From Billings to the Great Spud Hunt: One Family’s Hilarious Quest for a “Real” Idaho Potato

The last time we went to Yellowstone, I made an offhand comment, as moms do, that we should just keep going into Idaho. Why? Because our 10 year old son, John, has never been. I even said, “We don’t have to make a whole adventure out of it, we’ll just drive in and drive out.” I should’ve known better.

Enter: John, Potato Purist

Now, John has fully latched onto the idea that we need to return. Not just for Idaho... but for a real Idaho potato. According to him, the grocery store versions don’t count. Not even the ones labeled “Idaho potatoes.” No. He wants to get his from the source. A fresh, authentic, straight from the state spud. Because why just see Idaho when you can taste it, right?

Potatoes, Pups, and Plans to Wander

So in a couple of weekends, we’re packing up the SUV (with dogs and snacks in tow) and heading out on what I can only describe as a starchy pilgrimage. We’re talking air mattress in the back, camp style supplies ready, no hotel needed. Just the open road and a boy on a mission for the ultimate tuber.

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The good news is, both my husband and I have a few days off work, so we’re not rushing this little escapade. And since we’re already heading that way, I’ve got my heart set on making a bit of a loop and dipping into Washington so John can check off another state. Because why not make this a multi state, multi-carb experience?

Destination Spud: Where Do We Go in Idaho?

We’re planning to pass through Coeur d'Alene, a town that sounds so fancy I feel like I should be wearing a beret when I say it. One of my friends recommended it, and it looks gorgeous. None of us have ever been, and we hear it’s only about 30 minutes from Spokane. So that’s definitely on our list.

Since we’ve only got two solid days to explore, I’m open to other must sees that won’t leave us chasing the clock or chasing our tails. We're looking for scenic, simple, and ideally, potato themed. If there’s a giant potato statue somewhere, I need to know about it!

The Not So Boring Bucket List

Here’s what’s currently penciled in:

• Grab an actual Idaho potato. (Not bagged. The real deal.)
• Stroll around Coeur d'Alene, maybe by the lake if the weather’s nice.
• Pop into Spokane for a bit of Washington state bragging rights.
• Find something quirky, a roadside oddity, or photo op.
• Let the dogs sniff their way through a scenic trail or two, because this isn’t just John's adventure, it’s theirs too.

Final Thoughts Before We Potato

We’re not heading into this blindly. We’ve got the car camping supplies, the snacks, the dogs’ travel gear, and a 10 year old with a surprisingly strong opinion about where produce should come from. And in the end, it’s not really about the potato. (Okay, maybe for John it is.) It’s about checking out new places, and making weird, wonderful memories together.

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So Idaho, we’re coming for your spuds. And maybe a little bit more. Let us know what we have to see by sending me an email here. Oh, and bonus points if it comes with butter.