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. 

yellowstone national park - west yellowstone, mt

THE INFO: Yellowstone National Park. It is a legend. From its out of the world scenic features, to its hikes, to its lake, to its wildlife. There is no other place that really measures up. I went to Yellowstone for the first time about three years ago and fell madly in love. I have heard of many people saying that Yellowstone is not a day trip place, which can be true. But I have done it several times in one day just because I know the best places to see and take advantage of in a short period of time. I'm going to write this post as if you have never been and you only have one day. 

WHAT TO DO: Prepare to make your trip around or after Memorial day. Trust me if you go earlier you will see all four seasons of weather and a lot of places are still closed. 

Though a one day trip can seem short when it comes to crossing three state borders and seeing the best of Yellowstone National Park, but let me tell you it can be done. Like I have mentioned in other posts go with a group of three or more, because bears. Plan on leaving early around 7am and make the 2 hour drive towards west yellowstone. Also be prepared and know that you will spend a lot of your day in the car, however you can rarely tell with how many stops you will be making. During my trip around the park I always start with Norris geyser, drive past mammoth ( I haven't had the best experiences here - but it is really interesting if its warm enough for the water to flow ), next check out the town of mammoth, it really has got to be one of the coolest national park towns, you will then begin a long drive to tower falls, atwerards stop and have a picnic at one of the camping sites, next drive towards yellowstone canyon falls ( this isn't the easiest of hikes but it is so worth it, the view is absolutely incredible ), take a look at the most perfect lake known to mankind ( yellowstone lake ), and lastly if you have a few hours to wait go check out old faithful, it takes up to 80 minutes for the geyser to blow, so be prepared. Well I will finish there because that was the longest sentence ever. When you drive home from Yellowstone stop in Ashton at Frostop Drive In - the best drive in - get the huckleberry milkshake. 

HINT: Go to the playmill located in West Yellowstone, at the end of your trip, I have never been but have heard some great things. 

THE ADDRESS: West Yellowstone, MT

upper mesa falls - outside ashton, id

THE INFO: Mesa Falls is one of the most breathtaking sites in eastern Idaho. I have spent many hours exploring its vastness and fall in love with its beauty over and over again. Mesa Falls has a lower and upper falls. I would recommend seeing both and spending time exploring around and taking in the grandness of the never ending ever greens. The falls themselves are only open for cars in the summer time- starting in May. Prepare for an eight mile (hard) hike if its snowy season because the roads are not maintained. 

WHAT TO DO: My favorite time to go a few hours before sunset, most of the tourist have diminished and you have the whole place to yourself. Hike down to the river and have a picnic with friends. However prepare for mosquitos, I mean a ton of mosquitos. Also go in a group and watch out for bears, I have seen some from the comfort of my car, but do not let your guard down. 

THE ADDRESS: Upper Mesa Falls Targhee National Forest, Idaho