Driving in Idaho's Winter Conditions

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Signature Idaho's breathtaking landscapes transform into a winter wonderland during the colder months. However, with heavy snowfall and icy roads, the beauty of the season brings its own set of challenges, especially for drivers. Navigating these wintry conditions requires caution, preparation, and an understanding of crucial safety measures. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safer drive when facing heavy snow and ice in Idaho. 1. Prepare Before You Go Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by examining tire tread depth, battery health, brakes, lights, and fluids. Equip your car with winter essentials: an ice scraper, snow shovel, blankets, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks. Four-wheel or all-wheel (4x4 and AWD) vehicles are recommended in areas with dense weather patterns but are not required. With good tires and knowledge of how to drive in winter conditions, most commutes will be fine as long as the roads are prepared accordingly. Plan Your Route: Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Consider alternate routes and inform someone about your travel plans, especially if driving through remote areas. 2. Drive Cautiously Reduce Speed: Slow down! Driving at a reduced speed provides better control on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid skidding. Maintain Distance: Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances. It takes longer to stop on icy roads, so maintain a safe space between vehicles. Use Low Gears: When driving downhill, use a lower gear to reduce the risk of skidding. This can help maintain control of the vehicle without relying solely on brakes. 3. Practice Safe Maneuvers Brake Carefully: Apply brakes gently to avoid locking up the wheels. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal. Steer Smoothly: Make gradual steering movements to avoid sudden jerks or overcorrections, which can lead to loss of control on slippery roads. If you do slide, turn your wheel in the same direction as the slide to gain control and gently correct. Stay Vigilant: Pay attention to changing road conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are prone to ice formation, so be extra cautious in these areas. 4. Be Prepared for Emergencies Carry Emergency Supplies: Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and a charged cellphone. Consider carrying sand or kitty litter to improve traction if your vehicle gets stuck. Know What to Do if Stranded: If stranded, stay with your vehicle, as it provides shelter. Run the engine sparingly to conserve fuel and periodically check the exhaust pipe to ensure it's clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 5. Stay Informed and Updated Stay Connected: Listen to local radio stations for weather updates and road condition reports. Use smartphone apps or websites that provide real-time traffic and weather information. Respect Road Closures: If authorities advise against travel or roads are closed due to hazardous conditions, heed these warnings. Safety should always be the priority. Driving in heavy snow and icy conditions demands caution, preparation, and adaptability. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving in Idaho. Remember, it’s not just about reaching your destination—it’s about arriving safely. So, buckle up, stay vigilant, and enjoy the winter wonderland that Idaho offers while staying safe on the roads!  

View more

What You Need to Know About Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree in the Treasure Valley

Christmas time is here and we are filled with excitement to spend time with family and friends and honor long-standing traditions. One of those traditions is heading into the forests to cut your own Christmas tree. There is nothing like the smell of fresh pine, balsam, and wood filling your home with rustic holiday magic.  For those who have never had a real live tree for Christmas, it can be overwhelming figuring out where to get one, how to care for it, and when/where to dispose of it. So we've compiled this easy guide for you to partake in this local past-time like a pro!   Where to Go This is the fun "Pick Your Own Adventure" part! The Treasure Valley is bordered to the north by the Boise National Forest, providing 2,203,703 acres of protected land for outdoor recreational use, including tree cutting. If you're not the super outdoorsy type, there are several fresh tree lots in the area to pick from that offer a fun family-friendly experience.     Cut Your Own:   Christmas tree cutting is allowed in designated areas of the Boise National Forest with a permit. These permits are $10/tree and can be purchased online here or pick up at any of these local vendors.   Know before you go: Download the designated map here and bring a printed copy with you. Cell service is very limited and non-existent throughout many parts of the National Forest, so it is not recommended to rely on GPS.  Weather can be rough in the winter months and turn unexpectedly. Check weather reports before you go for any winter storm warnings.  What to bring: Prepare by dressing in layers and pack an emergency kit for your car. This kit should include warm blankets, water bottles, road flare, non-perishable snacks, flashlight, first-aid kid, shovel, road sand or cat litter (to help with traction in the event you're snuck in snow), and tow straps. See a full list of items here. An AWD or 4x4 vehicle is recommended to access snow-covered roads. The majority of forest where trees can be cut will be located off of forest service roads. These roads are typically gravel or dirt, and not plowed. Having a reliable vehicle with good snow tires or chains and higher clearance is recommended to maneuver through curvy and hilly mountain roads. Straps/rope to secure the tree to your car's rooftop. Place old blankets or towels underneath to protect the vehicle from scratches. Have the permit clearly visible and attached to the tree, or you might just get pulled over. Police patrol Hwy 21 and 55 for illegal tree cutting.  An axe/hatchet, handsaw, or chainsaw. Most trees will have a diameter less than 10". Utility gloves to handle the tree Just for fun: pack a lunch and a thermos full of hot chocolate   Christmas Tree Lots Around Boise   Pre-Cut Lots: Jordan's Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Lot in South Boise Wissel Farms in Nampa Meridian Optimist Chritsmas Tree Lot in Meridian Edwards Greenhouse in North Boise More Lots U-Cut Lots: The Pine Patch Chestnuts and Tree Farm Victory Christmas Tree Farm   What to Look for in a Tree According to the Farmer's Almanac, the top-selling Christmas trees, as reported by growers across the United States, are the Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white pine, and balsam fir, in that order. Nice green needles, with little browning. Run your hand over a branch pulling towards you; the needles should feel pliable and soft and stay put. Look for trees in shady areas. High sun and wind exposure areas cause a lot of damage to trees. Lot trees typically go through a rough (and sometimes interstate) transit and are exposed to wind and weather. To pick the best tree, look out for these: Select a reputable and local lot. Most department stores source their trees from larger farms out of state and won't have the freshest picks. Pick up the tree and drop it on its trunk. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree is not healthy.   How to Care for a Live Tree Have the tree lot make a fresh cut before departing the tree lot to remove built-up resin. Trim another 1" prior to setting it up at home. Place the bottom portion of the trunk in a bucket of water right when you get home. Store in a cool, sheltered area (like a garage) until you're ready to set up. Once you're ready to set up, secure the tree in a sturdy stand that can hold at least a gallon of water. Check the water level daily. The bottom 2" of the trunk should be submerged in water at all times. Don't add any minerals or plant food to the water. Keep the tree away from direct heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and air registers. The heat and excess air will dry the tree out faster. Once a tree begins to dry out, the needles will start to fall out in large quantities. To avoid the mess, take your tree down before it dries out. When and Where to Dispose of a Live Tree Take down the tree before it starts to dry out. Most live trees can stay fresh for about 5 weeks after being cut.  The City of Boise,  The City of Meridian, and the City of Eagle offer tree removal service as part of their normal compost/trash service the first week of January.  Cut tree down in segments no longer than 4'. Place segments in your compost bin. For additional segments (not to exceed 60 lbs), place them on the curb next to your bins on your designated collection day. Note that flocked trees and wreaths will not be accepted. The Ada County Landfill will accept Christmas trees at no charge for the first 2 weeks of January. The City of Nampa has a drop-off location. Hire a landscape company to recycle the tree for you. Dry out the tree and cut down to use for firewood.   We hope you find this guide to fresh-cut Christmas trees in Boise helpful. Enjoy the holiday season!

View more

Guide to Shopping Local This Holiday Season in Boise

Photo courtesy of Pexels Want to keep your gifts local and support native businesses in the Treasure Valley? We've gathered our favorite shops and events to pick up unique, hand-made, and Idaho gifts for everyone on your list! Events Wintry Market: The perfect place to find gifts, the Wintry Market is a maker’s market in Boise featuring local vendors of art, crafts, and design. This market takes place Friday, Nov 22nd, from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the main floor of the Boise Convention Centre downtown Boise on the Grove Plaza. Food, coffee, and drinks are available to purchase, and admission is $5 on Saturday and $10 on Friday (good for both days).  Merry Makers Market: This market is a month-long pop-up shop with a curated selection of locally handmade gifts. Opening day is November 30th for this artist-created and run market! This pop-up will be located at 1459 North Milwaukee Street and is open through December 23rd. Various Gifts Mixed Greens: Sitting in the heart of Downtown, this local boutique features unique items with something for everyone. For a locally made soap bar, handmade jewelry, unique hand towels, and more, Mixed Greens is the place to go. They also sell lots of Idaho-themed products, the perfect gift for Gem State lovers. RePop Gifts: Filled with an electric mix of pop culture and fandom favorites, this store is sure to have a gift for every fanatic. Products come from over 30 local vendors, as well as regional and national artists. Jewelry Fluff Hardware: Fluff Hardware is a small, women-run, local business that provides unique jewelry pieces inspired by Idaho’s outdoors! Stores also feature other local businesses' hats, purses, and textiles as a one-stop shop for women’s accessories.  Sweets and Other Goodies Goody's/G Willikers A gift for the sweet tooth! Located in Hyde Park, Goody’s has been a neighborhood staple for locals and visitors alike! Their gift selection includes candies, homemade chocolates, caramel corn, cheese corn, stuffed animals, and greeting cards! City Peanut Shop City Peanut Shop has become an iconic part of Downtown Boise, featured in international blogs and magazines. They are famous for their honey-roasted peanut butter, nut-filled brittles, flavored popcorn, and their healthy, uniquely flavored peanuts and tree nuts. a'Tavola Gourmet Marketplace: A gift for the foodie! a’Tavola Marketplace features a wonderful assortment of imported specialty foods, unique gifts, and all manner of things “of the table.” Wine Hyde Park Fine Wines Boise’s favorite wine boutique! Purchase a monthly subscription for the wine lover on your list, including three new wines each month from around the world! Plants A Succulent Day: This local business offers unique succulent arrangements with in-store shopping, pick-up, and delivery options.  Books Rediscovered Books: Located in downtown Boise, Rediscovered Books is “where books and people meet." With a cozy atmosphere and a mix of used and new books, the perfect gift for a book lover is sure to be found. Candles Lit and Co: With an array of creative scents and made in small batches, these high-quality soy candles are the perfect gift.  Outdoor Gear Idaho Mountain Touring: IMT has something for every outdoor enthusiast, with hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and running gear galore.  McU Sports: A Boise favorite since 1972, McU Sports offers an array of ski and snowboard, outdoor, and sports gear. Clothing Ruby Lou: This local boutique has plenty of cute pajamas, sweaters, and other pieces that make the perfect gift for any fashionista.  SHIFT Boutique: This boutique stocks high-quality and unique pieces, with clothing for both women and girls. Banana Ink: The dream for any Idaho lover, this store features sweatshirts, shirts, and hats adorned with tributes to the Gem State.      

View more