jewelry classes · pocatello ·

Planning Your Trip to Pocatello: A Guide for Jewelry Students

Visiting Pocatello, Idaho

What to Expect When Traveling for a Jewelry Class

If you’re traveling to Pocatello for a class, THANK YOU! It means so much that you would make the trip and I am so excited to meet you! Southeastern Idaho is a beautiful, laidback area with easy access to nature, small town charm, and just enough amenities to make your stay comfortable. This guide is meant to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your time here.

What to Expect in Pocatello

Photo courtesy of the City of Pocatello

Pocatello is a small mountain town with a relaxed pace of life. It’s not flashy or crowded, but it’s welcoming, easy to navigate, and surrounded with some stunning views.

  • Expect quiet evenings, especially during the week.

  • Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities.

  • Typically sunny but layers are always a good idea.

  • People are very friendly, and things move a little slower (in a good way).

Most visitors find Pocatello refreshing if they’re coming from a busy city.

Getting Here: Airports to Consider

Pocatello is accessible, but flights can be limited, so here are the best options depending on your travel style.

✈️ Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH)

  • Small, convenient airport

  • Limited flights, usually through Salt Lake City

  • Great if schedules align — minimal driving once you arrive

✈️ Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

  • About 45 minutes north of Pocatello

  • More frequent flights than Pocatello

  • Easy, scenic drive (depending on where you're from, some find it flat lol)

  • A very popular choice for visiting students

✈️ Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

  • About 2.5–3 hours south of Pocatello

  • Largest airport in the region with the most flight options

  • Often the most affordable

  • Straightforward drive north on I-15

🚗 Rental cars are recommended regardless of which airport you fly into. If you fly into Poky and stay at one of the walkable to the studio Airbnbs, you may be able to get away with just an uber to and from the airport. 

Where to Stay

Most students choose:

  • Hotels in Pocatello or nearby Chubbuck 

  • Airbnbs within 10–15 minutes of the studio

Any hotel in the part of town circled will be a short drive and is in a good area (not many bad areas tbh but this "feels" good and the right level of busy you know?).

Look for something close to the interstate for easy access. Pocatello is very drivable, so location is flexible. There are a few bnbs in walking distance to the studio; the two I have heard great things about is "The Treehouse" and "The Penthouse". Both have BEAUTIFUL views of the mountains! 

Food & Coffee Favorites

You’ll find a mix of local spots and familiar options. A few student favorites:

  • El Herradero – Great Mexican food

  • Buddy’s Italian Restaurant – Local staple

  • Brick 243 – Italian Tapas, wine and craft beers

  • Hokkaido Ramen – Ramen & sushi (my favorite)

  • The Yellowstone – Nice steak dinner (good date night if bringing a partner) 

For coffee:

  • Glean (located in Dudes Public Market)

  • Gate City Coffee

  • Purpose Tea (best boba!)

Things to Do While You’re Here

If you have downtime before or after class, there’s plenty to enjoy without going far.

🛍️ Shopping

  • Vain and Vintage - vintage clothes & more (GREAT prices)
  • Enchantments - Metaphysical store, crystals, local made goods, etc. 
  • The Hyyge Place - Used book store + plant shop
  • Main Street Mercantile - 3 story antiques & vintage clothes 

🌿 Nearby Nature

  • City Creek Trail – Easy walk or hike right in town

  • Mink Creek – Short drive for beautiful scenery

  • Scout Mountain – Great views of the valley

  • Gibson Jack Trail - Nice but challenging hike with stunning 180 views of the city

🚗 Short Driving Trips (1–2 hours)

  • Lava Hot Springs (45 min) – Natural hot pools, very popular

  • American Falls Reservoir (30 min) – Peaceful and scenic

  • Idaho Falls (45 min) – River walk, shops, and restaurants

Slightly longer but worth it driving trips (2-3 hours)

  • Sun Valley (2.5 hrs) – If you’re extending your trip

  • Jackson Hole, Wyoming (2 hrs 40 min) - Pricey town but STUNNING
  • Teton National Park (3hrs) - Gorgeous scenic national park 
  • Yellowstone West Entrance (2 hrs 45 min)- I mean, we all know how beautiful this place is.

Weather & What to Pack

Depending on the season:

  • Mornings and evenings are cool.

  • Bring layers and comfortable shoes if you plan on going for a hike.

  • Winters can be snowy, check road conditions if driving (they maintain roads well here). 

  • Summers are generally sunny, dry af (high dessert) and mild.

Final Notes for Students

  • Give yourself time to unwind,  this is a great place to slow down.

  • If you have travel questions, don’t hesitate to reach out before your trip.

  • I have a fridge in my studio, microwave, snacks, water, coffee, tea, etc. all for you to use. 
  • Let me know if you need to leave bags in my studio on check out day, I'm happy to help you in any way I can. 

I am so excited to have you here and look forward to welcoming you my little studio and this little corner of Idaho.

Safe travels, and see you soon!

Back to News