Which Came First the “Berry” or the “Shake”?
It’s kind of a chicken and egg question, and to be honest, we don’t know the answer… “raspberries” and “milkshakes” have been the perfect combination in Bear Lake longer than most people can remember. All we know is that eating a delicious “raspberry milkshake” is usually among the most memorable memories visitors retain from their trip to the famous Bear Lake area.
Bear Lake raspberries are well-known for their delicious taste and unique composition. Early Bear Lake settlers discovered that their local raspberries were unusually juicy and especially delicious. Somewhere along the line some enterprising soul found that mixing raspberries into a thick vanilla shake was even better. Then someone else got the same idea- then another and another. Decades later, a trip to Bear Lake just isn’t complete without a famous raspberry shake, along with a juicy burger and golden French fries.
Not all Bear Lake raspberries end up in milkshakes, of course. A wide variety of raspberry-based products are available on the shelves of many local merchants. Jams, jellies, syrups, barbeque sauces and even chocolate-dipped raspberries are for sale in various locations. In fact, the biggest community event in Bear Lake is “Raspberry Days”, held each year in mid-August.
Sadly, in 2001, many of the original Bear Lake raspberry plants were infected with a virus, killing most of Garden City’s berry plants. Eventually, virus-resistant varieties of raspberries, replaced many of the original plants. Fortunately, years later, Bear Lake’s traditional raspberry patches have now been re-established, and world-famous raspberries once more thrive in the valley.
So, dare to drop by any eating place in the area and ask for their best seller- the answer is bound to be a raspberry shake. Shakes are available all over the valley- literally hundreds of thousands of shakes are eaten every year. And every eating place is justifiably proud of its own unique version.
But what if raspberry isn’t exactly your “cup of tea”? Every food merchant has a full line-up of milkshake favorites, ranging from “huckleberry” (especially a favorite a little farther north, in Montpelier) to specialty shakes like “Snickers”, “M & Ms”, “Butterfingers”, and “Oreos”. The list goes on and on, with dozens of flavors to treat your taste buds. It’s even been rumored that a plain vanilla shake could be found, if you ask for one.
So enjoy your shake, regardless of flavor. Add a burger, chicken sandwich or chicken strips-they’re all found in abundance at Bear Lake. Then kick back and enjoy the meal. Bear Lake food, always memorable and delicious- a major part of the unique Bear Lake experience. 
Source: Discover Beautiful Bear Lake Staff