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Planning a weekend adventure or preparing for a trip can seem overwhelming with so many places to shop. Idaho Falls is no different, and it can be hard to choose a destination when the city is packed with a variety of boutiques and family-owned restaurants. Whether you’re looking to eat dishes from faraway places or explore the unusual, consider this list of options to make your life a little easier while supporting local businesses.
1. Love at First Bite Mercantile
Located on the gorgeous Snake River Landing, this specialty shop offers an extensive assortment of homemade and custom confections, gourmet food lines, gifts and home décor. Customers are greeted with wafts of warm, sweet scents upon entry and, before they know it, they are immersed in everything needed to make any home a little slice of heaven. You could spend a whole day browsing the astounding 50-plus varieties of extra virgin and infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars and dozens of food and drink options. Love at First Bite is an essential stop for anyone with a sweet tooth or an eye for home décor.
901 Pier View Drive #101 | 208-522-7788
2. Wee Bee Toys
Wee Bee Toys is an iconic storefront nestled in historic downtown Idaho Falls. The expansive building features a vibrant and spacious interior, but it’s the store’s interactive layout that sets it apart from the competition. Unlike other toy stores, Wee Bee Toys wants children and parents alike to be able to interact with the toys and games available for purchase. Colorful, bright designs guide customers through the incredible selection of high-quality and imported toys that are difficult (if not impossible) to find anywhere else. Whether it’s for a holiday wishlist, a birthday, or just to have fun, anyone can examine and play with toys and games before they seal the deal. There’s no better place for children to find new things and embrace their curiosity.
492 Shoup Ave | 208-260-5300
3. Mini Bazaar
Mini Bazaar is the oldest boutique in town and has been family-run since its inception in the early 1980s. But don’t let the age deter you. This quaint shop is consistently filled with novel, high-quality items that change with the seasons and holidays. Whether it’s products made by the owners or specialty items brought in by local vendors with intriguing themes, Mini Bazaar is guaranteed to host items that inspire your holiday decorating and help you bring in each new season with a fresh look. Items can vary week to week, so make sure to check back frequently so you don’t miss their updated inventory selection.
4. Shaddow Domain
Part metaphysical and oddities shop, part “weird” museum, Shaddow Domain is a one-of-a-kind passion project dedicated to gathering the strange and mysterious with new items brought in almost every day. Posters, clothing, figurines and incense are only the beginning, and exploring the store reveals hundreds of unique and otherworldly trinkets and artifacts. Make sure to visit the Dime Museum before you leave for a bizarre bit of education.
341 W Broadway St | 208-552-5036
5. Love Olive Co.
When it comes to clothing, Love Olive Co.’s commitment to offering on-trend pieces and a variety of unique outfits means that anyone can see themselves in fashion. With four storefronts, a bustling online shop and a social media presence unlike any other local business, there are many ways to find inspiration and see what’s right for you. Featuring exclusive and limited time items, collaborations with public figures and extended sizes, Love Olive Co. enables even those with no experience with style to find connection and embrace a love of fashion.
3104 S Hitt Rd | 208-523-1201
6. Idaho Mountain Trading
Anyone who has been to Idaho knows it’s a treasure trove of stunning vistas, hundreds of mountain paths and places to explore. Idaho Mountain Trading’s product selection has been thoughtfully curated, and with so many nuances from one sport to another, staff are trained regularly on the newest equipment and clothing so they can be prepared to answer any question with confidence. Make sure to visit IMT before your next ski & board adventure or off-road trip to ensure it’ll be a smooth ride.
474 Shoup Ave | 208-523-6679
Getting Hungry While you Shop? Try Arugula Deli!
What’s better than a restaurant where everything is made from scratch? One that also sources many of its ingredients from its own farms and other local businesses. Arugula Deli’s commitment to farm-fresh food with a Latin American twist (Chef Marcel hails from Bolivia) turns this restaurant into a must-visit location for one of the best meals in Idaho Falls.
261 Walnut St | 208-656-7784