2010 Summer Showcase Series

We introduced this program in 2009 to an enthusiastic guest response, and this summer are excited to be partnered with the Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association (SIHA) for our Showcase speakers, which will include some offsite field opportunities. Topic and Speaker Schedule

"Creatures, Critters and Varmints of the Sawtooth-Salmon River Country" will be featured before our Saturday BBQs in July and August.

June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11 and August 25 local author John Rember will read before dinner from his growing body of work, sharing his experiences of life in the Sawtooth Valley.

August 28: Annual Sunset Concert with Bruce Innes Join us for an incomparable evening with great musicians, a spectacular sunset in an intimate setting.

2010 Summer Workshops
Photography
June 22, 23 and 24: "Developing your Creativity", with Wood River Valley Photographer Craig Wolfrom
Geared for amateur photographers who currently own an SLR camera and wish to move away from shooting in automatic modes, students must bring their own SLR cameras and laptop computers with Adobe's Lightroom and Photoshop (Photoshop Elements is sufficient). Trial downloads are available for both programs, and can be used for the workshop. The course is limited to 5 people--so please call to ensure your participation. Per person cost for the entire workshop is $300.

Tuesday: A Meet & Greet and Slide Show before dinner
Wednesday and Thursday: Morning field sessions practicing various camera techniques, and afternoon post processing workshops.
Wednesday evening: Students have the option to tour the ranch after dinner to capture a few more low light images.
Thursday evening: The workshop concludes with students presenting their favorite images for critique.

Wine
September 3, 4 and 5: Learn How to Taste Like a Pro, "From Vine to Wine --Divine!" and "Hand Crafted Wines and Artisan Foods" with
John Alonge, The Wine Heretic
A well respected "educational entertainer" on food and wine topics, Alonge is the founder of the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, teaches wine industry classes at San Diego State University, writes regularly for Edible San Diego magazine and counts scores of Fortune 500 companies among his clients.
Call to register and join in the fun! Per person, per session cost is $50; per couple, per session cost is $75. Friday evening’s Sept. 3 presentation is free for all.

Friday: "Hand Crafted Wines and Artisan Foods", a presentation for all guests to enjoy before dinner, compliments of the Ranch
Saturday and Sunday: John will present each workshop topic twice, alternating them in morning and afternoon sessions.

Summer Music
Muzzie Braun, Bruce Innes, Tuck Wilson, Jerry Grusell and Will Knox will join us once again to provide dinnertime music on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the season. Summer Music Schedule

Evenings at the Ranch
The Ranch draws on a wide range of local talent to provide entertainment several nights a week. Musicians like Muzzie Braun, Bruce Innes, Tuck Wilson,  Jerry Grusell and others bring their guitars and talent 3-4 nights a week to accompany dinner. Regular fireside chats feature local naturalists and writers like John Rember  provide color about the area and its rich history.   Croquet, horseshoes, and pick-me-up ball games on the front lawn provide entertainment for participants and spectators alike.  And a variety of board games are available for your enjoyment.

There are special event dinners on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights. On Thursday, guests enjoy an outdoor barbeque of succulent ribs, chicken, fish and other tasty fare while taking in the famous view from our front porch. On Monday evenings, guests take our horse-drawn wagon or walk a short distance to a meadow on the edge of the forest for an authentic Dutch Oven cookout. Saturdays bring the new Ultimate IRMR Burger and Seafood BBQ Buffet, accompanied by creative side dishes and spectacular sunsets.

Kids' Activities
There are a wide variety of activities for children at the Ranch and in the surrounding area. And children always enjoy the freedom the Ranch. We’ll help you choose the activities most suitable for your family and children’s ages from the many available.

Three nights a week, staff organize front lawn games, crafts and story hour during the adult dinner hours. Children can eat from 5-6 all fine dining nights, and on these nights.

Popular children activities include: Fishing for trout in our well-stocked pond and just paddling around in our paddle boat; pony rides for very young children; part or full-day trail rides; hikes to lakes or along streams; swimming and soaking in our natural hot springs pool - no chills here; exploring nearby Custer and Bonanza ghost towns, deserted after the Gold Miners left the area in the early 1900’s; visiting the Sawtooth fish hatchery and Stanley Museum;  floating the Salmon River and swimming, canoeing and kayaking on nearby Redfish Lake.

See area links