Historic Downtown Idaho Falls is full of vibrancy, growth and redevelopment with a mix of old-time charm and wonderful shopping. The charming downtown district offers boutiques and shops, local restaurants, bars, pubs, apartments and lofts along with green spaces and culture from the art galleries and theaters found on A Street and Broadway. The best part? It can all be found along the beautiful Snake River Riverwalk. These are not experiences available through a mobile app or online shopping.
Downtown offers the experience many of us are looking for as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. As we begin working in the office again, it’s exhilarating to find local spots in downtown Idaho Falls. The experience of entering a locally owned shop that smells fresh and clean from an assortment of specialty candles and offers one-of-a-kind fashions is just thrilling.
Here are just three shops considered essential to the downtown shopping experience:
Lyn’s Ladies & Babies Shoppe
Lyn, the petite red-haired shop owner who is found in-store 6 days-per week, got started in 1982 in a room in her home selling bed linens, sheets and blankets. She named her business Lyn’s Linen Shoppe and expanded her offerings in the 1990s with home items such as with carved cedar bears, flags and kitchen mats. In 1999, she established her own operation on River Parkway across from the famous falls and called it Lyn’s. Luckily for downtown Idaho Falls, in 2001 she moved across the river into a larger space on the 400 block of A street across from the Colonial Theatre. In 2004, she moved into the current location of this unique shop at 339 A Street.
As Lyn stated, “It’s all about sleepwear and comfy fashion for Christmas!”
In 2017, Lyn expanded again to the space she shared with the Deluxe Barber Shop. When the barber shop closed, Lyn broadened her fashion and clothing selections. More ladies clothing, bathrobes, bamboo clothing and lots of items for babies arrived to fill the new space. One of the top items Lyn’s offers is Yala bamboo clothing. This includes “athleisure” joggers and soft leggings that are polished enough to wear to the office with a blazer or on the weekend to brunch. We’ve learned while working and being home for the last year that comfort is as important as fashion, and Yala offers a polished, luxurious look.
Lyn’s shoppe is a full experience for your senses. Visually, the space is calming and appealing, with an ambience that is amplified by luscious pajamas. This nighttime wear is both beautiful and appropriate for a brunch party or evening night in with friends. Lyn says it’s hard for her customers to come in and just shop for a gift for others; almost every customer leaves with a gift for themselves as well. We can understand why. It’s easy to find something wonderful at Lyn’s, and her eye for quality is keen!
The Handmade Idaho Shop
Handmade Idaho Shop at 430 Park Avenue, is a showcase of artisans offering their wares and locally made goods. The Shop, as it is affectionately called, is operated in a co-op style, with artisans taking turns running the store. This process encourages and offers artisans the time to create, but also to meet with customers, take custom orders and enjoy all aspects of being a creator.
Found at The Shop is a wide range of goods that are all made in East Idaho! From Idaho souvenirs to Idaho rocks, home and garden décor, artwork, fine jewelry, leather goods, wood working of many types, hiking sticks, clothing, children’s books and toys…the list goes on and is ever changing!
Lily’s Selected Consignments
A 26-year-old cornerstone to downtown Idaho Falls and many wardrobes is Lily’s Selected Consignments. The term “consignment store” is defined as a local business that sold and bought local goods with a cost share back to the person who provided the inventory. The loyal customers of Lily’s know this well and with the talented team of Lily’s owners and employees, the store is full of gently pre-loved designer fashion items that are timeless and gorgeous.
After 26 years, Bobbie retired and her long time employee and very good friend, Teresa purchased the business with a partner, Myra. The ladies are in the shop daily with Shauna, an employee who has been with Lily’s from the beginning. Shauna is the secret sauce to the high-end pieces that delight shoppers. Myra says the success of Lily’s is a result of word-of-mouth and decades-long customers who know they can count on Lily’s.
The highlight of the year at Lily’s is when the cool fall months creep into our city and the beautiful coats hit the rack. A favorite of all the women who run the store, the sweaters, jewelry and coats make the outfits. The cherry on top is the one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces in glass cases throughout the store.
Some shoppers are known to shop weekly. Specifically, one shopper shops every Saturday to ensure she doesn’t miss that special buy. It’s smart shopping and it’s sustainable shopping. The fashion available at Lily’s offers customers the chance to buy the piece of clothing they might not otherwise splurge on.
Eve & Ivy Upscale Consignments
318 Park Ave. | 208-542-1156
Poppy and Pout
396 Park Ave.
San Michele
357 A St. | 208-524-1552
Treasure’s Formal Bridal & Tux
365 Shoup Ave. | 208-524-0343
Work It Scrubz
261 A St. | 208-406-6235
Pandora’s Baubles and Beads
440 Park Ave. | 208-29-3696
Healing Hands Metaphysical Store
429 B St. | 208-542-5446
Shaddow Domain
341 W. Broadway | 208-552-5036
Lemon Meringue
425 Park Ave. | 208-529-9599
Idaho Mountain Trading
478 Shoup Ave. | 208-523-6679
Jimmy’s All Season Angler
275 A St. | 208-524-7160
Dave's Bike Shop
367 W Broadway | 208-529-6886