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Twin Falls, ID: Evel Knievel Leapt Here

Editor's Note: The following story was the result of one of the last interviews granted by Evel Knievel prior to his death Nov. 30, 2007.  In his risk-taking heyday, nothing seemed to intimidate the notorious motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel – not even the 500-foot-deep, quarter-mile-wide Snake River Canyon, which he famously attempted to jump on a steam-powered “skycycle” in September 1974. But as the fearless Knievel thinks back on that jump that made news... Read More »

Coming Soon: Twin Falls Center for the Arts

The curtain will soon be raised on a brand new performing arts center in Twin Falls. Twin Falls Center for the Arts, currently under construction, is scheduled to open in August 2010 inside The Pinnacle, which will house several business offices, a restaurant and space for the Magic Valley Arts Council-operated arts center. The council’s current headquarters are in a rented building at 132 Main Ave. S. “We have needed to move for awhile and were initially looking at a couple of historic sites... Read More »
Rock Creek Station and Stricker Homesite

Preserving Pioneer Spirit

When many people think of the Oregon Trail, the only images that come to mind are pixilated covered wagons on the scroll-screen interface of an old computer.The iconic game created such strong impressions of fording the river and bouts of dysentery that it’s easy to forget that the Oregon Trail was a real route, traveled by real people.Monuments to the period still exist along the trail, though, bringing history to life for curious visitors. Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Home Site... Read More »
Symphony Director Theodore Hadley

Symphonic Splendor for Half a Century

When Twin Falls celebrates the Magic Valley Symphony’s 50th anniversary during their 2009-2010 concert season, they won’t only be celebrating 50 years of music.They’ll also be celebrating 50 years of ingenuity, dedication and good old-fashioned hard work.“Twin Falls is a long way from anywhere,” says Paula Sinclair, a French horn player and publicist for the symphony. “From the very beginning, back when distance really was a huge factor, the people that... Read More »

Downtown Bound

The words of Petula Clark’s hit song “You Can Always Go Downtown” certainly ring true in Twin Falls. While historic downtowns across the nation struggle to attract business, downtown Twin Falls is thriving with an irresistible mix of charming shops, tantalizing restaurants and highly anticipated annual events.Main Avenue is the heart of downtown, home to galleries, antique shops, salons and specialty stores for everything from music to scrapbooking.Jensen Jewelers opened on... Read More »

Seeing Double at Canyon Rim

When the Magic Valley Arts Council set about obtaining the first piece of artwork for the new Canyon Rim Public Art Project, a two-for-one approach wasn’t the plan.After a national call for submissions, the council, whose project partners include the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s beautification committee and the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department, chose a submission from Coeur d’Alene artist David Clemons. His subject? Twins.“We were looking for a project... Read More »
Shoshone Indian Ice Caves and Museum

Don't-Miss Destinations and Festivals in Southern Idaho

Attractions and events abound in the Magic Valley. Here's a sampling of Southern Idaho's don't-miss destinations and festivals. MSN Travel calls Trailing of the Sheep Festival one of the top 10 fall festivals in the world.The event takes place in Harvey and Ketchum every October, with a weekend full of Basque food, culture, dancing and many sheep. Activities include wool shearing, spinning, weaving, herding sheep demonstrations and a Trailing of the Sheep Parade that features hundreds of the... Read More »
The Twin Falls Center for Arts in Twin Falls, ID

Magic Valley Arts Scene Enhanced by Group, Facilities Devoted to Visual Presentation

In a place where breathtaking backyard landscapes are everywhere, it stands to reason that an inspired arts scene thrives.Twin Falls Center for the ArtsThe newest addition to the local arts community is the Twin Falls Center for the Arts, opened in late 2010 within the River Vista development on the Snake River Canyon rim. The facility provides a space where art aficionados can gather to celebrate life and art in the Magic Valley. With an outdoor plaza, a two-story atrium, an auditorium... Read More »

Gambling in Jackpot, NV, is a Short Drive From Twin Falls

Feel like gambling? Jackpot, NV, is only a 45-minute drive from Twin Falls. The Nevada gaming destination is less than a mile from the Idaho border on U.S. Route 93 and is popular among residents of Idaho and other neighboring states. The destination got its start when Idaho outlawed all forms of casino gaming in 1954. "Cactus Pete" Piersanti and Don French moved their slot machine operations from Idaho to the Jackpot townsite. Piersanti is credited for founding Jackpot as well as for naming... Read More »

Performance Art Makes a Home in Southern Idaho

Southern Idaho is known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor recreation spots, but also tucked away in the areas surrounding Twin Cities is a burgeoning performing arts scene. With the Magic Valley Symphony, the College of Southern Idaho’s Fine Arts Center and Howells Opera House all boasting more than 50 years of history, Southern Idaho has a vibrant arts scene that attracts performance art buffs from all over.Southern Idaho Symphonies If you’re looking for a classic cultural... Read More »
Herrett Center for the Arts and Science

Seeing Stars and Much More at Twin Falls' Herrett Center

For a hands-on learning experience about everything from ancient history to outer space, visit the Herrett Center for Arts... Read More »
Snake River Canyon

Family-Friendly Activities Abound in Southern Idaho

For Marilyn Tarkalson, mother of three boys, ages 6, 4 and 2, Southern Idaho is an even better place to live the second time around. The stay-at-home mom, who has another baby on the way, was raised in nearby Kimberly and lived in Twin Falls, but moved away 15 years ago with her family. They resided in North Carolina and Nebraska, but they recently returned home for good. “We have family in the area, and it’s just beautiful here,” Tarkalson says. “It’s a well-kept, growing city and so close... Read More »
"The Twins" by Idaho Artist David Clemons

Magic Valley Embraces Its Creative Side by Supporting the Arts

When the Magic Valley Arts Council set about obtaining the first piece of artwork for the new Canyon Rim Public Art Project, a two-for-one approach wasn’t the plan.After a national call for submissions, the council, whose project partners include the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s beautification committee and the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department, chose a submission from Coeur d’Alene artist David Clemons. His subject? Twins.Located at the Perrine Bridge Trail... Read More »

Century-Old Howells Opera House Still Stages Plays

Cassia County Judge B.P. Howells constructed the Howells Opera House in Oakley in 1907, but as far as anyone can figure, the first opera didn’t actually take place there until 80 years later in 1986. Howells built the impressive building because there were no movies, television or radios in the early 1900s. Traveling troupes of actors were the only sources of outside entertainment available to small-town residents. However, theaters and playhouses in those days were considered risqué because... Read More »

Snake River Canyon Still Linked to Evel Knievel

It is largely known for an unsuccessful motorcycle jump attempt by Evel Knievel, but the Snake River Canyon is much more.The canyon was formed by the Snake River coursing through the Magic Valley region of Southern Idaho, and the Perrine Bridge crosses the canyon immediately north of Twin Falls. Today, the canyon floor is a popular tourist attraction and features a variety of parks and golf courses. But it was Knievel's daredevil jump in 1974 aboard his steam thrust-powered Skycycle X-2 that... Read More »