Explore
Play
Stay
Plan

Lovestruck on East Idaho

Couple flirting while running in snow shoes

Whether you’re looking for a couples’ getaway, a Galentine’s go-to, or just a good old-fashioned weekend with the guys, February in the Yellowstone Teton Territory is where you need to point the compass. From boutique and unique to wintery and wild, Eastern Idaho is where it's at! 

Start your Romantic Weekend

A romantic weekend begins with an easy arrival at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport just minutes away from a range of lodging accommodations to suit all budgets. Thrifty travelers can save their dollars for the slopes at Kelly Canyon or Grand Targhee Resort and gourmet faire by staying at the Tru by Hilton or at the Driftwood Inn right along the river. 

Couples looking for a little more indulgence can book a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Destinations Inn . A premiere luxury hotel, Destinations Inn sees travelers from all around the world as they get to experience the world from downtown Idaho Falls with theme rooms that feature England, Rio de Janeiro, Thailand, Alaska, Morocco, Congo, Paris, New York and more. An unexpected twist on lodging, Destinations Inn is the perfect outpost for strolling the Snake River on your way to dinner. 

Romantic dinner options abound with D' Railed , Bee's Knees Pub , Copper Rill Restaurant , Morenita’s Restaurant , Diablas Kitchen , Smokin’ Fins , Fuji Sushi & Hibachi , Stockman’s Restaurant and The Sandpiper . But don’t hesitate to make your reservations because locals are in the know when it comes to these gastronomical gems in the Gem State. If you arrive on Wednesday, you may want to check out The DEC, aka the Downtown Event Center for their special Valentine’s Day 4-course meal and wine pairing with Chef Roberto ‘Papi’ Larrea. Diners will swoon as Katie Engstrom and the Dewdroppers croon melodies in the background for the evening. 

people cheers cocktails at a restaurant in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
wintery scene of the Waterfalls in Idaho Falls Idaho.
themed hotel room at the Destinations Inn Hotel in Idaho Falls Idaho.

Gardens, Hot Springs and Snow Sports - Idaho Falls to Swan Valley

Start your morning off with a stroll to the Japanese Friendship Gardens as you get ready to make plans for Heise Hot Springs and the South Fork to take in the pairs that mate for life—the many swans of Swan Valley. There’s a cache of trails for cross-country skiing in Swan Valley that are multi-use for skis, snowshoes, fat bikes and snowmobiles . Check out one of the area’s outfitters for a guided day trip or to go exploring out on your own. 

River Walk structure along the Green Belt in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
people swimming in Heise Hot Springs in Heise Idaho near Idaho Falls.
Trumpeter Swan in the water on a frosty morning.

An Evening of Arts & Culture or Sports in Idaho Falls

If taking it slow is more your style, stop by the Willard Arts Center for fine art solo exhibits by Boise-based landscape painter Carl Rowe and be sure to check out the joint show with Jordyn Eckman and Whitney Kaye. 

Grab an early dinner and get tickets for the Sing and Swing – A Jazz at Lincoln Center presents production on February 15th at the Colonial Theater . This new and highly anticipated touring project celebrates the Great American Songbook in all of its playful -- and sophisticated glory -- brought to life by two of New York's brightest stars, Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III and a quartet of jazz all-stars.

Boasting prodigious trumpet talent and vocal charm, the show revisits jazz classics and popular songs, including numbers by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin and Peggy Lee. 

For those looking to get a hair rowdier with the night out on the town—take your start with some axe throwing at On Target before heading over to the Mountain America Center for the Idaho Falls Spud Kings as they take on the Ogden Mustangs at Idaho’s newest (and best) ice arena. Puck drops at 7 pm. 

hockey player skating on the ice at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls.
view of theatre stage in Idaho Falls Idaho

Sweet Surprises in Island Park and Rigby

Start your Saturday off with a tour to Mesa Falls with Caldera Tours to see geology’s best display of natural synchroneity as the water and light throw rainbows to the backdrop of this year’s ice formations. On the way home stop at La Belle Lake Ice Palace to take in the magic of winter with lights, fire shows, castles, hundreds of feet of ice tunnels, sled hills, winter characters, fire pits, local food vendors and live fire performances! 

You may want to also check out booking a room at the Blue Heron Inn in Rigby. Sitting on 3 ½ acres on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River, Blue Heron Inn is for those who want to spend Valentine’s Day in both luxury and beauty. Amenities like a fireplace, jetted tub, private balcony, views of the river, and massage therapists mean you’ll have the most relaxing—and romantic—weekend ever.

wintery scene of mesa falls in the yellowstone teton territory.
magic at the ice palace in rexburg idaho
sign of blue heron inn lodge in rigby idaho
solid trees

Small Towns to Big Cities
Blog Along with Us