ear the koi pond and tucked away by the side of the elevator, the Idaho Falls Public Library has a doorway and then a staircase leading down to an entire world of book sale Nirvana. Row upon row of shelves hold novels, children’s literature, sheet music, vinyl records, DVDs, magazines, travel guides, cook books, mysteries, westerns, non-fiction titles and pretty much anything you could dream of a library having. These second-hand surplus items are all for sale to the public—a thoughtful way to spread no-longer-needed library books and thousands of donations into the community at large.

At the helm of the hardworking crew of volunteers that quietly sorts, shelves and sells these volumes of literature is Audra Loftus, the president of Friends of the Library of Idaho Falls. With a genuine interest in furthering the library’s mission of literacy and community education, Audra loves doing her part to offer service.

local business in downtown Idaho Falls sells art supplies, gifts and provides an enjoyable space for people to come learn.

Little Bluebird Studios, owned by Krissa Deurmeier, is located at 545 Shoup Avenue, Suite 109, inside the historic Rogers building. It’s described as an indie art shop and studio.

“The studio is basically just a little love letter to art,” Krissa said. “It’s all about bringing the community together in a very approachable, comfortable space to explore a different medium or come and try something new.”

Krissa teaches watercolor classes designed for all skill levels. People can learn foundational watercolor skills and techniques. You get to go home with your very own custom artwork.

f there is one thing we know in eastern Idaho, it is that you do not need a tropical beach to make sparks fly. You just need the right dinner, the right atmosphere and a little intention. And this year, with Valentine’s Day landing on a Saturday, the entire weekend is wide open.

That makes it easier to slow down, linger a bit and turn a single evening into something more memorable.

n a world filled with grandiose weddings and elaborate ceremonies, there’s something profoundly romantic about the simplicity and intimacy of a Stanley, Idaho, elopement. And when it comes to choosing the perfect destination for such a momentous occasion, few places rival the breathtaking beauty and serene charm of Stanley. Here’s why adventurous couples should consider eloping in this picturesque paradise nestled in the heart of nature.

our love story is one of a kind—your wedding should be too. If you’re dreaming of a celebration that is both unforgettable and uniquely you, consider hosting it in one of the most inspiring spaces imaginable: The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by world-class art, dancing under soaring ceilings and capturing golden-hour portraits on the banks of the Snake River as the sun dips low behind the water. At The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM), your wedding day becomes an unforgettable masterpiece.

An art museum wedding is as versatile as it is beautiful. Want an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication? The galleries provide a refined backdrop of curated paintings and sculpture. Looking for something hip and modern? Play up the museum’s contemporary vibe with bold décor and creative details. Or maybe you’re after a relaxed, fun celebration—art lends itself to whimsy just as well as to formality. Every corner of the museum is photogenic, and the artwork itself provides ready-made décor that needs no embellishment.

f you’re looking for a dining experience or a new restaurant to try, some of the greatest ones are off the beaten path. One such restaurant is Teton House, a tucked away steakhouse along the main highway in Menan. This steakhouse is favored for its friendly staff, inviting atmosphere and above all, its exquisite cuisine.

Known for its high-quality meats and gourmet dishes, Teton House is a one-of-a-kind restaurant where nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch. And while this steakhouse is a short drive from the cities that surround it, the dining experience is worth each mile traveled.

The menu at Teton House features a fine balance of high-quality meats, sides, desserts and a variety of drink options. Most notably, the menu offers pureblooded Australian Wagyu, American Black Angus and special cuts from premium and exclusive ranches all over the world.

ou’ve got the exercise shoes, the diet plan, and the quality sleep routine. But if you’re trying to tackle your whole-body wellness alone, you might be forgetting the critical element of social connection.

Perhaps like Simon & Garfunkel, you’ve given up on friendship and claim, “I am a rock, I am an island!” After all, what more could you possibly cram into your busy schedule after family responsibilities, work stress, and other commitments? Do you really have time for…fun?

ere is my go-to cheddar broccoli potato soup recipe, with tender chunks of potato, fresh broccoli, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy, comforting broth that’s perfect for chilly days.

This soup has become our family’s favorite weeknight dinner when we need something warm and filling. I always make a big batch so we can have leftovers for lunch the next day. Nothing beats a bowl of cheesy soup with some crusty bread, right?

A Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides long-term lodging for families whose children need extensive medical treatment. A Ronald McDonald Family Room is a smaller, respite space inside a hospital (like a NICU or clinic) offering snacks, showers, rest areas and a calm break from the clinical setting for families with kids getting care. Houses offer overnight stays for extended stays, while Family Rooms offer shorter, immediate relief within the hospital walls.

The Idaho Falls Ronald McDonald Family Room opened in September 2019 inside Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) to provide a home-like respite for families with sick kids at the hospital, filling a critical need for nearby lodging, especially for families from surrounding states like Wyoming and Utah, and even local ones needing to stay close during long treatments in neonatal or pediatric intensive care units. Supported by community fundraising and donations, it offers comfort just steps from their child’s bedside, serving families from across the region.