Originally Published on November 9, 2024 in Travel and Leisure, Author: Jennifer Prince.
Many states conjure up specific images when you hear their names. For example, my mind wanders to redwoods when I hear California and mountains when I think of my home state of Virginia. Before I traveled to Idaho, the first thing that came to mind was potatoes, but a visit to the state did an excellent job of altering my opinion. I’m not sure if it was while I was soaking in hot springs during a snowstorm or skiing for the first time that I fell in love with McCall, Idaho.
The state holds a special allure that keeps calling people back, and that’s what happened to longtime resident Lisa Whisnant. When driving through the state, McCall was simply a stopping point to grab a sweet treat and enjoy the beauty of Payette Lake. “McCall was always on my radar,” she says. “I thought, maybe someday I could come and live here.” A few years later, the opportunity arose to become a whitewater rafting guide with Canyons River Company in McCall. She jumped at the chance and has invested in the community for the past four decades.
Chris Weber, a local fishing guide, has only been in McCall for a few years, but the draw was the same for him. What began as fishing trips ended with a permanent move to the area. “It’s a world-class fishing destination surrounded by beautiful mountains,” he says. “It’s better than anything in the picture books.” Although you may not be looking to relocate, the vast amount of outdoor activities — think snowmobiling in the winter and hiking in the summer — may encourage you to visit and stay, even if only for a little while.”
Photo Source: Jennifer Prince.