I’m sitting at my computer hunched over wondering if my back will ever be straight again after spending so much time in front of a laptop. I stretch, I twist, and eventually I mumble, "I need to go to a spa, I need a vacation". When I get to this point I know exactly where I’m going to end up: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.
Idaho might not be the kind of place you fantasize about when you think vacation, but you might be pleasantly surprised. This adorable little city is perfect for a nice, relaxing break and is only a few hours away from Salt Lake City. Load up the car with snacks, friends, or your partner and kids and hit the road.
Lava can be an easy all day trip, or an over-night trip. I like to go up for the whole day and come home by midnight. I always run to the grocery store the evening before leaving. I grab picnic type food, and some fun snacks for the road because eating out of convenience stores along the way can get gross really fast. The next morning pack everything nicely into the car, and try to head out before nine. I like to leave around 8 a.m. that way I’m there by noon. Lava Hot Springs is small but there is a lot to do from hiking, to horse-back riding and you want to have plenty of time to experience whatever you can. For a more relaxing day, you can stroll along the little streets and visit the old Native American shops on Main Street, soak in the springs, and have a lovely picnic in one of the adorable parks.
Lava is full of fun stuff to do. You can have a wild day going from activity to activity or you can spend a day lounging and relaxing. There is so much to choose from, it’s helpful to decide on what you’d like to do before you leave. Plus, it will help you pack for the day! You can go horseback riding at Andrus Ranch Recreation, river rafting on the Portneuf River, fishing at Smith’s Trout Haven, relaxing in the natural lava hot springs, lounging by the lava Olympic swimming pool fully equipped with slides and fun, or you can huddle down in one of the random bars on main where nobody knows your name. Of course, my favorite thing is eating in the cute old charm restaurants.
There are a lot of wonderful places to eat in Lava. They have fine dining and fun little bars that serve decent enough food or you can nestle down in a park or on a trail and have a picnic. I usually do a picnic for lunch, and then hit a restaurant at night. My favorite is the Chuck-wagon café located on Main Street because it has that amazing "grandmas house" feeling. If you prefer fine dining I recommend the Riverside Restaurant near the Portneuf River where they have seafood, and a great wine list. For vegetarian food, go to the Riverwalk Thai restaurant. It’s delicious and they have a decent selection of vegetarian and vegan friendly food. I’m sure you’ll be impressed regardless of where you end up eating. After a day of activities, nothing is better than delicious food to make you feel content.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure you don’t pass up the natural springs. They give you that relaxed, amazing feeling that will send you back to the office feeling like maybe; just maybe your body can handle another week in front of your computer.
For more info: Lava Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. 110 E Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246
(208) 776-5500
Comments
Hi Misty,
From Aura Soma Lava and the Home Hotel and Motel, a big "thank you" for the nice comments. We are working each day to make Lava a more rich vacation destination. We are collecting stories of individuals experience of healing in our spring waters...Say hi when in town next.
Warm regards, Evelee Hill P.S. I'd like to join your collective.
love this article...what a great idea. i am planning to do this trip soon. :) thanks!
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