Maquella Chacon
Staff Writer
Beyond the highlights of university life, Pocatello is a very social community. Live music, outdoor recreation, movies, activities and fascinating historic places make this community good to live in and overall a good place to be. There are so many places to meet up with friends, study, or spend a free afternoon: here is a list of the 10 best social and entertainment hotspots.
#1 5th Street Bagelry
More than just a gourmet bagel shop, 5th Street offers a warm and friendly environment backed with good food and coffee. It is a perfect place to go solo or meet up with friends, and it is even a good place to study. No matter the case, it is common to see long lines and lots of patrons, showing just how popular it really is.
#2 Thirteen Locks
Escape rooms are becoming more popular as a group activity that challenges wit and knowledge all while bringing people together. Pocatello’s own Thirteen Locks Escape Rooms are found on First St. in a building notorious for its ghostly legends and haunting. The activities are fun, and it is a good free-time activity to do with your friends or bring some new ones to get to know better. Thirteen Locks creates a rush of adrenaline and is a popular place to be.
#3 Cherry Springs
Located south of Pocatello in the Caribou National Forest, Cherry Springs is a popular trailhead that splits off to several different trails and rivers. Camping, picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife observance are common activities here and most people in Pocatello look forward to visiting when the weather warms up during the late summer and early fall.
#4 A Different Cup
Found on Fourth St. in walking distance from the ISU quad is a brand-new coffee shop with a different view. Classic rock vibes associated with the owners, store image and logo makes it an interesting visit and a good place to do homework and socialize. With big windows and open seating, the natural light makes the experience – along with the many students who frequently order coffee here. Visiting this coffee shop is a great way to meet new people and get submerged into the Pocatello Social life.
#5 The Reel Theater
A quirky yet charming homage to vintage theatres, The Reel Theatre is a movie theater located on Oak St. This theater shows movies all day and all weekend. It provides a way to spend time with friends and be up to date on all the new movies.
#6 The Portneuf Wellness Complex
With accommodations for soccer, volleyball, baseball, and concerts among other various activities, the Wellness Complex provides many options for recreation and is the primary meeting spot for sports clubs and teams. This location also has a manmade pond with fish. Swimming, boating and fishing also are allowed and a fun way to spend an afternoon. The social life is booming, and the possibilities are endless.
#7 Walrus and Carpenter Books
This hole in the wall book store is lesser known and hard to find, but it is still a premier spot for entertainment in Pocatello. Published and aspiring authors alike meet here for festivals and signings, and occasionally there are live music performances. This book store is floor to ceiling, front to back, full of books from all genres and authors. Anything you dream of finding is available at this book store located at 251 North Main St.
#8 Bru House
Another coffee shop found in historic old town, Bru House is filled with local art and with people for their biweekly open mic nights, every other Thursday. See and support local artists in every domain at this spot while getting a caffeine kick from a variety of coffee and juices provided 502 North Main Street .
#9 Old Town Pocatello
Take a walk down main street Pocatello to find plenty of activities and shops to enter and participate in. Local events such as the Revive at Five, The Farmers Market, and Art Walks all happen throughout this historic part of Pocatello. Countless local restaurants and bakeries intermixed with boutiques and antique shops provide the true feeling and sense of community in Pocatello. A live history lesson and hope for the future are seen here.
#10 Portneuf Valley Brewing
Portneuf Valley Brewing is a newer restaurant located at the top of First St. A well-reviewed restaurant occupies the main floor, but beyond that in the second story, there is a bar that hosts local and aspiring bands for musical performances. Live music and good food are the main contributors to this buzzing social place.
All around, Pocatello is a very social and friendly community with good food, coffee, and live music. Activities to meet people and socialize with longtime friends are easily findable here and entertainment is never hard to come by.
