Peebles on PTO

We’ve affectionately dubbed McCall our “happy place,” so it was the perfect destination for a weekend getaway to celebrate our 15th anniversary. While we usually stay at our family condo, we chose the Shore Lodge for this special occasion—a romantic escape that perfectly blends stunning landscapes with luxurious amenities. It made us feel both a world away and completely at home, creating the ideal setting for our celebration.

Shore Lodge: A Luxurious Retreat

We feel incredibly fortunate to visit the Lodge frequently during ski season, often stopping in for a signature drink or appetizers after a day on our home mountain, Brundage. But walking in for a weekend stay brings a whole new level of excitement. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with drinks and a delightful surprise waiting in our room to kick off our celebration weekend.

My favorite rooms to book here are the lower-level suites, which offer a private patio that opens directly onto the beach—perfect for enjoying morning coffee or a late-night drink by the water. These suites are incredibly spacious, featuring a separate living area detached from the bedroom, offering plenty of room for our whole family on most trips. But with just the two of us this time, it felt like pure luxury, giving us all the space we needed to relax and unwind for the weekend.

After settling into the room, we headed to the Cutwater bar to enjoy a cocktail before our spa appointments. One thing that stood out all weekend is how every seat in the hotel seems to offer a stunning view. Each of the three restaurant areas we visited showcased the breathtaking beauty of Payette Lake, enhanced by the vibrant colors of fall. It was the perfect way to set the tone for our getaway.

Almost unbelievably, we had the Cove spa entirely to ourselves. After our couples massage, we spent hours in blissful solitude, relaxing in the hot pools, warming by the firepit, and enjoying the cocktail service. This was a rare treat—one we don’t often get when we travel with the family—and it reminded us how important it is to carve out time for just the two of us. We spent the late afternoon talking, laughing, and snuggling, surrounded by the beauty of nature and feeling deeply grateful for the experience.

The hotel offers several dining options, though we were once let down by the upscale Narrows Steakhouse. That experience, which happened years ago, had nothing to do with the quality of the food but rather the overly pretentious atmosphere. While we appreciate luxury as much as anyone, we’re not the kind of people who need to hand-select steak knives before dinner. So, for this trip, we opted to skip the slightly pompous steakhouse in favor of the laid-back, fun vibe of The Bar. With a full menu and a casual setting, we enjoyed watching the sky transform as evening turned to night. Since the Lodge’s restaurants are open to the public, we were pleasantly surprised to meet new friends during Happy Hour—and even ran into some old ones. In a place like McCall, moments like these are perfect reminders of its small-town charm (and its somewhat limited dining options)!

We usually love spending a day golfing at the Lodge’s private course, Whitetail, but due to our late booking and the gorgeous weather, there were no available tee times. Luckily, we were able to snag a spot at another favorite, Jug Mountain Ranch. Just a short drive from McCall, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course offers something for everyone—my golf-obsessed husband and his cocktail-loving wife alike.

September weather in McCall can be unpredictable, but we lucked out this trip with perfect temperatures hovering in the 70s all weekend. It made for an ideal day outdoors as we enjoyed a leisurely round on the course. I’m also happy to report that, according to CJ, my golf “posture” showed some improvement!

What makes a weekend getaway here truly special is the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. After a day of golf, we returned to Shore Lodge to relax in the hot tub and roast s’mores by the firepit. The plush robes provided by the hotel add a touch of indulgence, making you feel like a celebrity as you grab a drink from the bar to take to the pools. They’re also the coziest way to warm up after a refreshing dip. The Lodge is well attuned to McCall’s unpredictable weather, adjusting the pool temperatures accordingly. It’s a unique kind of luxury to be able to swim, soak in the hot tub, or unwind in the warm pools—no matter the season!

In case this post peeks your interest for a trip away to the idealic McCall mountains, here’s a few reminders to have the perfect weekend and find your “Happy Place”:

• Book Early: Shore Lodge is a popular destination, so make your reservations well in advance to secure your preferred accommodations.
• Plan Your Tee Times: Whitetail only holds 4 spots a day for hotel guests, so if you’re set on enjoying this incredible amenity, book your tee times ahead of time.
• Pack for the Weather: McCall’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and be prepared for both warm days and cooler evenings.

Final Thoughts

A romantic weekend at Shore Lodge, combined with a little mountain golf, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re savoring a quiet evening by the lake or challenging each other on the golf course, McCall, Idaho, provides a beautiful and memorable setting for a romantic escape. Pack your bags and get ready to create lasting memories in one of the most charming corners of Idaho! We hope you find your “happy place” too!