Twin Falls is rightly famous for the jaw-dropping Snake River Canyon and its iconic Perrine Bridge. But just a short drive away from the canyon rim is a hidden gem that you might miss: historic Old Town Twin Falls. This quaint walking district has been renovated in recent years and now boasts a diverse range of shops that cater to food lovers, shoppers, and entertainment seekers. This holiday season, why not opt out of the lines and chaos at the big box stores for some local shopping? You might be able to finish your to-do list in one day — but when shopping is this pleasant, there’s no need to rush. Here are our top picks for Old Town.
Start your day off right. Begin with a cozy yoga session at Studio G (218 Main Ave. W.) before heading to Rudy’s – A Cook’s Paradise (147 Main Ave. W.) for stocking stuffers and gifts for the foodie in your life. Sip fresh-brewed coffee while grabbing cookie cutters shaped like dinosaurs, Christmas trees, or the Gem State. There’s an entire wall of stocking-sized kitchen gizmos that are perfect for cooks (or those who try to be cooks). Every kitchen deserves a good knife, and Rudy’s has a complete selection — plus beer, wine, tea, coffee, and chocolates.
Shop decorator heaven. Continue strolling just down the road to Design 125, an interior design service (125 Main Ave. W). Get into the spirit with their elaborate holiday décor — although the inspiration is big, you may have to think small to fit their goodies into your car or carry-on! Luckily, Design 125 stocks plenty of pillows, lamps, and unique table toppers that are travel-friendly.
Recharge and refuel. Need a snack? Grab a sweet treat at the Cookie Basket (106 Main Ave. W.), enjoy a cold brew from O’Dunken’s Draught House (102 Main Ave. W.) or stroll into Glanbia Cheese Market to sample Sweet Heat Habanero of Euro-Style Gouda cheese (131 Main Ave. E.).
Snag a one-of-a-kind gift. Head to the contemporary men’s and women’s clothing boutique Brass Monkey (124 Main Ave. W.) for funky gift items like specialty socks, handmade jewelry, Idaho decals and shirts, and novelty gifts (sometimes inappropriate, always interesting).
Bring the kids. If you’re the crafty type or have kids in tow, round the corner to Hands On (147 Shoshone St. N.), a do-it-yourself ceramic studio where you can make your own gifts like mosaics, hand-painted pottery, or fused glass.
Get ’em something fancy. Across the way, Jensen Jewelers (133 Shoshone St. N.) has custom jewelry for both men and women — everything from elk ivory to diamonds and watches. Local artist Mimi Ford of Fish Gypsy Studio has paintings for sale here throughout November, so get one before they’re gone!
Feel the beat and stomp south. Head south and you’ll run into the new civic plaza, which will open in December. As you pass by, stop into Music Center, Inc. (221 Main Ave. E.) for a gift for your favorite musician.
Can you finish this sandwich? When it’s time to dine, choose the Sandwich Company — you may be able to skip your next meal! This local favorite consistently serves hefty portions of hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. Check out the tap beer selection and take in live, local jazz.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, try KB’s Burritos (117 Main Ave. E.) for its tasty, fresh salads, enormous burritos, and fish tacos (my favorite). KB’s isn’t a greasy spoon — everything is fresh and homemade.
Treat yourself. After all that shopping, it’s time to take some time for you! If you’re the adventurous type, head to Gemstone Climbing (135 5th Ave. S.) and stand in awe as you take in the big, blue bouldering gem at the entrance to this brand-new facility. Still shopping? Grab a chalk bag, t-shirt, or climbing shoes at their retail counter for your belaying buddy.
If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, the Orpheum (146 Main Ave. W.) has daily showings. Check out the schedule for special live events, too.
With such a dynamic range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, you’ll feel smart for going local this holiday season!
About the Author: Born and raised on a farm in southern Idaho, Marjorie McBride recently returned to her home town Twin Falls where she revels in the liberty to explore the Magic Valley and beyond. She specializes in poetry, assignment work and stock photography with images of adventure, lifestyle, landscape and portraits. Her work has been appreciated locally, nationally, and internationally. Marjorie has an adventurous spirit; laced with a wonderfully creative knack, tempered with work ethic only an Idaho farm girl could posses. In their free time, Marjorie her husband JJ and their two boys can be found skiing and biking Idaho mountains and tempting trout while paddling the wild river’s of Idaho.