Prior to arriving in McCall for a weekend visit at Shore Lodge, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Idaho. I am embarrassed to say, especially now that I know better, that all I could think of when I thought of Idaho was potatoes. Standing on the private patio of the resort with air thick with the perfume of the flowers cascading from seemingly every surface, and an endless view of calm, blue water fading into even bluer mountains, potatoes are the furthest thing from my mind. Instead, I am marveling at the vast underestimation I had for the area and excited about exploring this mountain and lake retreat.
Shore Lodge, aptly named for its prime position on the snow-fed Payette Lake, has been in operation since 1948, and still retains all the mid-century appeal from the early days with the luxury and amenities of today. Luxury is the aim for Shore Lodge, and although plush robes and high-end bath products are a part of the package, it’s a different kind of luxury that is the cornerstone of the resort. There is an emphasis on the extravagance of relaxing that only comes with having everything you need, right down to the details, all in one place.
Initially, I was thinking of McCall as a good home base for exploring something in the surrounding area, but I am thrilled to learn that there isn’t any reason to leave the charming lakeside town; in fact, there really isn’t any reason to venture far beyond the resort. Everything that we need for a family friendly weekend filled with outdoor activities is available right outside our flower-filled back porch at the lodge.
A Room with a View
Of the 77 rooms on three levels, 62 have lake views and balconies, with the lower level rooms opening onto a sandy beach that is perfect for young families, particularly those with little ones. In keeping with the hotel’s desire to make travel effortless for families, a large collection of sand toys is ready and waiting to be borrowed for castle building. This is just one of the little extras that make Shore Lodge a truly welcoming place for families.
Choosing from the variety of room configurations might be tricky, but finding a fit for the whole family is definitely not. Most of the rooms available at Shore Lodge offer separate sleeping areas for grownups and children, and they haven’t forgotten the importance of a closing door to give everyone a little privacy. Lake Front Suites offer two rooms, one with a queen bed and another with a spacious sitting area with a convertible couch for bedtime. For larger families, a king suite can be combined with a standard suite for plenty of beds, or a Fireside Suite with separate dining area and beds for up to six can be booked.
Room accommodations include the standard amenities, like Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs, but it is, again, the little extras that make the rooms memorable. Along with plush robes for the grownups, child sized robes are available upon request, and many of the rooms include microwaves and refrigerators. Turn down service includes a chocolate chip cookie each night, delivered along with the itinerary and schedule of special events that are available on the property.
~Cruiser bikes are ready and waiting for a family bike ride into town for ice cream~
Activities for Families
5,330 acres of water surrounded by mountains creates the perfect backdrop for days of exploring nature and spending time with family. A host of activities are included with your resort fee including:
· Seasonal bicycle usage
· Year round heated pool and hot tub
· Indoor Racquet and Basketball courts
· Seasonal outdoor tennis
· 43 seat movie theatre
· Transportation within city limits
· Nightly S’more Pit gathering
In addition to the included amenities, the resort offers other activity options for a fee, including kayak rental, boat rental, watersports, kid’s club activities at Camp Sharlie, golf, The Cove Spa and golf.
Just a Slice of Shore Lodge Heaven
There is a rhythm to spending the day with your family at Shore Lodge that you can expect to be slow, but purposeful, and filled with nature. With kids, you know you will be waking up early, and that’s okay. Morning is one of the best times to enjoy the resort. The air is cool enough to be invigorating, and the lake is so mesmerizingly still that you won’t want to look away. Take a cup of coffee down to the beach and let the kids play a bit in the sand while you wake up right along with the rest of the world.
~Lake Grills sits serenely on the shore of the lake and is a perfect place for lunch or dinner~
After the coffee kicks in, head down to the Lake Grill, where you can enjoy a full service breakfast served on the patio overlooking the lake. Don’t miss the Huckleberry Pancakes for a true local flavor. From here, you can plan your day-everything from kayaks to water trampolines is right in front of you. First thing in the morning is a great time to head out on a kayak and enjoy the pristine beauty before the day heats up too much.
For lunch, head into the charming town of McCall to sample some of the local cuisine, but don’t even think about getting into your car. Shore Lodge provides cruiser bikes free of charge to ride the 1.1 mile distance into town. Kid sized bikes and helmets, and even bike trailers for the smallest riders are available so that everyone can work up an appetite and feel great about enjoying ice cream for dessert.
For afternoon entertainment, Camp Sharlie lets kids be kids, and lets parents be ALONE for some much needed grownup time. While mom and dad enjoy a luxurious retreat the The Cove Spa or the award winning Whitetail Club’s golf course, kids will be supervised by caring adults in a program that emphasizes learning, outdoor exploration, and crafts. Of course, many of the activities available at Camp Sharlie will get kids out on the water or into the Ponderosa Pines to explore the surrounding area while learning.
~View from the Clubhouse. Yes, really!~
Dinner options include two other onsite restaurants, both with lake views and extensive menus that rotate with the seasons. Promise the kids a treat if they finish all their dinner, and then get ready to deliver a once in a lifetime evening activity. Shore Lodge features an in-house movie theatre with an extensive list of movies for nightly entertainment. Movie choices can be requested by guests and shown at specified show times. Let kids pick their favorite movie, and then kick back-with popcorn, of course-and enjoy the intimate showing in the theatre.
~See your favorite flick without ever leaving the hotel~
When you return to your room, another treat will be waiting, this time in the form of a giant chocolate chip cookie and an itinerary for the next day. Consider that your invitation to kick back on your balcony, enjoy your sweets, and plan for your adventure the next day.
~Shore Lodge provided complimentary accommodations during our visit to McCall. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own.~