Winter Paradise in Rexburg, Idaho
Location: Rexburg, ID
Accommodations: 4 Guests
1 Bedroom / 2 Beds / 1 Bath
No Pets
In an effort to find a true winter experience, we traveled to this amazing little retreat in Rexburg and loved every chilly minute of it cuddled up by the fire.
Arizona Natives vs. The Tundra: Our East Idaho Winter Experience
As Arizona natives, our experience with “winter” is usually limited to a light jacket in Payson or complaining when the Phoenix valley hits 50 degrees. In February 2021, we decided to see what a real winter looked like. We headed to East Idaho to find out—and boy, did we get an education.
The "Warm Hug" of a Cabin
After navigating temperatures that would make a polar bear shiver, we arrived at Lana’s cottage. Our host was incredibly helpful, sending us all the “need-to-know” info before we even crossed the state line.
The craftsmanship of this cabin was exceptional. While the outside was cold, damp, and slightly intimidating, the inside was a “glorious retreat.” It was spotless, well-stocked, and had that cozy, handcrafted feel that makes you want to hibernate until July.
The Interior: Fireplaces and Survival Caffeine
We were able to park right in front of the cabin—a major victory for hauling our gear through the snow without pulling a muscle. Once inside, we hit the vacation rental jackpot:
- The Fireplace: We got a fire roaring immediately. There is nothing quite like reading by a crackling fire while the Idaho wind rustles leaves and whips up snow spouts outside the door.
- The Coffee: A drip coffee maker was ready and waiting. In sub-zero temperatures, caffeine isn’t just a beverage; it’s a vital heat source and much appreciated.
- The Sleeping Quarters: No sofa? No problem. Between the Queen and Double beds, we had a mountain of pillows and blankets along with a chair. We “slept like champions” every single night.
Driving Through a Marshmallow (The Driggs Expedition)
Exploring the area in February proved to be an actual sport. We decided to venture 45 miles east to Driggs, which involved navigating fog so thick I’m convinced we were actually driving through a giant cloud of cotton candy.
However, once we reached Driggs, the sun finally made an appearance, revealing a landscape so beautiful it was almost worth the white-knuckle drive. If you’re feeling even more ambitious, Yellowstone National Park is only about 85 miles away—just make sure your heater is on “full blast.”
The "Pup Fix" and Property Perks
Since this trip was “BC” (Before Canines), we didn’t have our two pups with us yet. Fortunately, the owner’s Lab, Bruce, was on hand to provide my daily dose of dog therapy. He was adorable, friendly, and significantly better at walking on ice than we were.
A few practical notes:
- Laundry: There’s no washer or dryer, but for a three-day stint, we didn’t miss it.
- Climate Control: No AC, but in East Idaho, “Air Conditioning” is usually just called “Opening the Front Door.” The heater and fireplace kept us perfectly toasty.
I Really Loved…
If you’re looking for a taste of “real winter” without actually having to build an igloo, this cottage is the perfect basecamp. We loved every second of our cozy retreat, from the attention to detail in the woodcraft to the serenity of the snow-covered grounds.
This getaway would be incredible in the other seasons as well, and hopefully, we may have a chance to find out for ourselves someday!
It just goes to show that even when you’re frozen solid… we loved this adventure!
