7 Fall Activities To Do in Boise

Fall in Boise is one of the most spectacular sights. The verdant landscape of the City of Trees is painted in vibrant red, yellow, and orange and the weather is just perfect, meaning you can wear a cozy sweater and river sandals at the same time. Here’s a list of ideas to enjoy our beautiful autumnal season. (Photo by: Jake Melara: Unsplash) Take a Hike at Bogus Basin Located just a quick 35-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Recreation Area spans acres along the mountain range above the city. Most famous as the local ski resort, Bogus has many non-snow activities from the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, and hiking that keep us heading up the hill year round. The rolling foothills turn to dense trees and the foliage within the forests are a blaze in beautiful color. Gorgeous wildflowers, including Indian Paintbrush, are alive during this time of year providing great photo opportunities. The crisp air is perfect for longer day hikes traversing the landscape that will become covered in powdery white snow as ski season approaches. Stop in one of the lodges for a bite to eat and hot toddy to seal this epic day adventure. If all the coloring and nice weather wasn’t enough, the views are the cherry on top overlooking the Treasure Valley and neighboring mountain ranges (including the Sawtooths!).   Bogus Basin Recreation Area Head north on Bogus Basin Rd to end.     (Photo by: Caleb jones: Unsplash) Go for a Drive to See Fall Colors The variety of terrain surrounding Boise presents many opportunities to enjoy nature’s seasonal showcase of color. Head north up Highway 55 or Highway 21 towards the mountains for scenic drives where the evergreens are accented by bright yellow aspen groves and fiery shrubbery. The colors along the Payette River topped with an indigo blue sky make for a visual delight that you can’t forget. If you’re short on time and looking for a quicker drive, head up Table Rock Road in NE Boise to see the city glow in a sea of autumn colors from under the iconic Table Rock cross.   Closer to home: Table Rock Road Highway 21 to Idaho City   Try this loop: Highway 21 to Lowman/Stanley and back down Highway 75 through Sun Valley   (Photo by: Michael Payne: Unsplash) For the Whole Family: Boo at the Zoo Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park hosts a family-friendly Halloween event for all ages to dress up in their costumes, collect treats, and tour the zoo. There are trick or treat stations, costume contests, vendors, photo ops, face painting, special Halloween themed treats for the zoo animals, and much more fun.    Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th: 10am - 5pm   Zoo Boise: 355 Julia Davis Dr Boise, ID 83702 United States   Cost:  General (ages 12 – 61) – $12 Senior (ages 62+) – $9 Kids (ages 3 – 11) – $9 Children 2 and under – Free Zoo Members – Free   Website   (Photo by: Marius Ciocirlan: Unsplash) Check Out a Local Pumpkin Patch Idaho has deep roots in agriculture and plenty of locally-owned family farms that host their own version of a fall festival. From smaller pop ups like Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch to big operations like Lowes Family Farmstead, there is a place to enjoy harvest season by picking your own pumpkins, hay-barrel rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more.    Smaller/Less Crowded: Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lot (Boise) Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens (Kuna) (also great for apple picking!)   Larger/More Activities: Lowes Family Farmstead (Boise) Cherry Hill Farms (Caldwell)   View a full list of Idaho Preferred Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes   For the Fearless: Take a Tour at the Old Penitentiary Spooky season is upon us and that means taking on the adventure of investigating Boise’s scariest and most haunted places. The first stop on that list should be the Old Idaho Penitentiary, rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity (although there are no firm conclusions). Self-guided tours are available daily during normal admission hours until 5pm, and staff-guided tours are available on occasion for an additional $2 fee.   2445 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, ID 83712    Cost: Regular admission is $8 for adults (ages 13+) $6 for seniors (ages 60+) and $5 for children (ages 6-12) Children under age 6 are eligible for free admission   Watch a Boise State Football Game In the fall, Boise has a spirited college town feel, home to Boise State University and its iconic blue turf stadium. Located near downtown along the Boise River, Albertson’s Stadium has one of the best views of Boise in the upper stadium where the downtown skyline and foothills can be seen. The roar of the crowds (Albertson’s Stadium named to be one of the loudest in college football), cool but sunny weather, and sea of blue and orange make up the distinctive experience of a Boise State football game. Of course, no Bronco game would be complete without a sighting of the infamous Elvis’s at the South End Zone and the inaugural ride of “Blue” leading the team onto the famous smurf turf.   Albertson’s Stadium 1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706   Get Tickets Here   (Photo by: Matthew Rumph: Unsplash) Pick Apples at a Local Orchard Round out the fall season with this simple yet wonderful family activity. Many u-pick farms are dotted around the Treasure Valley and the majority are in Emmett (about a 50-minute drive from Boise). Rows of perfectly set trees dotted by reds and yellows make a great backdrop for photo ops. The fun doesn’t stop once the apples are picked! Enjoy the moments of making fresh fruit pies, jam, and cider together right in the comfort of home. Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh baked apples and cinnamon this time of year?     Candy Apple Orchard Williams Fruit Ranch Tylers Rocky Point Orchard

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5 Fun Staycation activities to do over Labor Day Weekend (Idaho Edition):

With Labor Day just around the corner, many people in the area take advantage of the 3-day weekend to skip town and enjoy the last bits of summer before the cooler weather sets in. Luckily for those who are staying in town for the holiday weekend, there are still plenty of fun activities to do in and around Boise (and with less crowds)! Here are 5 of our favorite staycation ideas to do over Labor Day Weekend that are family-friendly and totally Boise.   Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Since June of 1991, the Spirit of Boise Classic has been one of the largest events in the city of Boise. During the last week of August through the first week of September, the downtown skyline is dotted with vibrant hot air balloons. This event is hosted annually at Ann Morrison Park and is one of the most popular events of the year for locals and tourists. Website:https://spiritofboise.com/ When: Wednesday, August 31st - Sunday, September 4th Time: 7:15am (ish) - 9:00am (ish) Where: Ann Morrison Park   Float the Boise River If you haven’t had the chance to float the infamous Boise River, Monday, September 5th is the final day of the season until summer 2023. With weekend temperatures predicting to hit the 100’s, this would be a prime activity to stay cool. Starting at Barber Park, floating  typically takes 2-3 hours, with multiple sandy beach areas to stop and have a picnic or relax along the river bank. Bordered by tall trees and greenery, this relaxing float is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends during these last few weeks of summer. Website: https://boiseriverraftandtube.com/ Where: Barber Park   Franz Witte Labor Day Festival If you love live music, food, and plants,then the Franz Witte Labor Day Festival is a must-do on your Labor Day staycation. Swing by their Nampa location and check out the amazing deals they have on flowers and greenery during their Annual Fall Sale! While you're shopping, enjoy local live music including Ashley Rose Music and Dan Costello. Shopping can work up an appetite, so there will be food trucks such as Crisp and Tin Box Coffee available while you shop. Check out their website for more information. Website:https://www.franzwitte.com/festivals/labor-day-festival When: Thursday, September 1st - Monday, September 5th Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm Where: 20005 11th Ave N. Nampa, ID   Take a Leisure Ride on the Greenbelt There’s something about the shaded (and cooler) air along the 25-mile Greenbelt that is a quintessential Boise experience. This paved path runs parallel with the Boise River, allowing easy access to take a dip to cool off or enjoy a picnic at any of the beautiful Crown Jewel Parks (named after notable Boise women) such as Ann Morrison Park, Esther Simplot Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, and Julia Davis Park! These large city parks provide an abundance of green areas to relax and play in.   Hermit Music Festival The Hermit Music Festival hosted at Indian Creek Winery in Kuna is celebrating its 8th anniversary this year. Not only will there be beer, wine, food and vendors for the adults, but kids’ activities will be available as well. Want to take part in the festival from Saturday to Sunday? The Hermit Music Festival is offering limited camping spaces to stay overnight and take advantage of this two-day family fun festival. Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hermit-music-festival-2022-tickets-352805840767 When: Saturday, September 3rd-Sunday, September 4th Time: 12:00pm - 10:00pm Where: Indian Creek Winery

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Restaurant Spotlight: Coa De Jima

Coa De Jima (ko-uh-de-hee-ma) is a breakthrough restaurant elevating the luxury dining scene in Boise. Owned and managed by the Castoro family of the famed Barbacoa restaurant, Coa De Jima is an innovative culinary experience of Latin culture, food, and art. Reviews across the internet confirm that this is must-try for anyone looking for something different to try.   The Ambience: Located in the historic block of downtown, the exterior design is similar to the other buildings around the block. As you get closer to entering, you’ll notice the finely curated details that give Coa De Jima its distinctive look. Inside, you’re transported to a place full of exotic wonder, artistry, and sultry decadence. Dark wood and exposed brick are paired with remarkable details; including 18th Century antiques, oil paintings, and custom fabricated furniture all hand-selected and some even painted by Martine Castoro. The signature design piece of the entry dining room and bar is “Árbol De La Vida” , a striking tree sculpture by Delia Dante that evokes a macabre, yet whimsical allure.  The overall ambience is upscale with a rustic patina, but the eclectic design doesn't put their ideal customer in a box. The music is well-suited to the atmosphere, with a mixture of lounge and Latin songs. Staff are professional and knowledgeable, checking in routinely but not too often.   The Food and Drinks: Chef Enrique Martinez is an accomplished chef that has been with the Castoro family and their restaurants for 25 years. His innovative dishes at Coa De Jima bend the lines of traditional Latin cuisine, filled with flavor pairings that touch each area of the palate in perfect harmony. Dishes are presented beautifully on thick slabs of wood with interesting horseshoe handles. The cocktails are handcrafted at the bar with fresh ingredients and high-quality spirits. Coa De Jima is the tool used to extract agave, the key ingredient in Tequila, which you will find a wide selection of recurring throughout their signature cocktail menu.   Our Picks: The guacamole with tostaditas Handcrafted paloma cocktail Shrimp fajitas   Check out their menu here. Reservations are accepted, but not required. 615 W Main StBoise, ID 83702 (208) 519-1213

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