Off the beaten path = far away?

Not necessarily. Ever since I started writing Idaho Off the Beaten Path in the mid-1990s, I've treated the phrase "Off the Beaten Path" metaphorically. In other words, I don't think going off the beaten path necessarily means traveling hundreds of miles off the interstate. It might just mean trying a restaurant in a part of town you rarely visit (such as the Linen District in Boise), wandering off the main path to find alternate overlooks at Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, or sleeping in a giant beagle-shaped B&B rather than another chain motel near Cottonwood in North Central Idaho.

These days, we're all interested in saving gas and money, and Idaho Off the Beaten Path can help you find close-to-home "staycations" that are friendly to your budget and to the environment. It's possible to enjoy fun family journeys of discovery, romantic getaways, and even outdoor adventures close to where you live, no matter where you are in Idaho. I'm always looking for new places to feature, too, so your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and ideas are welcome! Please include them as comments in the regional sections provided below.

North Idaho

New highlights from North Idaho in the 7th edition include:

• Under the Sun - A gourmet organic restaurant-general store in Bonners Ferry
• The White House Grill - Garlic lovers' heaven in Post Falls
• Josie's Full of Beans - A cool Internet coffeehouse in Kellogg
  

Here's what's changed in North Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

No changes known so far

Add other changes and suggestions from North Idaho in the comments below.

North Central Idaho

New highlights from North Central Idaho in the 7th edition include:

• Cowgirl Chocolates - Sweet and spicy treats from Moscow
• York House - A bed and breakfast on the campus of Lewis-Clark State College (SORRY! It has closed.)
• White Bird Summit Lodge & Guest Ranch - Perched high above the famous grade near Grangeville
  

Here's what's changed in North Central Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

No changes known so far

Add other changes and suggestions from North Central Idaho in the comments below.

Southwestern Idaho

New highlights from Southwestern Idaho in the 7th edition include:

• Backwoods Adventures - Canoe and kayak rentals at Payette Lake's North Beach
• Starlight Mountain Theater - Summer entertainment in Garden Valley
• Modern Hotel - Hip lodging in Boise's emerging Linen District
• The Belle District - Urban renewal in downtown Nampa
• Murals in Mountain Home
  

Here's what's changed in Southwestern Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

Page 63: Trudy's Restaurant in Idaho City was destroyed by fire in March 2008, but it reopened in mid-July, just four months after the blaze!

Restaurant RIPs: These restaurants have closed for good... Milky Way in Boise ... Mortimer's in Boise ...

Add other changes and suggestions from Southwestern Idaho in the comments below.

South Central Idaho

New highlights from South Central Idaho in the 7th edition include:

• Thousand Springs State Park - Amazing scenery and geology near Hagerman
• Durfee Hot Springs - Good soaking just outside the City of Rocks
  

Here's what's changed in South Central Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

No changes known yet

Add other changes and suggestions from South Central Idaho in the comments below.

Southeastern Idaho

New highlights from Southeastern Idaho in the 7th edition include:

Kinport Station - Good eats and drink in a renovated Pocatello warehouse

Here's what's changed in Southeastern Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

No changes noted yet

Add other changes and suggestions from Southeastern Idaho in the comments below.

Eastern Idaho

New highlights from Eastern Idaho in the 7th edition include:

• Grandpa's Southern BBQ - The Arco location's gone, but the Idaho Falls store is still open
• Victor Emporium - Mmmmm, huckleberry shakes on the way to Targhee or the Tetons
  

Here's what's changed in Eastern Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

Haven't heard of any changes yet

Add changes and suggestions from Eastern Idaho in the comments below.

Central Idaho

Here's what's changed in Central Idaho since the book went to press in early 2008:

No changes known yet

Add other changes and suggestions from Central Idaho in the comments below.