THE INFO: In the need for a serious burst of the northwest? Harriman State Park is one of my favorite places to be close to nature and also be close to home. Just a little over an hour away from Rexburg Harriman State Park offers a variety of different activities including hiking (fairly easy), bird watching, horse back riding, camping and even in their awesome yurts. However in the winter I recommend this area for cross country skiing and even just some awesome winter wonderland photographs because they keep the park pretty cleared in the thick snow. 

WHAT TO DO: I have come here many times and most of those times were in the winter. It is great for exploring and even if you don't have skis or snow shoes. Tons and when I say tons I mean potentially several hundred swans are their and its completely breathtaking. However this is a fairly safe place to go hiking and take in the breathtaking snake river. 

THE ADDRESS: 3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429

rexburg farmers market - rexburg, id

THE INFO: Farmers markets and me are like really close friends. I swear there is something about the endless samples, summer heat, and every member of the community on one little street. The Rexburg Farmers Market is so wonderful because first it is only one on Friday evenings and second they offer some seriously awesome street food. The market is right off of campus near the Spori building right off main street. Open on Friday night from 4 to 8 pm in the summer and runs through October 16, this year and is a Rexburg must. 

WHAT I GOT: Whenever I go I always get the Mexican Corn and the mango lemonade. The best parts is you do not need to worry about bringing cash with you as most venders take card. Score! 

THE ADDRESS: South College Avenue in Downtown Rexburg, ID

THE CONTACT: Find more about the market on their website and their Facebook. 

soda vine - rexburg, id

THE INFO: SodaVine opened its doors in 2013 and has fast become a favorite in Rexburg. The company was brainstormed up by the owners of another Rexburg hotspot, SnoAsis. With a wide variety of drinks, snacks, and Italian ice, Soda Vine is there to carve any snack craving at super low prices. 

WHAT I GOT: My favorite is the Dirty Dr. Pepper, which consist of pebble ice, Dr. Pepper, fresh lime juice, and coconut syrup. Along with my drink I love their sugar cookies and pretzels. 

THE ADDRESS: 50 S 2ND W Rexburg, ID

THE CONTACT: Find more about the market on their website and their Facebook. 

rigby lake (jefferson county lake) - rigby, id

(decided to not bring my nice camera for this event)

THE INFO: Rigby Lake, is seriously the best place to go swimming around Rexburg. This place is not only very family friendly and not sketchy like other swimming spots, but has sand covered beaches which add to the beach like appeal of the whole experience. Rigby Lake opens in the summer and is 5 dollars (cash only) per car to get in. Spend hours relaxing in the clean water or spice it up with paddle boarding or jumping and sliding off the docks scattered throughout the lake. 

WHAT TO DO: SWIM! Rexburg can be hot in the summer, especially when your apartment has no AC, and that is a topic of its self. But I digress  Prepare to get your tan on and bring a bunch of friends, or your FHE family like I did! Otter Pops are a must as well.  

THE ADDRESS: directions can be found here from Rexburg. 

sand dunes - st. anthony, id

THE INFO: The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are covered in nearly 11,000 acres of quartz sand. And our a playground for ATV rides, star gazers, bon fire attendees, and lots of photographers. And the views are outstandingly beautiful with dunes ranging upward to 300 feet high. The wind can be fierce and can create a hot summer night turn into a frigid night - so always come prepared when planning on doing something there at night. 

WHAT TO DO: I have only ever done bonfires and photoshoots here. But my family members rave about the dunes and how awesome they are for ATVs. But if you are on a budget and have a large crowd bring wood and a lighter (obviously marshmallows and gram crackers) and have the best hang out ever. Seriously put your feet in the cool sand and relax and take in the stars. 

THE ADDRESS: directions can be found here from Rexburg. 

the greenhouse on byu-i campus - rexburg, id

THE INFO: My go to spot on campus. I love all things flowers and plants and the calm serenity of the green houses and more specifically the jungle room are a perfect getaway from studies. I love to go in there when I am just overly stressed with school work and the work 75 degree rooms cool you off no matter the outdoor temperature. The greenhouses are also a great place to study - they have a few benches and small table scattered throughout. I also recommend picking up a plant from the greenhouse by self checking out at their station - I love going to schools that trust you with a self checkout system and I love all the succulents they have. 

THE ADDRESS: Benson on the Brigham Young University - Idaho Campus 

beaver dick park - rexburg, id

THE INFO: Beaver Dick is one of my favorite spots in Rexburg. You feel like you are away from the city yet you are still so close. This park that goes along Henry's Fork of the Snake River is a total of 10 acres and offers so very easy hiking and bonfire spots.  

WHAT TO DO: I love building bonfires here, my group even has a place that we call our secret spot, however we are convinced it may not be so secret anymore. I have had some of my favorite times around the bonfire her and it is one of my go to places to take in the River and see if we can actually spot any beavers. This place is covered in strange trees and bushes and worth exploring to find different areas the beavers have carved out. 

THE ADDRESS: Highway 33 and 6000 West Rexburg, ID

taqueria el rancho 2 - rexburg, id

THE INFO: I am a taco fan. always and forever. I even live right next door to a taco bus that is owned and operated by the same company as this post is about but their building location has got to be one of my favorite finds in Rexburg. I love this places food and almost anyone who lives in Rexburg will testify of how great the Mexican food is from here. They currently have two busses in Rexburg and two dinging in locations in Rexburg and Rigby. 

WHAT I GOT: I am hooked on the carnitas with red sauce and a glass bottle of Mexican coke or some Horchata. But I also love their breakfast burritos and chips and salsa. Expect some stinginess with sauces though. 

THE ADDRESS: 727 N 2ND East Rexburg, ID - right past Walmart

THE CONTACT: Find more about the best Mexican you can get in Rexburg on their Facebook. 

frostop drive in - ashton, id

THE INFO: This has been one of my favorite finds in the eastern Idaho area. It is the perfect stomping grounds after a long day of hiking Yellowstone national park or site seeing in Mesa Falls. Frostop was founded in 1965 and has a long legacy of amazing drive in food, eclectic style, and the ultimate friendly service. This is a must stop! 

WHAT I GOT: Depending what I am in the mood for I always go for the huckleberry shake or the famous root beer float and the bacon cheeseburger with tots. They have generous portions and I always end up taking half home with me. But please for the love of humanity do not skip trying there shakes or floats, so good. 

THE ADDRESS: 26 N Highway 20 Ashton, ID - worth the drive and adventure 

THE CONTACT: Find more about the drive in and its history by visiting their website and check out deals on their Facebook.