Six Unique Date Night Ideas to Do in Boise

(Photo by: Franciele Cunha) As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples are looking for fun date night ideas that are outside the typical dinner and a movie. After the past few years, folks are eager to get out and try something new. Luckily, Boise offers many options for any couple and family to enjoy time to connect with one another.   1. For the Kids at Heart: Roller Skating Nothing calls your inner child like putting on a pair of roller skates. This throwback activity is sure to bring your heart rate up and let your playful side out. With buzzing tunes from their live DJs, this activity will bring great energy to your date night and plenty of nostalgia. We envision romantic hand-holding as you glide across the rink… or maybe smiles galore as you fall for (or over) each other again. Where: Treasure Valley Skate in Boise or The Rollerdrome in Nampa Why: family-friendly, active, nostalgic   2. For the Outdoorsy: Honey Hike (Photo by: Cody Black) Hear us out on this one, date days can be just as fun as date nights. That’s why we recommend heading towards the hills for those that seek open air and beautiful views as an alternative to the traditional date night. With miles of trails ranging in difficulty, there are plenty of options for a leisurely nature walk or a heart-pumping climb. The fresh air and scenery will help you connect with your loved one, and give you the privacy to have great conversation while getting your heart fluttering. Take a moment to savor the view, the romance, and share a snack! Try the Camel’s Back Loop and enjoy a tasty local treat at Certified or replenish at the 13th Street Pub and Grill in Hyde Park afterwards. Where: Ridge-to-Rivers Trail System Why: family-friendly, active, beautiful scenery   3. For the Adventurous: Axe Throwing (Photo by: Base Camp Pong & Axe, Boise) Whether this is your first date or your 40th, this date night will definitely be an exciting one! Strengthen your bond with just a hint of friendly competition as you try to hit the bullseye. For a full-service experience, Base Camp Pong & Axe is a gastropub offering food and crafted drinks. This novel date night idea will test your aim and help you zero in on one another.  Where: Section 37 Axe Room in South Boise, Caldwell, and Garden City or Base Camp Pong & Axe in Downtown Boise Why: active, exciting, adult-friendly, novel   4. For the Homebodies: Sweetheart Staycation Sometimes the most romantic getaways aren’t exactly that far from home. Explore the city from a new perspective as ‘tourists’ and book a room in any one of Boise’s top-rated hotels or even a whole Airbnb for an immersed experience. A new environment alongside the excitement of playing tourist will help you unwind and turn to one another with fresh eyes. After a night out, snuggle into an oversized bed that you won't have to make in the morning. Where: Modern Hotel & Bar, Hotel 43, Franklin House Why: low-key, romantic, stress-free   5. For the Artsy: Cooking or Art Classes (Photo by: Wine & Design Boise) Add a little spice to your relationship in a literal way by taking a cooking class together, or channel your inner Picasso’s by making art. With the creative juices flowing, you’ll rediscover one another on a different level and learn a new skill too. There are a variety of classes to take, from painting to glass blowing, to shake things up from the typical date night.  Where: Season + Taste, Wine & Design, Boise Art Glass, Ceramica    Why: creative, family-friendly, novel   6. For the Gamers: All About Games For those couples who share a love for nerdy things, this is your one-stop shop for board games, card games, role-playing, supplies, and more. Depending on the day you visit, you could participate in a group tournament or a leisurely board game (they have a calendar on the front page of their website). No matter your interest level, there's sure to be something here for everyone to enjoy at the store, or to take home later. Where: All About Games Why: adult-friendly, fun, nostalgic

View more

Winter Activities to Do in and Around Boise

Winter in Boise is a magical time. Pillowy snow-capped mountains are a picturesque sight behind the downtown skyline. Even with colder temperatures, Boise’s dormant season is anything but still. Half of Idaho’s outdoor recreation happens when the snow falls, drawing in thousands of visitors and locals to prized ski resorts like Sun Valley and ones closer to home like Bogus Basin for winter sports. Whether you’re already living in the area and looking for something new to try or planning a trip to Boise, there are many activities to enjoy alone or with the whole family. Outdoor Activities: Ski Resorts - Idaho has a long history with skiing, as one of its resorts is world-famous for having the first chairlift in 1936. Boise is conveniently positioned with multiple ski resorts located within a 3 hour drive, including the local resort, Bogus Basin.  (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho): Less than 45 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, winter tubing, snowshoe trails, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, convenient up and down access for quick day trips Average snowfall: 200” plus snowmaking on site Website Sun Valley (Ketchum, Idaho): About 3 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 196” plus snowmaking on site Website Tamarack (Donnelly, Idaho): About 2 hours 14 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, charming village atmosphere Average snowfall: 300”  Website Brundage: About 2.5 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 320” Website   Ice Fishing - The bold are aptly rewarded with a bounty when brave (and prepared) enough to go ice fishing. With several large lakes and reservoirs surrounding the area, there is plenty of opportunity to cast a line and reel them in. Lake Cascade Horsethief Resevoir    Sledding - Boise averages 20” of snowfall per year. Not a lot, but enough to have fun. Here are a few spots that locals go to for sledding on big snow days. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Simplot’s Hill Camel’s Back Park Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve Bogus Basin Resort tubing hill ($) Eagle Island State Park tubing hill ($) Steamboat Gulch near Idaho City ($)   Hiking/Snowshoeing/Fat Tire Mountain Biking - The Boise foothills offer hundreds of acres of unspoiled land with maintained trails in the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system that are used year round. These trails meander through gulches, ridges, and right next to the downtown core for a beautiful perspective of the area in winter. Know before you go, check trail conditions on the Ridge-to-Rivers Facebook page for daily updates. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson)     Boise Greenbelt: The 25-mile paved pedestrian/bike trail along both sides of the Boise River is shoveled and de-iced during the winter months for year-round use. The bare trees allow for better views of the river and with less overall traffic, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a calm and peaceful sunny winter day stroll.   McCall Winter Carnival: A beloved tradition, this multi-day carnival draws in thousands of people to McCall, a small mountain town about 2.5 hours from Boise. Featuring world-famous ice sculptures, the carnival also includes parades, dog sled racing, pancake breakfasts, live music, wine dinners, and more. Dates: January 27-February 5 Website   Take a Dip in Hot Springs: There’s nothing quite like soaking in a warm pool of geothermal water on a chilly winter day. Idaho is home to dozens of natural and man-made hot springs in beautiful mountain settings. Some are an easy drive and park, while a few of the best ones require a little work for the reward. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Man-Made Pools The Springs Resort in Idaho City ($) Large man-made geothermal pools with reservable private pools. Better to book ahead of time as this is a popular spot for locals. Burgdorf Resort in McCall ($) Another popular getaway for locals in the Treasure Valley, this majestic and rustic resort has man-made geothermal pools and is only accessible by snowmobile in the winter months. Boatbox Hot Springs in Stanley A quintessential “Idaho” experience, this spring is just an above-ground tub nestled along the Salmon River that has a little bucket to add in cold river water to temper the piping hot water.  Natural Hot Springs Pine Flats near Garden Valley ($) Various pools are scattered along a rocky hillside overlooking the Payette River. Keep exploring and you’ll find an incredible pool with a waterfall. It’s like a warm outdoor shower. Kirkham in Lowman ($) One of the closest hot springs to Boise, this area is very popular and can get busy in peak months. Early fall and winter are great times to enjoy these springs without the crowds. Bonneville in Lowman ($) Various pools are situated where hot natural spring water flows into the Warm Springs creek, creating a unique hot/cool sensation. These pools are a short and relatively flat hike from the parking lot. Stay at the campground overnight and bring a headlamp, it's another world soaking in the springs underneath a canopy of stars. This area is next to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is mitigated offering an extraordinarily clear sky to view the cosmos. Goldbug near Salmon  These steamy pools are an epic reward after hiking 2-miles and up 1,350 feet. The trek may be difficult, but the views are easy to enjoy. Overlooking rolling hills and massive rock cliffs, these pools are one of Idaho’s most treasured (and Instagrammable) spots. See our favorites here!   See Christmas Light Displays: The holidays are just around the corner and many neighborhoods come alive after dark with vibrant colors and light.  Check out a handy map of the area’s best displays here Idaho Botanical Garden Winter Garden Aglow     Indoor Activities: Go to a Steelheads Hockey Game: Boise is home to the Idaho Steelheads, a semi-pro hockey team that hits the rink at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in the Grove. Fun for the whole family, games are full of energy with many traditions to partake in (including flying fish!). Get tickets here.   Visit a Museum: There are several museums that tell the story of Idaho’s History, display fine arts, and even let you play scientist and get a little messy. Here’s a list of Boise and nearby places to learn a thing or two while getting out of the cold. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Boise Art Museum Idaho State Museum Discovery Center of Idaho Warhawk Air Museum Boise Train Depot Museum of Mining and Geology Children’s Museum of Idaho   Go to the Aquarium: It may be smaller than other big city waterworlds, but packs a big punch. The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and unexpectedly rich experience with touch pools, birds, and reptiles. Website   Shop at a Holiday Market: Various pop-up holiday markets throughout town offer unique and beautiful gifts for those on your shopping list that support local merchants and craft makers.  Wintry Market (November 18-19) Merry Makers Market (November 27-December 23) El Korah Holiday Show (November 19-20) Eagle Holiday Bazaar (November 5-6) Canyon County Christmas Show (November 18-20) Boise Christmas Show (December 1-4)   Pop Up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse: Nothing beats the winter blues like a little (or a lot) of greenery. Located in Boise’s North End, Edward’s Greenhouse hosts indoor pop-up parks and yoga in their greenhouses for families to enjoy an indoor warm park-like atmosphere in the colder winter months. Website    Go to a Boise State Basketball Game: Boise State Athletics are not just about football. The men’s basketball team has a winning record in the Mountain West Conference and take the court at Extramile Arena.  Get tickets here   Watch the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center: A Christmas pastime, the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center is an elegant display of artistry and wonder. A great activity that is full of the holiday spirit and magic. Buy tickets here   Watch a Classic Movie at the Egyptian Theater:  One of Boise’s most cherished landmarks, the Egyptian Theater sits at the heart of downtown a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building. Established in 1927, the theater is a warm, welcoming, and beautifully restored space to enjoy a calm evening out of the elements. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Movie Schedule   Want more information on life in Boise? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Guide!

View more

Neighborhood Spotlight: East Boise

  At the crossroads of the Boise River, Greenbelt, and foothills recreation… East Boise provides an integrated lifestyle that is rich in outdoor activities and area amenities. Two distinct areas stem off of the river, NE and SE Boise. Each offers their own unique appeal and attractions and neighborhoods that we’ll go over below. NE Boise   This area is positioned between the foothills and river, just east of downtown. Cherished for its proximity to the Greenbelt, hiking/biking trails, and access to the city's best restaurants and shopping, NE Boise has a wonderful mix of residences from view properties to historic homes. Popular neighborhoods include the East End/Warm Springs Avenue, NE Boise Foothills, and Barber Valley.    The East End/Warm Springs Avenue: The East End is situated at the base of the foothills and adjacent to the downtown core. This quaint and flat neighborhood is distinctly covered in old-growth trees and dotted with amazing architecture, dating back to the early pioneer days when this area was just fields of wildland. Warm Springs Avenue is an arterial connection from downtown to the most eastern parts of Boise, and features the city’s most notable estates, including a castle! A unique feature of this area is the use of geothermal heating in some of the residences, offering efficient and low cost heating/water to homeowners. In this neighborhood, you’ll find a lot of history not just in the houses and mature landscape, but in the establishments spotted within, including the beloved Roosevelt Market, the Natatorium, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, the Idaho Botanical Garden, and Roosevelt Elementary.  East End Properties for Sale Foothills: Meandering up the hills from the East End are communities like Foothills East, Candleridge, and Table Rock that all take advantage of how close the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system is. Homes date in the 70’s and 80’s and gradually modernize the further up the hills you go. Most often described as ‘tree-house’ like, these residences and neighborhoods are connected to the rolling setting and typically include walk-out basements and ample windows to take in the elevated vistas. The views from these neighborhoods are nothing short of extraordinary, spanning from the Table Rock landmark, over the valley, and beyond to the downtown skyline. Close access to the Military Reserve/Fort Boise recreation area provides residents a bike park, dog park, archery range, and miles of trails… literally out of some of their backyards. Further down Warm Springs Avenue on the other side of Table Rock, communities like El Paseo, Boulder Point, and the Warm Springs Mesa are poised above the river. This plateau neighborhood has a fine mix of older homes and brand new modern construction, and all enjoy the solitude of the open space and less-frequented trails there. NE Boise Foothills Properties for Sale Barber Valley/Harris Ranch: One of Boise’s largest planned developments, Barber Valley provides a niche lifestyle formed around community. What the area lacks in yard size, makes up for in convenience to outdoor recreation. This area has awesome access to the Greenbelt, Barber Park, and trails for endless opportunities to get out and enjoy Boise’s mild weather. Harris Ranch is composed of several different micro-subdivisions that each offer something for everyone, including low-maintenance townhomes, larger estate lots, and view homes above it all in Harris North. Most of these provide community amenities including pools. A neighborhood hub off of Eckert Road has a convenience station/gas, a coffee bar, restaurants, and local businesses. Nearby attractions include the Idaho Shakespeare Festival (an open-air amphitheater), Riverstone International School (private), and Lucky Peak Reservoir for boating.   Barber Valley Properties for Sale SE Boise   The serene area of SE Boise is blanketed by lush tree cover from the fertile soil around the river. Located south of the Boise River and spanning from Boise State University to the I-84 and Hwy-21, this expansive area is home to some of Boise’s most prized residential pockets and affordable opportunities within moments to downtown. SE Boise Properties for Sale River Run: Nestled along the banks of the Boise River, this long-standing and sought-after community takes in waterfront living in a relaxed and tranquil setting. Luxury condominiums blur into beautiful single-family homes (most are single level) as you wander the various pathways set along slow creeks throughout this area. A series of gated communities host Boise’s premier riverfront homes, where architectural integrity is honored in the finest of building materials and opulent amenities. A graveled pedestrian-only trail follows along the river, offering a leisurely stroll through a scenic and dense landscape of greenery, wildlife, and the river. Bown Crossing: Like a town within a town, Bown Crossing is a picturesque thoroughfare lined with businesses and restaurants located in the heart of SE Boise. This epicenter includes Riverside Elementary School, a public library, a St. Al’s urgent care clinic, and long-time dining favorites including The Tavern and Boise Fry Company. A candy shop has taken residence in Bown Crossing for years, although changed in ownership and name (now Cravin’s Candy Emporium), the experience of an old-fashioned candy store remains. The surrounding residential areas include townhomes for the carefree and large single-family homes with plenty of yard space for play.  Lakewood: This area offers quiet suburban living just outside the bustle of the city, yet is less than 15 minutes to downtown entertainment and close to freeway access for commuting. It may be simple in terms of attractions, but there is a dreamy stillness to the neighborhood that draws in folks of all ages. Dozens of cul-de-sacs and easygoing roads are lined by established homesites, making this area feel hidden and private. Plentiful schools, parks, and nearby shopping centers provide convenience for everyday routines.  South Village/Boise State University: Set adjacent to the campus and spreading south and east just a little ways past Broadway Avenue, various multi-family residences, apartment buildings, and darling single-family homes make up the South Village neighborhood. Due to the proximity to the university, the area is heavily utilized for student housing, making it prime for investment. South Village Properties For Sale   Want to learn more about Boise's neighborhoods? Click here to explore other neighborhoods and download our comprehensive guide!

View more