s imperative to keep in mind that these upgrades and renovations are long term and need to be thought out so future problems are avoided. http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5688/home-renovation-mistakes-you-don’t-want-to-make/ Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Sun Valley may be known for its perfect powder snow in the winter, but during the spring and summer months, there is also plenty to keep you busy on and off the mountains. Most people plan their vacations to Sun Valley in the winter, which is understandable, but the beauty of this vacation destination can be soaked up all year round. For the thrill seekers and adventurers and also those who like a quiet getaway, below are some great activities Sun Valley has to offer during the skiing and boarding off-season.Walking or HikingSun Valley is home to about 400 miles of single-track, and 30 miles of paved trails, all ranging from easy to difficult. Pete Lane’s Outdoor Adventure Center has all the gear you need and will happily assist in finding a trail that’s a good fit for you.BikingEnjoy the summer in Sun Valley by biking through over 30 miles of paved paths and hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails. Bald Mountain provides you with the opportunity to really challenge yourself on its trails, or take the easier route through the meadows and enjoy your surroundings.Sport ShootingSun Valley Gun Club offers a variety of services to those interested in sport shooting. Whether novice or expert, the certified instructors are eager to assist with whatever shooting you’re interested in: trap, double trap, skeet, duck tower or clays. Horseback RidingThe Western heritage that Sun Valley portrays really shines through their Sun Valley Stables and Western Horseman’s Center. Whether wagon or trail rides, beginner or advanced, the Sun Valley Stables offers lessons, trail rides and so much more for all ages.Fly FishingThere are so many different opportunities throughout Sun Valley to experience some great fishing. Silver Creek Outfitters, not associated with Sun Valley Resort, has expert guides and plenty of gear to choose from to ensure your fly fishing experience is top notch.Sun Valley LakeCome soak up the sun on a paddle boat, kayak or laying on the beach! Sun Valley Lake is close by Sun Valley Lodge and Inn and offers beach volleyball, horseshoes and an all-around relaxing day catching some rays.  http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5627/vacationing-in-sun-valley/ Mon, 02 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0700