Why We're Grateful to Live in Boise

  Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Boise stands out as an exceptional city where nature and urban living are seamlessly intertwined. As residents of Boise, we find ourselves with a multitude of reasons why we are grateful to call this place home. With its breathtaking outdoors, tight-knit community, and active social scene, Boise is truly a one-of-a-kind city.   Four Real Seasons: Photo credit: boisedailyphoto.com Boiseans are lucky enough to experience all four seasons. Summer in Boise is characterized by hot days floating the Boise River, open-air concerts at The Outlaw Field, and early morning hikes to escape the heat. As summer turns into fall, Boise comes alive with orange and red leaves and trips to pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Winter in Boise looks like cuddling up inside on snow days, skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin, and a downtown aglow with festive lights and decorations. As winter transforms into spring, snow on the foothills turn to wildflowers and bright green grasses. People begin to venture back onto the hiking trails and the sights and sounds of the city turn to blooming trees and birds!   Access to Outdoors: Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate Boise's enviable topography allows outdoor enthusiasts to embrace their passion for nature. Skiers and snowboarders flock to Bogus Basin, a local nonprofit ski hill less than 30 minutes from downtown. Fishers flank the Boise River, hoping to score a rainbow or cutthroat trout. Hunters can scope out premier hunting spots for duck, deer, and elk within an hour of their front door. Bikers take advantage of a network of trails in the foothills. If you travel a little further, you'll find yourself at iconic national parks and wilderness areas including Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Craters of the Moon National Monument. There is something for every outdoors lover in Boise!   Exceptional Restaurants: Photo credit: alavitaboise.com Boise’s culinary scene has evolved to contain a wide variety of outstanding and unique restaurants to cater to its residents. Top restaurants include Alavita, an Italian restaurant with a seasonally changing menu featuring locally sourced food, and the Basque Market, offering traditionally made basque food with a family-style food-sharing experience that celebrates Boise’s large Basque community. Boise also offers countless local cafes and other eateries, with something for every occasion.   Boise River and Greenbelt: Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate The Boise River and Greenbelt are essential features that contribute to Boise's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Greenbelt, with its 25-mile tree-lined pathway along the Boise River, serves as a central spot for endless outdoor recreation. Having such a natural corridor running through the heart of the city enhances the quality of life for residents and contributes to the city's overall appeal. It's common for cities to cherish and utilize their natural features, but Boiseans have successfully integrated the Boise River and Greenbelt into the urban landscape.   Hiking Trails: Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate The Boise Foothills are a hiker's paradise. A trail system weaves its way through the rolling hills, offering beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife. Boise also has trails up Bogus Basin that showcase views of the entire valley. Must-try trails include the Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail, Table Rock Trail, and Stack Rock Trail.   Friendly People: Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate Boiseans have a sense of warmth and appreciation for each other that makes this community unique. You are likely to get a smile and a hello from those you pass walking down the street or out on the trails. In Boise, neighbors know each other and offer a helping hand when someone needs it. Being a part of this community comes with a sense of belonging and friendliness among strangers.   Active Music Scene: Photo credit: boisestatepublicradio.org Boise has no shortage of music lovers and has adapted to fill these needs. As the state capital and most populated city in Idaho, musicians make sure to stop in Boise when on tour. There is an array of unique concert venues, including the Outlaw Field, an entirely outdoor experience on a large lawn, the Knitting Factory, a smaller venue in the heart of downtown, and the Ford Idaho Center, a stadium featuring both indoor and outdoor concerts for bigger artists. A highlight of the Boise music scene is the annual Treefort Music Festival, a multi-day music festival that turns downtown into an urban stage with indie rock, electronic, hip hop, and other performers.

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Places Offering Thanksgiving Take-Out in Boise

Photo Credit: Pexels As Thanksgiving draws closer, the busyness of the holiday season can make preparing Thanksgiving dinner a challenge. Whether you like to leave the cooking to the professionals or would rather entertain visiting family and friends, picking up a ready-made Thanksgiving dinner could be the solution. Here are several restaurants in Boise offering traditional Thanksgiving spreads for pickup to ease your stress on Turkey Day!   a’Tavola: As a high-quality local gourmet cafe, bakery, and deli, a’Tavola is the perfect choice for your Thanksgiving feast. With an order for eight or more people, a’Tavola will create a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, cornbread and sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, bread rolls, and pumpkin pie for dessert. You are sure to get what you pay for with all these delectable dishes for $59.95 a person. Orders must be placed by November 17th and more information is on their website.   Tucanos Brazilian Grill: Tucanos offers three different options for takeaway dinners this Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving turkey dinner (oven-roasted or deep-fried), turkey breast dinner, and turkey and beef dinner options offer something for every family. All dinners come with the classic sides, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Prices for these meals range from $139.99 to $169.99, and meals vary in size. Orders must be placed by November 21st, through their website or by phone at 636-724-4499.   Cracker Barrel: Offering Thanksgiving meals in feast size (8-10 people at $149.99) and family dinner size (4-6 people at $99.99), Cracker Barrel is another yummy option for Turkey Day this year. Meals come with turkey, the option to pick two sides, and dinner rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, and dressing. These meals are given cold and must be heated. Order between November 18th to 25th here.   West Side Drive-In: Although the exact menu has not been announced at West Side, Chef Lou at West Side Drive-In has a long-standing tradition of offering a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, this included turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a dinner roll for $18.99 per meal. Keep an eye on their website to see what this year’s Thanksgiving menu holds!

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5 Places to Take Out-of-Town Visitors in Boise to Enjoy Fall

Credit: Courtney Smith via Unsplash As Thanksgiving draws closer, friends and family begin making plans to visit. Wondering where to take your guests to enjoy Boise’s beautiful fall season? We have compiled a list of the best places to take out-of-town visitors to show them the best of Boise in the fall!   See the Foliage from the top of Camel’s Back Park: Photo courtesy of Getty Images Boise is the known as the City of Trees and what better place to see it in its full glory than up at Camel’s Back Park? Camel’s Back Park sits in the heart of the North End of Boise. The park sits at the base of a large hill in the shape of a camel’s back, giving the park its name. A short but steep hike up stairs will reward you with stunning views of the valley as the city of trees begins to change color. The park also offers a large playground, tennis courts, picnic tables, outdoor gym, and sand volleyball courts. Bring your visitors by for sunset or a midday picnic!   Explore the local Farmers Market: The Boise Farmers Market is open every Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1500 Shoreline Drive and is the perfect place to find locally grown fall produce. The Capitol City Public Market focuses more on pre-made food, art, and produce and remains open through December. Take your visitors on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Grove Plaza for some cinnamon sugar mini donuts or some locally made apple cider to experience the magic of Boise!    See a Boise State Football game: Home to Boise State University and its iconic blue turf stadium, Boise’s college football scene comes alive in the fall. Located near downtown along the Boise River, Albertson’s Stadium is the perfect place to bring guests for a fun event. The roar of one of the loudest crowds in college football and the sea of blue and orange make these games exciting even for those who are less than diehard fans. Get your tickets here!   Walk along the Greenbelt: Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate The Greenbelt is an iconic paved path that follows the Boise River as it wanders through Boise. Give your visitors a classic Boise experience elevated by the stunning scenery of orange and red leaves falling from the trees. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to walk or ride on the Boise Greenbelt. Get out on the Greenbelt and show your guests the natural beauty of fall in Boise!   Experience Hyde Park: Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate Sitting in the North End of Boise, Hyde Park is the perfect place to explore with guests. Stop by Java for breakfast, Parilla Grill for lunch, and Hyde Park Pub and Grill for dinner. Or, grab coffee at Hyde Perk (known for its special seasonal drinks) and wander around the local boutiques and stores that give Hyde Park its authentic feel. This is the perfect place for visitors to get a locally-made memento of their time in Boise!

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