Boise Archives - Only In Your State ®

These 11 Unique Places in Boise Are An Absolute Must-See . . . And Soon!

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:35:11 +0000

Lively, culturally diverse, and unendingly beautiful, Idaho’s capital city seems incapable of running out of things to do. Boise pride is a big thing in the City of Trees, meaning that all things local are celebrated first and foremost in the City of Trees. But rather than hearing about the same ol’ attractions that EVERY travel site talks about when it comes to Boise, here are a few awesome places in the City of Trees that you’ve no doubt heard of, but offer a little more personality and fewer selfie sticks.

1. Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

gemgirl612/Yelp

The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is a .81-acre educational park and contemplative site next to the Boise River Greenbelt. Designed by a local Idaho architect, the inspirational memorial combines the beauty of natural elements with messages of hope from various rights activists and speakers throughout history. It's a beautiful place to rest, refocus, and recharge.

2. Camel's Back Park

mydonna/TripAdvisor

Sometimes overlooked for the local hike up to Table Rock, Camel's Back Park offers plenty of open space, an outdoor gym, and a cherished (but steep) hike up the namesake hill.

3. St. John's Cathedral

Aleksey F./TripAdvisor

This stunning church is a masterpiece in terms of both architecture and size. Built in the Romanesque Revival style and inspired by the cathedrals of Germany, St.John's is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason.

4. Idaho Botanical Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook

The 50-acre Idaho Botanical Garden (Idaho's largest public garden) is located next door to the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The garden once served as the farm and nursery to the penitentiary for inmates, but today has expanded and developed into a serene oasis for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, catching a movie, or getting your zen on.

5. Discovery Center

Discovery Center of Idaho/Facebook

Science turned awesome meets the childlike joy of discovery in the heart of Boise. Rotated exhibits, unique presentations, and "adult nights" all make the Discovery Center a place to visit over and over. It's easy access to Julia Davis Park doesn't hurt either!

6. Ridge to Rivers Trail System

BLMIdaho/Flickr

Boise has been repeatedly ranked as one of the healthiest and most active cities in the country, and the city's special emphasis on hiking and trail-running really shows why. The Ridge to Rivers system in the Boise foothills is a series of trails, many with a particular user focus for biking, hiking, or dog-friendly walks. It's a wonderful addition to the city that makes use of Boise natural landscape to its fullest.

7. Idaho State Historical Museum

Idaho State Historical Museum/Facebook

Uniquely housing a collection of over 250,000 objects (including a two-headed cow), the IHM is a special museum that partners with various history groups and locations all over the city to rotate in new exhibits and continuously expand.

8. The Flicks Theater

The Flicks Boise/Facebook

Often overlooked in favor of the ornate and historic Egyptian theater, the Flicks is an awesome place to catch underrated, foreign, and independent films not shown in traditional theaters. Alcohol and food-friendly, there is also a large outdoor patio, plus the occasional live concert.

9. Idaho Black History Museum

Idaho Black History Museum/Facebook

Boise gets a great deal of attention for its Basque culture and unique Basque block, but this awesome city also features a museum dedicated to the African-Americans who paved the way for Idaho and US history. It's quaint and spectacular, and features incredible art in a historic setting.

10. MING Studios Art Gallery

dmurphy44/TripAdvisor

Boise's art scene is surprisingly vibrant, and interweaves itself throughout the city in places like the Boise Art Museum, Freak Alley, and even the Boise State University campus. MING is a special gallery that rotates in socially and culturally relevant galleries by locals and through national partnerships. Recent exhibits include the Museum of Broken Hearts, Holding What Can't be Held, and many more. The gallery also hosts live forums, meet-and-greets, and special art-related events.

11. Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center

Idaho Fish and Game MK Nature Center/Facebook

In addition to Zoo Boise, the Snake River Birds of Prey in nearby Kuna, and a wealth of other outdoor activities, the MK Nature Center just off of the Greenbelt is a special haven for deer, small critters, fish, and nesting birds. It's a special oasis that offers locals the unique opportunity to see Idaho's natural, native wildlife and flora up close and personal -- without an entrance fee.

What’s your favorite off the beaten path place to visit in Boise?

The post These 11 Unique Places in Boise Are An Absolute Must-See . . . And Soon! appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

21 Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Boise

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:09:49 +0000

Idaho’s capital has been making quite a name for itself lately. Over the last few years, Boise has been touted as one of the country’s top “up and coming” cities, labeled a unique urban getaway, called a hidden gem of the Northwest, named one of the best places to live in the country, and more by national travel and culture powerhouses. With the recent addition of Men’s Health “Healthiest Cities” ranking to the rural mecca’s success sheet, the accolades just keep coming.

But before you pack up your bags and head to Idaho to settle down in the City of Trees, there are a few things you should know about this big-little city before moving to Boise.

1. THIS is always the quintessential photo of Boise. But there is so, so much more.

isven09/Flickr

2. The Boise metro area houses nearly 1/3 of Idaho's total population.

Sara Sims/Flickr

While many sites continue to label our city as "quaint" and "rural" (which it totally is in comparison to other state capitals), keep in mind that many Boiseans are starting to feel like a can of packed sardines, which makes finding a new home quite the challenge.

3. There will be hipsters. And lots of 'em.

David Selsky/Flickr

All the skinny jeans and Doc Martens you can shake a plaid bowtie at. That's just the culture, here!

4. Coffee is life.

Sacha Fernandez/Flickr

There are some incredible local coffee shops here, and many of them contribute to awesome local and overseas humanitarian causes.

5. Have bike, will travel.

silent7seven/Flickr

When you see a biker dressed in spandex, it doesn't necessarily mean that you've stumbled right into the middle of a marathon (although it's a possibility). It's actually a major mode of transportation.

6. We love our parks.

Bill Williams/Flickr

So much so, that there are literally dozens. Over 60, to be exact.

7. If you don't love Boise State football, we might have a problem...

CityofGlendaleAZ/Flickr

But on game days, be prepared to be stuck in traffic for hours.

8. Geese. Geese, everywhere.

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Dustin Hoffman/Flickr

Sometimes they're just chilling, and other times they look at you with their dangerous, beady eyes. Know the difference and be prepared to switch on that Fight-or-Flight instinct.

P.S. They've also been known to cause major traffic jams.

They didn't call us the City of Trees just for funsies. Le bois!

12. Our capitol building is beautiful, wonderful, inspiring, and it's impossible to not love it.

Kira Stewart-Watkins/Flickr

13. Did we mention hiking?

Cosmo/Flickr

Clearly it's important enough to warrant two mentions.

14. Be prepared for an incredibly diverse craft beer presence.

Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr

Local breweries and distilleries make their name in nearly every Boise pub throughout downtown and beyond, putting a little Gem State love into every brew.

15. Boise is doing some great stuff to help keep the environment clean.

cifraser1/Flickr

Green bikes, geothermal energy throughout downtown, eco-friendly pavers... the list goes on.

16. There's no better place to be at night or on a weekend than BoDo.

Amy the Nurse/Flickr

Whether shopping, dining, playing, or strolling, downtown Boise is just a fantastic place to explore.

17. The Boise River Greenbelt is our pride and joy.

Devlyn/Flickr

25 miles of lush waterfront and wildlife? Yes, please.

18. Anticipate spending at least 15 minutes at every stop sign waiting for the other person to go first.

thecrazyfilmgirl/Flickr

"No, you." "No, really, I insist." "No, you go first," said every Boisean ever.

19. The Downtown Boise Connector can be a dangerous place, especially come winter.

Matt Williams/YouTube

20. Boise has an EPIC music scene.

Rippin' Brass/Facebook

We're not talking just Treefort and Alive After Five. We're talking local jam bands in coffeehouses, swanky restaurants, and filling downtown with some sweet, sweet sounds. Pictured: Rippin' Brass, a.k.a. the raddest jazz combo to hit this side of BoDo since... well, ever.

21. Finally, there are hundreds of unique local restaurants in Boise. Make it your goal to try them all.

Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr

Are you moving to Boise? All in all, Boise, Idaho is a beautiful place to call home. You just have to know what you’re getting into!

The post 21 Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Boise appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

12 Absolutely Amazing Places To Visit In Boise

Catherine Armstrong — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 13:54:17 +0000

With a population of around 215,000, Idaho’s capital city has plenty to see and do. It’s big enough to offer plenty of amenities, but small enough that you’ll be able to navigate the city easily. Plan a day and see these 12 absolutely amazing places to see in Boise while you’re there!

1. Old Idaho Penitentiary

Old Idaho Penitentiary/Facebook

The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened in 1872 and housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals. Take the tour, which includes visits to the cell blocks, gallows and solitary confinement. The penitentiary is open seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the summer. 2445 Old Penitentiary Road.

2. Idaho Botanical Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook

The 50-acre Idaho Botanical Garden is located next door to the Old Idaho Penitentiary (the garden once served as the farm and nursery to the penitentiary). Wander through the gardens, practice Tai Chi, take a class or enjoy a concert. 2355 Old Penitentiary Road.

3. Boise Greenbelt

Boise Metro Chamber Of Commerce/flickr

NIKONFDSLR/flickr

The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is a gorgeous walking trail that takes you right through the city. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll or go for a run. Watch for wildlife, and bring some binoculars if you’re into bird-watching.

4. World Center For Birds Of Prey

World Center For Birds Of Prey/Facebook

The World Center For Birds Of Prey is the national headquarters for the Peregrine Fund, which works for the conservation of raptors all over the world. The 580-acre center is also home to the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center, which offers interpretive exhibits, live birds of prey and demonstrations of the birds themselves. 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane.

5. Julia Davis Park

albedo20/flickr

Julia Davis Park has almost 90 acres of pretty park amenities for your enjoyment. The park is home to Zoo Boise, the Gene Harris Band Shell and several museums. Take a picnic lunch, paddle around on the pond, enjoy the rose garden and play on the playground. 700 S. Capital Blvd.

6. Table Rock

NikonFDSLR/flickr

John Penny/flickr

Take a hike to Table Rock, where you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Boise. Access the trailheads from the parking lot at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

7. The Egyptian Theater

The Egyptian Theater/Facebook

This Egyptian Revival-style theater opened in 1927. Today, you can view a classic movie, enjoy an opera performance, laugh at a comedy show or take in a concert. 700 W. Main Street.

8. Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise/Facebook

Visit the hundreds of animals who live here, take the African Boat Ride, explore the butterflies in the greenhouse and pet the animals at the Zoo Farm. The zoo also hosts events, such as "Run Wild," pictured above. 355 E. Julia Davis Drive.

9. Kathryn Albertson Park

Gary O. Grimm/flickr

Jason W./flickr

You’ll find plenty of wildlife at Kathryn Albertson Park, including ducks, bullfrogs, turtles, raccoons, beavers, rabbits and even red foxes. Find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy this oasis. 1001 W Americana Terrace.

10. Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Kenneth Freeman/flickr

This little gem in Boise allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reflect on human rights and Anne Frank’s belief in the goodness of humanity. Read the quotes on the Quote Wall and admire the sculptures, statues and other offerings of this quiet spot. 770 S 8th St.

11. Barber Park

Barber Park/Facebook