While Idaho is known for its potatoes, it has a lot more to offer than just producing that food source. Located in the southwest corner of the state, Boise is home to Boise State University. Adding in the surrounding mountains, the Boise River, the forest, and other cultural activities makes Boise an active college town.
Boise, Idaho is called the Land or City of Trees because of the variety of tree species that line the rolling hills, valleys, and rivers. In the Fall, the diverse colors of reds, yellows, and oranges line the streets of Boise. The weather in Boise is mild and the Fall season can last well into October making the colors of the trees seen throughout the city.
Boise State University and Downtown
Since Boise is a a college town, there are plenty of cultural events, restaurants, and bars for visitors to enjoy. Boise State University is recognized for its blue-colored football field where the Boise Broncos play. Broncos fans are proud and loyal to their college team. The team's colors of blue and orange can be seen scattered throughout the town, especially during football season.
The downtown has a variety of clubs and bars and plenty of live music. The restaurants include a diverse selection sure to please the appetite of plenty. When college is in session, many of the college students will gather in the downtown for drinks and dinner.
The Outlying Neighborhoods
Outside of the downtown, there are quaint little neighborhoods like Hyde Park. This little town is filled with outdoor coffee shops and mom and pop restaurants, most having outdoor seating. Other neighborhoods include what is known as the 'Benches', which is the city's main shopping corporate and shopping district.
Within walking distance of Hyde Park is Camel Back park. Here people can find places to picnic, a playground, tennis courts and an all-purpose field. There is also a steep dirt hill overlooking the park, which is great for kids to run down. At the top of this hill you can see magnificent views of the city. There are also plenty of trails for mountain biking or hiking including the Hulls Gulch Nature Trail.
Plenty of Choices for Outdoor Activities
With over 2.5 million acres, Boise National Forest provides a great spot for hiking, camping, or fishing. The Fall is a great time to catch the the tree colors with the amazing bright yellows, red, and oranges. There are other places around Boise for recreation from biking and ATV riding in the valleys to hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking in the Sawtooth mountains.
There is plenty of water sports in Boise and the surrounding areas. Along the Boise River is the Arrow Rock Dam and Reservoir which offers hiking, boating, and fishing. Other nearby waterways including Lucky Peak Dam, Cascade Reservoir, and Payette Lake.
The Boise River Greenbelt also provides over 25 miles of scenic paths for hiking, biking, or running. Also, worth checking out is Julia Davis Park a park that lies on over 3,300 acres with a rose garden, a playground, picnic areas and river access. This is a beautiful park that offers opportunity for recreation and the cultural aspects of downtown.
Cultural Spots in The City
The cultural spots for education, sports and entertainment in Boise are extensive. There are museums such as the Basque Museum, and Cultural Center, Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, and Idaho Black History Museum.
The Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is one of many places that provides indoor theater. Outdoor theaters, such as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater also offer performing arts. The town provides three arenas, a convention center, and Boise State's Special Events Center for other venues.
The Idaho Statesman is a good resource to find out about upcoming events, news and information about Boise, as well as the rest of the state.
Overall, for visitors that plan on coming to Boise, they will not run out of things to do.
Resources: Potato State, Welcome to Boise, Idaho Statesman
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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