Many food hedonists would agree with the statement that you experience the place only after trying the local cuisine. Idaho will be a real treat for such food enthusiasts who love to explore up-and-coming star chefs. While everyone’s familiar with the fantastic Seattle dining experience, the Gem State culinary scene is way less known. Yet, it is home to many restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer steakhouses, Italian diners, wineries, or pizza and burgers, you will not go hungry in Idaho. Still, having some guidelines is an excellent place to start, especially if you’re new to the area. To help you taste the best culinary delights Northwest can offer, we’ve created a Foodie’s guide to Idaho’s culinary scene.
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The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.
Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival
Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.
It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.
Treefort Music Festival
If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.
Boise Farmers Market
Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.
Boise State Football Games
Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.
Boise Restaurant Week
If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.
Harvest Festivals
Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.
Boo at the Zoo
If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.
If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.
Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.
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Like many local libraries, the Boise Public Library is a centerpiece in the community, offering resources and assistance for community members well beyond just renting books.
Basic information
The Boise Public Library is located close to downtown at 715 South Capitol Boulevard, with 4 satellite branches throughout the Boise area. All of their locations offer amenities such as computers, scanners, printers, 3-D printing, virtual reality, curbside pickup, and meeting rooms for public use.
If you’re a Boise resident, obtaining a library card is free and gives you access to a wide array of resources. With your library card you can borrow or download from their collection of over 600,000 titles as well as have access to things such as laptops or educational resources for children. The only payments you are responsible for is if you receive a fine for a late return or a lost or damaged item.
Check your library first
Libraries have become way more than just renting and returning books, if there is something you are in need of or need help with, your local library is a great place to start. We’re going to go through some of the lesser known resources that the Boise Public Library offers.
Learning new things
Lynda.com is a website that offers thousands of online courses. No matter what you are interested in they are likely to have a plethora of information on it, including topics such as photography, software development, design, business, and web development. Access to these classes is usually $29.99/mo but is absolutely free through the Boise Public Library.
Another website offering classes geared towards design and art is CreativeBug. There’s thousands of courses taught by well-known industry experts to help inspire your creative self and learn how to make beautiful art projects.
For teenagers in middle school or high school Learning Express offers access to tutorials, study guides, test prep, and ACT/SAT help. It also has resources for college students and beyond for people looking to further their career education.
Along with the online resources, they offer weekly classes and workshops on a variety of topics. Some recent ones have been:
- Kenyan Beaders: How to make earrings like the women entrepreneurs of Kenya
- Bee Hotels
- Moon Prints
- DIY Mini Terrariums
- Vegetable Seed Starting 101
Resources for kids
For younger kids they offer resources such as NoveList K-8 Plus which helps kids find interesting books, they also have full access to National Geographic Kids. Every week they have a YouTube Live family storytime Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Music & Movement Fridays at 10:30 AM. They even have a story reading service, all you need to do is call 208-972-8208 and you’ll be able to hear a full story over the phone, with new stories every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Fun resources
Everyone knows you can rent books from the library, but few people know that they offer many other rentals such as video games, CD’s, and DVD’s. The Boise Public Library is keeping up with the digital age by offering a digital collection of movies and TV shows with Access Video On Demand. If you’re interested in 3D printing they have printers at most of their locations where you can learn about them and have them make you an actual 3D print.
If you’re looking for other interesting things in the Boise area, check out our other articles here.
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What most people thought was a gimmick when it was first installed, Boise State’s Football field, The Blue, has turned into a popular tourist attraction as well as a trend setter for college football and beyond, but how did it come to be?
The Backstory
The Boise State Broncos haven’t always been the football powerhouse they are today. They had success at the junior college level, winning a national championship back in 1958, then they moved up to division 1-AA (now FCS) as a 4-year program. Gene Bleymair, the athletic director at the time, was still looking for something to set Boise State apart.
“I was on an airplane and just thinking about the fact that we were going to spend $750,000 and pull up an old green carpet and put down a new green carpet, and nobody was going to notice or care that we had upgraded and spent the money to put in a new field,” Bleymaier said. “So that kind of bothered me. I was just thinking everybody knows that it’s artificial turf; there’s nobody that thinks it’s grass. They know it’s not grass, so there’s really no reason it needs to be green. Why not do it in our school colors?”
Thus, The Blue was born in the summer of 1986. At the time there was no one else doing this sort of thing, Boise State’s blue field was the first non-green field in the United States, and it was over 20 years before another university followed in their footsteps.
The Results
There was a bit of skepticism about the blue field at first. Some jokingly called it the “Smurf Turf” after the cartoon characters sharing the same color. There were some locals who were concerned that Geese or other wildlife might mistake it as a body of water and injure themselves while trying to dive into it.
Ever since then, however, it seems that “The Blue” has had an incredibly positive impact. From 1986 to 2018 Boise State’s home record is 182-39 with 14 conference championships and a 1-AA championship in 1980. The program reached new heights in the early 2000’s with coach Chris Peterson. Since 2006 they have had 2 undefeated seasons, 8 conference championships, 14 bowl game appearances, and 10 Top 25 finishes.
Trend Setters
Boise State was truly ahead of their time, as mentioned earlier, it was over 20 years before any other university tried a different color other than green for their field. Now there’s 8 other universities with non-green fields. The trend might have crossed over into the NFL, but in 2011 the NFL enacted the “Boise State Rule” stating that fields must be a shade of green. The college basketball world, however, seems to have taken some inspiration from Boise State, with more and more universities opting to treat their court as a piece of art, as well as a playing surface.
If you think “The Blue” field is interesting, see what else Boise has to offer here!
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Like most industries in Boise, the hotel industry has been growing rapidly over the past decade due to a skyrocketing population and an increase in tourism to the area. The hotels that have been around for a while are upgrading, and new hotels are popping up all over the downtown area.
Downtown Hotels
There are two distinct areas that contain about 80% of Boise’s hotels, the downtown area and next to the airport. We will first cover the downtown area as these are more popular and typically of higher quality.
The Grove Hotel
The Grove Hotel has been a mainstay in the heart of Boise’s downtown since it was built in 1997. Boasting 14,000 square feet of meeting space, 6,800 feet of Grand Ballroom, and a terrace for receptions or gatherings, if you’re looking to host an event The Grove is a great place to have it. Along with all this, Idaho Central Arena is attached to the hotel, which regularly hosts concerts, events, and is home to the Idaho Steelheads semi-pro hockey team.
If you aren’t coming for an event, The Grove still has numerous amenities to make your stay special. A full service spa, 12,000 square foot workout space, The Trillium Restaurant, and a 5th floor indoor pool that looks out over downtown Boise are sure to keep you entertained and comfortable during your stay. The hotel is just part of the experience, once you step outside the hotel is when the fun really starts. Located on Front St and Capitol Blvd, you are within walking distance of the Basque Block, numerous restaurants, and the State Capitol building.
Inn at 500 Capitol
Just a couple blocks south of The Grove is the Inn at 500 Capitol. The Inn boasts that it’s “A Very Special Boutique Hotel”. They back up this claim with accommodations such as themed rooms, a James Beard nominated chef, and a stylish atmosphere that is pleasing to anyone. Situated right next to the Boise Art Museum, the Boise Zoo, and the Idaho Black History Museum, you are able to soak in plenty of history and fun without traveling more than a block away from your hotel.
Hyatt Place – Boise Downtown
The Hyatt Place in their downtown location is a great option for business travelers and families alike. A modern hotel with a clean, comfortable feel is great for anyone that is looking for an affordable option in a great location. With a fitness center, pool, and a free breakfast it has all the typical amenities you need at a hotel, while also offering perks such as being a pet friendly hotel, a coffee bar, and laundry service.
Residence Inn – Boise Downtown City Center
If you are looking for modern luxury, The Residence Inn in downtown Boise is the place for you. Built in 2017, this hotel offers 10 stories of all-suite rooms with no shortage of modern amenities when you come to stay. An on-site bar paired with a 2,000 sq ft outdoor gathering space offers a relaxed environment for guests to kick back and take in the city. One of the newer hotels in the downtown area, the Residence Inn is giving the other hotels a run for the money, winning the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2021.
Airport Hotels
If you are just stopping in Boise on a layover or have an early flight to catch in the morning, these hotels offer easy access to the Boise Airport while still only being about a 10 minute drive to downtown and other popular locations.
Hampton Inn Boise – Airport
A 4.5 star rated hotel at just $125 a night, the Hampton Inn offers a quality hotel at an affordable rate. They offer a free airport shuttle to make getting to the airport that much easier, as well as a free hot breakfast to have one less thing to worry about before hopping on your next flight. If you are traveling with your furry friend they also have numerous pet-friendly rooms.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Airport
Another Traveler’s Choice Award winner in 2021, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites gives you everything you need in a hotel near the airport. A business center, airport shuttle, and black out shades to help you rest up before your 5 AM flight.
If you are looking for things to do in Boise during your stay, check out our recommendations here.
Boise’s climate is relatively mild, with hot, dry summers, paired with cold but not very snowy winters, it provides all four seasons without getting too extreme in any of them.
Overall Climate
Boise’s climate has been classified as “semi-arid continental” or “a local steppe” climate. What that means is it’s at a relatively high elevation, it has 4 distinct seasons, and there is less than average rainfall.
Boise averages around 12-13 inches of rainfall each year, which is about ⅓ of the national average at 38 inches. Boise is also slightly warmer than the national average, with a July average high of 91.6℉ compared to 85.8℉.
According to Best Places Comfort Index, Boise comes in at a 7.3 out of 10, compared to the national average at 7 out of 10.
Spring Weather
Spring is a great time to be in Boise. There is ample precipitation and the vegetation bursts into color all around the city. Temperatures are usually relatively mild, varying between 40℉ and 60℉. There are definitely days that can appear to be winter or summer, sometimes within the same week. There’s been snow as late as April, but there’s also been 70+ days in February and March.
Summer Weather
June and September are some of the best months when it comes to comfort and consistency in Boise. With highs in the low 80’s it’s warm but comfortable for outdoor activities. There’s much less of a chance for a chilly day or any precipitation during these months as well.
July and August are usually toasty straight through with no breaks. For these 2 months it’s almost a guarantee to have a high over 80, with most days getting into the 90’s and a handful creeping into triple digits. There’s basically no rainfall so the foothills dry up and become less green and more brown. One saving grace for these hot months is that there is really low humidity, which helps it feel not quite as hot as an equal temperature day in a tropical location or the east coast of the U.S.
Fall Weather
In the Fall Boise will stay relatively warm deep into October, but will show a distinct drop in temperature when you hit November. Fall is somewhat strange in Boise, you might get a snowfall in October, but could also experience sunny, relatively warm days into November. There’s slightly more precipitation during these months, mostly in the form of rain. Similar to spring you just never know what you’re going to get, you can get all 4 seasons within a span of a week or so.
Winter Weather
Winter in Boise is typically cold and dry. There’s been years with massive amounts of snowfall, the latest being in 2016-2017 where the valley saw 39.1 inches of snow through the winter, locals dubbed this Snowmageddon. The average yearly snowfall is around 17 inches, which usually doesn’t stick around for long, most days in December and January get below freezing at night, but get up in the mid 30’s to low 40’s during the day which helps melt the snow.
Miscellaneous Weather Information
When it comes to natural disasters and extreme weather, Boise sees almost none of it. Ada county has reported 12 tornadoes since 1956, none of them injuring or killing a single person. There’s very little data about how many thunderstorms affect the area, but as a resident I would put it at about 6-10 per year, none of them being very severe. Wind can be an issue in the city, with 1-2 severe wind storms a year which can knock down trees and cause power outages.
For more information about Boise, check out our page at cleverneighbor.com.
You can’t go very far in Boise without stumbling upon a unique and delicious restaurant. From fun, trendy food trucks, to fine dining, to foreign cuisine, you will be sure to find something that you will enjoy and be coming back for more.
Boise Fry Co.
Where better to start than with a restaurant that shares the name of the city and features the vegetable that Idaho is famous for, potatoes! Unlike most burger restaurants where the fries are a compliment to the burger, Boise Fry Co. puts the fries on center stage.
With 6 different kinds of potatoes to choose from, including purple potatoes, as well as 5 different styles of cut, you can mix and match to find your dream fry. It doesn’t stop there! No fry is complete without proper dipping sauce, and Boise Fry Co. didn’t skimp on this section of the menu either. Featuring sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy fry sauce, blueberry ketchup, chipotle, sweet mustard, marshmallow, and regular ketchup, you have plenty of options for what you’re going to dunk your fry into. Even though they say “Burgers On The Side” they still give you plenty of delicious options, such as a bison burger, turkey burger, and a beef/mushroom combination burger.
Bittercreek Alehouse
If you’re looking for a place to have a beer and a delicious lunch or dinner you should try out Bittercreek Alehouse. Located on 8th St. nestled in amongst dozens of other great restaurants, Bittercreek still stands out and has been a favorite for locals for quite some time. They offer your typical pub fare but with a twist. They don’t just have fries, they have polenta fries, and you can turn your fries or polenta fries into poutine for just a bit more. You’ll probably have trouble deciding which entree to select with options such as inside-out grilled cheese, lamb burger, and a smoked trout salad. If you’re looking for high quality food and atmosphere that consistently delivers, look no further than Bittercreek.
Lemon Tree Co.
Sandwiches are their specialty, but they provide wonderful compliments of soup and salad that makes Lemon Tree Co. one of the best places for lunch in Boise. Unique options such as the PB & JJB (jam, jalapenos, and bacon), sausage and pear, and Massaman Curry Bahn Mi highlight the sandwich section, but there are plenty of other options if none of those are speaking to you. They offer a wide range of salad options but you’d be missing out if you didn’t get a cup of the creamy tomato-basil soup to dunk your sandwich in. Take a look at their sandwiches here to see what you could be having for lunch today!
Paddles Up Poke
Trying to find good, raw seafood in Idaho can be somewhat tricky, but Paddles Up Poke has absolutely nailed it. Unlike traditional sushi, a “Poke Bowl” is typically made up of rice, raw fish, and traditional sushi toppings like ginger, seaweed salad, and cucumber. Paddles Up has been voted “Best poke, best lunch, and best caterer” in Boise since 2017, not too shabby for opening their doors in 2016. They offer an extensive range of seafood, toppings, and sauces such as the “piranha sauce” to let you make your bowl your own. Not a seafood fan? They even offer chicken for those who prefer that option.
Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
Kibrom’s offers authentic Ethiopian dishes that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.
Most dishes are served injera a spongy flatbread that is used to grab the meat and veggies that come with the meal. They have tons of combinations of ingredients, including beef, lamb, chicken, lentils, kale, potatoes, and cabbage, all simmered in their delicious sauces.
Tango’s Empanadas
This Argentina treasure comes in an unassuming package. Located on the bench, you could easily miss Tango’s if you’re not looking out for it. As you could imagine from the name, Empanadas are the focal point of the menu. These delicious fried turnover come with a number of fillings, all of them delicious. They offer 22 savory empanadas, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetarian, even mac and cheese. To match the savory empanadas they also have 22 dessert empanadas for those with a sweet tooth.
Alavita
Alavita is an italian restaurant that does things the right way. Fresh, handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and an attention to detail that makes every dish feel special. They offer some interesting dishes such as black ravioli and squid ink bucatini, but where Alavita really shines is the quality of their ingredients and the talent of their staff. It’s something you need to experience to truly understand, so give them a try!
Bombay Grill
If you’re looking to fill up at lunch time, and possibly not go back to work, Bombay Grill is a wonderful place to check out. With a fairly priced lunch buffet, you can dig into all your favorite Indian dishes such as butter chicken, saag, curry, and tikka masala. Served with fresh, buttery-garlic naan that makes you never want to leave, Bombay Grill is truly one of the best places in Boise to visit.
Curious about great food in other cities? Check out our other articles at cleverneighbor.com
Whether you are visiting Boise for a weekend or are a current resident looking for some new activities, there is no shortage of fun and unique things to do in the Boise area. With a lively downtown area, nature surrounding, and running through the middle of town, as well as unique historical and cultural attractions, there is a little something for everyone in Idaho’s Capitol.
Explore the Boise River and Greenbelt
One of the best features of Boise is the Boise River flowing right through the downtown area. In the summer months, you can float the river for free (or rent a raft if you need one). Starting at Barber Park and ending at Anne Morrison Park, the float takes about 2-4 hours depending on the time of year. If staying dry is more your style, you can also bike along the Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile long bike path that runs parallel to the river that has numerous parks along the way. Right next to the Greenbelt is the Boise Zoo which is great for children and adults alike.
Go on a hike
You’re never far from a good hike when you’re in Boise. The most popular of all the hikes is the famed Table Rock Trail. The trailhead starts at The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site (more on that later), and is a 3.7 mile out and back hike. The trail is fairly steep, so if you’re going in the summer months, try to go early to beat the heat or later in the day to enjoy a wonderful sunset overlooking the city. If you are wanting to take in the views without the strain of a steep hike, there is a road that leads up to the top of table rock, you can find directions here.
If you are wanting to hike with a little less foot traffic, Camel’s Back Park is another great option, although this one can still be fairly busy in the summertime. Military Reserve is a good easy option that features a dog park, bike park, and stream nearby. The 14 Tram Trail Trailhead is another gorgeous hike with numerous options branching off of it, this is heavily trafficked by mountain bikers so just be aware.
Explore some history
One of the underrated parts of Boise is its historical attractions. As mentioned earlier, The Old Idaho State Penitentiary Site is a wonderful historical tour experience. The penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 but is now used to educate people about the history of our prison system, notorious inmates, as well as an in-depth tour of the inner-workings of the old penitentiary.
The Basque Museum & Culture Center isn’t something you would expect to run into in downtown Boise. The Basque Center offers people to explore the history of the Basque people and their heritage. They offer guided tours, classes, and events on a regular basis. If you are wanting to just explore yourself you are more than welcome to, you can even get a literal taste at Ansots Basque Chorizo’s.
The Anne Frank Memorial is another must see for history buffs. The memorial includes a life-sized bronze statue of Anne Frank looking out a window, but there is much more to it. The memorial encourages people to think about issues our society has faced in the past and are still dealing with today, mostly about human rights. It puts on display some of man’s triumphs, as well as some of our darker times. Visiting the memorial will surely make you take a deeper look at life and come away with a different perspective.
Take a day trip
If you are in Boise for more than a day or two, it is well worth it to explore the surrounding areas. From sand dunes, to hot springs, to snowy mountains, there are plenty of exciting day trips within a couple hours drive of Boise.
The Bruneau Dunes State Park is about an hour drive southeast from Boise that offers unique views that you don’t typically find in the inland northwest. The main feature is the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America. At over 470-feet above the desert floor it is quite a sight, visitors are welcome to hike or ride a horse to the top, if you are feeling extra adventurous you can rent a sandboard and ride down the dune! If you are wanting to stay past sundown, the state park also offers an excellent observatory that lets you get a wonderful view of space.
There are numerous hot springs in the surrounding areas, ranging from large, easily accessible pools, to tiny pools that are off the beaten path. If you’re wanting a resort-style hot spring experience with man-made pools we recommend The Springs in Idaho City, Goldfork Hot Springs outside of Donnely, or Miracle Hot Springs down in Buhl. If you are wanting a little more nature with your hot springs check out Kirkham, Trail Creek, or Snively hot springs. If you want to explore more hot springs options follow this link.
Lastly, if you are wanting to get out of the city for a smaller town feel, McCall might be the place for you. A little over a two hour drive north, McCall puts you in a gorgeous mountain town that’s a popular destination for visitors and residents of Boise. In the winter you can find great skiing at nearby Tamarack and Brundage ski resorts. In the summertime the lake and milder temperatures offer a welcome retreat from the scorching summers that Boise usually experiences.
Explore!
No matter what you choose to do while you’re in Boise, just make sure you get out to find what interests you. Boise offers so many things to do and such a wide variety of activities you can spend day after day exploring new parts of the city you never would’ve guessed were there.
If you are looking for more things to do in Boise or in nearby cities, check out other articles at cleverneighbor.com.