Whether it is a donut, Danish, or even a cookie that you are craving, Carsten’s Bakery in Idaho Falls is the place to go. This bakery has been serving some of the best homemade pastries for decades, and each item is so good, locals just can’t seem to get enough. You’ll want to see for yourself why this small shop is one of the most popular bakeries in southeastern Idaho.
Carsten’s Bakery is an unassuming shop in downtown Idaho Falls. This is the kind of place you know is special the minute you walk through its front door.
Willi and Shannon Carstens opened this family-owned bakery in 1968. Willi grew up in Germany during the 1930s and '40s, and at the young age of 16, he knew he wanted to be a baker. He even worked as a baker’s apprentice for three years before moving to America.
As you walk inside this German-influenced bakery, all of your senses will tingle. This bakery certainly has a nostalgic vibe to it, and you’ll feel welcome the minute you arrive.
The donuts are some of the most popular items here, and you’ll find quite a selection ranging from traditional glazed donuts to seasonal options like pumpkin spice sugar donuts.
The shelves are also filled with homemade Danish pastries that are large and packed with filling. You’ll want to visit multiple times to try each and every flavor.
Don't forget to grab some cookies, a loaf of bread, and a few dozen rolls to take home with you. Each baked good is prepared to perfection, and you'll taste the difference in every bite.
No matter what baked good you are craving, you’ll likely find it at Carsten’s Bakery in Idaho Falls. After just one visit, you’ll see why locals consider it one of the best bakeries in southeastern Idaho.
Have you been to Carsten’s Bakery in Idaho Falls? If so, what are your favorite pastries sold here? Let us know in the comments! You can learn more about this bakery, including its hours and unique menu items, on its Facebook page.
Another must-visit bakery in Idaho is Stacey Cakes, located up north in McCall. This is an unassuming place to eat, but you will be craving the food days after you’ve left.
There’s something about rural Idaho in autumn that feels like a slow exhale. The roads are quieter, the scenery is endless, and sometimes the best fall foliage is found while simply cruising down a highway lined with bright fiery dogwood. That’s exactly what I was doing when I stumbled upon a restaurant that’s bound to stick in my memory — though not for the reason you might think.
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West-central Idaho, particularly the area around McCall, is known for the vibrant fall foliage that breathes life into Idaho's dry, post-summer landscape. McCall sits around 9,000 feet in elevation in the mountains around Payette Lake, so its fall foliage is especially dramatic. Aspen and cottonwood trees steal the show, their leaves turning brilliant shades of yellow and gold. You'll also find western larch (also known as tamarack), which adds a stunning splash of golden-orange to the forests as its needles change color before falling. I highly recommend experiencing fall in this slice of the state at least once! And if hiking isn't your thing, a scenic drive can be just as rewarding. It's not always the case, but my timing this year was perfect, and I found myself completely engulfed by spectacular autumn colors, particularly along Highway 95 to New Meadows.
But, after a long weekend spent hiking and chasing the stunning fall colors all around the Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall areas, hopping around from the Cuddy Mountains to the North Fork Range and everywhere in between, I found myself starving. You know the kind of hungry where you’ll eat anything, but you really want something that hits the spot? That’s where I was. And luckily, right off the highway in Council in a big, unmistakable red building, there it was: Sprockets Taphouse and Restaurant. It's pretty hard to miss! From the outside, it looked like the perfect kind of quirky spot that promised good vibes and comfort food to soothe my backpacking-fueled hunger.
Jennifer/Only In Your State
As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the sense of "home." There was an old-school charm about it, but clean and welcoming. Vintage bike posters and photos covered the walls with some fun, Idaho-inspired photography mixed in. The unfinished wood details added a slight mountain cabin vibe that had me smiling before I even sat down. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back just to see what other quirky details you missed the first time.
Jennifer/Only In Your State
Sprockets also captured the familiarity and camaraderie of small-town Idaho restaurants as well. Seriously, everybody knew everybody here. Servers and diners were chatting about last weekend's cattle escapades and next weekend's fishing trip. Guests who came in to pick up their to-go orders were greeted by name as soon as they walked in the door. While not your usual longtime family-fun establishment, it was everything I love about small-town dining. And, as expected, the service was top-notch too. My server was friendly, chatty in the best way, and genuinely made me feel welcome.
Keeping in line with the whole fall experience, I scoured the menu, hoping for something warm and hearty after hiking 12 or so miles that morning. The closest thing I could find was a hot and melty Philly Cheesesteak, served with hand-cut fries. The portions were massive and it certainly filled me up, but it didn't quite hit the spot.
I wanted a little reward after all that hiking, you know what I mean?
Jennifer/Only In Your State
Enter: the pumpkin pie milkshake.
I’ll admit, I was feeling a bit disheartened by the lack of autumn-inspired dishes on the menu. But then, as if the heavens opened up, my server casually suggested I try their seasonal pumpkin pie shake. My first thought was, “Sure, why not?” I mean, how can you go wrong with pumpkin pie in the fall? Little did I know, I was about to experience something magical.
Jennifer/Only In Your State
Truth be told, I'm not a huge pumpkin spice gal. The PSL movement has never really been up my alley, and its addition to seemingly every product on the market has gotten a little out of hand. But…homemade pumpkin pie is definitely in my top five favorite desserts of all time. So you have no idea how thankful I was when the shake came out that it wasn’t just some pumpkin-flavored ice cream thrown in a blender or sprinkled with pumpkin spice.
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Oh, no, no.
They ground up real pumpkin pie in the back — crust and all — and blended it into a thick, creamy, hand-scooped shake.
As soon as it arrived, I could tell it was going to be special. First off, it was huge. We're talking at least 36 ounces of pumpkin pie deliciousness and ice cream, all blended together and beautifully drizzled with sweet caramel. Plus, the whipped cream on top was enough to make a dairy lover weep with joy. It wasn’t one of those puny, half-hearted dollops. This was a hearty swirl of whipped glory, cascading over the rim like a dessert volcano waiting to erupt.
Jennifer/Only In Your State
From a calorie perspective, I don't particularly want to know how much of that whole pumpkin pie I wound up consuming in ice cream form. I'll leave it to the imagination.
But the first sip? Life-changing. I barely got a photo of it before it was half gone (sorry!).
I'm no stranger to Idaho's best milkshakes, and one thing I know for sure: those big kid straws (you know what I'm talking about — the ones that are half an inch wide and could probably be used as a cattle prod) are the only right choice for sipping one of these beauties. I’m not exaggerating when I say this milkshake might’ve single-handedly restored every sore muscle in my body. It was the perfect blend of real pumpkin pie flavor and sweet cream, with that added crunch from the pie crust chunks.
The caramel was such a light and welcome addition that I found myself savoring each sip like I was drinking autumn itself. You know how some desserts taste like fall candles smell? That was this milkshake, but in the best possible way. It wasn’t over-the-top dolled up or cloying — it was just right. The only thing that could have made it better would have been sticking around to enjoy it on Sprockets' patio, served up in a glass the way all milkshakes aspire to be served. But alas, I took it to go.
Honestly, if I had to come back to Sprockets for one thing and one thing only, it’d be that pumpkin pie milkshake. It’s worth the detour if you’re in the area in the fall, especially if you’re a pumpkin pie fan (and honestly, who isn’t when the leaves start changing?). Fortunately, with how massive the shake was, I'll be freezing it and savoring it for the next 3-5 business days.
Beyond the food and the quirky bicycle decor, would I come back to Sprockets Taphouse? Absolutely. It’s the kind of spot that leaves an impression, and maybe next time I’ll try something else from the menu, hoping to strike gold — or, at the very least, snag another one of their milkshakes. They have a whole lineup, after all! But FYI, the pumpkin pie shake is only available through November.
So, if you ever find yourself hungry and leaf-hunting in the Council, Idaho area, do yourself a favor and swing by the big red building off the highway. Order something from the menu, but whatever you do, don’t leave without trying that pumpkin pie milkshake. It’s fall in a glass, and trust me — it’ll make your day.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
