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

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Top Gyms in Boise and the Treasure Valley

Photo: Bruce Mars   Ready to kickstart your 2023 health goals but not sure which gym would be the best fit for your needs? We’ve compiled a list of the Top Gyms in Boise and the Treasure Valley that offer something for everyone. From convenience downtown to athletic training, there are many options to help you crush your goals this year. Best for Families: Treasure Valley YMCA (AKA The Y) Photo: Doug Petersen Photography   The Y is a Nonprofit organization that provides invaluable opportunities for many people. Their fitness facilities include pools, classes, and traditional gym spaces. What makes the Y a great option for families is the access for all age groups to the facilities and the programs they offer. These programs serve all in the community, including the underprivileged, by helping them lead stronger, healthier, and more enriched lives. These programs include after-school care, tutoring, and outdoor camps for youth enhancement. The best part? You can get a workout in while the kids have a swim lesson or participate in any of their after school programs or child care. Locations: There are multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Check their website for addresses. Website: https://www.ymcatvidaho.org Best Commercial Gym: Axiom Fitness Photo: axiomfitness.com   With multiple gyms across the Treasure Valley, Axiom Fitness (formerly Gold’s Gym) is one of the area’s leading fitness facilities providing a full scope of amenities. Their gyms are large in size, offering plenty of space for all types of physical activity and a wide array of classes (access included with membership). Most of their locations have pools as well. Locations: There are multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Check their website for addresses. Website: https://www.axiomfitness.com/ Best for Downtown Professionals: The Gym at Eighth & Main Photo: The Gym Eighth & Main   Are you part of the downtown Boise 9am-5pm crew that struggles to find time for the gym on top of a busy work schedule? The Gym is located on the corner of 8th and Main Street in the Zion’s Bank Building right in the heart of downtown. This convenient location makes it easy to squeeze in a workout, even on your lunch break! Their facility includes state-of-the-art locker rooms with eucalyptus steam rooms and showers for a quick refresh before heading to work. Location: 800 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 on the Second Floor. They have a second location in Star. Website: https://www.eighthandmaingym.com/ Best for Martial Arts & Self Defense Training: SBG Idaho Photo: Daniil Zanevskiy   Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts, boxing, and more! SBG Idaho is located on the corner of Americana and River Street in Boise and is the perfect gym for those that want to tap into self-defense, combat athletics and overall fitness! They offer children's programs from age 3+. Location: 1522 W River St, Boise, ID 83702 Website: https://sbgidaho.com/ Best for Athletic Training: Jack City Fitness Photo: jackcityfitness.com   Jack City Fitness is all about “building a better, stronger version of yourself.” No matter what your daily schedule consists of, Jack City Fitness focuses on fitness for anyone AND everyone to help individuals reach their body’s healthiest form. Check out the link below to view their fitness classes and personal training options. They are also open 24 hours. Location: 21 N Allumbaugh St, Boise, ID 83704 Website: https://jackcityfitness.com/ Best for CrossFit Training: Verdant CrossFit Photo: Alonso Reyes   If your goal for 2023 is to try high intensity interval training, this may be the place for you! Verdant specializes in CrossFit training, offering a large variety of simple body weight and free weight movements and advanced Olympic-style barbell lifting. Verdant is located in two different locations, one in downtown Boise, and the other in Star.  Location: 528 S Americana Blvd, Boise, ID 83702. Second location in Star. Website: https://verdantfit.com/ Best for Affordability & 24/7 Access: Idaho Fitness Factory Photo: idahofitnessfactory.com   Locally owned and operated, Idaho Fitness Factory provides plans as little as $20/month for unlimited access to their 24/7 gyms. There are 8 facilities throughout the Treasure Valley, making this one of the most affordable and accessible gym options. Location: There are 8 locations in the Treasure Valley. See website for addresses. Website: https://www.idahofitnessfactory.com/ Best for Staying Fit at Any Age: Fit Over 50 Fitness Photo: Sincerely Media   Locally owned and operated in downtown Eagle, Fit Over 50 Fitness is passionate about being fit and functional.. no matter what age you are! Fit Over 50 Fitness welcomes those of any age, and specifically specializes in a variety of group training and personal training sessions for individuals over the age of 50.  Location: 395 W State St Suite B, Eagle, ID 83616 Website: https://www.fitover50fitness.com/   Best for Outdoor Exercise: Ridge-to-Rivers Trails & The Boise River Greenbelt Photo: Doug Petersen Photography If you ask us, these two are the best gym options in town. Boise is one of the healthiest places to live because of our foothills and Greenbelt, giving locals and tourists plenty of opportunity to get fresh air and exercise year round. Hikers and bikers will love the miles and miles of groomed trails wandering through the hills. The ups and downs will get your heart rate up, and the views are simply spectacular. For a leisurely stroll or bike ride, 25-miles of paved path along the Boise River is available all year. It's the best place to enjoy the changing foliage throughout the seasons and a friendly wave to passersby.

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5 Restaurants in the Boise Area Open for Thanksgiving

  Barbacoa  Fine dine with the family this Thanksgiving at the infamous Barbacoa Grill. Check out details on their website here.   Kona Grill Wine and dine this Thanksgiving at the Village at Meridian's Kona Grill. Book your reservation here today!   Cracker Barrel  Feeling a little more casual? Cracker Barrel is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner starting at 11 a.m. To-Go orders are also optional for those that want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of their own home. View details on their website here.   Owyhee Tavern  This lively restaurant in the heart of downtown Boise is offering a delicious 3-course meal this Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out details on their Facebook page here.   The Ram The Ram is offering a 3-course meal this Thanksgiving for the whole family to enjoy! Check out details on their website here.        

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