Two women in their late forties, road tripping through four states- What could possibly go wrong? Nothing could go wrong, and nothing did go wrong. Well, except for my car rental dying in the driveway when I was packing it up. Then my friend took an Uber to my house, instead of me picking her up at the airport. Oh, and we had to tow the vehicle back to the car rental. We ended up having a four hour late start, but as my mother used to say; just get all that bad energy out of the way!
Once we were settled in a better SUV rental with a working battery, we were on our way for a two week adventure through Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Our plan was to hit several National Parks, and eat delicious food along the way. I believe we did all that and then some.
I had already been through Utah many times, and knew what to expect. Idaho, I was not so sure what to expect both with the culture and the food. I did a lot of research of the towns/ cities that we were staying in, and I did find some extraordinary restaurants for us to dine in. If you spend some time doing a little research, you will always find places to eat that meet your criteria. It is better than asking that dreaded old question “Where should we eat?” Then realizing that you should have eaten at another restaurant.
So here we go, my food journal of places to eat while road tripping through Utah and Idaho. From fine dining in remote locations, to homemade breakfasts in our cabin in the woods, “What I ate in Idaho and Utah – A Food Journal – Road Tripping and Eating”
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Henry’s Fork Lodge – Island Park, Idaho
Tucked away along the Snake River, unassumingly sits Henry’s Fork Lodge. There is not a grand enterance off the main highway to this rustic, but ever so posh fishing lodge. You will have to turn down a couple of small Idahoan country roads until you arrive at a modest cedar lodge. Inside that lodge you will find a comfortable yet elegant retreat for a fishing getaway, or a low profile fine dining experience.
On the table:
- Anjou pear salad
- Mint scallop bisque
- Wahoo fish with spinach and polenta
- Chocolate tarte
- Ice cream sundae
- Black coffee
👩🏻💻 For my complete review and blog ➡ Henry’s Fork Lodge – A Refined and Rustic Retreat in Island Park, Idaho
For my Five Star Yelp Review – Read Trixie N.‘s review of Henry’s Fork Lodge on Yelp
For restaurant information and reservations – Henry’s Fork Lodge
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Copper Rill Restaurant – Idaho Falls, Idaho
It was our last night of our twelve day road trip, and we were spending the night in Idaho Falls. As with many of our meals on our trip through four states, I was interested in locating an upscale dining restaurant. For Idaho Falls, I chose Copper Rill for their reviews, their chef stories, and their online menu. They offered everything from wines, to cocktails, to an impressive looking appetizer menu.
On the table:
- Berry Drop Martini
- Baked brie stuffed with sundried tomatoes
- Curried chicken skeweres
- Garlic shrimp with red pepper flakes
- Chevre goat cheese salad
- Copper Rill salad
- Alaskan Halibut
👩🏻💻 For my complete review and blog ➡ Copper Rill Restaurant – Modern Upscale Dining in Idaho Falls
For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Copper Rill Restaurant on Yelp
For restaurant information and reservations – Copper Rill Restaurant
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The Café at Island Park Lodge
This place is what it is. A small country café serving locals, and a few tourist like me. The menu is not grand, just comfort food at good prices. My friend and I ordered the chili cheese fries, and we really could have shared one basket. We ended up taking the rest back with us, since there was so much. But you know what? This place had killer chili cheese fries!
We also ordered the cheese curds which made me so happy, since I have not eaten decent fried cheese curds in a long while. My City Slicker friend never tried them before, and she loved them at first bite!
For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.’s review of The Cafe at Island Park Lodge on Yelp
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Homemade Breakfasts in our Airbnb
I have traveled with my friend to several places such as Iceland, Alaska, Mexico, and now this road trip through four states. When we travel, we typically rent an apartment or house. This time around we rented a big cabin in the woods in Island Park, a small rural fishing community in Idaho. Every morning just like every other morning of travel, we make breakfasts that are similar to this.
Homemade breakfasts sans the bacon, that we usually cook up as well. Scrambled eggs, avocado, and toast- Good morning ya’ll!
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Hunt and Gather – Torrey, Utah
Who would have guessed that along State Route 24 in the small town of Torrey, which is the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, there would be a delightful dining establishment named ‘Hunt & Gather’. We found exactly what we were looking for here- an inspiring dinner of cocktails, fine cheeses, and hearty dishes.
On the table:
- Martini
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board
- High Mountain trout
- Mushroom risotto
👩🏻💻 For my review and blog ➡ Hunt & Gather Restaurant in Torrey, Utah – The Perfect Place to Gather While Visiting Capitol Reef
For my Five Star Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Hunt & Gather Restaurant on Yelp
For restaurant information and reservations, Hunt & Gather Restaurant
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Idahoan Candy
So this is where my Veruca Salt impulsiveness of “I WANT it now” cames into play. When I see quirky candy in retro like packaging, the impulsiveness of ‘I want it and now’ creeps in. I would have been one of the first to be eliminated from Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. So, when I was in a little grocery store that was part of a gas station in Idaho, I saw these two cutely wrapped candies, and I wanted it now.
I was not expecting this little oval chocolate bar to be covered in coconut, but I should have read the package. I am not complaining because I love coconut.
The popular Idaho Spud Bar is a wonderful combination of a light cocoa flavored, soft marshmallow center drenched with a dark chocolate coating and then sprinkled with coconut (Sorry, no potato!). It was originally marketed as a “Healthful” candy bar since it is made with agar agar instead of gelatin.
-Idaho Candy Company website
For more information, please visit their website – The Idaho Candy Company
I also purchased a Farr’s Blueberry Bomb Cordial, which was bought also based on the packaging. There were different flavors as well, but blueberry anything has always been a hit with me. I really enjoyed the flavors and texture of this cordial, it was sweet, fruity with a bit of crunch. Again, Farr’s is a local candy company that has history:
Farr Candy Company Website
The Farr’s Story
In 1911, Roy Farr started a small confectionary store on Broadway street in Idaho Falls, Idaho where he became well known for his delicious hand-made candies. Since that small beginning over 100 years ago and four family generations later, Farr Candy and Ice Cream Company has become Southeast Idaho’s own regional favorite. Made with the finest of ingredients, our candies are cooper kettle cooked, creamed on an old-fashioned creaming table, and all hand-dipped to ensure the very best quality. Roy Farr’s son-in-law Bill Call, grandson Kevin Call, and great grandson Bill Call, have worked to keep that family tradition strong.
For more information, please visit their website: Farr Candy Company
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Red Rock Grill – Zion National Park, Utah
The Red Rock Grill was the only place to eat while staying inside Zion National Park. I was also here during Covid season, so they did the best they could under current circumstances. My friend and I were about to head out, to what ended up being a very long hiking day, and we needed breakfast and coffee. 🥯☕
I decided on a breakfast sandwich that I could take to-go before we did our trekking. It was a good breakfast sandwich of egg, cheese, and bacon on an English muffin. With all the trekking we did, I should have ordered two, possibly three!
For my Yelp review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Red Rock Grill on Yelp
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Capitol Reef Inn & Café – Torrey, Utah
There are not many places for a decent breakfast in Torrey, Utah. Especially a place opened early and on Mondays. This casual café was a great place to fill up before our drive into Capitol Reef National Park and beyond.
On the table:
- Two egg breakfast with bacon
- Two egg breakfast with smoked salmon
- Bagel and cream cheese
- Espresso and cappuccino
The service was great, the atmosphere comfortable and the food delicious. You really cannot ask for anything more while on a road trip.
For my Yelp review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Capitol Reef Inn & Cafe on Yelp
For restaurant information and menu – Capitol Reef Inn & Cafe
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River Rock Roasting Co – La Verkin, Utah
We had just trekked through Zion National Park, walked through the Narrows, and were just about to drive to Torrey, Utah. To say that we were famished was an understatement, and we needed something more than a couple bottles of water.
In La Verkin which is either on the way in, or on the way out of Zion, is a cute drive thru called River Rock Roasting Co. I have been to this location before, and it has always been solid. This time around, I tried their peach smoothie which was excellent, and my friend ordered the Almond Joy frozen coffee drink. These drinks were exactly what we needed before heading off to another National Park.
For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of River Rock Roasting Co on Yelp
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The Red Iguana – Salt Lake City, Utah
The Red Iguana had been on my ‘Must Try’ list for awhile due to their recommendations, and their story. They did not disappoint, and we found both the service and food very good. The casualness of The Red Iguana was welcoming since we had been road tripping for a couple of weeks.
I ordered the Iguana Plate which included a Chile Relleno, a beef taco and an enchilada. I truly enjoyed the Chile Relleno, and my friend mentioned how legit tasting it was. She ordered two, and said she felt as if she were in Mexico after the first bite.
For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Red Iguana on Yelp
For restaurant information and reservations – The Red Iguana
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It’s not about the destination – it’s about the journey.
🌍 Thank you for visiting my website and NEVER STOP EXPLORING!
📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre
Trixie Navarre 
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