Priest River Moves Upscale! (Idaho Falls, Star: houses, restaurant, store)

[mistyriverranch]

I can't believe it. I hadn't been downtown in a while...overdue library books and forgetfulness kept me on the lam so when I finally got them back (with a well-deserved lecture and a not so bad fine) I felt free to roam the area uphill a bit from the library. Wow. It was actually very pretty and decorated for the holidays.
We have a new restaurant called the Priest River Inn with a nice atmosphere and pretty decent Italian food. A new and tasteful framing and gift store (got my husband's gift there: a framed and matted collage of vintage Priest River photographs) and an incredibly beautiful restored building that houses "Seven Planet", a "green" store that sells items in 7 groups that come from artists/artisans from within 70 miles of the store. And it's a coffee house too. Gorgeous inside.
The old Beardmore building is being completely remodeled in a kind of Art Deco theme and the most incredible discovery of all:
Priest River has a WINE BAR opening. Priest River? Wine Bar? I never thought I'd see the day. I'm going to have to start dressing better I guess.

[cleosmom]

What a nice surprise for you huh? See, you need to visit the library more often to keep up with things....... or just go straight to the wine bar

[mistyriverranch]

Yeah. I will be patronizing that wine bar. Got to support local merchants!
Please don't let it specialize in huckleberry wine. Nasty stuff.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

What a nice surprise for you huh? See, you need to visit the library more often to keep up with things....... or just go straight to the wine bar

You are funny, cleosmom! I couldn't give you a rep point, but wanted you to know I laughed and laughed at your comment.

It is probably so funny to me because I rarely make it off my beaten path of driving to and from whatever. We all could probably learn about so many new things if we took the time mistyriverranch did to look around at what has changed on foot, not driving at 40-50 mph.

MSR

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Mtn. States Resident

You are funny, cleosmom! I couldn't give you a rep point, but wanted you to know I laughed and laughed at your comment.

It is probably so funny to me because I rarely make it off my beaten path of driving to and from whatever. We all could probably learn about so many new things if we took the time mistyriverranch did to look around at what has changed on foot, not driving at 40-50 mph.

MSR

Well, that on foot stuff for me will have to take place at a warmer date. Woke up this morning to -11

Mistyriverranch, believe it or not Idaho Falls has had a wine bar for the longest time.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

Well, that on foot stuff for me will have to take place at a warmer date. Woke up this morning to -11

Mistyriverranch, believe it or not Idaho Falls has had a wine bar for the longest time.

Yah, I know the temperatures. Unreal. Jackson was what - about -18 or so when I looked. Well, maybe it could be an enclosed coach like used in YNP would work. I don't know the name of those snowcat/enclosed type cabs. Just something warm and different that gets us to literally look around and see everything new we haven't had a chance to see before, with someone else driving, of course. I'm always amazed how many changes or new buildings started etc. when I finally have the time to look.

Yes, mistyriverranch, Idaho Falls has a couple of wine bars that have been open for at least 5-7 years, if not longer. I don't know for sure which one Cleosmom was referencing VR or the one by the river. They are popular. I think Vinno Rossi had to move to a larger location, if I remember correctly, due to how popular it is. It may be I'm getting that one confused with another today.

Anyway, I still think it is great you got to check out some of the new things in Priest River. I know the Panhandle has grown at record rates (buildings, new resorts etc.). It is nice when one actually gets to see what is in their own area instead of only hearing about it.

MSR

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

So long as they don't get a Starbuck's things are good!

[Small and solar]

Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake

So long as they don't get a Starbuck's things are good!

With how things are going for them, I would guess it will be awhile before they expand, they need to survive first. But wine bar.... I may have to consider moving a little east in my search. Colville does not have that.

[charlemagnes creek]

Don't just dress up for downtown, pack your yoga clothes for the new classes held above 7 Planets or your PJs and get a massage in the same office!

[mistyriverranch]

Oh cool! I'll have to check it out!