5 Events in Boise and Beyond - June 9th - 11th

5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. 17th Annual Evening in the Garden Where: Farwest Landscape and Garden center When: Friday, June 9th Time: 5:30 - 9:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Savor Idaho Where: Idaho Botanical Garden When: Sunday, June 11th Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Pony Days at Pony Express Ranch Where: 65 W Lake Hazel Road When: Friday & Saturday Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. DIY Garden Sign Workshop Where: Franz Witte When: Saturday, June 10th Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Dig into Geodes with Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology Where: 2455 Old Penitentiary Road When: Sunday, June 11 Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE

View more

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!

View more

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  

View more