Go Visit: McCall Idaho



Idaho has so many wonderful places to visit.  McCall is one of our favorites.  The scenery is beautiful, the lake is clean and clear and there are a lot of great restaurants in a very small area.

Eat

Whenever we make it to McCall our first stop is Bistro 45 for an ice cold bucket of Coronitas.  The restaurant has an awesome outdoor patio, a delicious menu of fresh sandwiches and salads, and a wide selection of wines.  Bistro 45 is located behind Hotel McCall.

Try the steamed blue mussles!

Another must visit is Lardo's.  You will feel like you stepped back in to the 1970's but their finger steaks cannot be beat.

A new place we discovered this year is Stacey Cakes.  This place serves up freshly baked confections to die for! It is located away from downtown near the Paul's Market. When you stop in do not forget to pick up your desert for the evening. Our recommendation is the salted caramel cheese cake.

Other McCall restaurants worth mentioning are Steamers for seafood, The Mill has delicious prime rib, and the Pancake House serves up a huge traditional breakfast. The lake front dining of downtown or The Narrows at Shore Lodge is always a fun experience too.

Stay

There are a lot of lodging options in McCall. When we are there we typically stay with family. However, a fun place to stay is the Brundage Bungalows. Keep in mind these little cabin are not fancy but they are cute and clean.

Outside wine drinking at our cabin

Do

We tend to spend most of our time laying on the beach and swimming off of the dock while we are in McCall but there is a lot more to do than that. Boats and jet skis are available for rent; there are many little shops for browsing in and several golf courses if you are in to that sort of thing!

Gold Fork hot springs is also a great way to spend the afternoon if you are in the McCall area during the cooler months. Do not forget your sunscreen! We have made that mistake a time or two.

Plan a trip to McCall the next time you have a free weekend.  It is well worth the drive up highway 55!

Gram Von, Uncle Tom & Auntie Marilyn



McCall on Dwellable

2012 Bucket List: CloverLeaf Creamery

Ice cream is the perfect summer treat or possibly an acceptable meal when the temperature  reaches 100 degrees! CloverLeaf Creamery in Buhl, Idaho is a must visit.  They offer many wonderful flavors like huckleberry cheesecake, licorice, and even one that is maple with real bacon made right there.

Enjoy your selected treat, whether it is a waffle cone or shake, on the outdoor patio. 

 




Do not forget to take a cooler and stock up on fresh milk, yogurt, cream and butter.  The chocolate milk is delicious.  The glass bottles require a deposit but you can use them again in many places, even in Mountain Home at Melandy's.

Goldie was an instant fan.  She chose plain old vanilla and loved it!

The creamery even offers a $1 kids cup that is a whole scoop.

2012 Bucket List: Oysters and Bubbly

Bucket List: Try Oysters

 The evening started with a homemade Tom Collins and appetizers.

However, the center of the night was a variety of fresh oysters that were grilled and served along side crisp salads made with fresh sugar snap peas, watermelon and basil from our garden.

Skylar selected three different types of oysters that were recommended by the staff at Reel Foods Fish Market.  While we know that oysters are best served raw we decided to try them grilled.

Once the oysters opened slightly Josh pried them open, sliced the muscle, and served them on the shell over salt.

The oysters were accompanied by a dry French Champagne.

Goldie's New Party Dress

Everyone dressed up and drank champagne and ate until the late evening. We couldn't have asked for a better night to spend our anniversary.

Happy Three Year Anniversary!

Way Down in the Swamp

We wrestled alligators, spoke with ghosts, and journeyed deep into the Florida swamp.  All this and more in FCM's book for July, Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell. Ella Wilkerson, our newest member, hosted and she put out quite a spread. Crawfish dip, tostones, spicy gumbo, crawfish pie, and seafood nachos were washed down with rum punch!

Nachos with Crawfish and Shrimp

All of us were pleasantly surprised by the crawfish dishes.  If you are not up for dealing with whole crawfish you can purchase shelled meat from Reel Foods Fish Market in Boise, ID.

Rum Punch



Dinner was followed up by a fresh baked Key Lime pie made by Skylar and a specialty cake that looked great and was delicious.

Thanks for the great time Ella! Next up is Little Bee by Chris Cleave hosted by Katie Ashby.



FCM Book Club