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BOISE LIKE A LOCAL
We’re spilling a few secrets on things to do in Boise to act like a native.
1. Paella dinner on the patio.
Many prominent Boiseans, including the city’s mayor, trace their ancestry back to the Basque country. However, every resident of Boise enjoys a paella lunch on the terrace of The Basque Market. Every Wednesday and Friday at noon, but get there early—by 12:15 if you want a seat.
2. Climb to the top of Table Rock.
When you reach the peak, you’ll understand why so many locals make this a weekly ritual. The most travelled path is a strenuous ascent from the Old Penitentiary’s parking lot. This is an old road, and for the most part, it’s wide enough to drive two lanes in each direction; just keep your eyes on the sky! When you reach the peak, look out at the beautiful landscape of cities and rolling hillsides below.
3. Have a game night outside.
An evening spent at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival is unlike any other. These tales. Convenient location on the river in a small, cosy setting. The famous people who were born and raised here. The whole lot. Do you not enjoy Shakespeare’s works? Don’t worry, only two of the five seasonal productions are by Shakespeare. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a bottle of local Idaho wine or beer, and arrive to the Green Show early for the entire local experience.
4. Spread the Blue and Orange (if only for a day).
The “Smurf Turf,” you say? Visit us in person for the greatest experience. Attending a Boise State University home game is a must if you ever find yourself in Boise.
5. Eat your way down 8th Street for a progressive dinner.
If you want to get a feel for the city’s developing restaurant industry, stroll down 8th Street in downtown Boise. Take a stroll down the block for dinner at some of our favourite restaurants like Fork, Alavita, and Juniper. You can’t go wrong at any of these places because they all have a strong commitment to displaying regional goods. Go to the Coiled Wine Bar around the corner for a glass of Idaho’s best wine as a nightcap.
6. Take in a programme at the Idaho Botanic Garden, number 6.
Boiseans can’t get enough of this lovely family-friendly garden setting, whether they’re attending one of the many annual events like Winter Garden aGlow or the summer’s Great Garden Escape (or the Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series with big national acts).
7. Take a bike ride and a glass of wine around the Boise Greenbelt.
Boise attractions include wine tasting and cycling in the greenbelt.
Boise, Idaho’s Telaya Winery is located on the city’s beautiful Greenbelt.
For locals, there is no better place to spend time than on this path that winds through the forest for 25 miles. It cuts through the middle of town, offering sightseers and wildlife alike easy access to a number of attractive riverside parks. Bike down to the Greenbelt and take a leisurely ride along the path, stopping at various wineries along the way in Idaho. Away from the beaten road, you can find a number of interesting trails, including Telaya, Coiled, Cinder, and Split Rail. Cheers!
8. Plunge into the pool
Even though most Boiseans don’t have access to a beach, that doesn’t stop them from getting wet when they have the chance! Locals and visitors alike enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Quinn’s Pond and rafting the legendary Boise River.
9. Quench your thirst with a Boise beer.
Boise is home to an impressive number of craft breweries, many of which can be found in the city’s historic downtown (read: easy to get from one to another). Both Payette Brewing and Boise Brewing have great indoor and outdoor spaces. In contrast to Lost Grove Brewing’s location on a cool industrial block near the university, Barbarian Brewing’s taproom is restricted to those over the age of 21. Boise, Idaho, is home to some excellent beers.
10. Go skiing at Bogus, but do it at night.
The Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a great place to go skiing in Idaho during the day, and it’s only 16 miles north of Boise. The natural snowfall averages between 150 and 200 inches per year, and the resort’s 2,600 skiable acres, served by seven lifts and 53 named routes, are open to snowboarders and skiers alike. But if you want to experience the sights like a local, wait until the afternoon to go up. They have more night skiing terrain (165 groomed acres) than any other ski resort in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, the reward is worth the effort because of the sight of the city below.