Well, friends, I think we’re finally through it. No more “3rd winters” and freezing mornings. Spring has sprung in the Valley and it’s time for us to not just get outside but stay outside for a while. This article is meant to be an itinerary of sorts for how to take full advantage of what Caldwell has to offer you this season.
May in Caldwell looks a lot like a scene from a Hallmark movie, to be honest. The sounds of meandering creeks and rivers creating the perfect white noise soundtrack to take in the beauty of blooming flowers, blossoming trees and sunlit blue skies. May in Caldwell is eating on Indian Creek Plaza from your favorite restaurant and not opening the shade umbrella because the weather is absolute perfection. May in Caldwell is getting lost on back roads and discovering for yourself what everyone’s talking about. It’s relaxing on your favorite folding chair listening to live music, shopping craft vendors for the perfect Mother’s Day gift and getting back on the hiking trails. May is when this region gets to show off and give us her best. Read along to find out how you can get in on the action.
Explore the Sunnyslope Wine Region
One our favorite things to talk about here at Destination Caldwell is our Sunnyslope Wine Region in the Snake River Valley AVA. Although gaining recognition, this region is still largely undiscovered, but that’s where you come in. Come, sip, relax and immerse yourself in Idaho’s wine country. Each one of the area’s 19 wineries (and counting) are unique and create their own vibe. Our best advice is to create a checklist, hit them all up one at a time with friends and family and pick your favorites to return to. Many of them have memberships, which can come with a number of perks including exclusive events.
Make it a whole day and take advantage of patio seating at local restaurants within this region. Stop by Orchard House for an outdoor breakfast on their deck that’s surrounded by mature trees, a blossoming garden and calming water features. A great lunch or brunch eatery is Peaceful Belly. They offer a bountiful menu using their own harvested greens and veggies as well as locally raised meats from the Valley.
While you’re out there, get lost. We mean that in the most literal sense possible. Turn down dirt roads, follow the meandering Snake River, stop to say hello to farm animals curiously peeking through fences, and roll your windows down! Take it in. Breathe. Welcome to the country.
Visit this link and create your own wine lover’s dream itinerary – Sunnyslope Wine Trail – Sunnyslope is a region in Caldwell, Idaho and home to most of Idaho’s Wine vineyards and half of the wineries. Surrounded by orchards and scenic views, it truly is the Heart of Idaho Wine Country.
May Events on Indian Creek Plaza
Cinco de Mayo – May 5th from 5-9PM | It’s a fiesta on the plaza! Every year, the Plaza comes alive, bursting with vibrant colors, flavorful spices and live music. And, yes, there will be tacos! Event highlights include live music from Nueva Generacion 2000 and Tejano Outlaw. We’re also hosting traditional Mexican dancers, adorned in vibrant colors, who flow effortlessly across the Plaza to bring a truly authentic celebration of this holiday. We have eight taco trucks competing for the trophy to become the next winner of the Taco Truck Taste Off. You are the judges, so come hungry!
Follow this link for more event info – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo — Indian Creek Plaza
Mother’s Day Market – May 10th from 10AM-3PM | Sip mimosas, enjoy live music and stroll around historic downtown Caldwell for this popular annual event. Invite all the girls to peruse a curated collection of 80+ artisans on display for you to shop for all the moms who enrich your life. First 100 guests receive a complimentary flower.
Follow this link for more event info – Mom’s Celebrated at the Mother’s Day Market — Indian Creek Plaza
Taste of Caldwell Wine Festival – May 17th from 5-8PM | Chat it up with the knowledgeable and passionate local farmers as you sip the fruits of their labor. Get ready to delight your taste buds with the unexpected flavors of this region—celebrated nationally and rising in popularity among top vineyards across the country. Try all 15+ wineries, enjoy live music and shop craft vendors for an evening you won’t forget. Visit this link to grab your tickets. They’re going fast!
Follow this link for more event info – https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/indiancreekplaza/items/539447/?full-items=yes&flow=no
Farmers Market is Here!
Taste the farm-to-fork difference. Caldwell is home to Idaho’s most diverse crop base, and we are proud of our roots (quite literally). For generations families have produced award-winning fruits, vegetables, grains and spices. Get the freshest produce to create excellent meals at home or find the perfect handmade gift from local artisans at our Farm to Fork Market. With over 30 vendors every week, make your way downtown every Tuesday evening to stock up on local produce, relax and listen to live bands from Tuesdays on the Creek on the plaza nearby. Watch the sun set over the creek while eating dinner at one of your favorite eateries. There’s something for everyone.
Visit here for more info – Caldwell Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market — Indian Creek Plaza
Tuesdays on the Creek
Spend your Tuesday nights on the Creek in downtown Caldwell. This 20-week event series includes live music from both local and touring artists. Each week we curate for you talented and engaging musicians sure to get you up off your seat and dance with your special someone. That’s right, gents, show her off! Enjoy music from various genres, grab some grub to go from one of the plaza’s incredible eateries and make some memories as the sun sets over the meandering creek. Held in conjunction with Farm to Fork Market, peruse the food and craft vendors while you listen to great music.
Visit here for more info – Tuesdays on the Creek Concert Series — Indian Creek Plaza
Break in Your Hiking Boots
Grab your comfy shoes and your favorite walking partner (4-legged or other) because these hikes are undiscovered secrets in Owyhee and Canyon Counties. You know what “undiscovered” means, right? NO CROWDS! Especially in May, you won’t be saying “On your left,” every couple of minutes. Welcome to the country, folks. Life is simpler here.
Jump Creek – Maximum outcome with minimum effort. This short, flat hike leads you to a breathtaking waterfall, so bring your swimsuits if it’s a warm day. Make it a longer hike by exploring the surrounding area. You may even cross paths with some friendly neighboring cows roaming freely.
Lizard Butte (no big groups) – Although privately owned, this butte is still accessible for small groups. Once you catch your breath after this short (but steep) hike, take in the 360° views of Snake River, neighboring farms and wine country.
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge – Walk along Lake Lowell and enjoy all the wildlife this trail has to offer. You have the option to make this a short down-and-back hike or meander along the lake’s edge for a longer version. You’ll see rabbits, ducks, various songbirds and even a bald eagle, if you’re lucky.
Cheers to Patio Seating
With the arrival of sunny, warm days, it can only mean one thing: It’s patio season! Hit up your favorite restaurants in Downtown Caldwell and opt to sip and savor outside. Here’s a list of eateries with outdoor seating:
Amano – Award winning chef, farm-to-table Mexican food, and craft cocktails
Chop Shop – Farm-to-table, smokehouse BBQ, craft cocktails, and creekside seating
Craft Lounge – Craft cocktails, farm-to-table, high end pub food with a modern aesthetic
Grit 2c – High end pub food, craft cocktails, and creekside seating
Kindred by the Creek – Wines from their own local winery, hand-tossed pizzas and creekside seating
Mesquite Creek Outfitters – Hand-tossed pizzas, taphouse and Plaza seating
Twisted Fig – Deli style offerings, unique vegan options and Plaza seating
White Dog Brewing – Craft brewery, pub menu favorites and creekside seating
*If you’re downtown, order any meals to go from one of the surrounding eateries and eat on Indian Creek Plaza.
