Welcome to downtown Boise, Idaho, my favorite of the random cities I've visited in the US. Boise was so much more hip than I expected and had a vibe similar to other west coast cities like Portland and Seattle. It definitely wasn't as diverse however, as every person that we saw was blonde and beautiful. I am not sure what I was expecting from BOI, but the city exceeded my expectations when it came to cuisine and entertainment. I had so much fun that I ventured back on another airline employee non-rev trip a few years later and recommend the city to everyone looking for a fun weekend trip out west.
A Weekend in Boise, Day 1
Start the day in downtown Boise, commencing at the Capitol Building. The architecture, grounds, and domed ceiling are stunning and rival that of any other state capitol building. You can take tours of the building, or just peek inside to check out the rotunda, either way, you'll be glad you'll stopped inside.
Head away from the Capitol, towards the main drag, and you'll run into a bustling Farmer's Market. Stock up on potatoes, you are in Idaho afterall. The market also has a selection of baked goods, gifts, and other Idaho goodies. You can wander the stalls and stop in the shops lining the street.
Meander through town until you hit Ann Morrison Park. It is especially beautiful in the spring when everything is in bloom. If you are in the mood for an athletic activity, the park includes bocce courts, disc golf course, horseshoe pits, an outdoor gym, volleyball courts, and even a cricket field. If you're like me, you can wander along the paths and just enjoy nature, sans sports.
Keeping with our athletic theme, next stop is Boise State and the famous blue football field. You can tour around the campus and check out the grounds. Definitely sneak a peek of the field and check out the school bookstore. Next, relive your college beer drinking days, with a stop at one of the best city breweries. We like 10 Barrels Brewery for its location and beer selection.
After relaxing at the brewery, it's time to enjoy a countryside experience with a hike up to Table Rock. If you'd rather not hike, driving up the mountain is much easier and you have incredible views with much less sweat :) The hike is only 3 miles from town and you can enter at the Old State Penitentiary if you'd rather skip some of the previous activities and get in your cardio.
After all that walking, you deserve another drink! I love the cocktails and bites at The Modern Hotel. The restaurant, The Modern Bar, has a patio that is perfect for outdoor dining and the drinks are fun and innovative, with names that match the creative ingredients. Sample everything on the menu.
A Weekend in Boise, Day 2
Day 2 of the Boise tour starts at one of my favorite spots (surprise, surprise), a botanical garden! The Idaho Botanical Garden is a stunning series of gardens located in the Old Penitentiary Historic District. The grounds encompass 15 acres and include a variety of topographies. The selection of gardens include a rose garden, herb garden, a vegetable garden, and an English Garden. There is also a meditation garden, a couple native plant gardens, and gardens dedicated to fire and water. Even the kids have their own special garden! I always enjoy learning about a city or state through it's botanicals.
You're already in the Penitentiary Historic District, so the next stop on your tour has to be the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. It's a bit eerie and a little creepy, but history is always worth understanding close up, if possible. The penitentiary opened in the late 1800s and is a collection of about 30 buildings. Guests can tour the cells, solitary confinement and the gallows. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children and you can purchase tickets online or in person.
After reflecting for a bit, it's time to hit the open road and check out the great outdoors. The Boise National Forest is a spectacular place to get away from the city and relax with nature. The roads can be closed in the winter but the scenery is lovely in the spring and summer.
It's our last night in BOI, so it's time for a night out on the town. Thanks to the cool city vibes and the nearby college, there are plenty of places to wet your whistle. We hit up Alavita for its proximity to our hotel, and because dinner at the sister restaurant Fork, was so incredible. We spent hours and hours at Fork, sampling all the food and drinking on the patio. Alavita was equally entertaining and the large bar was the perfect place for our after dinner night cap. Here is a list of the top bars in the city if you're looking for a more party vibe.
A Weekend in Boise, Day 3
Well, it's time to leave friends and our Boise weekend is coming to a close. That 1pm flight time is looming but we have time for one more meal and one last look at the Capitol. Take your morning run, or a leisure walk with coffee in hand, around the downtown neighborhood and the Capitol Building. It's such a picturesque area and your camera roll can use a few more landmark photos.
Before heading to the airport, fuel up on the Idaho specialty, potatoes! I prefer my potatoes at breakfast and nothing says breakfast potatoes better than diner fare. Breakfast at Elmer's never disappoints and I was especially happy with my "looking for sun" omelete, biscuit, and those delicious hash brown potatoes.
What cities did you love that you didn't expect? Isn't that the best part of travel? To see locations you didn't really understand before the trip? Another of my random favorite US cities is Fargo, North Dakota or Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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