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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Winter Activities to Do in and Around Boise

Winter in Boise is a magical time. Pillowy snow-capped mountains are a picturesque sight behind the downtown skyline. Even with colder temperatures, Boise’s dormant season is anything but still. Half of Idaho’s outdoor recreation happens when the snow falls, drawing in thousands of visitors and locals to prized ski resorts like Sun Valley and ones closer to home like Bogus Basin for winter sports. Whether you’re already living in the area and looking for something new to try or planning a trip to Boise, there are many activities to enjoy alone or with the whole family. Outdoor Activities: Ski Resorts - Idaho has a long history with skiing, as one of its resorts is world-famous for having the first chairlift in 1936. Boise is conveniently positioned with multiple ski resorts located within a 3 hour drive, including the local resort, Bogus Basin.  (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho): Less than 45 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, winter tubing, snowshoe trails, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, convenient up and down access for quick day trips Average snowfall: 200” plus snowmaking on site Website Sun Valley (Ketchum, Idaho): About 3 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 196” plus snowmaking on site Website Tamarack (Donnelly, Idaho): About 2 hours 14 minutes from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, charming village atmosphere Average snowfall: 300”  Website Brundage: About 2.5 hours from Boise Offering groomed and backcountry runs, nordic and alpine skiing/riding, snowshoe trails, small resort town feel Average snowfall: 320” Website   Ice Fishing - The bold are aptly rewarded with a bounty when brave (and prepared) enough to go ice fishing. With several large lakes and reservoirs surrounding the area, there is plenty of opportunity to cast a line and reel them in. Lake Cascade Horsethief Resevoir    Sledding - Boise averages 20” of snowfall per year. Not a lot, but enough to have fun. Here are a few spots that locals go to for sledding on big snow days. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Simplot’s Hill Camel’s Back Park Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve Bogus Basin Resort tubing hill ($) Eagle Island State Park tubing hill ($) Steamboat Gulch near Idaho City ($)   Hiking/Snowshoeing/Fat Tire Mountain Biking - The Boise foothills offer hundreds of acres of unspoiled land with maintained trails in the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system that are used year round. These trails meander through gulches, ridges, and right next to the downtown core for a beautiful perspective of the area in winter. Know before you go, check trail conditions on the Ridge-to-Rivers Facebook page for daily updates. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson)     Boise Greenbelt: The 25-mile paved pedestrian/bike trail along both sides of the Boise River is shoveled and de-iced during the winter months for year-round use. The bare trees allow for better views of the river and with less overall traffic, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a calm and peaceful sunny winter day stroll.   McCall Winter Carnival: A beloved tradition, this multi-day carnival draws in thousands of people to McCall, a small mountain town about 2.5 hours from Boise. Featuring world-famous ice sculptures, the carnival also includes parades, dog sled racing, pancake breakfasts, live music, wine dinners, and more. Dates: January 27-February 5 Website   Take a Dip in Hot Springs: There’s nothing quite like soaking in a warm pool of geothermal water on a chilly winter day. Idaho is home to dozens of natural and man-made hot springs in beautiful mountain settings. Some are an easy drive and park, while a few of the best ones require a little work for the reward. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Man-Made Pools The Springs Resort in Idaho City ($) Large man-made geothermal pools with reservable private pools. Better to book ahead of time as this is a popular spot for locals. Burgdorf Resort in McCall ($) Another popular getaway for locals in the Treasure Valley, this majestic and rustic resort has man-made geothermal pools and is only accessible by snowmobile in the winter months. Boatbox Hot Springs in Stanley A quintessential “Idaho” experience, this spring is just an above-ground tub nestled along the Salmon River that has a little bucket to add in cold river water to temper the piping hot water.  Natural Hot Springs Pine Flats near Garden Valley ($) Various pools are scattered along a rocky hillside overlooking the Payette River. Keep exploring and you’ll find an incredible pool with a waterfall. It’s like a warm outdoor shower. Kirkham in Lowman ($) One of the closest hot springs to Boise, this area is very popular and can get busy in peak months. Early fall and winter are great times to enjoy these springs without the crowds. Bonneville in Lowman ($) Various pools are situated where hot natural spring water flows into the Warm Springs creek, creating a unique hot/cool sensation. These pools are a short and relatively flat hike from the parking lot. Stay at the campground overnight and bring a headlamp, it's another world soaking in the springs underneath a canopy of stars. This area is next to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is mitigated offering an extraordinarily clear sky to view the cosmos. Goldbug near Salmon  These steamy pools are an epic reward after hiking 2-miles and up 1,350 feet. The trek may be difficult, but the views are easy to enjoy. Overlooking rolling hills and massive rock cliffs, these pools are one of Idaho’s most treasured (and Instagrammable) spots. See our favorites here!   See Christmas Light Displays: The holidays are just around the corner and many neighborhoods come alive after dark with vibrant colors and light.  Check out a handy map of the area’s best displays here Idaho Botanical Garden Winter Garden Aglow     Indoor Activities: Go to a Steelheads Hockey Game: Boise is home to the Idaho Steelheads, a semi-pro hockey team that hits the rink at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena in the Grove. Fun for the whole family, games are full of energy with many traditions to partake in (including flying fish!). Get tickets here.   Visit a Museum: There are several museums that tell the story of Idaho’s History, display fine arts, and even let you play scientist and get a little messy. Here’s a list of Boise and nearby places to learn a thing or two while getting out of the cold. (Photo by: Jenn Jackson) Boise Art Museum Idaho State Museum Discovery Center of Idaho Warhawk Air Museum Boise Train Depot Museum of Mining and Geology Children’s Museum of Idaho   Go to the Aquarium: It may be smaller than other big city waterworlds, but packs a big punch. The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and unexpectedly rich experience with touch pools, birds, and reptiles. Website   Shop at a Holiday Market: Various pop-up holiday markets throughout town offer unique and beautiful gifts for those on your shopping list that support local merchants and craft makers.  Wintry Market (November 18-19) Merry Makers Market (November 27-December 23) El Korah Holiday Show (November 19-20) Eagle Holiday Bazaar (November 5-6) Canyon County Christmas Show (November 18-20) Boise Christmas Show (December 1-4)   Pop Up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse: Nothing beats the winter blues like a little (or a lot) of greenery. Located in Boise’s North End, Edward’s Greenhouse hosts indoor pop-up parks and yoga in their greenhouses for families to enjoy an indoor warm park-like atmosphere in the colder winter months. Website    Go to a Boise State Basketball Game: Boise State Athletics are not just about football. The men’s basketball team has a winning record in the Mountain West Conference and take the court at Extramile Arena.  Get tickets here   Watch the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center: A Christmas pastime, the Nutcracker at the Morrison Center is an elegant display of artistry and wonder. A great activity that is full of the holiday spirit and magic. Buy tickets here   Watch a Classic Movie at the Egyptian Theater:  One of Boise’s most cherished landmarks, the Egyptian Theater sits at the heart of downtown a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building. Established in 1927, the theater is a warm, welcoming, and beautifully restored space to enjoy a calm evening out of the elements. (Photo by: Blufish Photography) Movie Schedule   Want more information on life in Boise? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Guide!

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7 Fall Activities To Do in Boise

Fall in Boise is one of the most spectacular sights. The verdant landscape of the City of Trees is painted in vibrant red, yellow, and orange and the weather is just perfect, meaning you can wear a cozy sweater and river sandals at the same time. Here’s a list of ideas to enjoy our beautiful autumnal season. (Photo by: Jake Melara: Unsplash) Take a Hike at Bogus Basin Located just a quick 35-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Recreation Area spans acres along the mountain range above the city. Most famous as the local ski resort, Bogus has many non-snow activities from the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, and hiking that keep us heading up the hill year round. The rolling foothills turn to dense trees and the foliage within the forests are a blaze in beautiful color. Gorgeous wildflowers, including Indian Paintbrush, are alive during this time of year providing great photo opportunities. The crisp air is perfect for longer day hikes traversing the landscape that will become covered in powdery white snow as ski season approaches. Stop in one of the lodges for a bite to eat and hot toddy to seal this epic day adventure. If all the coloring and nice weather wasn’t enough, the views are the cherry on top overlooking the Treasure Valley and neighboring mountain ranges (including the Sawtooths!).   Bogus Basin Recreation Area Head north on Bogus Basin Rd to end.     (Photo by: Caleb jones: Unsplash) Go for a Drive to See Fall Colors The variety of terrain surrounding Boise presents many opportunities to enjoy nature’s seasonal showcase of color. Head north up Highway 55 or Highway 21 towards the mountains for scenic drives where the evergreens are accented by bright yellow aspen groves and fiery shrubbery. The colors along the Payette River topped with an indigo blue sky make for a visual delight that you can’t forget. If you’re short on time and looking for a quicker drive, head up Table Rock Road in NE Boise to see the city glow in a sea of autumn colors from under the iconic Table Rock cross.   Closer to home: Table Rock Road Highway 21 to Idaho City   Try this loop: Highway 21 to Lowman/Stanley and back down Highway 75 through Sun Valley   (Photo by: Michael Payne: Unsplash) For the Whole Family: Boo at the Zoo Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park hosts a family-friendly Halloween event for all ages to dress up in their costumes, collect treats, and tour the zoo. There are trick or treat stations, costume contests, vendors, photo ops, face painting, special Halloween themed treats for the zoo animals, and much more fun.    Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th: 10am - 5pm   Zoo Boise: 355 Julia Davis Dr Boise, ID 83702 United States   Cost:  General (ages 12 – 61) – $12 Senior (ages 62+) – $9 Kids (ages 3 – 11) – $9 Children 2 and under – Free Zoo Members – Free   Website   (Photo by: Marius Ciocirlan: Unsplash) Check Out a Local Pumpkin Patch Idaho has deep roots in agriculture and plenty of locally-owned family farms that host their own version of a fall festival. From smaller pop ups like Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch to big operations like Lowes Family Farmstead, there is a place to enjoy harvest season by picking your own pumpkins, hay-barrel rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more.    Smaller/Less Crowded: Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lot (Boise) Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens (Kuna) (also great for apple picking!)   Larger/More Activities: Lowes Family Farmstead (Boise) Cherry Hill Farms (Caldwell)   View a full list of Idaho Preferred Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes   For the Fearless: Take a Tour at the Old Penitentiary Spooky season is upon us and that means taking on the adventure of investigating Boise’s scariest and most haunted places. The first stop on that list should be the Old Idaho Penitentiary, rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity (although there are no firm conclusions). Self-guided tours are available daily during normal admission hours until 5pm, and staff-guided tours are available on occasion for an additional $2 fee.   2445 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, ID 83712    Cost: Regular admission is $8 for adults (ages 13+) $6 for seniors (ages 60+) and $5 for children (ages 6-12) Children under age 6 are eligible for free admission   Watch a Boise State Football Game In the fall, Boise has a spirited college town feel, home to Boise State University and its iconic blue turf stadium. Located near downtown along the Boise River, Albertson’s Stadium has one of the best views of Boise in the upper stadium where the downtown skyline and foothills can be seen. The roar of the crowds (Albertson’s Stadium named to be one of the loudest in college football), cool but sunny weather, and sea of blue and orange make up the distinctive experience of a Boise State football game. Of course, no Bronco game would be complete without a sighting of the infamous Elvis’s at the South End Zone and the inaugural ride of “Blue” leading the team onto the famous smurf turf.   Albertson’s Stadium 1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706   Get Tickets Here   (Photo by: Matthew Rumph: Unsplash) Pick Apples at a Local Orchard Round out the fall season with this simple yet wonderful family activity. Many u-pick farms are dotted around the Treasure Valley and the majority are in Emmett (about a 50-minute drive from Boise). Rows of perfectly set trees dotted by reds and yellows make a great backdrop for photo ops. The fun doesn’t stop once the apples are picked! Enjoy the moments of making fresh fruit pies, jam, and cider together right in the comfort of home. Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh baked apples and cinnamon this time of year?     Candy Apple Orchard Williams Fruit Ranch Tylers Rocky Point Orchard

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