Once spring rolls around the Valley, the pace always slows a little. The frustration of out-of-town drivers not understanding the four-way stop on the corner of Sun Valley Road and Leadville Avenue ceases to exist. And the once continually reoccurring scene of family photos being taken on the large chair sculpture outside of The Cellar Pub and Will Caldwell’s gallery begins to happen less and less frequently.
For skiers and snowboarders, Baldy’s season reaches an inevitable end, which leaves the remaining months of winter sports to only those skilled and dedicated enough to venture into the backcountry.
The bikers in the community start itching to ride and begin relentlessly shredding the few trails out Croy Canyon that have already cleared of snow, hoping to be in top shape when summer comes.
Spring in town is a time of transition. The dichotomy of snow-covered mountains visible from a slowing greening lawn becomes commonplace, and the weather has been known to vary between snow, rain and high 50s all within a single week.
Although for locals the lull in tourism can be a refreshing break, the lack of outdoor activities and the limited number of businesses that remain open make the options of things to do seem in short supply.
Despite that feeling, slack is actually a great time to take advantage of living in the Valley. Between all the restaurant specials and retail sales, slack is the perfect time to eat out at the places you can’t usually afford, find gear and clothing for next winter or use a rainy spring day as an excuse to see a movie or local performance.
With that in mind, here is the Sun Valley magazine guide on slack specials. We want to help you know what the deals around town are, so you can make sure to take advantage of them before Memorial Day weekend brings back the crowds.
Best Restaurant Deals During Slack
Sushi on Second Happy Hour—Half-off select rolls
Hours: Open nightly at 5:30 p.m.
Special:
All Maki rolls half-price (specialty rolls not included)
5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
Dine-in only.
Special runs through May 26, 2011.
The Roosevelt Grille—Buy one get one free
Hours: Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Special:
Buy one entrée, get a second one free.
The cheaper of the two will be the free entrée.
Special runs until Memorial Day weekend.
The Ketchum Grill—Dinner and a movie
Hours: Open nightly at 5 p.m.
Special:
If your table is seated by 6p.m., for each $25 spent, your table will receive a free movie ticket to the Magic Lantern Cinema
Movie tickets are valid through June 15, 2011.
Tickets are limited to one per person, on any given night.
Special runs until May 20, 2011
Special:
Fresh wild Alaskan king salmon entrée for $14.50 every night.
Salmon preparation varies nightly.
Special runs while supplies last, expected to end May 12.
The Pioneer Saloon—Dinner’s never been cheaper
Hours: Open nightly for dinner at 6 p.m.
Special:
10 oz Pio burger with bread and rice $4.95
BBQ beef ribs $6.95
Idaho trout with bread, rice and a salad $8.95
Draft pints of Stella Artois $3
Fourteen Hands Cabernet $5 a glass
BV Coastal Chardonnay $5 a glass
Special runs until Memorail Day weekend.
Ciro—Fine dining at a discount price
Hours: Open nightly for dinner at 5:30
Special:
All entrée salad selections on the regular menu for $12.95
All pizza selections on the regular menu for $9.95
Pasta dishes $14.95
Menu entrees $15.95
Desserts $4.95
If your table orders and appetizer, you receive a 20 percent discount on a bottle of wine.
Special runs through the end of May.
Restaurants Closed During Slack (just so you don’t go and get disappointed)
Rickshaw – Closed until Memorial Day weekend
Sego – Closed until Friday, May 27, 2011
Sawtooth Club – Dining room closed until May 20, 2011
Globus – Closed until May 11, 2011
Things To Do During Slack
Magic Lantern Spring Film Festival—See independent films at our local theater.
The Magic Lantern Cinema is hosting its annual independent film festival through May 20, 2011. The three films that will be featured between now and the end of the festival are “Win Win,” “The Concert” and “The Conspirator.” Visit www.magiclanterncinemas.com/filmfestivals.html to see plot summaries and show times.
Golfing in Sun Valley—Take a swing at golfing
Sun Valley Company is offering discounted golf prices through the month of May. Play a round of 18 holes for $80 ($50 for juniors) or 9 holes for $50 ($35 for juniors). And swing a 9-hole re-round after playing 18 holes for $40. If you’re more the putting-type, putt the Sawtooth Putting Course at a discount rate of $5 per adult and $3 per child. For other Sun Valley springtime specials visit www.sunvalley.com/.
Local Ballet Performances—Spend a night at the ballet
Both of the local dance schools have their spring performances in the month of May. See the Sun Valley Ballet School’s Spring Showcase on May 12 and 13 at 6:30 at the nexStage Theater. Visit www.sunvalleyballet.com/ for information on tickets or call 208-806-1441. Or see the Footlight Dance Company’s performance of Mary Poppins on May 14 and 15 in the Community Campus Theater. Visit www.footlightdancecentre.com/ for more information.
The Phools Lounge—Check out Hailey’s new variety show
The Sun Valley Brewery is hosting a weekly variety show on Monday nights through the month of May. The evening has no cover and begins at 6:30 p.m. Performances vary weekly but can include music, spoken word and comedy. For more information call 208-788-0805. If you have a local act interested in auditioning to perform in the show, email phoolslounge@yahoo.com.
Sale Shopping—Get the goods at a great price
Whether you’re in need of sports gear or kitchenware, slack is the time of year to buy it. Although none of the retail, gear or lifestyle stores around town have set slack specials, places including Ketchum Kitchens, Backwoods Mountain Sports and the Elephant’s Perch all said they have springtime sales going throughout the month of May. Just take a walk around town to see what deals you can find. Many stores said they are trying to sell off their winter items, so think about what you wished you had last season and stock up for the next one.
