By Saul Schwartz
My wife Fern and I had never previously been to Idaho. We drove two hours west from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and stayed two nights in Idaho Falls in August.
Idaho Falls is the hub of Eastern Idaho. With a population of about 60,000, it is the region’s largest city.
Idaho Falls and Greenbelt Loop – The Snake River runs through Idaho Falls. Several times we enjoyed walking or jogging along the paved path which runs on both sides of the river. The 600-foot-wide waterfall is particularly scenic. The river walk is the crown jewel of the city. The man-made falls divert water for hydroelectric generation. There is street parking available at many points along the path. Bathrooms are located at many access points, as well.
Idaho Falls Idaho Mormon Temple Visitor Center – Since we are not Mormons, we could not enter the Mormon Temple in Idaho Falls. However, we were given an informal free tour within the visitor center located at 1000 Memorial Drive. The temple was the first Mormon temple built with a single spire design. Completed in 1945, the temple is topped by a statue of the angel Moroni. Outside the temple, there are lovely gardens and a nice water feature. There is ample parking.
Inside the visitor center, there is a life sized Christus statue and several interactive exhibits. The young local guides answered all our questions and were very engaging with us. A marriage ceremony was taking place while we were touring inside the visitor center.
We then drove one half hour to Blackfoot, Idaho. Although the town of Blackfoot has a population of about 12,000, the downtown area is compact and easy to walk around. Fern and I stopped in a small bakery located within the back of a thrift store.
Idaho Potato Museum and Café – Blackfoot – Before entering the museum, we purchased iconic local hot baked potatoes at the Potato Station Café. The potatoes came right out of the oven. The café has both indoor and outdoor seating. At the café, you can find out for yourself why Idaho potatoes are the best in the world. Several toppings are offered, but even the plain baked potato was very tasty and not that expensive. One medium baked potato is less than 200 calories and it is a good source of fiber.
Museum admission is $6 per adult. The museum is located at 130 Northwest Main Street. Blackfoot is the potato capital of the world! Bingham County produces more potatoes than any other county in the United States. Visitors to the museum learn about the many facets of the potato industry. The museum also houses a gift shop. The Potato Museum is located within a former railroad depot built in 1913 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outside the museum, there is a very large baked potato replica suitable for photographs.
Lodging – We rented a house in Idaho Falls through Vacation Rental by Owner. Although this neighborhood was close to downtown, it was a real mixed bag of housing types and conditions.
Food options – Idaho Falls has plenty of restaurants. We ate twice at the local Panera Bread. We also enjoyed drinks and cookies from the Villa Coffee House downtown. Located at 344 Park Avenue, the coffee house has a few outdoor seats and loads of indoor seating.
As we left Eastern Idaho to drive to Montana, Fern and I felt that we literally had a taste of the Idaho Falls and Blackfoot areas. The August weather in Idaho Falls was very pleasant, as well.
Real Travel Adventures 