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Idaho Adventures is More Than Small Potatoes
What do you think of when you think of Idaho? Potatoes right? Maybe for some of you, the answer is no, but that was my silly preconceived notion before arriving in this state. Yes, quite a bit of Southern Idaho is devoted to potato agriculture, and I did stop at the potato museum to learn, but also to enjoy some huckleberry-potato ice cream. It was fabulous. This was all on my way to Twin Falls before heading north to Boise, the Lewis and Clark AVA, and eventually Wallace, Idaho, where I met the only Prime Minister of the United States.
I spent quite a bit of time in Idaho because I found it really special. It surprised me at every turn. Twin Falls was outstanding and utterly beautiful, the Lewis and Clark Valley Vineyards were bursting with color, and people were enjoying themselves over a fine wine.
Awards have been given to wine makers in this area, and they absolutely deserve them, having worked hard and drawing on their passion to get to this point. After leaving Lewis and Clark, I headed north through Cor’d Lane, which I would have spent more time in; however, it was packed as the state entered a new phase. This is a popular (and rightly so) area for Idahoans, as it is picture-perfect, neatly landscaped, quaint, surrounded by lakes and rivers, and offers all the necessities one might need.
My final stop in Idaho was perhaps my biggest surprise. Wallace. An old mining town known for its silver industry, miners, and bordellos. These residents have been through fires, the federal government, and all kinds of resistance to keep the town alive, and I, for one, am happy they did.
It is the quintessential small town, with clean streets, original building signage, and an authentic feel. Everyone waves to each other and is kind. They like to live and let live, and the town is situated near resorts and the best hiking and biking in the area, including the Hiawatha Trail, which is world-class and runs through multiple tunnels of the old Milwaukee Railroad, now preserved for future generations. Amazing, and I will be back. There is a trip in the works to this part of the country for 2021 for bikers and hikers, and I’m going to be right there, God willing.
If you haven’t been following, please do at www.facebook.com/myxoadventures to see where I’m going next and support me along the journey by liking the page. I hope to make new relationships, freely promote businesses that need it, and learn quite a bit in the process. Stay safe and be well! Next is the West Coast, and there will be lots to show along the way.
XOXO
Daniel Milks
Important Update
Dear friends, adventure seekers, and kindred spirits,
I have some exciting news I want to share with all of you: after many seasons traveling the road with Adventures Across America, I’ve relocated to Rapid City, South Dakota. With that move comes a new chapter and a fresh path forward. From here in the Black Hills and Badlands region, I’m rebranding, and I’m proud to officially launch My XO Adventures as a private-tour company rooted in this landscape.
Leaving the open road behind has been bittersweet. Still, my passion for storytelling, geology, wildlife, and history has found a new home in Paha Sapa, the sacred Black Hills, and the dramatic Badlands beyond. My XO Adventures is built on the same spirit that guided me on past journeys: curiosity, respect for the land and its stories, and a commitment to meaningful travel. Now, instead of bringing clients across wide-open highways, I’m here to guide you through granite spires, forested hills, star-filled skies, prairie vistas, and places that carry deep cultural weight.
With My XO Adventures, you’ll find private tours of the Black Hills and Badlands, all tailored to what you love. Whether you are interested in wildlife spotting at sunrise, geology walks through ancient rock formations, cultural stories of the Lakota and other Tribal Nations, or peaceful drives through sweeping landscapes, I want to offer you something personal, authentic, and rooted in respect for place and history.
This new beginning feels like coming home. Rapid City is not just a base. It is a gateway to lands that have shaped generations, lands that still breathe with living history, lands ready to share their secrets and their beauty. I am grateful for the chance to guide travelers here, to help you see what I see, feel what I feel, and build memories grounded in curiosity, kindness, and wonder.
I appreciate your support over the years for following along and for being part of the journey. I look forward to welcoming you on a tour soon under open skies, among granite peaks, across plains that stretch toward forever. My XO Adventures is here, and this land is ready.
