10 Fun Summer Activities to do in Idaho

Southern Idaho is the perfect mix of quiet country and bustling city, offering boundless opportunities to get out with friends, family, or a significant other. One of the best times of the year to enjoy the great Idaho outdoors is during our beautiful summer season! From the back country of Marsing, ID to the heart of downtown Boise, ID we're here to share some of Idaho's greatest hidden gems and add 10 Fun Summer Activities to your bucket list!   1. Jump Creek (Photo by: Xander Lacy) A tranquil waterfall can be found tucked away in the canyons of Marsing, Idaho. This hidden gem features a variety of outdoor activities and adventures including multiple hiking trails, lush greenery full of wildlife, and the best part - a relaxing pool of water below the falls!  Located only about an hour drive from Boise, this destination makes a great day trip!   Jump Creek Recreation Area, Marsing, ID 83639 VisitIdaho.org Cost: Free   2. Terace Drive-In Theatre (Photo by: Canva.com) Thinking about taking the family out to see a movie? Or maybe a date night with your significant other? Instead of driving to big box cinemas, support a local business and make it outdoors all in one! Located in Caldwell, Idaho, the Terrace Drive-In Theatre takes you “back to yesteryear” by offering a fun, 1950’s experience for everyone! No need to stop for popcorn and candy along the way, the concession stand is full of yummy snacks to enjoy throughout the movie!   4011 S Lake Ave., Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 455-1433 | TerraceDriveIn.com Cost: Adults $10.00, Senior Citizens (60+) $7.00, Children (4-11) $3.00   3. Lucky Peak State Park (Photo by: Katie Wallace) Beach day? Some may say there’s no such thing in Idaho, but we’re here to tell you they’re wrong! Located just within a 30 minute drive from downtown Boise, Lucky Peak State Park offers a variety of summer activities to keep you busy for an entire weekend! From paddle boarding, fishing, camping, picnics or boating, this short road trip will keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.    Located off ID Highway 21 (208) 412-2278 | Parks and Recreation Idaho Cost: Free   4. Float the Boise River (Photo by: Canva.com) Want to beat the heat during a 80+ degree summer day? Then the Boise River Float is a “must do” on your bucket list. This six mile long water adventure begins at Barber Park and ends at Ann Morrison Park while carrying you through an oasis of forestry and lush greens. Don’t have your own raft? Boise River Raft and Tube Rentals offers a variety of flotation devices.    Barber Park Website Cost: $   5. Quinn's Pond Boise (Photo by: Canva.com) Quinn’s Pond located in Boise is adjacent to the Greenbelt and the Boise River near Esther Simplot Park in the West End. This popular hangout spot is surrounded by sand, definitely giving off beachfront vibes perfect for picnics or catching some rays of sun! Quinn’s pond is most well-known for its water activities such as fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.   3206 W Pleasanton Ave, Boise, ID 83702 Cityofboise.org Cost: $   6. Boise Farmers Market (Photo by: Shelley Pouls) Do you love supporting our local community by purchasing fresh, healthy produce? If the answer is yes, then check out the Boise Farmers Market, where Boise brings the farms to you. This event takes place every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm at 1500 Shoreline Drive in downtown Boise. Come out and enjoy those crisp, fresh weekend mornings and take home even fresher fare to make for dinner.   1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702 208-345-9287 | Website Cost: $   7. Boise First Thursday (Photo by: Alden Skele) Thursday is the new Friday! If you are a lover of art, family fun activities, fine dining, and live music then Boise First Thursday is the hangout spot for you. This event takes place in the heart of downtown Boise during the first Thursday of every month. Did we mention the event typically runs from 5pm to 9pm? No need to worry about work getting in the way, Boise First Thursday is the perfect evening event to relax and rewind before those busy summer weekends!   600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712 208-385-7300 | Website Cost: Free   9. Ste Chapelle Winery (Photo by: Danyelle Tolan) Kick back, have a drink and relax at Ste Chapelle Winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. This picturesque winery is perched on rolling vineyards overlooking the Snake River and Lizard Butte. Soak up some sun while enjoying a glass of wine and a delicious charcuterie board on their wrap-around patio with breathtaking views from every angle. Ste Chapelle also hosts afternoon events such as wine tasting and live music from local musicians.    19348 Lowell Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607 (208) 453-7843 ext. 3 | Website Cost: $   9. Payette Brewing Company (Photo by: Canva.com) Our fur babies love to enjoy the fresh summer air as well, and what better place to take them than Payette Brewing Company! Not only do they have tasty beer, this local brewery is one of the most dog-friendly in all of Boise! Payette Brewing offers a unique beer garden with an outdoor fire pit and yard games! Dogs and local beer...it doesn’t get any better than that!   733 S Pioneer St, Boise, ID 83702 Website Cost: $   10. Hike Table Rock Trail (Photo by: Toelynn Christopher) If you live in Boise and have not visited Table Rock yet, you are missing out! The Table Rock Trail is a 3.7 mile pet-friendly hike located in the Boise foothills. This trail offers amazing views of downtown Boise, the Botanical Gardens and the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. At the top of Table Rock stands a 60-foot cross that can be seen throughout areas of downtown Boise, especially when lit up at night. One of the best times to hike the trail is right at sunrise and right before dusk, to catch those breath-taking skyline sunset views!   15 Table Rock Trail, Idaho 83712 Alltrails.com Cost: Free    

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Our Favorite Campgrounds in Idaho

Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Idaho’s bounty of outdoor beauty is one of its biggest draws. With hundreds of established campgrounds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy nature’s beauty. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite campgrounds in Idaho, and tips to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Not every campsite in Idaho requires a reservation, but many do. You can book up to 9 months in advance in any Idaho State Park. Don't delay, some campsites fill up as early as January and February. Make your Reservations Here See more camping tips at the bottom of this list! #1 Stanley Lake Campground Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson This scenic campground offers a picturesque lakefront setting with a backdrop of iconic McGowan Peak. It is a smaller campground, offering only a handful of sites with one double-site, so reservations and patience are required to snag a little slice of this mountainous haven. The campground provides trailhead access to the Sawtooth Wilderness, where miles of trails connect throughout the majestic Sawtooth Mountain Range.  Best for: Scenery, waterfront, water sports, beach use, hiking, photography Best Time to Visit: After the snow melt in mid-June to late August  Reservations Required: Yes, with only a handful of first-come, first-serve sites available Distance: 3 hour drive from Boise #2 Pine Flats Campground Photo courtesy of Rolling Van Creative Nestled along the Payette River, this densely wooded campground is close enough to Boise for a quick weekend getaway, yet far enough to enjoy the splendors of the mountains. Best known for the hot springs nearby, the campground has various sites for RVs and tent camping. Visitors will need to hike into the Pine Flats Hot Springs, where a stunning hot spring waterfall descends into the river below.  Best for: Hot springs, water sports, RV and trailers Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 1 hour 45 minute drive from Boise #3 City of Rocks National Reserve Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Like camping on another planet, the City of Rocks National Reserve is a natural wonder of rock formations in southeastern Idaho. This geological wonderland is ideal for climbers and hiking, with massive rocks jutting from the desert. A great option for Spring or Fall camping, and less crowded than the mountain campgrounds.  Best for: Rock climbing, photography, hiking, tent camping Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 3 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #4 Farragut State Park Photo courtesy of visitnorthidaho.com Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of northern Idaho, Farragut State Park offers unique scenery, history and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The 4,000 acre park is conveniently located near the town of Athol, where families can enjoy time at the Silverwood Theme Park. Best for: Historical attractions, World War II history, water sports, hiking, summer activities Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 7 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #5 Swan Falls Dam Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism This historic dam was built in 1901 to provide power to nearby mines, and is the oldest hydroelectric source along the Snake River. Many [free] campsites are poised along the river, offering outstanding canyon views and rugged beauty of southern Idaho. Be sure to bring your fishing pole, bass can be found in the calmer waters along the banks of the river. Popular for OHV traffic, the surrounding area has miles of old Jeep trails to explore. The area is also known for its exceptional viewing of birds of prey who nest along the river. Best for: Fishing, OHV recreation, bird watching Best Time to Visit: Year round Reservations Required: No, all sites are first-come, first-serve and free Distance: Less than 1 hour drive from Boise   Tips for making the most out of your outdoor adventures in Idaho: Plan your visit well in advance. Camping is quite popular throughout the State, and many established campgrounds require reservations to secure a campsite. Most campgrounds will fill up in the warmer months, so it is recommended to reserve campsites in early January when reservations open. Areas that reserve quickly include: Sawtooth Wilderness (Redfish Lake), Ponderosa State Park, and Cascade State Park Be flexible with your travel dates. Weekends are always much busier than the middle of the week for camping. Consider planning your trip during the week for better campsite options and less crowds. If planning to secure a first-come, first-serve spot, arrive between 10am-1pm as campers are departing. Explore the forest service roads. If you’re more on the adventurous side, taking a well-equipped AWD or 4x4 vehicle to the dirt forest service roads may lead to a rewarding experience of camping in solitude. Tent or car camping is best for these types of adventures as roads can become extremely challenging for larger vehicles and trailers. Be sure to bring a reliable map to navigate the winding roads and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the area. Locals tip: For a quick weekend trip, head up early on Thursday towards Idaho City. The forest service roads along the north and middle forks of the Boise River have dozens of campsites and small primitive campgrounds with stunning river views.  Leave no trace. We are so fortunate to live in a state that provides outdoor recreation so close by. In order to maintain the splendors of the outdoors, visitors are reminded to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack it in, pack it out, completely drown out campfires, respect wildlife, and leave your campsite better than you found it. We love sharing our beautiful state, and hope you find these recommendations and tips helpful. Please be kind and respectful to fellow campers and enjoy the rich offerings Idaho has to offer. Do you have a favorite campground not listed above? Share in comments, we’d love to hear about your experiences!

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Our Top 5 Local Garden Shops in Boise

  Credit: Edwards Greenhouse and Flowershop via Facebook There is nothing quite like spring in Boise. The fragrance of newly bloomed flowers, the billowing tree cover, and bluebird skies are a beautiful experience here in the City of Trees. As warm weather invites people outside, we thought we’d share our Top 5 Local Garden Shops in the area to pick up a bouquet of flowers or plants to spruce up your curb appeal or give a gift of color. You’ll feel great knowing that you’re supporting locally owned businesses too!   Edwards Greenhouse and Flowershop: Edwards Greenhouse and Flowershop has been serving Boise since 1930, when it started as a truck farm by Thomas F. Edwards and Son. Since then, it has remained as a family owned and locally operated business. Located in a charming leafy pocket within the agricultural district of the North End, this retail garden center features nearly 90,000 square feet of greenhouse space (heated exclusively by geothermal water). A darling retail shop, expansive plant selection, and flower shop make this a staple for your garden needs. Location: 4106 Sand Creek St Boise, ID 83703 Hours: Greenhouse Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm Sunday: 10am-5pm Flowershop Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-5pm Website   Credit: North End Organic Nursery North End Organic Nursery (NEON): The North End Organic Nursery is a 100% organic garden center, with an onsite plant nursery specializing in edible, native, and water conserving plants. NEON is a locally-owned  full-service source for your sustainable, organic garden and landscape. There is an on-site nursery and their house plant selections are top notch. Location: 3777 W. Chinden Blvd Garden City, ID 83714 Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-5pm Website   Credit: A Succulent Day A Succulent Day: This darling plant shop is serious #plantlady goals. Specializing in succulents, this shop also has a wide selection of gorgeous pottery and exotic houseplants. You can purchase pre-potted arrangements or make your own, making this the perfect stop to pick up a custom gift. They host workshops and can be booked for private on-site or off-site potting parties. Location: 2753 W. State St Boise, ID 83702 Hours: Wed: 11am-5pm  Thur: 11am-5pm   Fri: 11am-5pm  Sat: 11am-5pm  Closed Sun-Tues Website   Credit: igardendaily Madeline George Garden Design Nursery: This delightful boutique-style nursery is a little off the beaten path, but a fabulous place to wander around. Arranged like a botanical garden, Madeline George Garden Design Nursery features stunning gardens and charming buildings with thoughtfully curated collections. Plants are displayed at the nursery based on plant types, sun exposures, and by mature height. They also provide design and installation services. Location: 10550 W Hill Rd Pkwy Boise, ID 83714 Hours: Daily: 9am-6pm Website   Credit: Boise At Its Best Flowers Boise At Its Best Flowers: This little flower shop on the Boise Bench is family owned and operated. The perfect place to drop in for a gift on the go, their gift shop and plant selections are wonderful. Their helpful and passionate staff are there to assist in creating beautiful arrangements for any occasion. They offer delivery, online ordering, and custom arrangements for all events. Location: 851 S. Vista Ave Boise, ID 83705 Hours: Hours vary: Typically 8am-4pm Website  

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