Some Happy Hours Are Happier Than Others: A Guide to Boise's Best

  Temps are falling, the days are getting shorter, Bogus Basin hasn’t opened yet… There's no better time to mix up the work week than with an afternoon happy hour. Whether you're a local or just passing through, one thing is for sure – Boise knows how to do happy hour right. From craft cocktails to local brews, we've scoured the city to bring you the best deals in Boise. So, sit back, relax, and know that not all happy hours are created the same.    Barbacoa Grill Deal: BOGO drinks | 7 days a week 4:00-6:00pm Perfect for: date nights, impressing out-of-towners, great outdoor patio, unique dining experience, great cocktail list    Photo source: Barbacoa Grill Website     Coa De Jima  Deal: BOGO drinks | 7 days a week 4:00-6:00pm  Perfect for: early to the game drinks, unique dining experience, corporate happy hours   Photo source: Coa De Jima Website     Juniper  Deal: BOGO cocktails, $3.50 beer, $6 wine, food specials | 3:30-5:30pm everyday, Fri & Sat 10:00pm-close  Perfect for: girls night, casual weeknight dinner, date nights, craft cocktail specials   Photo source: Juniper Facebook     Trillium  Deal: $4 draft beers and well drinks, 50% off small plates | Sun-Thurs 4:00-6:00pm  Perfect for: early to the game drinks, pre-event drinks, date night, convenient for out-of-towners, corporate groups   Photo source: Trillium Boise Website     House of Western Deal: BOGO classic cocktails & select beers | 7 days a week 3:00-5:00pm  Perfect for: large groups, parlor games, creative cocktails, outdoor patio, cheap eats, unique dining experience, small plates, casual corporate events     Photo source: www. kivitv.com     Parilla Grill & Cantina  Deal: $2 Tecates, $4 wells & local draft beer | Mon-Fri: 3:00-6:00pm | $1 tacos every Tues & Thurs Perfect for: cheap eats, watching live sports, casual weeknight dinner   Photo source: Parilla instagram     The Lively  Deal: $5 select drinks, $5 small plates | Weekdays 3:30-5:30pm  Perfect for: date night, impressing out-of-towners, unique dining experience, good wine, specialty cocktail menu, formal dining   Photo source: The Lively Facebook   The Owyhee Tavern  Deal: $6 drinks + select deals on small plates | Weekdays 3:00-6:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm  Perfect for: corporate happy hour, date night, small plates, cheap eats, girls night, impressing out-of-towners    Photo source: The Owyhee Tavern Website

View more

Hot Springs in Idaho

7 Best Idaho Hot Springs Near Boise   Winters can be a time to hole up indoors and avoid outdoor activities altogether, but not for Idahoans. One of Idaho’s signature outdoor winter activities is soaking in hot springs, and lucky for Boiseans, there are dozens within a 3-hour drive or less of Boise (and most of them are free!). Take a look at our list of the Top 7 Best Idaho Hot Springs Near Boise for your next winter adventure.    1) Pine Flats Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: Wandering Van Creative Blink and you’d miss it, these hot springs are nestled into the hillside between the Banks/Lowman Highway and South Fork of the Payette River. The 0.6 mile out & back trail from the parking area is regularly trafficked, and best experienced in the early morning. Various pools dotted along the rocky hillside have different degrees of warmth, and the cold river is a nice reprieve. Keep climbing around the rocky terrain and you might find yourself under a remarkable waterfall and geothermal pool with picturesque views of the river. Cost: Free Amenities: Campground nearby Drivetime from Boise: 1 hour 32 minutes   2) Bonneville Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: Jenn Jackson Bonneville Hot Springs are a sweet treasure in the gorgeous mountain scenery of the Boise National Forest just outside of Lowman. Situated along the Warm Springs Creek and surrounded by blissful mountain tops, you’ll find the 0.25 mile (mostly flat) trail to be a leisurely walk from the parking lot. A charming rustic bath house sits atop a grassy knoll where the warm water begins its descent towards the creek, but don’t be fooled, this tub is a scorcher. The pools down below have been reconfigured using river rock for optimal cold/hot water flow, but are fairly established. Take this experience to the next level and bring your headlamps for a night soak. There is nothing like soaking beneath a blanket of stars in Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve. Cost: $5 fee for parking  Amenities: Campground nearby Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 9 minutes   3) Kirkham Hot Springs in Lowman Photo: ultimatehotspringsguide.com Likely the most popular hot springs on this list is Kirkham. These springs flow into the South Fork of the Payette River just outside of Lowman and are a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. The pools are spacious for big groups and the trail is a 0.2 mile stroll from the parking area. Established stairs lead down to the pools and steaming waterfalls for easier access. Cost: $5 fee for day use Amenities: Vault toilets Drivetime from Boise: 1 hour 45 minutes   4) Boat Box Hot Springs in Stanley Photo: redfishlake.com One of the more unique destinations for a soak is riverside along the Salmon River just outside of Idaho’s pride and joy, Stanley. The highlight of these springs is the above ground wooden tub, fitting 3-4 people. The water in the tub is scalding, so in true Idaho fashion, there is a bucket around to add cold river water in for the perfect temperature. Due to the small size of the parking area and tub itself, this one is best experienced on a shoulder season to avoid crowding. Cost: Free Amenities: N/A Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 44 minutes 5) Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley Photo: mountainvillage.com If you do a search on Stanley, Idaho, chances are you’ve seen a picture of this spring. Imagine a rustic log building with a soaking pool inside, and double doors opening to an iconic view of the Sawtooth Mountains. Located a short walk from the lodge, guests can enjoy their own private soaking sanctuary. This spring is well-maintained and temperature-regulated for optimal comfort. It’s in high demand, and for good reason. Book your stay and make sure to reserve your time in this heavenly slice of the Sawtooths.  Cost: Complimentary for lodge guests. Reservation only. Amenities: Covered spring, lodging nearby Drivetime from Boise: 2 hours 44 minutes   6) The Springs in Idaho City Photo: thisisboise.com The Springs is an established resort featuring a massive communal hot pool and private tubs centered in rolling mountains and dense pines. We recommend this experience for those who are looking for a more luxurious hot spring experience very close to Boise. The communal pool is perfectly warm for all soakers and has a beautiful building with bathrooms.The private tubs are wonderful for romantic dates with poolside food service available.  Cost: $20-$50 timed soak. Reservation only. Amenities: Large public pool. Private tubs with food service. Bathrooms. Drivetime from Boise: 53 minutes   7) Burgdorf Hot Springs and Resort in McCall Photo: visitidaho.org Another popular destination for the adventurous, Burgdorf Hot Springs is only accessible by snowmobile between November-April due to high snow conditions. The resort consists of multiple log-lined pools with graveled bottoms and lodging for overnight stays. This well-maintained and established location is quite busy, so reservations are required. Come for the rustic ambiance, and stay for the remarkable scenery. Cost: $15-20 timed soak. Reservation only. Amenities: Communal pools. Lodging nearby. Drivetime from Boise: 3 hours 6 minutes

View more

6 Events in Boise & Beyond November 17th - 19th

Credit: Pexels 6 Events in Boise & Beyond   1. Winter Wonderland Opening Weekend Where: Indian Creek Plaza When: Friday - Sunday Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Winter Beer Fest Where: Lost Grove Brewing Co. When: Saturday, November 18 Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Wintry Market Where: Boise Centre When: Friday & Saturday Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Paint with Penguins at the Zoo Where: Zoo Boise When: Sunday, November 19 EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Lincoln’s Words Today Where: Idaho State Archives When: Saturday, November 18 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   6. Canyon County Christmas Show 2023 Where: Ford Idaho Center When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE  

View more