Road Trip’n
Bannack State Park
Page 34
Historic Photos
Discovered By The Facebook Generation
t is not how you start the race or where you are during the race – it is how you cross the finish line that will matter.” This quote from Robert D. Hales took on a different meaning for me after my summer was unexpectedly hijacked last year. I had such high hopes back in the spring as we headed towards warmer temperatures. It’s truly hard to beat the amazing summers here in Idaho Falls and all of the fun activities our region has to offer. However, life had other plans for me.
Despite my best attempts to downplay the numbness in my hands, my grip strength was getting weaker with each passing day to the point where I could no longer ignore my symptoms. After multiple doctor visits for second and third opinions, it became painfully clear that cervical spine surgery was in my future. I finally conceded to orthopedic surgeon Rob Johnson at Summit Orthopaedics here in Idaho Falls, that I needed to have two deteriorating discs replaced in my neck. Admitting I needed surgery was a big step for me, but it was the timing that was the real sacrifice. I suggested to Dr. Johnson that October would be a good month for the surgery. You know, after the summer and when I could sit around watching football.
I’ll never forget the look my amazing doctor gave me, which was quickly followed by a stern warning that delaying my surgery even a month could lead to permanent nerve damage. He didn’t care that I had summer plans; he was determined to fit me into his busy schedule the second he had an opening. You can see now why I hold this doctor in such high regard; Dr. Johnson truly cares about his patients.
Papa Kelsey’s
Burly Burger
Great Harvest
Lane Lindstrom:
Jersey Mikes
Steve Smede:
Thai Kitchen
KEVIN MALCOM | Sr. Account Executive
Bacon & Bleu
BJ DENNING | Sr. Account Executive
Subway
Alberson’s Deli
Sandwich Tree
Panera Bread
Mitchell’s Restaurant
Papa Kelsey’s
Burly Burger
Great Harvest
Lane Lindstrom:
Jersey Mikes
Steve Smede:
Thai Kitchen
KEVIN MALCOM | Sr. Account Executive
Bacon & Bleu
BJ DENNING | Sr. Account Executive
Subway
Alberson’s Deli
Sandwich Tree
Panera Bread
Mitchell’s Restaurant
Susan Stucki
Karcin Harris
Andrea Olson
Katie Burke
Idaho Falls Visitors Guide
Idaho Falls Area City Map
Discover Idaho Falls Parks & Activities Guide
Destinations Idaho Falls
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Chuck Harris – Vice President
Clayton Ward – Treasurer
- Better Business Bureau of Eastern Idaho
- Blackfoot Area Chamber of Commerce
- Community Magazine Network
- Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- Kiwanis Club
- Museum of Idaho
- Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Yellowstone Teton Territory
Organizers bill the event as a celebration of pop culture in all its forms, from vintage Nintendo cartridges and comic books to anime fandom and movie memorabilia. Expect costume contests, gaming stations, and vendors loaded with hard-to-find collectibles.
The 2026 special-guest lineup includes voice-over legends Keone Young and Samantha Newark, Elvira tribute Brenda Swan and Marvel/DC artist Sam de la Rosa (pictured here).
Retro X also carries a community angle. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, giving the event a local charitable component alongside the fun.
The show runs Friday from noon to 7pm and Saturday from 11am to 6pm, with early-bird admission available both days. Kids 12 and under get in free. For tickets and event information, visit ifretrox.com.
Organizers bill the event as a celebration of pop culture in all its forms, from vintage Nintendo cartridges and comic books to anime fandom and movie memorabilia. Expect costume contests, gaming stations, and vendors loaded with hard-to-find collectibles.
The 2026 special-guest lineup includes voice-over legends Keone Young and Samantha Newark, Elvira tribute Brenda Swan and Marvel/DC artist Sam de la Rosa (pictured here).
Retro X also carries a community angle. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, giving the event a local charitable component alongside the fun.
The show runs Friday from noon to 7pm and Saturday from 11am to 6pm, with early-bird admission available both days. Kids 12 and under get in free. For tickets and event information, visit ifretrox.com.
June Art Walk
NAMIWalks
Manager and now owner Robert Balch brings years of experience in the food industry to the restaurant. He learned how to cook from his mom at a young age and taught himself how to make a variety of foods.
“I like to cook at home and create different recipes. It’s just something that’s always been kind of natural to me. I’ve been cooking since I was like four,” he said.
“We’re the only independent ambulatory surgery center in the area that’s multi-specialty, or that has the breadth of the specialties that we do, and that’s something we want to shout from the rooftops to really educate and form the patient,” said Derek.
Let your kids play while you put up your feet and relax at the Kid Zone, a 15,000-square-foot indoor playground for children ages 0 to 12. Featuring massive play structures, slides, and obstacle courses, the Kid Zone is perfect for open play and birthday parties. Socks are required, and features include a snack/soda bar, seating for parents and private, themed party rooms.
208-648-2012
kidzoneut.com
Let your kids play while you put up your feet and relax at the Kid Zone, a 15,000-square-foot indoor playground for children ages 0 to 12. Featuring massive play structures, slides, and obstacle courses, the Kid Zone is perfect for open play and birthday parties. Socks are required, and features include a snack/soda bar, seating for parents and private, themed party rooms.
208-648-2012
kidzoneut.com
See the wildlife of Yellowstone up close and personal in the drive-through park just north of Idaho Falls. From the comfort of your car, you’ll see Rocky Mountain Elk, Bison, White-tail Deer, Rocky Mountain Goats, and of course American Black Bear and Grizzly Bear. After your drive-through adventure be sure to explore the petting zoo, enjoy the amusement rides, dine at the Hungry Bear Cafe, and see the animatronic dinosaurs in Jurassic Creek.
Since then, Ryan has become a big fan of the Facebook page that attracts thousands of visitors who love to reminisce about the good-old days.
He’s also found several old photos of the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Co., which was owned by G.G. Wright, the man whose family home Ryan restored and lives in today.
Founded in 1862 after a gold strike on Grasshopper Creek, Bannack State Park served as Montana’s first territorial capital before fading into the kind of quiet that creaks. Today, more than 50 structures still stand. Weathered storefronts, a courthouse, a hotel and a scattering of homes line a dusty main street that feels like it’s holding its breath.
Here are five options to get you started!
Best Summer Chopped
BLT sandwich turned into a salad is a genius move. This spin on the classic sandwich takes everything we love – crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes – and turns it into a crave-worthy bowl of goodness. The familiar ingredients are chopped into bite-sized pieces and tossed together for the perfect mix in every forkful.
It’s dressed with a creamy mayo-based dressing that captures that beloved BLT flavor, while crunchy croutons stand in for the toasted bread. A sprinkle of extra bacon on top seals the deal. It’s a satisfying lunch or dinner that gives you all the BLT satisfaction without having to build a sandwich.
Meet the Revolutionary Spuds created by Julie A. Ellsworth, Idaho State Treasurer, also affectionately known as the Creator-Tater. Using the Spuddy Buddy, the official mascot of the Idaho Potato Commission, she crafted 15 mascots representing founders of our nation. These Revolutionary Spuds are traveling the state to make history fun and unforgettable for Idahoans of all ages. Rediscover highlights of a few of these courageous heroes.
Save these dates and continue the America250 in Idaho celebration:
- JUNE 26: America250 in Idaho Community Service in Highland Park
- 9/11: America250 in Idaho Freedom Festival @ Bonneville County Fairgrounds. 6:00. Meet a Spuddy Buddy and continue to celebrate our freedoms.
- Write a note of appreciation for our veterans. Begin now. Deadline is September 8. Drop offs for notes of gratitude for veterans and other details are forthcoming on JustServe.org.
o you have a friend in your life who pretty much does everything different from you? Like, you sit around and wonder, how did we even become friends?
I have one. He’s my friend, my platonic soulmate and my boss, Gary Stewart. Gulp.
If I say the sky is blue, he’s dying on the hill that its green. If I say I think watermelon is the best fruit, he wouldn’t touch one with a 10-foot pole. I drive the speed limit and he screams at people who are going two miles over to speed up. And, yet, we spend 40 plus hours a week together and we always have fun.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a business trip to Boise. It was fine and dandy. He only referred to me once as the devil when I asked for a restroom stop. Truly a winning day. Until dinner.
We businessed during the day and then met up with his daughter and son-in-law for dinner. Sweet Kaeli suggested we eat at Baraboo Supper Club and I couldn’t have said yes faster. I don’t know about you, but I was born in the `80s and missed all the supper clubbing going on in the `70s. But, from what I understand, I would love everything about a supper club.
