Karen Liester Real Estate

STAY + WANDER

Idaho Falls

Arugula Deli

by Leave a Comment

(208) 656-7784​
261 Walnut Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Located on the first floor of the historic O.E. Bell Jr. High School in Idaho Falls, The Arugula Deli is another one of those iconic hole-in-the-walls that is somehow still unknown by some local residents! Even while it seems to be one of Idaho Falls’ best kept secrets, Arugula still knows how to pack the weekday lunch hour. If you decide to go (which you should!), don’t be surprised to find a large assortment of company. From local business people discussing contracts and mergers to grandparents treating grandkids to a birthday lunch…even the group of girlfriends catching up over their famous Brazilian lemonade!

Freshness should never be compromised, quality never sacrificed, and healthy never bland. 

Sourcing as many ingredients from our farm and local sources as possible, we strive to ensure the freshest food ends up on your plate.

www.aruguladeli.com

Completely unassuming from the outside, the owners of this homegrown business promotes fresh rather than flash, and believe me-you are in for a treat. There seemed to be plenty of options for the gluten-free or low-carb diner, but no compromises have been made on flavor or variety.

Whether you are craving something light and tangy or savory and soulful, Arugula has you covered!

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW– If you can, go early to beat the local business crowd, but if you can’t, don’t stress. They’re food is both fresh and fast, and waiting for a table will be worth the wait.

HOMETOWN FAVORITES: You really cannot find anything on the menu that isn’t completely fantastic, but here are the dishes that have us buzzing:

  • -No matter what you do-don’t skip ordering the Cunape/Pao de Queijo (Bolivia/Brazil) Cheesy Bread. This is a unique treat that you just can’t find in Idaho Falls!
  • -Guacamole Bruschetta
  • -Any of the salads! (Try the cilantro-jalapeno dressing or the pina colada dressing!)
  • -The Quinoa Salad and the California Quinoa Salad are unique to Arugula and if you haven’t fallen for this ancient grain….prepare yourself. It’s unbelievable.
  • -If you make it over for dinner, try the home-made pastas with from-scratch marinara or alfredo sauce
  • -Other popular dinner choices are the Steak Diane (nothing short of amazing) and the Chicken Francaise!

Click here for their full LUNCH or DINNER menus!

Happy dining East Idaho!

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Time to eat more hole foods!

by Leave a Comment

Even though Idaho Falls doesn’t have the commercially recognized Krispy Cremes or Dunkin’ Donuts like bigger cities do-we still have the best mom and pop donut shops that keep us craving their glaze for days! Check out this list of Idaho Falls’ best Donut Shops!

Growing up in Idaho Falls, my first job was for my friends grandparents bakery in downtown Idaho Falls. Cartstens’ Bakery has been around for over 50 years, and the twisted pretzel sign that stands above their humble shop is as iconic to Idaho Falls as the red, white, and blue water tower!

I spent afternoons, weekends and summers displaying, packaging, selling (and sampling!!) all of the tasty treats that went out the door. The owner, Willi, arrived daily before dawn to fire up the ovens and start raisin’ dough! Thankfully-you don’t have to wake up too early to snag delicious treats from these local shops.

Here are the top donut shops in Idaho Falls!

(Listed alphabetically!)

BAKERS DOZEN

LOCATION – 561 S. Woodruff

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This may be the only exception to my previous statement, because you actually might want to get here early! They do sell out, and sometimes there’s a line out the door. But don’t let that stop you-their super friendly staff is quick and they always seem happy that you stopped in! Everything on the menu is good, and this is definitely the best place in town to get a large variety of donuts. Fan favorites are the fruit and cream cheese items, the coconut crisp donut, anything with fruit filling, but you absolutely can’t leave without snagging a blueberry cake donut!

***Thank you so much Bakers Dozen for providing all of the donuts on this post! Nothing can quite beat the eye candy they can provide!***

CARSTENS’ BAKERY

LOCATION – 243 Cliff Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- The glazed donut is king-raised, fried and glazed scratch every day! Whether you find yourself in the glazed donut or cake donut camp-both are unbeatable here! Although not technically donuts, don’t pass up the opportunity to try the creamhorn or the eclair!

DAYLIGHT DONUTS

LOCATION – 1225 E. 17th Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This is the only shop on the list that is open Sundays! This is the place to go to get your fill right before the work week starts! Check out their marquee to see what unique recipe they’re cooking up that day-or try their fan favorite raspberry cream bear claw and the fritters!

***NOT TECHNICALLY A DONUT SHOP-BUT DEFINITELY WORTH AN HONORABLE MENTION!***

BROULIM’S

LOCATION – 2730 E. Sunnyside (*They have several locations throughout East Idaho)

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- Although they’re not exactly a donut shop-Broulim’s has (by FAR) the best donuts of any grocery store in town. (I must admit, I have a really hard time classifying Broulim’s among other grocery stores…they’re in a class all their own!) These donuts definitely hold their own against the other bakeries on this list and therefore must be mentioned! Broulim’s offers a wide variety of donuts, from glazed to cake, rings to bars, and chocolate to maple! They are baked in their stores everyday, and do not come frozen like other grocery chains. Personally-I can’t leave without one of their custard-filled chocolate bars!

I was able to speak with Allen, the baker at the Idaho Falls location. He’s a second-generation baker for Broulim’s and he and his dad are proud to share decades of experience getting those little rings perfect! Go try them out and see if you agree!

There you have it! Whether you’re new to town or just a local looking for the best of the best-give these great shops a try and tell them I sent you!

(I can’t be held responsible for any changes in waistlines or scale readings! If you’re worried about it-check out this post on where to go burn it all off!)

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Where to break out in a cold sweat in Idaho Falls!

by Leave a Comment

Trying to reach your health and fitness goals, but think East Idaho has other plans? Think again! You just need to know where to go, and I’ve got you covered! Check out this list of paths in Idaho Falls you can hit this winter.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who committed to health and wellness this year! After the holidays, it can be tough to get it in gear, especially with the amount of snow that just dumped on us! If your resolution was to get outside and get moving, don’t let Idaho winters keep you from reaching your goals-it’s a new year a new opportunity to prove that you can do this! Here’s a whole post about local paths to hit for that hurts-so-good, post-holiday burn! (Paths that are maintained year round of course!)

So…who’s in?!

IDAHO FALLS GREENBELT

LOCATION – Along the Snake River

DISTANCE – 1 – 5+ miles (depending on the route you chose)

WHERE TO START: Park downtown, along Memorial Drive (if you are starting in the center)

SECRETS OUT: On almost any given day rain or shine (or snow!), visitors and residents take advantage of the beautiful scenery and the paved paths along the greenbelt. Enjoy the crown jewel of our local parks!

INSIDER TIP: A collaborative project with the Idaho Falls Arts Council, the Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation, the City of Idaho Falls Division of Parks and Recreation and the City Beautification Commission is displayed along the green belt called, Art you can sit on. Various local artists created unique benches that reflect life in Southeast Idaho from all angles. Snap a photo sitting on the various benches and create an ongoing collage of this emerging art project!

Click here for a map of all of the locations of the benches, and here to see a compilation of these works of art.

COMMUNITY PARK

LOCATION – Corner of Holmes and 25th Street

DISTANCE – 0.75 mile loop

WHERE TO START: Park anywhere in the parking lot, and you’ll have quick access to the path

SECRETS OUT: The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation department has recently improved the walking path that encircles the park, widening it from 8′ to 12′ around the entire path. (Don’t worry, no trees were removed during the construction!)

INSIDER TIP: The paths are maintained well during the winter, but this park is a real treat throughout the summertime! Our family loves spending an evening walking the path while catching the local softball leagues battle it out on the four baseball diamonds in the center.

THE SUNNYSIDE PATH

LOCATION – Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls

DISTANCE – Varies (out and back style)

WHERE TO START: Park at any public parking area along Sunnyside

SECRETS OUT: The route along Sunnyside Road is another well maintained path on the south side of Idaho Falls. The north side of the street seems to have less ice, due to the exposure to the sun during the day. (The south side is definitely more popular during the summer). For a similar route with less traffic, there is a designated bike lane that runs along 25th Street from Holmes Avenue to Hitt Road (roughly 3 miles).

INSIDER TIP: The walking path along Sunnyside Road is an integral part of the cities plan to connect several trails in Idaho Falls.  They’re working to create an intricate system of paved paths for bikers and pedestrians to get around and explore our city! 

Honestly-how lucky are we to have such amazing opportunities in our small town?! Make sure you take advantage of these groomed paths our city offers to keep up on any fitness or health goals you set for the New Year! If you’re anything like me, nothing keeps me on track like keeping things simple. Thanks to the great area we live in, working out outdoors is possible year-round!

Nothing makes you feel more empowered than running (or walking) in the snow!
(Especially when everyone else is sitting around a fire sipping cocoa + you’re out their crushing goals!)
Don’t forget to pack a playlist! What do you listen to when you workout? I rotate between upbeat music with steady tempos and engaging podcasts. Whatever it takes to keep my mind off the burn!
According to a study recently published in the journal ‘Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism’, colder temperatures may in fact help you lose weight. Prolonged exposure to cold requires our bodies to work harder to keep warm, thereby increasing our energy expenditure – i.e., our calorie burn. Who would’ve thought?

Winter comes whether we’re happy about it or not, whether we’re working towards our goals or we aren’t. Make the most of it, and STAY + WANDER and find ways to enjoy the beauty this season brings! #Idahome

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!