In this issue:
• It's Summertime in McCall• Hello from the Resort Manager
• Time to Hit the Green
• Our Pick: The Lake Grill at Shore Lodge
• Lake Hikes for the Avid (and not-so-avid) Hiker
On-going Summer Entertainment in McCall
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MONDAY
- Happy Hour (Nightly), 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., Steamers TUESDAY
- Happy Hour (Nightly), 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Sushi Bar WEDNESDAY
- Open Air Farmers' Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Pine Street
- Live Music, 7 p.m., Crusty's Pizza THURSDAY
- Live Music, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Common Ground
- Samba Girls and Drummers, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Foresters Club FRIDAY
- Live Music, 6/6:30 p.m., Salmon River Brewery
- DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m., Foresters Club
- Dusk Outdoor Movie Nights, 9 p.m. at Alpine Village on the Plaza
- Jamie Cope: Piano Lounge, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Northwest Passage Restaurant & Lounge SATURDAY
- Open Air Farmers' Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Pine Street
- Live Music, 6/6:30 p.m., Salmon River Brewery
- DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m., Foresters Club SUNDAY
- Live Music, 7 p.m., Crusty's Pizza
- Jamie Cope: Piano Lounge, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Northwest Passage Restaurant & Lounge
Payette Lake: Have Fun and Stay Safe
Payette Lake is the heart of McCall during the summer season and hub for water crafts of all kinds. Formed over 10,000 years ago by a glacier, its sparkling waters, sandy beaches and 5,330 acres (or eight square miles) make it one of McCall's biggest attractions. To help ensure that everyone has fun and plays safe, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're on the water: Safety FirstIt's Summertime in McCall
Come summer, McCall transforms from a quiet winter playground to a bustling mountain town on the shores of Payette Lake where boating, fishing, swimming and sun-bathing easily fill those long, warm summer days. There's nothing quite like summer in the mountains, and McCall's got it all. Its spectacular rugged scenery makes it nearly impossible to stay indoors, and with a great lineup of summer entertainment, you'll wish you were here all summer long.
Kicking off the season with Fourth of July celebrations and outdoor activities lasting straight through till fall, here's a glimpse at McCall's upcoming schedule of events you won't want to miss next time you're in town.
July 4, 2010Fourth of July festivities begin with the Tamarack Open Water Mile Swim at Lake Cascade from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. After the swim, head over to downtown McCall for the annual Fourth of July celebration and events from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Make sure you're near the water at dusk, when the fireworks display over Payette Lake lights up the night sky. July 15 - 17, 2010
The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry, presented by the McCall Folklore Society, features great artists and musicians in a majestic mountain setting. "Locals Night," "String Night," and "Dance Night" welcome headliners such as the Infamous Stringdusters and the Steve Kimock Crazy Engine with Melvin Seals, among others. One tree is planted for every ticket sold! July 16 - 18, 2010
McCall Bike Fest & Motorcycle Rally has everything from vendors, pancake breakfasts, a bike show, all day group rides and a street dance on the lake. Special guest, the Kentucky Headhunters, will rock out Saturday night at 7 p.m. This jam packed weekend, presented by High Desert Harley-Davidson, is a wild party that welcomes bikers from all over. August 6 - 8, 2010
The 21st annual Harmonica Festival and Contest in Yellow Pine, the "Harmonica Capital of the Western World," is a weekend long celebration of the harmonica and its prospecting pioneers. Organized and produced by the Yellow Pine Village Association and community volunteers, the Harmonica Festival brings in harmonica players, musicians and groups from all over the country. Front porch jams, an open mike jam session and "Crowd Pleaser" concert make up the schedule of events, in which all proceeds go towards improvements to the Yellow Pine community. August 13 - 15, 2010
5th annual Payette Lake Boat Show, located at the docks of the Shore Lodge Resort, features a boat parade and Saturday dinner banquet with live silent auction. This annual event is an opportunity to show off one's boats while being amongst those who love the 'Old Woodies.' August 14, 2010
Payette Lake Ski Club's Mountain Triathlon is one of the more beautiful and challenging triathlon courses in the nation. The annual 1.5 km lake swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run around the Upper Payette Lake region, 15 miles north of McCall, supports the Little Ski Hill, a non profit organization. Come out and support the Little Ski Hill, whether you race or not! August 14 - 15, 2010
The streets of Donnelly turn purple every year when the Donnelly Huckleberry Festival comes to town. An event for anything and everything huckleberry, enjoy a scrumptious huckleberry pancake breakfast, followed by a Huckleberry Parade and Car Show & Shine. Browse the many street vendors' homemade huckleberry specialties, while listening to live music all weekend long!
Resort Manager's Letter
It was so great to see everyone this winter, and I hope you all enjoyed your time with family and friends, taking advantage of all the winter recreation McCall has to offer. I know many owners participated in some surprisingly good powder days during the end of the ski season.
We are now gearing up for summer and again, McCall has so much in store for those of you planning to venture this way for some fun in the sun. Parasailing is the newest summer activity that I am looking forward to trying. If you and your family are interested in participating in any new activities, please call the office or stop by on your next visit. We are more than happy to answer questions and book rentals and reservations for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, horseback riding, golfing, and any other adventures.
If you haven't been through the ranch house lately, please take a look on your next visit. There have been many improvements, including a new room for stretching adjoining the gym, a second treadmill in the gym and some additional seating in the pool area for those of you who like to soak up the sun on the pool deck.
As we read in the media every day, it is a "buyers" market. We have seen a relatively steady sales pace at Hearthstone, with five re-sales in 2009 and two so far in 2010. With the many listings in McCall, the number of sales at Hearthstone is undoubtedly a reflection of our beautiful property, service and amenities that are delivered for the price. We currently have six listings in the $50,000 range. If you, or someone you know, is considering purchasing an interest, please do not hesitate to contact Ginnell Hellhake with Community Real Estate at (208) 315-1096.
The Hearthstone property is looking better than ever with the landscaping in full bloom. All of the homes are sparkling clean and awaiting your arrival. We can't wait to see you!
-Nicki DysonResort Manager, Hearthstone
Time to Hit the Green
Hearthstone Resort is only minutes from two stunning public golf courses that provide terrain suitable for both the novice and expert golfer, set against the beauty of natural mountain landscapes. With golf season well underway, don't waste any time scheduling a tee time and getting out on the green!
Jug Mountain Ranch
Ranked in 2008 as the second best new public course under $75 by Golf Digest, Jug Mountain Ranch is an 18-hole course located 10 minutes from downtown McCall in a 1,410-acre private residential community. Designed by Donald Knott, project architect for Robert Trent Jones II Group, Jug Mountain Ranch features natural wetlands, forests and panoramic views of 8,310-foot Jughandle Mountain. Watch Boulder Mountain Creek meander across the fairway as you tee off on the 16th hole. Weekday and weekend rates on this world-class course range from an affordable $28 - $50.
McCall Golf Course
Chances are, you might have to share the green with the wildlife at McCall Golf Course, which is nestled next to Ponderosa State Park, moments from Payette Lake. With gently rolling terrain and beautiful natural features, the 27-hole course is great for all levels of golfers. Greens fees are incredibly reasonable at $27 - $47 for 18 holes. Stop by the Clubhouse restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner, serving a variety of wholesome dishes including sandwiches, burgers, and tasty steak and seafood entrees.
Our Pick: The Lake Grill at Shore Lodge
McCall's classic Shore Lodge has been gracing the southern shore of Payette Lake since 1948. A family lakeside retreat, Shore Lodge has welcomed visitors for decades with its vibrant history and spectacular views. That's why the casual Lake Grill at Shore Lodge is one of Hearthstone's favorite dining venues, especially in the summer, when diners find themselves relaxing on the outdoor tiered patio overlooking Shore Lodge's marina.
Helmed by acclaimed Executive Chef Eric Gruber, Lake Grill offers a variety of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From benedicts and omelets to club sandwiches, french dips, cioppino, mussels and clams, you'll want to taste everything on the menu. Sunday Brunch is also an excellent way to experience Lake Grill's delicious cuisine. Its breakfast buffet has been a staple at the resort since the good ol' days.
To make a reservation at the Lake Grill at Shore Lodge, please contact Hearthstone Owner Services.
Lake Hikes for the Avid (and not-so-avid) Hiker
Trail map in one hand, mosquito repellent in the other, one of the best ways to appreciate McCall is by foot. Pack up a picnic, lace your boots and spend a beautiful day in the mountains hiking one of the following two trails. It will be well worth the effort. Boulder Lake Day Hike
Boulder Lake is a moderate, four mile round-trip hike that is perfect for you and the kids. Known to be somewhat shady, the best time to access the trail is in late spring or early summer when all the snow has melted. The trailhead is located below Boulder Reservoir. Take Idaho 55 south of McCall to Elo Road. Follow Elo Road three miles to Boulder Lake Road. Stay on Boulder Lake Road for four miles until you reach Boulder Meadow Reservoir. The trailhead will be on the left side of the reservoir.
The trail meanders up a moderately strenuous set of switchbacks, but does gain approximately 700 feet in elevation. Near the lake you will come across a natural waterfall pouring into a creek that crosses the trail, which is fairly easy to navigate. The lake itself is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, so be prepared to spot some fisherman in its waters. Campsites are also littered around the south shoreline of the lake.
Hum Lake Day Hike
There's nothing ho-hum about the six mile round-trip hike to Hum Lake, which gains approximately 1,000 feet in elevation over the course of only one mile. Hum Lake's trailhead is located east of McCall on Lick Creek Road, 1.5 miles past Lick Creek Summit. From the marked parking area, head out on the trail towards Duck Lake. About a half mile into the hike, you will find a bridge. Just past the bridge is a marker for trail 083 on the right. Trail 083 will take you on towards Hum Lake. If you go straight another half mile, you'll reach Duck Lake, a popular spot for fishing.
A couple miles after having joined trail 083 to Hum Lake you'll begin your ascent up the 1,000 foot ridge-line. Thanks to a steady climb on a good trail, and a steeper, but shorter hike down the ridge, it won't be too painfully long before you find yourself at Hum Lake. Amidst a granite and forested basin, Hum Lake is filled with rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as some grayling that were stocked in the lake in 1996. Thanks to the difficulty of this hike, it's likely there won't be too many people around.