Stanley, ID

Address:Stanley, Idaho

The distinguishing trait of the city of Stanley, in Custer County, Idaho, can be depicted in the sign that once greeted visitors at the town's entrance, which read, "Howdy partner - come and sit a spell". Although the sign is no longer there, the hospitality and laid back feeling of the town remains. Every season there is something fun to do both outdoors and indoors in Stanley, and guests are always welcomed with warm hospitality.

Stanley is a great place to visit year round. In the fall, visitors come to enjoy and photograph the leaves as they change color, and are happy to find reduced fall lodging rates and uncrowded hiking trails on the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. In the winter, visitors come to ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe in Sawtooth Valley. In the spring, fishing is popular for salmon and rainbow trout. Then in the summer, visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking, boating, swimming, biking, water skiing, sail boarding, climbing, horseback riding, taking scenic flights, and more. There are many outfitters and outdoor adventure groups that can guide you on tours. Another fun option is to take a plane ride at any of Stanley's private aviation services. Year round, there is wildlife to watch, and a few museums and attractions to visit. Several gift shops around town are a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs, including Artisan's Guild and Gift Shop. Shopping is also available for sporting goods and fishing equipment.

Stanley's hearty restaurants will satisfy every palette. Some local favorites include Bridge Street Grill for a burger and Haven Hotsprings Resort for a juicy steak. If you like meat, you will enjoy the steaks, smoked meats and brisket at Pot Belly Café at Elk Mountain. If you prefer fish, try the fish special at Redfish Lake Lodge. In the morning, you can get brunch at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch or a home-style breakfast at Mountain Village Restaurant and Saloon. Palmers Café is also famous for their $3.95 breakfast with bottomless coffee. Also recommended is Stanley Baking Company for home-baked goods and coffee.

Accommodations in Stanley are very friendly, and most strive to make you feel at home. For an extended vacation, rent a cabin in the Almost Heaven Vacation Home. Cabins are also available for rent at Beaver Creek Store and Cabins, which also feature a store and bar on site. The cabin lodges at Beckwith's Lodge are fully equipped with a kitchen, and can hold large groups of up to 20 people. For a cozy experience, go to Braun's White Cloud Mountain Inn Bed and Breakfast, specializing in western hospitality and homecooking. Another relaxing idea is to stay at the Meadow Creek Inn and Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing therapeutic massage, rejuvenating skin care, aromatherapy steam sauna, soothing body wraps and foot reflexology treatments. Motels are also available, such as Riverside Motel on the bank of the Salmon River, and the Salmon River Lodge.

Stanley can be found at the crossroads of two "scenic byways" in Idaho's Rocky Mountains. It can only be reached by car, and can be found off Idaho State Highways 21 and 75, both of which offer scenic views through the mountains and by the Salmon River. Although you won't be greeted by the sign that once adorned the entrance, you are sure to feel welcome as soon as you arrive!