Top Things to Do in Summer in Boise

Boise in the summertime is a treasure trove of activities to keep the whole family entertained. From outdoor endeavors such as floating the river or paddleboarding to events such as the Western Idaho Fair, there is no shortage of things to do. Check out our list of our favorite ways to spend the summer months in Boise, Idaho.   Float the Boise River: One of Boise’s signature attractions is the Boise River, a 102-mile-long tributary of the Snake River that is a beloved spot to float down, enjoy the scenery, and relax during the warmer months of the year. Floating season officially begins in June when water levels are lower after the Spring runoff. The put-in for the Boise River float starts at Barber Park, located in SE Boise off of Eckert Road (about 6 miles from downtown). For more information on floating the Boise River, check out this blog.   Paddleboard at Lucky Peak Discovery Park or Esther Simplot Park/Quinns Pond: Cool down on the hot summer days and enjoy the thrill of paddleboarding at Lucky Peak Discovery Park or Quinn's Pond. At Lucky Peak Discovery Park, take in the breathtaking mountain views in the calm, clear waters perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. For an adventure closer to downtown, head to Esther Simplot Park and Quinn's Pond, a popular spot that provides an excellent opportunity to cool off, get some exercise, and paddleboard with beautiful mountain views.   Boating at Arrowrock Reservoir: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Boise, Arrowrock Reservoir offers the perfect place to cool off amidst breathtaking natural beauty. With its vibrant blue waters surrounded by beautiful foothill landscapes, Arrowrock Reservoir is perfect for all types of boating, from relaxing cruises to water sports such as wake surfing and wakeboarding.    Swim at one of the local pools or splash pads: Photo credit to Daniel Olson.  As Boise summer temperatures rise, beat the heat in Boise by taking a refreshing dip at one of the local pools or splash pads. There are many public pools in Boise, from the iconic Natatorium Pool & Hydrotube, Ivywild Pool, Fairmont Pool, and more (check out the full list here). Or, check out a splash pad, an interactive water feature that kids will love. Splash pads are located at Molenaar Park, Borah Park, Comba Park, and more (full list here). With these great spots, Boise offers plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun in the sun!     Grab an Ice Cream Potato at Westside Drive In: Photo credit to West Side Drive In.  Nothing tastes better in the warm summer months than some freezing cold ice cream. The Westside Drive-in is a classic Boise staple that might be best known for its famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato, which is vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa powder and other toppings that looks just like a baked potato! This must-try fun dessert celebrates Idaho’s potato-filled history, and this popular drive-in even had its 5 minutes of fame on the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Feiri.     Cool off in the mountains: Photo credit to Bogus Basin. Escape the heat and head to Bogus Basin, just a short drive from the city. With its higher altitude, Bogus Basin offers a refreshing retreat with cooler temperatures (sometimes up to 20 degrees cooler than the valley!) and stunning alpine scenery. Bogus Basin is also fully operational in the summer, with activities including hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. They also offer an exhilarating mountain coaster for those seeking a thrill.      Visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens: Photo credit to the Idaho Botanical Garden. Summer in Boise means the Idaho Botanical Gardens are in full bloom. This lush, 50-acre garden offers a stunning array of themed gardens, vibrant plant collections, and scenic walking paths. The Idaho Botanical Garden also hosts a variety of events, workshops, and concerts, so make sure to check their calendar before you go. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm, with admission starting at $14 for nonmembers and discounts offered for children, seniors, and students.     Visit Green Acres Food Park: Photo credit to Green Acres. Tucked away on the Boise Greenbelt right by Payette Brewing Co., Green Acres offers local food trucks, drinks, and live music in a relaxed park setting. It is family-friendly and dog-friendly with plenty of yard games to keep everyone entertained. They are typically open from 11 am to 8 pm, but check the daily schedule before you go for more details!     Enjoy an outdoor concert: Boise has no shortage of outdoor concerts in the summertime. The Neighborhood concert series offers free pop-up concerts in parks around Boise with food trucks, vendors, and beer from Lost Grove Brewing. The summer schedule includes 6 concerts and can be found here. Another great spot is Outlaw Field, a wide-open grassy, park-like setting with a backdrop of the foothills located by the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the Idaho Botanical Gardens. For more information on outdoor concerts this summer, check out this blog.   Go to the Western Idaho Fair: Photo credit to Expo Idaho. Held annually in August, the Western Idaho Fair offers a fun-filled mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious fair food. With plenty of agricultural exhibits, lively concerts, and exciting rides, the fair is sure to have something for everyone. This summer it will take place from August 16th through 25th, and more information can be found here.    

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Our Favorite Flower Shops to Gift the Perfect Bouquet

Photo Credit: taisiia-shestopal Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the quintessential symbol of this love-filled holiday is flowers. Whether you want to gift a bouquet to your loved one or show yourself some love with a beautiful arrangement, we have the perfect place for you. Check out this list of our favorite flower shops in Boise!   Edwards Greenhouse & Flowershop: Tucked away in a little pocket just off Hill Rd in North Boise, Edwards Greenhouse & Flowershop is a staple in the area. This family-owned and operated business has been faithfully standing since 1930. Their massive greenhouses are filled with exotic and native flora. Their gift shop offers eclectic and charming gifts for the loves in your life. Pair with flowers from their flowershop and you have the perfect Valentine’s gift. Photo Credit to Edwards Greenhouse & Flowershop   Boise at its Best: With exquisite bouquets that perfectly tie together artistry and nature, Boise at its Best is a classic Boise flower shop. Family-owned and operated, this business’s passion for flowers comes through in their bouquets and friendly service. Bouquets are creative and unique, and some even come with a bottle of wine as a fun treat! They offer same day delivery (order before 2 p.m.) and local delivery Monday through Friday to Boise, Eagle, and Meridian.  Photo Credit to Boise at its Best   Wildflower Flower Company: Located in the heart of Hyde Park, Wildflower is a full service flower shop that offers same day deliveries and pickups, and even flower subscriptions! This Valentine’s they are offering bouquets of two dozen roses in both blush and red, as well as other exclusive bouquets only available on Valentine's week. Their bouquets come in small, medium, and large sizes and make the perfect gift to show your love.   Photo Credit to Wildflower Flower Company   Hillcrest Floral: Family-owned and operated since 1974, Hillcrest Floral has been a longstanding staple in the Boise florist scene. They offer a large selection of bouquets and floral arrangements with delivery to the greater Boise area. Hillcrest will also work with you to create the perfect custom bouquet for your loved one or yourself. Photo Credit to Hillcrest Floral   Capital City Florist: Offering expertly arranged bouquets of only the freshest flowers, Capital City is sure to impress your Valentine. This year, they are offering Valentine's themed bouquets and arrangements, all of which are hand-delivered to your loved one. Capital City delivers to Boise, Eagle, and Meridian.  Photo Credit to Capital City Florist   Looking for non-flower options? Check out these adorable plant shops: A Succulent Day Root Bound Boise Interior Greenscapes North End Organic Nursery (NEON)

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Unique Date Night Ideas for Valentine's Day in Boise

Photo Credit: Unsplash As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples seek fun date night ideas outside the typical dinner and a movie. Whether you and your partner are the outdoorsy type or total homebodies, there is a date night for you on this list. Boise offers many options for any couple and family to try something new and enjoy time to connect.   For the kids at heart: Roller Skating Nothing calls your inner child like putting on a pair of roller skates. This throwback activity is sure to bring your heart rate up and let your playful side out. With buzzing tunes from their live DJs, this activity will bring great energy to your date night and plenty of nostalgia. We envision romantic hand-holding as you glide across the rink… or maybe smiles galore as you fall for (or over) each other again. Bring the kids along for a family-friendly Valentine’s activity!Where: Treasure Valley Skate in Boise or The Rollerdrome in Nampa   For the outdoorsy: Honey Hike Photo Credit: Unsplash Hear us out on this one, date days can be just as fun as date nights. That’s why we recommend heading towards the hills for those who seek open air and beautiful views as an alternative to the traditional date night. With miles of trails (check out this map) ranging in difficulty, there are plenty of options for a leisurely nature walk or a heart-pumping climb. The fresh air and scenery will help you connect with your loved one, and give you the privacy to have great conversation while getting your heart fluttering. Take a moment to savor the view, the romance, and share a snack! Where: Try the Camel’s Back Loop and enjoy a tasty local treat at Certified or replenish at the 13th Street Pub and Grill in Hyde Park afterward.     For the adventurous: Axe Throwing Photo Credit: Base Camp Pong & Axe.  Whether this is your first date or your 40th, this date night will definitely be an exciting one! Strengthen your bond with just a hint of friendly competition as you try to hit the bullseye. For a full-service experience, Base Camp Pong & Axe is a gastropub offering food and crafted drinks. This novel date night idea will test your aim and help you zero in on one another.  Where: Section 37 Axe Room in South Boise, Caldwell, and Garden City or Base Camp Pong & Axe in Downtown Boise     For the homebodies: Sweetheart Staycation Sometimes the most romantic getaways aren’t exactly that far from home. Explore the city from a new perspective as ‘tourists’ and book a room in any one of Boise’s top-rated hotels or even a whole Airbnb (check out these fun ones in Idaho) for an immersed experience. A new environment alongside the excitement of playing tourist will help you unwind and turn to one another with fresh eyes. After a night out, snuggle into an oversized bed that you won't have to make in the morning. Where: Modern Hotel & Bar, Hotel 43, Avery Hotel, Boise Guest House     For the artsy: Cooking or Art classes Photo Credit: Unsplash Add a little spice to your relationship in a literal way by taking a cooking class together, or channel your inner Picasso by making art. With the creative juices flowing, you’ll rediscover one another on a different level and learn a new skill too. There are a variety of classes to take, from painting to glass blowing, to shake things up from the typical date night.  Where: Season + Taste, Wine & Design, Boise Art Glass, Ceramica        For the gamers: Arcades For those couples who share a love for nerdy things, there are options for board games, card games, role-playing, classic arcade games, and more. Depending on the day you visit, you could participate in a group tournament or a leisurely board game at All About Games, or take a late night game sesh underground at Spacebar (you have to try the ramen). No matter your interest level, there's sure to be something here for everyone to enjoy at the store, or to take home later. Where: All About Games, Spacebar Arcade, Realms Arcade & Lounge (All Ages)     For the competitive: Escape Rooms What better way to connect with your partner than being locked in a room that you need to work together to get out of? An escape room is a fun and exciting way to immerse yourself in a whole new world and play detective for the night. As the clues start falling into place, you and your date may start falling for each other all over again! Where: Escape Room Boise, Escape the Room, Labyrinth Escape Games

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