Escaping to Idaho Falls
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For years, I have been grateful that Idaho Falls exists. It’s been a place of escape for me from Island Park’s snowy environment, and the main place I shop. When I first moved to this country I lived in West Yellowstone and it was always fun to go to Idaho Falls with my kids to see a movie, go to the zoo, and eat at a fast food place. There were none in West and my kids thought it was a real treat. My husband and I almost always stay in a hotel on the river because I love walking the greenbelt.
Three years ago we were “homeless” for seven months. We had to move out of our place on Bills Island and live in our office while our cabin was being built. The office was in a small trailer right on the highway and had no washer/dryer. We escaped to Idaho Falls at least two weekends per month. At first I did laundry in the hotels but then I found a neat laundromat on Broadway. I met a lot of interesting people there. We like the Ritz and Shiloh and are looking forward to the new Hilton because they have a good points program. If you use traveler’s club cards and hotel club cards you can save money on hotels. John’s favorite restaurant is Jakers and mine is Rutabaga’s. Anyone have other suggestions? We would love to try new places.
We like to avoid the mall and Box Store Blvd. and all its chain eateries. My favorite grocery place is Fred M’s. What are some things that locals love to do? A few years ago we discovered the wine shop downtown - that is awesome. Are there other wine boutiques? Also I have never found a health food store - not a pill/vitamin shop - a healthy food store that sells produce organic meat, etc.?
We would appreciate some new ideas. Thanks.
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Comments
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0 Thanks so much. We will do this. We have been members of the Bozeman Co-op for years. Neat that one is starting in Idaho Falls.
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0 0 If you like shopping at Fred Meyers, you should know they have a fairly large vitamin section, as well as organically grown fruits, vegetables, poultry and meats. Granted, its not as large a variety as say a “Whole Foods” or “Trader Joes”, but its the best I’ve been able to find in this town.
If you’re looking for a larger health/vitamin store, try the Wealth of Health Nutrition Center off Woodruff next to Smiths, in that little strip mall there. They’ve got everything you could need and they have really helpful people working there.
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0 0 More beer focused then wine, but MarCellar’s is my favorite haunt downtown and it’s just around the corner from Vino Roso.
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0 0 Can anyone give me any ideas regarding some decent places to camp over Memorial Day wknd? I’m looking for some place within a 2 hour drive or so.
Thanks!
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0 0 I think there is still plenty of snow in the high country. So even if you find a campground the trails and surrounding area might be muddy. A couple of places that are lower in elevation and close to home are the Heise/Kelly Canyon and Fall Creek areas. They are sure to be a little crowded on Memorial weekend but it will be crowded everywhere. My choice would be Fall Creek. It’s less than an hour away and there are a lot of places to camp. In the past I have seen people come up during the week preceding Memorial weekend and save their spot even if all they had was a tent. So if you wait until Friday night or Saturday you might be lucky to find a spot. To get to Fall Creek go east on Highway 26 from Idaho Falls. About 30 to 35 miles out of town you will come to a bridge that crosses the Snake River. Turn right on the road just before the bridge. Go just over a mile down this road and turn right, I think it’s called Skyline Road. The road goes on for miles and miles and there are a lot of good camping spots. Be sure to check out Fall Creek Falls which is on the road you turned on from Highway 26 that goes along the river. It is just past where you turn to go on Skyline Road and it will be on your left. I don’t know what the fishing regulations are on Fall Creek but I think fishing might open a little later in the season than opening day so be sure and check if your plans include fishing. I’m sure fishing will be open on the Snake River in that area.
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0 0 Try no-tellin creek on the continental divide side,near antelope and birch creeks which is on the backside of meadow lake.You get off freeway at bear lake and wont pick it up again until monida pass.Take extra fuel if you are trying to do it in two hours or less.I suggest granola, cheese sticks ,water and toilet paper .I dont think mosquitos will be bad with the late spring and all.
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0 0 Try the KOA next to the river right here in Idaho Falls. When it snows on your tent you can shove it in the backseat, throw the kids in the trunk, and walk to Denny’s for a Eggs over My Hammy. Then it’s only a five minute drive home!
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0 0 Thanks for the replies everyone….keep em comin!
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0 0 Campground between Driggs and Alta (off SkiHill Road) is one of the most beautiful places on earth….might be a bit soggy but worth it…great view of the back of the Tetons. Never very crowded.
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0 0 CR67,
The best campground I found is out past Ashton. Warm River Campground is AMAZING!!! It’s well maintained and plenty to do. Fishig, mnt. biking, hiking, and even a nearby fish hatchery (kids love this because you can feed them and watch them jump).
They covered an old railroad line up with gravel and bark and there is an amazing old tunnel in the side of the mountain.
You will not be disappointed with this campground!
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0 0 Oh I also forgot to add one of my favorite parts. Next to the camground the river is shallow enough in some parts you can walk across to the other side. You can also bring float tubes, start at the campground and there’s a spot further down to pick your family back up.
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0 0 Warm River is very nice — but the most cases of human West Nile Virus in the state have come from campers at Warm River. The place is thick with mosquitoes, so bring lots and lots of spray.
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0 0 Great tips everyone! Looks like I’ll have plenty of new campgrounds to visit this summer. Keep em coming!
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0 0 What is comment# 7 /no one needs to carry extra fuel on a 2-4 hr drive[4 hrs x 75miles per hour max allowed by law =300miles divisible by a minimum of 7=42 ^average tank size is 17 leaving a need for 25 gallons {worst case scenario}making the auto a potential bomb rolling down the highway.dont forget ice.
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0 0 I like the Warm River area also. But who is the clown who named it that?? My hand went numb in five seconds the first time I touched that water!
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0 0 Point of View…..can you tell me how to get to Warm River Campground? Or if anyone else knows directions.
Thanks!
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0 0 CR67,
Location: From Ashton, go 9 miles north on ID 47.
http://www.publiclands.org/explore/site.php?plicstate=ID&id=2064
http://www.campingwithaview.com/Z_Campgrounds/Public/ID/Warm_River/Home_WarmRiver.htm
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0 0 From Ashton, ID travel northeast on Highway 47 to Warm River, turn right onto Fish Creek Road and continue 1/4 mile to campground entrance.
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0 0 Crystal, don’t you live in California? You’ve shared that info several times on this site….how do you know where this campsite is?
This isn’t baiting or attacking, just an honest question.
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0 0 psychic friends network
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You might want to get in on the ground floor of the new Eagle Rock Co-op which should be opening in the next month or so. It’s located at 368 A St Membership is half price until they open.
http://www.eaglerockcoop.blogspot.com
From their site:
Vision: The ERFC will provide a cooperatively-owned, democratic member-controlled grocery store and community gathering place for the Idaho Falls community.
Mission: The ERFC will provide, when available,
+ The finest sustainable and specialty products,
+ High-quality local products,
+ Fair trade products,
+ Organic products,
+ Outreach and education on sustainable products and practices,
+ Products from independent and/or family-owned suppliers and farmers, and
+ Customer empowerment through truth in labeling.