Blog Posts

Winter Workshop Round-Up: Beat Cabin Fever with Your Hands

Winter Workshop Round-Up: Beat Cabin Fever with Your Hands Let’s be honest: January in Idaho Falls is hard. The holiday lights are down, the wind chill is hovering around -10°F, and we are all collectively staring down three more months of winter. It is peak seasonal depression time. The default reaction is to retreat to the couch and binge-watch a series you’ve already seen twice. But this year, we’re proposing a different strategy. Instead of just consuming content this January, why not make something? There is actual science behind working with your hands to boost mood and focus. So, put down the remote and check out these three local spots where you can beat the winter blues by getting creative. 1. The Ultimate Cozy Hack: Chunky Knit Blankets at AR Workshop If you only leave your house for one thing this month, make it this. AR Workshop (located just off 17th Street) runs a specific "Chunky Knit Blanket" workshop that is practically designed for Idaho winters. Why it’s perfect for January: You don’t need any knitting needles or previous experience. You literally knit the blanket using your hands (hand-knitting). It is incredibly satisfying, tactile, and you leave with a massive, ultra-soft blanket that you can immediately wrap yourself in for the drive home. The Vibe: Rustic, wood-focused, and smells like fresh lumber. Pro Tip: These classes fill up fast in winter. Check their calendar for the "hygge" style workshops. 2. Get Your Hands Dirty: Pottery & Stones at The Idaho Art Lab Sometimes the best way to get out of your head is to get into the mud. The Idaho Art Lab on North Yellowstone is a hidden gem that offers way more than just painting. The "Ghost" Moment: They offer Pottery Wheel Certifications . You can take a class to learn the basics of throwing clay. It’s challenging, messy, and requires 100% of your focus—which means for three hours, you aren’t thinking about the freezing inversion outside. The "Hidden" Gem: Ask about their Lapidary Lab . This is one of the few places where you can learn to cut and polish gemstones. If you’ve ever found a cool rock by the Snake River, this is where you learn to turn it into an actual shiny cabochon. 3. Social Therapy: Paint & Sip at Grape Van Gogh If "creative" to you sounds intimidating, Grape Van Gogh is the low-pressure answer. This isn't about becoming the next Picasso; it’s about drinking wine with friends while holding a paintbrush. Why it works: It’s social. January is isolating. Grape Van Gogh (located on A Street downtown) forces you to get out, talk to humans, and laugh at your own artistic attempts. They provide the canvas, the paint, the apron, and most importantly, the guidance. The Event to Look For: Check their calendar for the "Open Paint" nights or winter landscape themes—painting a snowy tree is surprisingly therapeutic when you’re warm inside with a glass of Merlot. Bonus Mention: The Bake Academy If your form of creativity involves sugar, check out The Bake Academy (off N Yellowstone Hwy). They often host macaron or cake-decorating classes. It’s technically a workshop, but the final project is edible. Win-win. The Verdict Don't let the gray skies win. Whether you are polishing a river rock, knitting a blanket the size of a car, or just painting a "happy little tree" with a glass of wine, getting your hands moving is the best way to survive the Idaho Falls deep freeze.

Beat the January Slump: Volunteer Opportunities in Ammon & IF

Beat the January Slump: Volunteer Opportunities in Ammon & IF The Christmas lights are down. The wrapping paper is recycled. The festive energy of December has faded into the gray, freezing reality of January in Southeast Idaho. We often talk about the "January Slump" in terms of our own energy levels or moods, but local nonprofits feel a much more literal slump this month. During the holidays, our community is incredibly generous. Volunteer slots fill up fast and donations pour in. But come January 2nd, that support often vanishes overnight. The reality is that hunger, homelessness, and needs within our community do not end when the calendar flips to the new year. In fact, the bitter cold of January often makes these needs more acute. If you are looking for a meaningful "New Year’s Resolution" or just want to beat cabin fever by doing some good, now is the absolute best time to step up. Here is how you can help beat the post-holiday slump in Ammon and Idaho Falls. 1. The Lunch Rush: Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen The Need: Volunteers for the daily lunch shift. The Soup Kitchen provides a hot meal every single day of the year to anyone who needs it, no questions asked. While December shifts fill up months in advance, January calendars often have glaring gaps. This is a fantastic opportunity because the time commitment is manageable—usually just a few hours in the middle of the day to help prep, serve, and clean up. It’s eye-opening, humbling work that provides immediate warmth to our neighbors during the coldest month of the year. 2. Brave the Cold: Bonneville County Animal Shelter The Need: Dog walkers willing to bundle up. It’s easy to volunteer to walk dogs when it’s 70°F and sunny. It’s a lot harder when it’s 10°F and the wind is howling. The Bonneville County Animal Shelter sees a significant drop in volunteers during the deep winter months. But the dogs still need exercise, fresh air, and socialization outside of their kennels. If you have warm boots and a good parka, these pups are desperate for your help. A twenty-minute walk makes their entire day. 3. The Post-Drive Sort: Community Food Basket (RCCM) The Need: Sorting and organizing food donations. December is famous for community food drives. The result is that by January, the Community Food Basket (run by the Regional Council for Christian Ministry) often has literal tons of donated canned goods that need to be sorted, checked for expiration dates, and organized onto shelves before they can go out to families. This is great, warm, indoor work that is perfect for groups, families with older kids, or businesses looking for a team-building afternoon. The "Clean Out" Guide: Donating Your Old Stuff Did Santa bring you a new coat, new toys for the kids, or new kitchen gadgets? That means it’s time to clear out the old stuff. The "New Year's Purge" is a great feeling, but please remember to donate responsibly. Local thrift stores rely on items that are clean, working, and in good condition to fund their missions. Here are the best spots in town to drop off the items you replaced this Christmas: Idaho Youth Ranch: Your donations here support incredible programs for at-risk youth in Idaho. They have convenient drop-off locations in both Ammon and Idaho Falls. Deseret Industries (D.I.): The massive facility in Ammon can handle large volumes of donations, from clothing to furniture. It serves as a major hub for job training and resources in the area. St. Vincent de Paul: Another excellent local option where your household goods go toward helping local families in crisis. The Bottom Line Generosity shouldn’t have a season. If you have a few extra hours this month, consider giving them to organizations that are quieter now than they were two weeks ago. Your help matters more now than ever.

Soup Season: The Best Bowls of Comfort Food in Idaho Falls

Soup Season: The Best Bowls of Comfort Food in Idaho Falls There is a specific type of cold that settles into the Snake River Valley in January. It’s a damp, bone-chilling freeze that no amount of layering seems to fix. When the temperature drops, the only real cure is comfort food. We aren't talking about "light and healthy" today; we are talking about rich, creamy, carb-loaded warmth. Ammon and Idaho Falls are secretly hiding some of the best soups and comfort dishes in the state—if you know where to look. Here is your guide to eating your way through the freeze. 1. The Local Secret: Mitchell’s Restaurant Where: 615 E Iona Rd (Inside KJ’s Travel Center) The Dish: Homemade Soup & "The Roll" If you judge a book by its cover, you might drive right past Mitchell’s. Located inside a truck stop on the north side of town, this is the definition of a "hidden gem." Locals know that Mitchell's serves up some of the best made-from-scratch food in the city. The Soup: Their daily rotating soups (specifically the Vegetable Beef or Cream of Potato) are thick, hearty, and taste exactly like something your grandma would spend all day making. The Roll: We need to talk about the rolls. They are massive—literally the size of a softball—yeasty, fluffy, and served with a generous amount of butter. One bowl of soup and one roll here is a meal that will keep you warm for 24 hours. 2. The Staple: Jakers Bar and Grill Where: 851 Lindsay Blvd The Dish: Baked Potato Cheese Soup Jakers is an institution in Idaho Falls, and while the steaks are great, the real MVP of their winter menu is the Soup and Salad Bar . This isn't your standard iceberg-lettuce-and-ranch situation. It is a high-end spread, but the main draw is the Baked Potato Cheese Soup . Why it works: It is incredibly rich and creamy, but the magic is in the toppings. You can load your bowl with real bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onions from the salad bar. It is essentially a loaded baked potato in liquid form. Pro Tip: Go for lunch. The price for the unlimited soup/salad bar is one of the best values in town. 3. The Downtown Classic: The Soup Kitchen Where: Downtown Idaho Falls (and various locations in the region) The Dish: Chili & Cornbread Note: Not to be confused with the local community food bank (which does amazing work!), this is the restaurant known for fast, hot, homestyle lunches. If you only have 30 minutes for lunch and need to thaw out, this is your spot. The menu is simple and nostalgic. The Order: Get the Creamy Tomato if you want to dip a grilled cheese, but the real winter winner is the Chili with Cornbread . The cornbread is sweet, cake-like, and crumbles perfectly into the savory chili. It’s fast, cheap, and consistently delicious. 🍽️ Bonus: The "Warm Cookie" Wars You can't finish a comfort food tour without dessert. While the national giant Crumbl has deep roots in our area, don't sleep on the other local heavyweights when you need a warm sugar fix. The Cookie Place (Ammon & IF) The Vibe: Massive, warm, gooey cookies that are served fresh. The Pick: The Chocolate Chip is classic, but their Salted Caramel is a sticky, warm masterpiece that requires a napkin (or three). Love at First Bite (Idaho Falls) The Vibe: Located in a charming mercantile at Snake River Landing, this spot feels more like a boutique than a bakery. The Pick: While famous for their cupcakes and specialty sodas, their cookies and chocolates are high-end and decadent. It’s the perfect place to grab a treat and walk around the pond—if you're brave enough to face the cold!

Where to Spot Eagles, Elk, and Moose Near Idaho Falls This January

Where to Spot Eagles, Elk, and Moose Near Idaho Falls This January Idaho Falls in January is famous for two things: biting cold and breathtaking beauty. While many people retreat indoors, local photographers and nature lovers know that this is actually the best month of the year for wildlife viewing. Deep snow in the high country forces big game animals down into the valleys, and frozen lakes concentrate waterfowl into specific pockets of open water. If you have a pair of binoculars and a tank of gas, you can go on a "Winter Safari" without leaving Bonneville County. Here is your guide to spotting our most iconic winter residents this month. 1. The Eagle Run (South of Idaho Falls) You don’t have to travel to Alaska to see Bald Eagles. In January, they are practically in our backyard. Where to go: Take the scenic drive south along the Old Butte Highway or River Road towards Shelley and Firth . What to look for: Keep your eyes peeled on the massive cottonwood trees that line the Snake River. On a good day, it is not uncommon to see dozens of Bald Eagles perched in the bare branches, scanning the water for fish. Pro Tip: Look for the "white golf balls" in the trees. From a distance, a Bald Eagle's head looks like a bright white sphere against the dark branches. 2. The "Swan Valley" Drive There is a reason it’s called Swan Valley. While the Trumpeter Swans are beautiful, they are also loud—you will often hear their horn-like honking before you see them. Where to go: Drive East on Highway 26 toward Swan Valley (about 45 minutes from Idaho Falls). What to look for: As you wind along the South Fork of the Snake River, look for the stark white contrast of Trumpeter Swans floating on the dark, ice-cold water. The Best Spot: Pull over safely at the designated turnout near the Fall Creek Falls area or the bridge as you enter the valley. Seeing hundreds of these massive birds against the snowy backdrop is a bucket-list Idaho experience. 3. The Elk Migration at Tex Creek This is the heavy hitter of winter wildlife viewing. The Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is critical winter range for thousands of elk, moose, and mule deer. Where to go: Head east toward Ririe Reservoir and the Tex Creek area. (Note: Many interior roads are closed to protect the animals, so you will be viewing from the main perimeter roads). What to look for: As the snow piles up in the high country, massive herds of elk move down to the "lower" elevation (which is still pretty high!). It is common to see herds numbering in the hundreds moving across the rolling white hills. Safety Note: If you spot moose, stay in your car. They are grumpy in the winter and can move surprisingly fast in deep snow. 4. The Neighborhood Invasion (Ammon Foothills) You don’t technically need to leave the house for this one. If you live in the foothills of Ammon (especially near the Comore Loma or Woodland Hills areas), the wildlife comes to you. What to look for: Mule deer. Everywhere. They are cute, but they are also hungry. This is the time of year when they treat your expensive landscaping like an all-you-can-eat salad bar. Local Etiquette: Drive slowly on Sunnyside Road and Crowley Road at dusk. The deer blend in perfectly with the grey slush on the side of the road and have zero traffic sense. 📷 A Note on Ethics Winter is a survival situation for these animals. They are burning limited calories to stay warm. Do not approach them. Do not make them run. Do not feed them. (It can actually kill them—their digestive systems can't handle corn or apples in winter). Grab a telephoto lens, stay warm in your heated seats, and enjoy the show from a distance!

Warm Up Your Winter: Romantic January Date Nights in Idaho Falls

Warm Up Your Winter: Romantic January Date Nights in Idaho Falls When the temperatures in Southeast Idaho drop to the single digits, the standard "dinner and a movie" routine can feel a little... cold. This January, don't let the weather freeze your romance. Whether you are looking for an upscale evening out or a cozy corner to hide away from the snow, Idaho Falls and Ammon have plenty of intimate spots to keep the spark alive. Here are three date night ideas to warm up your winter. 1. The Classic "Dinner & A Show" (With a 2026 Twist) January kicks off the second half of the theatre season in Idaho Falls, making it the perfect time to dress up and get out of the house. The Dinner: Skip the chains and book a table at one of our local gems where the atmosphere is as good as the food. Copper Rill: Elegant but not stuffy. It’s perfect for a special occasion (try the Thai Lamb Chops or the Black and Blue Filet). D’Railed: If you want intimate, this is it. It’s small, dark, and romantic with an incredible "surf and turf" menu. Reservation highly recommended. SnakeBite: For a more relaxed but delicious vibe. Their salmon dishes and burgers are legendary, and the downtown location makes it easy to walk to the theater if you’re brave enough to face the cold! The Show: The local venues have some fantastic acts booked this month. At the Civic Center (Jan 9): Toast – The Ultimate Bread Experience. If you love soft rock classics, this is a fun, nostalgic night out. At the Colonial Theater (Jan 17): Dirty Dancing in Concert. This is the ultimate date night event—watching the classic film while a live band performs the iconic soundtrack. 2. The "Hot Springs" Day Date Sometimes the best date night is actually a date day . There is something uniquely romantic about sitting in 104°F water while snow falls on your head. Close to Home: Heise Hot Springs Drive Time: ~25 mins from Ammon. The Vibe: It’s quick, easy, and affordable. In January, their winter hours usually run 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM on weekends , making it easy to slip away for a sunset soak. The Day Trip: Lava Hot Springs Drive Time: ~1 hour. The Vibe: A true resort feel. The world-famous hot pools range from 102°F to a steamy 112°F. Pro Tip: Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening to avoid the weekend crowds. Afterwards, grab a warm meal at the Chuckwagon or The Royal Hotel before driving back. 3. The Local Coffee Crawl If you just want to talk without the distraction of a movie or a server, a "coffee shop hop" is a low-pressure, high-cozy option. Villa Coffeehouse (Downtown): With its local art, mismatched comfy chairs, and "hidden gem" feel, this is the best spot in town to sit for two hours and just catch up. The Metropolitan (The Met): A classic Idaho Falls staple. It’s bustling but warm, perfect for people-watching while you share a pastry. Gathering Grounds (Ammon/IF border): If you want a cabin-style vibe with a fireplace, this is a great spot to bring a deck of cards or a board game. ❄️ The "Warm Up" Challenge Pick one of these dates for this weekend! And remember, in Idaho, "dressing up" for a date definitely includes wearing your warm boots—you can always change them in the car!

The Idaho Falls Winter Driving Survival Guide

The Idaho Falls Winter Driving Survival Guide (Or: How to Get to Target Without a Panic Attack) Welcome to January in Southeast Idaho. The holidays are over, the inversion has settled in like an unwanted houseguest, and the roads have transformed from asphalt to something resembling a greased cookie sheet. If you are new here, welcome. You are probably terrified. If you have lived here your whole life, you are also probably terrified, because you know that every year, between November and March, the entire population collectively forgets how motor vehicles work. Driving in Ammon and Idaho Falls during deep winter is an extreme sport. It requires zen-like patience, the right gear, and an acceptance that you will arrive at your destination 20 minutes late, sweaty inside your puffy coat, and with white knuckles. Here is your unofficial, slightly sarcastic, highly practical survival guide to navigating our winter roads. Rule #1: The Tao of the Scraper Let’s get this out of the way first. If you are using your debit card to scrape a 4x4 inch "peephole" on your windshield so you can drive to work, you are part of the problem. Stop it. Buy a real ice scraper. Buy two. Keep one in the car and one in the garage, because the garage one will break when it’s -20°F and you hit a particularly stubborn patch of ice. The "Snowhawk" Shame: Furthermore, you must clean the snow off the top of your car. Yes, it’s high up. Yes, your hands will get cold. But if you don’t, the moment you tap your brakes on 17th Street, that majestic 6-inch mattress of snow on your roof will slide forward, completely blinding you. Don't be the person driving by Braille. Rule #2: The 4WD/AWD Delusion This is the most critical lesson many Idahoans learn the hard way. Listen closely: Four-Wheel Drive helps you GO. It does absolutely nothing to help you STOP. We have all seen "that guy." He’s in a lifted truck that costs more than your first house, roaring past everyone doing 60 mph on Sunnyside Road because he thinks his truck makes him invincible. He is not invincible. He is just going to hit the ditch faster and harder than the rest of us. On pure ice, every vehicle is equal. Drive like your grandma is in the passenger seat holding a crockpot full of chili. Rule #3: The "Idaho Slide" In the summer, we have the "Idaho Stop" (a rolling pause at a stop sign). In January, we have the "Idaho Slide." This is when you approach an intersection, apply the brakes gently, and your car politely informs you that it has no intention of stopping. How to handle it: Leave Space: If you think you are far enough behind the car in front of you, double that distance. Then add ten more feet. The Roundabouts of Terror: The Ammon roundabouts are tricky enough in July. In January, they are circular ice rinks. If you are entering one, assume the person already in it might slide right past their exit. If you are in one, assume the person entering can't stop. Just assume everyone is sliding everywhere. Rule #4: The "Oh Sh*t" Kit (Emergency Supplies) It happens. You slide into a snowbank on a country road in Ammon, or your battery dies in the WinCo parking lot because it’s 15 below zero. You need a trunk kit. If you don't have one, you will end up shivering in your car wearing only a thin hoodie, waiting for your spouse to come rescue you. The bare minimum kit: Jumper Cables: Essential. A Real Blanket: Not a cute little throw blanket. A serious, ugly wool blanket that actually keeps you warm. Kitty Litter: Yes, really. If your tires are spinning on ice, pouring cheap, non-clumping kitty litter under your drive tires provides amazing traction. (Sand works too, but kitty litter is lighter to carry). Snacks: Because being stuck in a snowbank is bad enough without being hangry. The Golden Rule If it’s truly awful outside—if the wind is howling and the roads are a sheet of black ice—ask yourself: Do I really need that thing from the store right now? If the answer is no, stay home. Put on sweatpants, make hot chocolate, and watch Netflix. The roads will still be there tomorrow, and hopefully, the plow will have visited by then.