Best Places for Fall Foliage

Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho As summer gives way to crisp autumn air, Idaho landscapes slowly transform into breathtaking masterpieces of vibrant colors. From forests cut through by rivers to serene lakeshores, this list promises stunning vistas of fall foliage at both day trip and weekend trip distances from Boise!   Eagle Island State Park Located in Eagle, this state park has 545 acres of space around the Boise River. This park contains plenty of mature trees and native shrubs that boast stunning fall colors as temperatures change. Over 5 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails are available for park goers. There is also a disc golf course and a zipline course! Admission is $7 per car.  Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho   Three Island Crossing State Park (Glenns Ferry) An hour's drive from Boise sits this gorgeous and historic state park. Plenty of deciduous trees and shrubs are located here, making this trip worth the time for fall foliage. This site is where 19th-century Oregon trail pioneers crossed the Snake River, and you can learn more about these brave pioneers, early settlers, and Native Americans at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center within the park. Self-guided tours are offered and you can expect a parking fee.  Photo courtesy of Three Island Crossing State Park on Facebook   Ponderosa State Park (McCall) Located two hours outside of Boise in McCall, Ponderosa State Park features trees exploding in fall colors alongside Payette Lake. These views are unbeatable, and this park offers plenty of opportunities to soak it in with hiking, biking, and horseback trails. Overnight accommodations are offered within this park, including campsites and deluxe lakeside cabins. Head to this state park for the weekend or even just the day to experience this beautiful fall foliage! Photo courtesy of Unsplash   Payette River Scenic Byway This route begins in Eagle and follows the Payette River as it winds through the Boise and Payette National Forests. These forests are full of trees changing color alongside the river, giving your car a front-row seat to this stunning display of nature. This byway ends up in McCall, so combine it with Ponderosa State Park for an amazing fall road trip. Photo courtesy of Unsplash   Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway This byway follows the South Fork of the Payette River from Banks to Lowman and eventually meets up with the Payette River Scenic Byway. The Payette River is favored by outdoor enthusiasts for its world-class rafting, so stop at a pull-out and watch the kayakers and rafters battle the white water. The fall foliage on this route is remarkable and a must-see! Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - September 20th - 22nd

Photo credit to payettebrewing.com   5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Payette Brewing Oktoberfest Where: 733 S Pioneer Street When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Boise Scottish Heritage Festival Where: Expo Idaho When: Friday & Saturday Time: Times Vary  EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Sip Idaho Boise 2024 Where: Riverside Hotel When: Saturday & Sunday Time: Times Vary  EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Potato Days Where: Kleiner Memorial Park When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Idaho Gourd Festival Where: Franz Witte Garden Center When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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How to Make Friends in Boise

Photo credit to Unsplash Just moved to Boise and looking to make friends? Luckily, Boise is one of the friendliest places on earth. People are drawn to Boise for its neighborly feel, where folks will wave hello as they pass, making you feel at home and find meaningful connections. Here are some ways to meet like-minded people and build community in Boise and beyond!   Social Groups:Photo credit to Adobe Stock Idaho Adventure Women. This group is a community of adventurous women who share a love for nature, self-love, and genuine connections. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or new to adventure, this group is your space to share experiences, seek advice, and connect with like-minded ladies. They host outdoor trips, post tips, and most importantly, create community. You can join their Facebook group here. Cycling Groups. There is a wide variety of cycling groups in Boise, from clubs for experienced riders looking to push themselves to group rides for any level. Check out this site for info on a few popular cycling clubs.  Walking/Hiking Groups. With the beautiful foothills and Greenbelt, there is no shortage of great walking and hiking trails in Boise. There are a few different groups that are focused on hiking and walking, such as the Idaho Hiking Club. Run Clubs. If you are a runner, one of the many Boise running groups is a great way to get out and meet fellow runners. This site has a list of the run groups in Boise, with something for everyone.   Downtown Nightlife: Photo credit to Adobe Stock Downtown Boise comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene on evenings and the weekends and is a great place to meet people. From unique cocktail lounges like The Mode Lounge, to breweries like Barbarian, to lively bars such as Humpin’ Hannah’s, there's no shortage of places to embrace a night on the town. The streets of 6th and Main Street are lined with a variety of different bars, and it's the perfect place to meet new people, sip on locally crafted drinks, and experience the heart of Boise’s social scene.   Trivia Nights:  Trivia nights are a great way to break the ice and connect with others. Local bars and breweries like Payette Brewing and Clairvoyant Brewing host trivia nights where teams are often formed on the spot, making it easy to join in the fun. The fun-focused, laid-back atmosphere encourages conversation and collaboration, helping you bond over shared knowledge (or hilarious wrong answers!). Check out this site for a list of the different trivia nights in Boise, and don’t be afraid to show up solo!   Community Events: Photo credit to Shutterstock Boise’s calendar is packed with events year round. From farmer’s markets and art walks to food festivals and live music at the iconic Treefort Music Fest, there’s always something happening. These events are perfect opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow attendees and meet people with similar interests. Check out this blog for a list of September events in Boise.   Volunteer: Photo credit to Adobe Stock One of the best ways to meet new people while giving back to the community is through volunteering. Boise has numerous nonprofits and organizations that rely on volunteers. Whether you're interested in helping out at a local animal shelter such as the Idaho Humane Society, participating in river cleanups, or contributing to community gardens, volunteering is a great way to meet people who are passionate about making a difference.

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