A Hometown Tour…

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We’ve lived here now for about five months and the place is growing on us. It’s so far removed from how we grew up that it has been very educational living here in ‘the ruralness that is Idaho’. It doesn’t have a single traffic light! It’s the kind of place that you have to see to believe. Or at least for people like me who have never lived in a farming community. It doesn’t even have a single traffic light!
So, I thought I’d give you a little hometown tour so you know what I’m talking about.
This may not seem small to some, but to me this is TINY!
Fine example of cinder block and canvass architecture.
Fine example of cinder block and canvas architecture.
A cozy and quaint place to curl up with a book.
We've never actually patronized this branch. We travel to the library in the"big city". There's a campaign under way to expand this lovely building. I guess that's part of the "future".
I have no idea what goes on in here.
As the town grows, the need for barbers has followed, and so we now have at least three of these.
As the town grows, the need for barbers has followed, and so we now have at least three of these. Luckily I've got a great neighbor who does hair out of her house so I haven't had the opportunity to visit the barbers.
One of two fine non-franchise eating establishments.
One of two fine non-franchise eating establishments. A friend of mine took her daughter here right after moving from Portland and at the drive up window were two cowboys on horseback picking up burgers and shakes. No Kidding!

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The other one.
The other one. This is my kids' favorite place to get fresh banana milkshakes.
Looks like Jim's got a monopoly on the commerce here in town.
One of two in town. I guess folks never run out of stuff to pawn. Looks like Jim's got a monopoly on the commerce in this town.

Ok, so while I’ve had to get used to the fact that there is no Nordstrom in the entire state of Idaho, having to drive at least 20 minutes to find good groceries, Target, restaurants, movie theaters, and the gym, there are some things that I’ve always liked about living here.

Lots of roadside marketing. (I wasn't kidding about the nectoren.)
Lots of roadside markets. (I wasn't kidding about the nectoren.)
Spacious rolling hills and snow capped mountains.
Spacious rolling hills and snow capped mountains.
Lots of room to roam.
Lots of room to roam.
Good, down-to-earth, hard-working, genuine people, many of whom have lived here a lot longer than me.
We used to pay an entrance fee to visit a working farm when we lived in California. Now we have one right in our own backyard.
And plenty of farm animals. We used to pay an entrance fee to visit a working farm when we lived in California. Now we have one right in our own backyard. This little guy represents food storage to most people around here. I'm not quite there yet.

One of the biggest reasons we moved here was to raise kids. There’s lots of room to explore. The schools are small enough that kids can be involved in whatever they want without the pressures of competition. There’s a good mix of socio-economic levels so the feeling of entitlement isn’t as prevalent here as in other places we’ve lived. There are plenty of opportunities for service. And while it sounds like we’re in the middle of nowhere (which it seems to me at times), we are only about 30 minutes from the cultural mecca of Boise, which has become one of my favorite little cities. Great shopping, food, museums, and parks. It even has an Anthropologie!

So while I never thought I’d ever end up calling Idaho home, It’s starting to grow on me.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Take some potatoes with you and come back soon!

Now, what do you love about YOUR hometown???

13 thoughts on “A Hometown Tour…”

  1. Lisa C.

    If I could move to Idaho I would in a heart beat. Problem is…jobs. I love it there. It is so beautiful. I am a big believer in Nordstrom, but with the economy, I’m realizing now it isn’t that important. Good decision on your move. I could live with an Anthro 30 minutes away 🙂

  3. Jennifer

    I think it looks wonderful! I love the tangerine sign! At least you have a Target, right? I hope everyone is great. We don’t have anything quite so quaint in Sandy. Oh well…

  4. Olivia

    Hey! I grew up in a tiny town in Idaho (population 500), so I loved your pictures and insights about your small town. There are so many things I miss about small-town Idaho. And some things I don’t. But that simple, open life really leaves an impression. You won’t find better people in the world. You may have inspired me to write about my little town someday.

    Thanks for your comment on my blog.

  5. Lorena

    You pretty much captured it! That’s why we love it here also. I can’t think of a better place to raise a family. Thanks for the Tour!

  6. hayleybryn

    o my gosh will sooooooooo cute!!!!! we miss you and i cant wait to see you at thanksgiving!!!!!! love you tell maddy jack eric and will hi for me!!

  7. Jennifer P.

    When I lived there I would get those fresh banana shakes all the time too :)! You really did pick a great place to live!

    I love that I live in a place that’s small town and big city all at once. It feels like downtown is a whole different place than the part where I live. I love that people float on inner tubes through the middle of the city. I love our Anthropologie too—though I’ve only ever window shopped there (hey! I get the catalogue! what’s the point of going in :)?!)

    Glad you’re feeling at home!!!

  8. Sherine

    well dat dere was some mighty fine photos:)

    I love that you make your desicions around what is best for your family… instead of trying to make things just ‘work’ for your family.

  11. Lisa-Marie

    I’ve had a shake at Jim’s and they are wonderful! I didn’t enjoy the finger steaks as well. Just a heads up!!!! We were considering moving there this summer (my parents are in Boise) but have decided to stay on this side of the state. We are still small town and I LOVE it. I’m glad you feel like Idaho is your home now. Welcome!!!!

    P.S. I found you through Gabi’s interview. I’m intrigued by homeschooling and enjoyed reading about your adventures! Hope your kids are still enjoying school.

  12. Elaine

    Sounds like a neat place to live. I think I would welcome the opportunity to not see so much of the same where I live. My little girls especially would just love the open feel … the prospect of exploring would be lots of fun.

    I’m glad you got your little city in a 30 minute trip. Girls do need a little shopping/dining variety once in a while 😉

  13. littleeverydaythings

    Wow, I love your photos! What a neat idea too. I think it’s always a good idea to appreciate what you have “in the now,” and you really show that here. I found you on SITS 🙂

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