2011 Summer Showcase Series

We introduced this program in 2009 to an enthusiastic guest response. In 2010, and again this summer, we continue our Partnership with SIHA, (the Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association), Forum and Lecture Series, with a new twist. The Forum speakers will visit the Ranch Saturday mornings at 10am for an informal porch discussion with our guests, on the Culture, Critters and Characters of the Sawtooths. 2011 Topic and Speaker Schedule

Summer Music
Muzzie Braun, Bruce Innes, Tuck Wilson and Jerry Grusell will join us once again to provide dinnertime music on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the season. 2011 Summer Music Schedule

2011 Summer Events
August 27: Annual Bruce Innes Sunset Concert
September 2, 3, 4: The Wine Heretic John Alonge’s Annual Wine Weekend Friday September 2:
“Pairing Food and Wine for Maximum Effect”
A fun and educational pre-dinner tasting and presentation, featuring Chef Jim Roberts’ cuisine and John Alonge’s wine expertise and humor. All Ranch and dinner guests are invited to participate, hosted by the Ranch. Saturday September 3:
“Blend Your Own Wine”
Attendees will learn the art and science of blending wine, and then actually make their own blend at this informative seminar.
Sunday September 4:
“Wines of Italy”
The wines of Italy will be explored and tasted.

Cost for each seminar is $50 per person, $75 per couple.

Evenings at the Ranch
There are special event dinners on Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. On Thursday, guests enjoy an outdoor barbeque buffet 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 savor another barbecue menu, equally scrumptious, with the same casual format, and spectacular sunset as Thursdays’.

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.

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