Plump, dark-purple berries aren't usually what comes to mind when you think of Idaho. But, just like spuds, the huckleberry has made its mark on Idaho. Thriving in high elevations, these violet morsels come into season from mid-June to August. With an undeniable bright hue and a sweet yet tart flavor, Idaho's state fruit is the perfect ingredient to add a bit of gusto to everything from milkshakes and burgers to ciders, lagers and wines. We hope you're hungry because we're about to pucker up and dive into some of our favorite spots to get a huckleberry treat in Idaho.
Located near the Idaho/Wyoming state line and nestled within the Teton Valley, the town of Victor is not to be missed if you're on the hunt for huckleberry goodness. Known for its “world-famous” huckleberry milkshakes, Victor Emporium is a one-stop-shop for souvenirs, toys, outdoor apparel and supplies. Don't forget to check out the old-fashioned soda fountain or hard-to-miss murals decorating the shop.
Overlooking rows of vines as far as the eye can see, Ste. Chapelle Winery boasts award-winning wines from the Snake River American Viticulture Area (AVA). Reminiscent of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France, with its Gothic-style vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams, the winery crafts a variety of huckleberry-infused delights. Raspberry, strawberry and melon notes complement the tartness of the Soft Huckleberry riesling, while the Wild Huckleberry Spritz is a vibrant, bubbly beverage that's best sipped during breezy summer nights.
Calling all sweet tooths! What began in 1901 as a door-to-door business selling candies out of shoeboxes soon blossomed into the construction of Boise's most modern factory in 1909. More than 100 years later, Idaho Candy Company is still serving up nostalgia in the same factory. The local-favorite Huckleberry Gems are a heavenly combination of huckleberry-flavored marshmallow cream and decadent milk chocolate.
Featured on Travel Channel's Man v. Food for its Over the Edge Burger, Edge Brewing Company in Boise is a hot spot for elevated pub grub, a lively atmosphere and, of course, ice-cold beers and ciders. Made with Washington apples, Edge's Huckleberry Cider is available on tap and in cans at the main brewery and the 10th Street pub.
Honoring Wallace's mining history, Wallace Brewing created a brand of beers with mining-inspired names like 1910 Black Lager and Jackleg Stout. But this 15-barrel microbrewery doesn't stop there. Its Huckleberry Shandy is a tangy concoction of lemonade and juicy huckleberries paired with a light lager.
Known for their “fetchingly” good (and award-winning) craft beer, Laughing Dog Brewing in Ponderay invites beer lovers and dog lovers alike to sit, stay and sip. Its top-selling Huckleberry Cream Ale starts out with the cream ale base recipe and is enhanced with—you guessed it— huckleberries, creating a fruity, rich, sweet and smooth brew that's perfect for warm summer afternoons. As its flagship beer, the Huckleberry Cream Ale gives Laughing Dog an edge as one of only a handful of breweries whose flagship brew is not an IPA.
Trimmed in pink and black and glowing with a giant neon ice cream cone, Fanci Freez has been serving up old-time burgers, shakes and sodas since 1947. Locally owned and operated in both Boise and Meridian, the joint prides itself on repeat customers—some for nearly 50 years. If you want to go all-in on huckleberry, go for their huckleberry burger and huckleberry milkshake.
Sourcing only local and seasonal ingredients, Trillium Restaurant brings the taste of Idaho to guests' taste buds. Located at the Grove Hotel in downtown Boise, Trillium's contemporary design is the perfect place to nosh on a variety of huckleberry dishes. Choose from huckleberry short ribs, salad with huckleberry vinaigrette or the huckleberry barbecue turkey and Brie sandwich, which was named Idaho's best sandwich by Far & Wide.
