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Idaho is an astronomically beautiful, singly landlocked state in the Western United States鈥� Mountain West and Pacific Northwest subregions. Praised for its eye-catching topography and thrill-seeking expeditions, Idaho suitably endorses its moniker, the 鈥淕em State.鈥� Although vacationers visiting the state majorly head to the buzzing urban centers of Pocatello, Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho Falls, and Boise - the state鈥檚 capital city, the plethoric small towns sprinkled throughout 鈥淭he Potato State鈥� are considered its real gems. So, waste no time, quickly pack your baggage, and embark on a weekend trip to these Idaho towns away from the hubbub of megacities.

Moscow

Moscow, the seat of government of Latah County, is located in the Columbia River Plateau on the eastern end of the Palouse region of north-central Idaho, not far from the state boundary with Washington. Housing the campus of the state鈥檚 premier and oldest public land-grant research university - the University of Idaho, this pretty college town welcomes scholars and tourists alike to survey the idyllic landscapes, rolling countryside, and untold miles of hiking and biking trails in the region. Furthermore, when in town, inspect a string of domestically owned gift shops like Intrigue, art galleries like Essential Art Gallery & Fine Arts, museums like Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, neighborhood parks like East City Park, restaurants like Lodgepole, and hotels like Fairfield Inn & Suites Moscow. Yearly, attend community events such as the Moscow Hemp Fest, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Rendezvous in the Park, Light up the Night Parade, and Renaissance Fair.

McCall

Sitting along Payette Lake鈥檚 southern banks near the Ponderosa State Park, Burgdorf Hot Springs, and Brundage Mountain Resort is McCall, an enchanting resort town on the western extremity of Valley County. A one-time logging town, McCall is at present a rain-or-shine vacation place where there is no paucity of outdoor pursuits. The McCall Ale Trail is a preferred way to browse local boutiques like Backcountry Boutique and art galleries like Gallery Fifty-Five, sample award-winning craft beers from Salmon River Brewery, taste fine Northwest fare at The Narrows Steakhouse, and relax at the sought-after lakefront condos of Hotel McCall. Featuring over 18.6 miles of cross-country ski trails, the Little Ski Hill, situated just 2 miles west of McCall, lures adventurists across all age groups. Every year, more than 60,000 viewers congregate at McCall to experience parades, games, live music shows, and firework displays at the town鈥檚 annual Winter Carnival.

Lewiston

The administrative capital of north-central Idaho鈥檚 Nez Perce County, Lewiston, is located at the meeting of Clearwater and Snake Rivers, approx. 30 miles southeast of the Lower Granite Dam. As the Lewis-Clark Valley鈥檚 metropolitan center and home to the principal campus of the esteemed Lewis-Clark State College, this appealing town is the region鈥檚 major retail, healthcare, professional service, regional transportation, and entertainment hub. Adrenaline junkies must explore the proximate Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where they can also take note of hundred-year-old Native American carvings on the walls of the canyon. Check out the different pioneer artifacts displayed at the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum, Jack O鈥機onnor Hunting Heritage & Education Center, Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History, and the Hells Gate State Park鈥檚 Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. Unwind at Hampton Inn Lewiston, besides freeing up time to be present at the Lewiston Round-Up rodeo, Dogwood Festival, Hot August Nights Concert Series, Christmas Festival, and Avista NAIA 麻豆AV Series for college baseball held at the Harris Field ballpark.

Stanley

Stanley, named for Captain John Stanley, is a charming alpine hamlet in Sawtooth Valley, wholly delimited by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Central Idaho鈥檚 Custer County. This growing 116-inhabitant town is known best for its spectacular mountain scenery besides myriad recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, and rock climbing that one can engage in at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Also, witness the various crystal-clear alpine lakes: Stanley Lake and Redfish Lake, and spot wild fauna like elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears which dwell in the recreation area. Peruse Downtown鈥檚 innumerable gift shops like Made in Idaho Store, outdoor retail stores like Riverwear, eateries like Mountain Village Resort Restaurant & Saloon, and home-like accommodations like Stanley High Country Inn. Also, try to attend yearly festivities such as Stanley鈥檚 Fourth of July Celebrations, the Sawtooth Mountains Mamas Art and Craft Fair, and the Sawtooth Valley Gathering.

Sandpoint

Bonner County鈥檚 seat and its biggest town, Sandpoint, also called 鈥榢补尘补苍辩耻办耻獗♀赌� in the native Kutenai language, is set on the northern shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Encircled by the imposing Bitterroot, Selkirk, and Cabinet Mountain Ranges, this all-weather holiday retreat is situated on the Wild Horse Trail and Pend Oreille National Scenic Byways as well as the 280-mile-long International Selkirk Loop. The inviting Downtown of this energetic creative community is chock-a-full of local retail stores like La Chic Boutique, art galleries like Lisa V Maus Studios, the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum, the iconic Panida Theater, and top-notch restaurants like Baxter鈥檚 on Cedar and The Hydra Steakhouse. During the warm season, enjoy guided cruises in addition to swimming, fishing, and paddling activities at Lake Pend Oreille. In winter, partake in downhill tubing and Nordic skiing activities at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Stay comfortably at the Best Western Edgewater Resort and spare time from your crazy routines to be present at annual events like Sandpoint Winter Carnival, Festival at Sandpoint Summer Music Festival, and Lost in the 50s vintage car show.

Sun Valley

This 1,783-inhabitant town in Blaine County, popularly referred to as 鈥淎merica鈥檚 First Destination Ski Resort,鈥� occupies the photographic Wood River Valley close to Ketchum in Idaho鈥檚 south-central part. All year round, thousands of winter sports enthusiasts flock to Sun Valley to take part in Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice-skating activities. A big repertoire of snowy pursuits takes place around the statuesque Sun Valley Resort (where you can de-stress, too), the gentle slopes of Dollar Mountain that are fit for newcomers, and the lengthy runs of Bald Mountain most suited for proficient skiers. Consonantly, scout the numberless trails around Sun Valley and hang out in the sylvan settings of Sawtooth Wilderness Area.

From the college town of Moscow to 鈥淎merica鈥檚 First Destination Ski Resort鈥� - Sun Valley, the charismatic settlements in the nation鈥檚 13^th least populous and 14^th most extensive state woos globetrotters with their inherent loveliness. Excellently spotlighting the untouched natural grandeur, historical sites of interest, seasonal festivities, and limitless open-air activities, each teeny settlement hypnotizes travelers from all over the globe. So, whether you are sojourning for a brief outing or rejuvenating weekend escapades, these Gem State towns should be on your travel plans.