• Snake River Valley, ID

Must-hit wineries: Bitner, HAT Ranch, Ste. Chapelle "The Snake River Valley is young and exciting," says Boyle, "and the unique combination of long, warm, sunny days and cool nights produces balanced and food-friendly wines that are starting to make a name for themselves." Of Idaho's three AVAs, this one is the oldest and many of its wineries boast panoramic views of the Snake River and the nearby Owyhee Mountains. Plus, the region is also one of America's best for outdoorsy travelers, so your non-tasting time can be spent hiking, whitewater rafting, or mountain biking.

• Bittercreek Alehouse - Boise

This year, Idaho's finest brewers -- including Crooked Fence, Edge, Sockeye, and Payette -- came out to celebrate Bittercreek's 20th anniversary of being the best damned beer bar in the state of Idaho, offering up everything from tart wheats to a honey & dandelion brown made in collaboration with the bar. That's some special stuff, and it's well deserved. There's a reason there's always a crowd at this joint, and it ain't the poutine (OK, the poutine's pretty fantastic, too). This isn't a bar with a bazillion taps or much of a gimmick. Just an expertly curated beer bar with offerings from coast to coast, with a tap list that updates daily. Hell, there's even something for the gluten-free drinker. And it ain't the poutine. OK, that's gluten-free, too. Seriously, it's amazing.

• Croquetas - Boise

BAR GERNIKA202 S Capitol Blvd (at Grove)

• Butter cake - Boise

FORK199 N 8th St (Idaho)

• Sweet pork - Meridian

COSTA VIDA3340 North Eagle Road (Ustick Rd)

• Lava Hot Springs

When you are ready to relax, head to the natural thermal springs of Lava Hot Springs. Every day over 2.5 million gallons of natural, chemical-free water courses through five soaking pools before being diverted in the Portneuf River. The pools range in temperature from 102 to 112 and are laden with minerals. And, thank goodness, this mineral water does not contain sulfur, so you won’t have to endure the rotten egg smell while you unwind from being on the road. The springs are open year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.