Whether it’s a waterborne reception in Coeur d’Alene, a group dinner complete with wine tasting during a Boise-based meeting, or a seminar surrounded by the arts in Idaho Falls, the lineup of off-site event venues in Idaho provides a variety of backdrops for memorable gatherings.
Following are some great options throughout the Gem State to give itineraries that extra sparkle.
Telaya Winery, Garden City
Voted 2016 Idaho Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest, Telaya Winery, located close to Boise, offers tastings and tours, including a new tasting room and event space that opened in February.
“Telaya’s space includes not only a beautiful tasting room with a patio right out on the river but also a full-scale production facility,” said Founder/Head Winemaker Earl E. Sullivan.
Tours of the production area are available, and the winery also accommodates group get-togethers of up to 250 people.
“There is an amazing chandelier extended from the ceiling that can be lowered when we do winemaker dinners in this room,” Sullivan said.
Also on-site is a private room that’s used for board meetings and other intimate gatherings for up to 35 people.
“We can do almost any type of wine-related event that you can imagine, including wine and yoga,” Sullivan said.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers public cruises as well as private charters for groups of up to 600 people.
“I cannot think of a gathering that couldn’t be hosted on our cruise boats,” said Tayler Petticolas, the outfitter’s sales coordinator. “The public cruises are great options for smaller groups that maybe aren’t looking for a private venue but still looking for a gathering space and activity. For either small or larger groups, we also offer the option to charter a boat.”
The five boats in the fleet all have an upper uncovered deck and a lower enclosed deck, both with seating and views of the lake, and all cruise boats have an overhead sound system.
“We have several different events throughout the year that may be of interest during a visit,” Petticolas added. “We have an incredible holiday lights display that is a must for any groups visiting during the winter.”
Galena Lodge, Ketchum/Sun Valley
Situated 23 miles north of the Sun Valley Resort in the heart of the Boulder Mountains, this day lodge is a place to get away from it all, where groups can host private gatherings.
“Very few places like Galena exist in this world,” said Erin Zell, lodge operator.
According to Zell, Galena can accommodate up to 65 people inside, where there is a small couch area, a fireplace and a bar, or outside, where there is a large deck, an outdoor fire pit during the summer and a huge lawn that can accommodate up to 200 people.
“We prepare all our [meals] in-house and take great pride in providing amazing food,” Zell added.
Elevation 486, Twin Falls
Located on the south rim of the beautiful Snake River Canyon, 486 feet above the river, Elevation 486 features the largest outdoor patio in Southern Idaho.
“During the winter months indoors we feature three large fireplaces creating a warm and cozy vibe while guests enjoy the breathtaking views from every seat in the house,” said Owner Tom Nickel.
Elevation 486 has several spaces that accommodate groups of 15 to 500 people for everything from business luncheons to evening receptions.
Spaces include the private Perrine Room, with a private balcony and panoramic views of the canyon, the Performing Arts Center for up to 200 people reception-style, and the Plaza, which accommodates up to 500 people concert-style and can hold up to 350 people for dinners or receptions.
In addition, Elevation 486 shares the building with Twin Falls Center for the Arts, which has a full-time art gallery and often showcases live music, theater, classes and more.
Meridell Park Farm and Event Center, Pocatello
When built in 1920, Meridell Park was home to the fourth-largest dance hall in the U.S. Through the years, it’s also been home to an amusement park and a nudist commune.
“Eventually the owner, my grandfather, decided to restore the building and beautify the grounds,” said Manager Rob Kirkham. “The plan was to keep the park for family functions, but many family friends asked to hold weddings in the venue. As word spread, we decided to open up for business as an event venue.”
Today the site hosts corporate events and parties of all kinds for groups of 50 to 200 people.
“Anything can be arranged,” Kirkham said. “We have one large room. Decorations are limited, but the floor is original. Wood wainscoting and original columns add unique character.”
Idaho Falls Arts Council, Idaho Falls
The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) manages standout venues that appeal to groups, including the Willard Arts Center and ARTitorium on Broadway.
According to Amy Carr, marketing manager for IFAC, ARTitorium regularly hosts a wide variety of events, from cocktail receptions to business training sessions, and Willard Arts Center has hosted everything from small business meetings to larger seminars.
“With a variety of spaces available for rent, the Willard Arts Center is easily malleable to the needs and budget of the renter,” she said. “Inside the Willard Arts Center, the lobby and the theater have retained historic Art Deco details like the black-and-white tile, elaborate crown molding and the swooping proscenium ornamentation.”
The theater seats 998 people, and other spaces at Willard Arts Center include a conference room marked by a historic stained glass window, the Carr Gallery—a bright space with a wall of windows and regularly rotating art exhibits—and the Hartwell-Chesbro Room, an open space with a historic brick wall on one side and windows overlooking downtown on another.
“And the ARTitorium is a whimsical, Technicolor space that can host up to 240 people in the main space,” Carr said. “Cocktail tables and catering stations can be set up amid ARTitorium activities, including the giant yellow slide, for unique parties.”
