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Six Small-Town Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho

Last updated June 25, 2021 by Dani Hansen

Many people know Stanley, Idaho as the Trailhead to Idaho Adventure for outdoor recreation, but there is more than just mountains to explore! Just shy of 70 people live in this town year-round, yet there are over 80 businesses that make up their small but mighty Chamber of Commerce.

The Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce works together with local Stanley businesses to bring people to the Sawtooth Valley for year-round fun. Due to being the coldest place in the continental United States, Stanley, Idaho sees a significant drop in tourism between Labor Day and Memorial Day. However, the community wants you to know that their doors are open for year-round recreation. From rafting in the summers to hot springs and snowmobiling in the winters, Stanley is the perfect destination if you are looking for an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the city.

The Kasino Club: Good Food, Music, and People!

The Kasino Club in the heart of historical Stanley, Idaho, is the perfect place for breathtaking views, good food, and live music.

Live music, stiff drinks, and a delicious Pub menu highlighted by fresh Idaho trout, local bison burgers, and hand-cut Idaho fries

Although it recently undertook some serious upgrades since its founding in 1938, this bar and restaurant still embody the true authentic charm of historic Stanley. The new owners, Jim and Karin, brought a fun vibe to this Stanley staple. Stop by and enjoy fresh local and organic food, cooked with a western pub flare. Dine-in or on the decks and patio overlooking the Sawtooths. If you are craving live music, look no further. On Thursdays, The Kasino Club and Papa Brunee's host the Stanley Street dance out front on Ace of Diamonds Boulevard. Fridays and Saturdays bring a jam-packed summer line-up filled with an eclectic mix of regional and touring musicians.

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

The Kasino Club is the perfect summer escape and a quick drive to hundreds of campsites.

Kasino Club | 620 Ace of Diamonds Blvd, Stanley, ID 83278

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Gerheim Gallery: Beautiful Art in the Sawtooth Valley

The Gerheim Gallery's expression of the essence of mountains, rivers, and lakes in central Idaho is presented in various photographs.

Although photography is the focus, The Gerheim Gallery hosts many artists from around Idaho. From brightly colored kiln-fired glass to metal sculptures of the native species in the valley, each artist captures their view of nature in a unique way. Thad Gerheim, the owner of Gerheim Gallery, uniquely uses large format film cameras. This traditional photography process feeds Thad's passion for the development process and gives him more freedom to produce high-quality images of all sizes. The use of large sheets of film maintains the natural sense of tonality and depth. After visiting the gallery, you can even take a little piece of Stanley home with you by purchasing a print.

Gerheim Gallery | 250 Niece Ave, Stanley, ID 83278

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Sawtooth Contracting: Experts on Idaho Architecture

As you may know, Stanley is cold - like really cold. So, if you want to live in Stanley year-round, you need a sturdy home to protect you from the harsh but remarkable environment. Luckily, Sawtooth Contracting is experienced in navigating cold climates and building homes that are true reflections of the natural geographical beauty in the Sawtooth Valley.

"It is not uncommon in this area to see relatively small projects take multiple years to complete just because of the lack of planning, but that sure isn't part of our goal." - George Nedelea, owner of Sawtooth Contracting.

Building a home can be a challenging experience, especially in rough climates like Stanley, Idaho. Although the winter-wonderland environment is a significant contributor to the charm in this remote town, it can also present unexpected obstacles when building a home. If you are looking at moving to the Sawtooth Valley, you need the local experts - Sawtooth Contracting.

Sawtooth Contracting | (208) 272-1751

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Papa Brunees: A Unique Spin on Classic Idaho Pizza

Are you tired of camp food? Papa Brunees is a local favorite and the perfect solution to cure your pizza and calzone craving.

"After an 8-mile strenuous hike, this pizza brought me life." -Google Reviewer.

When hotdogs and hamburgers no longer cut it… think of Papa Brunees! Only minutes away from thousands of campsites, Papa Brunees is a great way to get your pizza fix. They have a menu filled with unique pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and some rotating items like meatballs! Stop in and have a beer! Papa Brunees is also the co-host of the Thursday night street dances. It is apparent that the Papa Brunees staff pride themselves on serving pizzas with the highest quality ingredients, including homemade mozzarella cheese and smoked Canadian bacon that is smoked in the back of the pizzeria!

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Papa Brunees Pizza & Subs | 645 Ace of Diamonds St, Stanley, Idaho 83278

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Mountain Village Resort: Your Year-Round Destination for Hot Springs, Lodge, Restaurant, Saloon, Mercantile, and Dance Hall

Not only is Stanley, Idaho stunning in the summer, but it's also incomparably beautiful in the winter. Luckily, Mountain Village Resort, Mercantile, Gas & Service Stations are open year-round.

"Mountain Village is a little village in the middle of nowhere where you can find everything." -Google Reviewer

Only a short drive from the Treasure Valley, this is a perfect vacation destination for those who may not want to rough-it. Mountain Village Resort has it all; you can cozy up in a variety of stays, relax in a hot spring looking over the Sawtooth Mountains, have a beer or cocktail at the bar, or enjoy a rotating menu in their full-service restaurant. Mountain Village Resort also hosts community events and a long line of local musicians at the Velvet Falls Music Hall! Mountain Village is a staple in Stanley. All conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 75, Mountain Village has everything you need for a mountainous getaway!

Mountain Village Resort | 3 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley, ID 83278

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

May Family Ranch: Reunions and Retreats

Do you need a place for the whole family? The May Family Ranch is your first step towards the authentic Idaho experience.

"It is clear the new, young family owners are building upon the established legacy with respect and love." -May Family Ranch Guest

The May Family Ranch is your destination for a home-away-from-home experience with brand new family-focused owners.

This quaint guest ranch can accommodate 200 people! The ranch has various bunkhouses, cabins, and camping spots with bathhouse options and is the ideal year-round location for a family reunion or retreat getaway. Located just north of Stanley, Idaho, the May Family Ranch gives you access to the best hunting and fishing that Idaho has to offer.

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

There is something for the whole family to enjoy, from the giant water slide to the surrounding mountain ranges filled with hiking, biking, and ATV trail rides!

May Family Ranch | 500 Squaw Creek Rd, Clayton, ID 83227

Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag
Six Businesses To Explore This Summer in Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Summer Mag

Small-town Deserves Big Support

Stanley, Idaho is one of the state's most cherished destinations. It has breathtaking scenery of the Sawtooths, pristine lakes, view of the stars, and endless recreation opportunities. At Totally Boise, we know that the heart of the small-town lies within the local businesses and small number of residents that are stewards of the unique experiences it offers.

Whether you visit in winter or summer, be sure to check out these businesses and show your support!

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