Jackson is one of those fantastic places that make me feel like I am on vacation when I am only a couple hours from home. I absolutely love it there and this time specifically I needed that away from home feeling. An unfamiliar place can do wonders for your creative side!

The main purpose of this trip was to go see Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats at  Rendezvous Fest in Jackson.  Live music is one of my absolute favorite things.  I have no problem driving to Jackson, Boise, SLC, (last year TN!) to go see and support it. This year I was trolling all the different festival lineups and saw that Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats were on almost every lineup. So, I had to check em out!  Rendezvous Fest was the perfect place to do it since they had a few days of concerts lined up (most of them free!) Yes. Practically unheard of!

The concert was outside close to the little park in downtown Jackson. It was a lovely, frigid, but sunny day. When that sun went down though…it was really freezing! I kept comparing it to the Dawes concert in Park City earlier this year though, and next to that it was damn near balmy. There is something really cool though about a bunch of people braving the cold to listen to music they might have never heard before.

When my friends and I arrived at the festival a DJ (part of a duo called Head to Head) out of Jackson was playing. He did a really fantastic job. His mash-ups were great and he definitely got some of the old dudes dancing (well, him and beer got them dancing!).

Following was Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys. This band had so much energy! I don’t know how long their set was (LONG!), but they absolutely powered through. Big Sandy has an awesome stage persona and that really got people going.

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats! They were absolutely wonderful live. They have this old timey Americana/Blues sound, which is on point. Also, they are just fun. I am so excited that music like this is getting some attention.

The next day I spent the majority of my time in a really great coffeeshop: Cowboy Coffee.

This shop has a fantastic atmosphere. I love the rustic wood, and the hanging twinkling lights. Here are some of my favorite photos from my time here. THIS PLACE WAS SO PHOTOGENIC!

I ordered a Huckleberry MudPot, which is a drinkable version of a huckleberry truffle. It was the best thing. I also had a bacon, avocado, and cream cheese sandwich. SO GOOD. If you are in Jackson or going to visit soon absolutely stop by Cowboy Coffee.

A visit to Diablas Kitchen is about more than eating fantastic, hand-crafted food. It is an experience! I attended the Idaho Classics themed dinner a few weeks ago, and was so impressed. I have been a fan of Diablas for awhile now. I mainly go for delicious brunches on an ever-changing menu. The space is unique, a juxtaposition of things: Mix-matched chairs, vintage creamer pitchers, and salt shakers.

The atmosphere is comfortable and homey.  The owners and staff are so kind. At the Idaho Classics dinner I sat at the bar which is right next to where all the food is prepared. It was so great to watch them work!

  So, let’s get into what was served here.

(more…)

I really enjoy PV’s Uncorked on Main. For one, PV’s literally stands for exactly what I am about…PASTA and VINO. If I had a spirit animal or more like a pair of spirit animals they would be pasta and wine. That is how strongly I feel!

I ended up at PV’s the other night as part of a girl’s night adventure, which would be a total waste without a nice glass (or two) of wine. We went to the Vagina Monologue’s in Pocatello at the Elk’s Lodge. The Family Service Alliance puts an event together annually which is always hilarious, raunchy and moving. I love it. If you haven’t gone be sure to check it out next year!

It was a great night and it inspired me to share this location with ya’lls.

Things that I love about PV’s:

ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere is something that is immediately noticeable at PV’s. When you walk in the décor is just lovely!

BEAUTIFUL FOOD

Food presentation is one of my favorite things about food blogging. Part of this blog experience has helped me to realize the effort that goes into plating. This antipasto looked so fantastic. Not to mention it tasted good too! I have also tried pizza and pasta at PV’s and have not been disappointed!

WINE, WINE AND MORE WINE

I love my self some wine. Red, whites…I ain’t picky. I like em all! The last time I was at PV’s I had a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. If you like to try different wines check out one of the wine tastings that PV’s hosts monthly.

PV’s Uncorked on Main holds monthly wine tastings and other events.

My favorite picture from my PV’s adventure!

Thanks for reading, and happy eating!! 🙂

I like to consider myself a lady that enjoys expressing herself creatively. I like to think that maybe my readers out there do too. Sometimes it can feel like Idaho Falls is a difficult place to fulfill that creative itch!

Well, just wait one dern second.  Because I am going to give you a list of some of the things I have been involved in (all of which are awesome).

Prefacing! This isn’t a comprehensive list. These are some things that I have tried and enjoy.

Play that FUNKY music

Do you want to start or continue learning guitar?

Get a hold of Craig Green at Chesbro. Just do it! He is fantastic. He is an amazing teacher and person, who you can learn a ton from. I have been taking lessons for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. My guitar playing has come a loooong way.

Chesbro Music Company

327 W Broadway St. Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Phone: (208) 522-8691

Do you need a place to play music in a group setting?

BlackRock Open Mic nights on Thursday 7pm

This is an incredible way to show off your talent or see some of the awesome performers that are in our area! I always have a wonderful time when I go.

439 A St. Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Phone: (208) 524-8466

Shake dat

Salsa lessons at Elevation Floating Fitness Studio 7:15-8:30pm

These classes are taught by an absolutely marvelous instructor Suzanne Nicholas. I highly recommend them! They are perfect for beginning Salsa and a great way to spend the evening with someone you want to shake your hips with. The classes are $5 per session and needs to be in cash.

537 W. 20th St. Idaho Falls, ID

Phone: (208) 221-2685

Idaho Falls Zumba w/ Ashley

I am being completely honest when I say that Ashley Curry’s Zumba class is the best Zumba I have ever taken. I have tried it several different places and nothing measures up.  Ashley’s routines are similar to if you were out dancing with your friends, so they don’t feel all weird and goofy. The music is great. The people are enthusiastic and glad to be there. I feel confident in saying that the best part is that Ashley is a genuinely fun, awesome and caring person. She is holding a free event Monday 2/29 that I encourage you to check out! This event may sell out due to too many booties on the dance floor. Contact Ashley with the info below:

2873 E 14 N Idaho Falls, ID

Phone: (208) 206- 2193

The Dance Collaborative

The Dance Collaborative is made up of a lovely group of people that keep the art of dance alive here in the charming city of Idaho Falls. They offer community classes, which I don’t believe they are doing now, but keep an eye out. I have taken a few of these and the women that teach there are passionate, talented and beautiful. I would go watch and support them as often as you can! A recital is coming up April 9th called Once Upon a Twist that features innovative routines with a central fairytale theme. It should be wonderful. You can get your tickets at http://www.idahofallsarts.org, and contact TDC with the info below:

Phone: (208) 313-4159

TDC website

Write Away

Writing courses by Clark Chamberlin at EITC

I just finished Clark’s Writing Short Stories for Publication and Profit. It was such a well done class! The lessons were really practical and helpful. Clark is extremely knowledgeable and down to earth. I am very excited that quality advice about writing is accessible in Idaho Falls. If you want to get in on these courses From Idea to Published Novel just started last week. After, it Publish your Work Today: The Ins and Outs of Self Publishing begins on 3/21. The courses cost $50, which is more than worth it. Enroll on http://www.eitc.edu/index.cfm.

Writers groups

Having a group to meet up with to discuss characters, exchange work with, or to just chat about life is a great asset! Below are a couple of the writing groups I am aware of:

Idaho Falls NaNo

These guys meet up once a month until around November when they meet multiple times a week to encourage each other through the National Novel writing challenge.

Idaho Falls NaNo Facebook page

That is a closed group so you will have to ask for permission to join, and you should. It’s a lot of fun and the people are splendid!

Wednesday Night Writers

Another writing group you can get involved in. I haven’t attended any meetings yet, but want to!

Wednesday Night Writers Facebook page

This is also a closed group, so you will need to request permission to have access to the awesomeness that is writing buddies.

This is really just skimming the top of the amazing creative things you can do in Idaho Falls. But they are my faves!

Thanks for reading 🙂

So, I have got to admit that I am a little partial to this shop.

Not only because the amazing coffee, cookies and sandwiches.
Or the fantastic staff and atmosphere.

BUT I used to work here. So, I know hands down how much effort is put into all of these things.

Enough of that— I am going to tell you about some of my favorite options at the Villa and why they are so awesome.

Coffee:

If you are looking for a delicious latte here are two of my recommendations:

Truffle Shuffle– It is a raspberry and white chocolate little piece of heaven. This is amazing both as an iced coffee or hot one!

-OR-

A Little Taste of Villa–  A brown sugar cinnamon and vanilla latte that tastes kinda like a Snickerdoodle cookie. Yep. Get it. If you want it to taste even more like a cookie have them add a little bit of shortbread syrup. There ya go.

If you aren’t a big latte fan (who are you? and why?) there is also just some fantastic drip coffee available. Steve and Harry’s, local roasters out of Idaho Falls, make a special blend just for the Villa that has a rich, smooth flavor.

Desserts:

The desserts at the Villa are made in house and are nothing short of amazing. I swear it was so hard being around fresh cookies all the time. It is waaaaay difficult for me to pick favorites when it comes to baked goodness, but for you I will try!

Chai cookies: The chai cookies are like a Snickerdoodle, ( I might have a thing for Snickerdoodles) but better. They have a certain spicy yumminess that you get in a Chai tea. They go awesome with a coffee. YUM.

Lunch:

The Villa has some great options for sandwiches and homemade soups. My favorites…? Anything on a croissant! I can’t resist the flaky goodness.

The Villa Coffeehouse is sure to have something that you will love. The people there are especially great and provide something special that you can’t get everywhere.

There are two locations one on Park in downtown Idaho Falls and another location off of Hitt road in Ammon.

I went on a trek this week to Park City, UT to see Dawes.  It was absolutely FREEZING, but fantastically amazing.  On the way back home we stopped at a little gem called Heber City Café. I didn’t at all expect it to be like it was. I was thinking alright, so we are going to this café on the edge of town.  There will be cheap coffee, bacon and probably pancakes that taste like bacon. BUT no.

First of all, the café looks like it is part of a ghost town which was rediscovered and spruced up.  It just has this wonderful old-timey feel.

We walk in and the place is really comfortable.  The walls are this lovely green color with brown trim that feels natural and there are pretty little hanging lights. The menu is written on a chalkboard that promises organic selections that are as local as possible. I was reaaaaal pleased. The owners were fantastic and friendly.  The atmosphere was great.  The soundtrack would hop around from Marley, to Jack Johnson, to doo-wop. I was totally smitten with it all.

We ordered some coffee from Millcreek, a local roaster out of SLC, UT, which was delish.  I ordered the Turkey Bagel and a side salad with lemon Dijon vinaigrette.  The dressing was made in house and it was sweet and light. The bagel was perfect; not too dense. I also sampled my boyfriend’s French fries with homemade ketchup. UH YEAH. They were the bomb. A slight crisp on the outside paired with the tanginess of the ketchup… All in all I think the best way to describe the food at this joint is fresh.

If you make your way to Heber City stop by at Heber City Café.

You won’t be disappointed!