Business

The 100 Acre Wood Lodge 100 Acre Wood Lodge interior dining area

The 100 Acre Wood Lodge

“Spaces and Places” – part 2 The 100 Acre Wood Lodge The quaint western town of Salmon, Idaho, provides the ideal destination for your next retreat or group getaway. Though less than three hours drive from the hubs of Missoula, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID, event attendees will feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, year-round flights from Boise, ID, make transportation easy and convenient for visitors from all over. Beautiful, well-equipped meeting facilities, ample lodging options, and endless options for activities combine to make Salmon a hassle-free event destination. Approximately 20 miles north of Salmon Idaho, the North Fork of the Salmon River joins the main Salmon River in a community called North Fork. Here sits The 100 Acre Wood Lodge, within walking distance from the scenic banks of the storied river. The pristine getaway provides the perfect accommodations for a mid-sized group getaway, all with unfettered access to the beautiful surrounding mountain wilderness. Boasting three suites and two standard rooms, the lodge can sleep groups as large as 20. The lodge dining room and fireside gathering area provide ample indoor meeting space, augmented by a large outdoor deck, firepit, and rolling lawn to accommodate additional off-site guests. “The hospitality of the lodge is unmatched…” The hospitality of the lodge is unmatched, as the staff strives to provide a homey atmosphere for all. Guests will enjoy a daily hot breakfast. Though there is no kitchen access, the lodge provides guests with access to an outdoor barbecue grill and picnic area. Catering opportunities can be brought in as well. The lodge is equipped with wireless internet, meeting areas, and storage. Technology is not provided. Previous Next Outdoor activities abound, including wildlife viewing, hiking, or floating. A fully-stocked private pond behind the lodge provides opportunities to trout fish or tool around in on-site paddle boats. Lodge staff can also assist in securing guided off-road tours, trout fishing, or day hikes. For the more relaxed traveler, each room has a private balcony as well as access to a shared outdoor hot tub. The 100 Acre Wood Lodge provides the perfect opportunity to host a mid-sized group gathering aimed at creating meaningful connections between participants and the environment. For additional information about the facilities, please call 208-865-2165 or visit http://100acrewoodlodge.com/contact/. Make sure to check out Visit Salmon Valley for additional information on what to do and where to stay during your visit.

The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center The Sacajawea Learning Center - Exterior

The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center

“Spaces and Places” – part 1 The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center The quaint western town of Salmon, Idaho, provides the ideal destination for your next retreat or group getaway. Though less than three hours drive from the hubs of Missoula, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID, event attendees will feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, year-round flights from Boise, ID, make transportation easy and convenient for visitors from all over. Beautiful, well-equipped meeting facilities, ample lodging options, and endless options for activities combine to make Salmon a hassle-free event destination. On the edge of town, the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center provides everything an event planner needs to arrange the perfect gathering, ranging from small retreat to large convention–and everything in between. The sprawling park boasts several indoor and outdoor gathering options, all with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The Center can be rented by entirety or by area. Though there is no on-site lodging, the Center meets all other gathering needs. A full-kitchen includes two ovens, a range, microwave, dishwasher, triple sink, and preparation and service supplies. Tables and chairs are available to outfit indoor areas, and local rental options can be utilized for additional or outdoor seating. The Learning Center (LC) is equipped with wireless internet, two projectors, and other presentation needs. A sound trailer and event tent are  also available for rent. The Learning Center Previous Next The Learning Center (LC) offers indoor space upstairs and down perfectly equipped for meetings, workshops, conferences, or classes. The Meriwether Theatre is a rustic barn with stadium-style seating that would be a unique option for speakers, performances, concerts, or ceremonies. Outdoor spaces include the Amphitheater, Picnic Area, and Ranch Yard, suitable for picnics, reunion gatherings, parties, small festivals, or weddings. The Meriwether Theatre Previous Next When not participating in organized activities, event attendees will enjoy exploring the 71-acre grounds. Two nature trails criss-cross the area, with interpretive stops and learning opportunities along the way. When snow covers the ground, visitors can also enjoy a groomed cross-country ski trail. Additionally, the Interpretive Center cannot be missed. The Sacajawea Center provides everything you need to plan and host a memorable event in the heart of the Salmon Valley. For additional information about facilities, please contact the Sacajawea Center at (208) 756-1188. All rental arrangements are handled through the Salmon City Center, (208) 756-3214. Make sure to check out Visit Salmon Valley for additional information on what to do and where to stay during your visit.

Creating Business in a Small Town Odd Fellows Bakery - Salmon, Idaho

Creating Business in a Small Town

SALMON, IDAHO — Seven years ago, any out-of-towner might not have looked twice at the old Odd Fellows building in downtown Salmon, which is in central Idaho north of Challis. But volunteer Cindy Phelps and the Craig and Jessica McCallum family saw potential — a tan brick facade on Main Street where business and nostalgia blend. “I absolutely love that old building … I think everyone does,” said Phelps, a semi-retired Lemhi County Humane Society Board Member. More than seven years ago, the building held little more than creaking boards and potential. With a little love and a lot of community dedication, that building is now a thriving bakery, thrift shop and community gathering place. But it wasn’t an easy journey to get there. Not long ago, Phelps and the rest of the board members of the Humane Society were looking for a new home for their thrift store, Rags & Wags. They set their sights on the Odd Fellows building. It was built by local miners in 1904. The men were members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which is an internationally established group known for doing good deeds. “They wanted [the building] to continue to serve the community, so that was part of the agreement,” Phelps said. “We just had no idea that it would end up helping so many people!” There was one major problem though. While it was loved, the building was old and deteriorating. “The place needed a lot of work, a new roof, electrical, and more,” Phelps said. “After people heard what was going on, they pitched in ‘seed funds’ and then grants from other sources started to come in. It’s like someone had to prime the pump to get things started.” The effort was a big deal for the small Salmon community. The population of Salmon is just over 3,000. “In a small town with a blue-collar economy, that sort of expense just about kills ya,” Phelps said. Fortunately, the board members from the Humane Society were thinking outside of the box. They knew the local people had an incredible work ethic. And when given a chance they would rise to the occasion with hard work and dedication. With plenty of sweat equity poured into the building, it started to shine again — a labor of love from a dedicated community. But the story of the rebirth of the Odd Fellows building doesn’t end with Rags & Wags. To provide the rest of the story, Phelps points to the McCallums. The pair have a passion for both great baking and for their small Salmon hometown. “My parents were hunting and rafting outfitters in the Chamberlain Basin in the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness area of Central Idaho when I was growing up,” Craig said. “I got my start cooking there.” Craig worked as a hunting, fishing and rafting guide while he earned his degrees in journalism and political science at the University of Montana in Missoula. He and wife Jessica loved Missoula’s bakeries and the community. It wasn’t long before they began to wonder how they could bring the essence of those bakeries back home to Salmon. After graduating, Craig spent a year working as a river guide, as well as for three different stone masons. In his spare time he drove the Zamboni at the hockey rink and sold his homemade sourdough bread at local events and farmers markets. All the while, he and Jessica kept an eye out for the perfect place to set up shop. But rent was high and funds were low, so the McCallums loaded up their 1975 VW bus with two kids and a Labradoodle and headed for the mecca of American Sourdough and wood fire ovens: Northern California. Meanwhile, back in Salmon, Phelps and the Lemhi County Humane Society had just finished a deal to buy the Odd Fellows building. They knew the location had promise. Phelps’ friend, Carol Fulton, just happened to know a certain young baker who had a lot of promise, too. Fulton called Craig in California and said that they could lure him back to town with low rent and the perfect location, right on Main Street, to start his own business. Craig had now completed an apprenticeship at two bakeries. It wasn’t long before he and Jessica headed back to make their dreams a reality. Over the next year, they remodeled their side of the building and hand-built the Allan Scott-style wood stove Craig had always wanted. Odd Fellows Bakery opened its doors in 2009 and has quickly become a favorite hangout of locals and visitors alike. Everything was finally falling into place. Today, Craig and Jessica have one partner and about eight employees. It’s obvious they’ve done a lot of work. The building is bright and bustling, and the smell of fresh baking fills the street every morning. The bakery is paying regular rent and the constant flow of customers in and out the front door says something amazing is happening here. Most out-of-towners find it hard to decide between the Raspberry Danish and the Apple Galettes. Craig will end up just selling them both along with a loaf of classic sourdough (to take home for later). It is no surprise when Craig says with a big smile, “business is doing great!” In addition to a thrift store, local meeting rooms, and the bakery, the building has also become a playhouse for the high school drama team. The team had lost its space due to budget cuts at the school district. Once again, the folks from the Lemhi County Humane Society kept their promise and gave someone a chance and a place to do the work and make it happen. By Scott W. Elliott – Published in the Idaho State Journal, Dec 20, 2016