Day to Day – Life of a Local
Written By Beverly Shook
Posted: July 30, 2021 by Gary and Mikahla Shook
Being an Idaho Native and living in the Magic Valley my whole life. There is certain day to day activities during any season of the year here in Idaho that I enjoy or take time to embrace as I live here as a Local in the Magic Valley. We have four real seasons here in Idaho. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter with all 4 having different temperatures, precipitation, and landscape colors. Some states have mild temperatures all year or rainy and cloudy or hot and dry. What I love about Idaho is the 4 distinct seasons.
Life of a local here in the Magic Valley is filled with plenty of different options for activities and socializing. As a native Idahoan you appreciate the local business’ in our community, and I do what I can to support them; by shopping local and attending local events of interest to me. By learning about and supporting local you not only obtain high quality merchandise as a consumer; but you are most likely also gain connections and relationships. Before you know it; you have been referred to a friend by another local business owner and the cycle will repeat itself. Rewarding? I would say so!
If you love the outdoors making sure you get outdoors once or several times a week in all 4 seasons of the year is not difficult. Most people enjoy spring and summer; while it is not hard to get out and do something during these seasons you still need to make sure you include your adventure into your weekly schedule. There are always the individuals who love the fall and winter. The skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sledding and anything else winter is just a short drive away or better yet, right outside your backdoor. For spring and summer, you have endless activities; hiking, camping, outdoor fitness groups, golfing, horseback riding, motorized sports, water sports, fishing, biking, music, and the arts events outdoors and indoors and watching thrill seekers jump off the Perrine Bridge daily.
For me, a local. I spend my days like most people, working, managing my household, socializing locally (downtown), and areas along the canyon rim. Exercising indoors and outdoors with my local friends, eating local food from the farmers market and my own garden. Entertaining friends, family, and co-workers at my home and at local destinations. Enjoying the sunrise and sunsets Idaho organically shows us nearly every day. Walking, hiking the mountains and canyons while inhaling the fresh Idaho air is something I will forever be grateful for. I love the 4 seasons in Idaho. They all have their place and purpose.
Having grown up on a small Idaho Dairy farm in the Magic Valley; being outdoors most of the time was just a part of everyday life. Learning to harvest and preserve what we have grown through the summer season only helped us see the value of planning, working, and working and working until harvest, then we could enjoy the fruits of our labor. Being thankful for the outdoors here in Idaho as well as grateful for the Idaho locals who do not take our area for granted only helps me realize daily how magical it is here in the Magic Valley.