Perfect Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Beer-Filled Idaho Weekend: How to Spend a Perfect Four Days in Boise

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Before we moved from California seven years ago, we spent our final months bopping around the Western states, trying to cram as many national parks, scenic vistas and new states in as humanly possible. This was our introduction to Idaho, a dream world of a place we immediately became enamored with as we arrived in Coeur d’Alene on a sunny, hot afternoon after six straight weeks of freezing, spitting rain. The brief three days that followed encompassed a lot of lake exploration and teaching Ella how to swim, and we tried to figure out how we could swing back down to Boise on our way home.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

The travel gods worked against us, though, as we were on a schedule to depart San Francisco and move back across the country, so we shelved that idea. But Boise has always been on the back of my mind ever since I felt like I missed out on it the first time.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

There’s a happy ending to this story, of course, if you can’t already tell by the title of this post, as Boise finally happened many, many years later.

And boy did Boise deliver! A progressive city posing as a large college town—population 225,000—it’s brimming with craft beer and rainbow flags aplenty, and many people told us it was “the next Portland” or “Denver lite.” I’d go one step further and say I prefer it to both of those places—by now, you know the cities that speak to me: just large, convenient and manageable enough without the true hassles of urban life—so whatever you’re doing, Boise, keep it up.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

For those of you looking to plan a trip to Idaho, here’s how our long weekend in Boise went down.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Thursday

Much to my delight when booking our tickets, I found that Southwest flies to Boise, so we hopped an early morning flight out of Nashville, connected in Phoenix, then touched down in Idaho just in time for lunch.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Our first stop was an obvious one for anyone who has known us more than five Internet seconds: Bardenay. If there’s anything I love more than a good distillery, it’s one that also has a top-notch restaurant, and Bardenay bears the distinction of being the country’s first distillery restaurant. We liked it so much—specifically, for me, the vegetarian options—that we came back for a second meal over the course of our weekend, despite Boise having so many delicious restaurant options. Bonus: Our parking garage across the street was adorned with murals! But that was just the start.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

When we got back to our car, we headed less than half a mile down the street to check into our hotel, but not before stumbling upon even more murals, including one that was being installed! Boise, it’s like you know us already.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

It was completely finished by the time we left, too!

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

As it turns out, our hotel, Inn at 500 Capitol, also looked onto a brand new mural painted across an apartment building. I don’t know what I expected from Boise, but murals around every turn was not it! (I was quite pleased by these discoveries, clearly.)

Murals in Boise, Idaho

I also wasn’t prepared for how truly artsy and adorable the Inn at Capitol 500 would be. From the moment we checked in, and they gave us a local craft beer as an amenity until we stepped out on our floor that had—you guessed it!—a mural staring back at us, I felt right at home.

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol
Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

I came to find this was just the beginning of the Four Diamond hotel’s extensive art collection. Throughout the course of our visit, we checked out every floor, each of which was decorated with its own custom drawing and other bold, whimsical art. Color me thrilled!

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol
Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol
Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol
Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

Our room itself was a Premier King decked out in a swanky-cool Rat Pack theme and its own furnished balcony, too.

Where to Stay in Boise: Inn at 500 Capitol

While the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service, it’s also very central and the first thing we do in any new place is hit the ground on our own four feet, so we walked toward the capitol, through Freak Alley and over to Hops & Bottles to sample the local water.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Where to Drink in Bois
Where to Drink in Bois

Where to Drink in Boise

Immediately after entering Hops & Bottles—which it bears noting, is hopping any day after work—we got to chatting with owner Mark Sieber, who spent nearly a decade up in Seattle, then moved back home to Boise with his wife at which point they decided to start their own bottle shop.

Where to Drink in Boise

Hops & Bottles opened this summer and already has more than a dozen beers on tap, in addition to 300+ in cans and bottles. The refrigerators at Hops & Bottles stock some of my favorite West Coast beers that I haven’t been able to track down in years, so SVV and I put together our own six-pack—you can pick and choose as you wish—to enjoy throughout the rest of our stay. And naturally now we’re wondering how we can replicate Mark’s model back in Tennessee!

Where to Drink in Boise
Where to Drink in Boise
Where to Drink in Boise
Where to Drink in Boise
Where to Drink in Boise

One of the toughest parts of our trip was narrowing down our long to-eat list to just a few key meals. We’d been told newcomer The Wylder was one not to miss, so we made this our first dinner, chowing down on a charcuterie board, craft cocktails and some bomb pizza, the crust of which was made from a 50-year-old sourdough starter. Setting the stage for one excellent weekend indeed.

Where to Eat in Boise
Where to Eat in Boise

Friday

A friend who went to school in Idaho absolutely raved about Downtown Java, so we got up, walked toward the capitol, and dropped in for a healthy breakfast and the signature “bowl of soul” before continuing our aimless wandering.

Where to Eat in Idaho: Downtown Java in Boise

Where to Eat in Boise
Where to Eat in Boise

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

At 11:30, we headed over to the Basque Market to get in line for Paella on the Patio, which takes place at noon on Wednesday and Friday of every week and dinner on Thursdays. Did you know that Idaho boasts the largest population of Basques outside of their native region? The area is a must-visit for history-lovers and the paella party a can’t-miss for epicures who find their way to Boise. It’s first come, first served, though—and when it’s gone, it’s gone—so you best get there early! The market has been thriving since 2000 and under its current ownership, Tony Eiguren (pictured below) and his wife Tara, for just over a decade. If you don’t care for paella, the market also sells various tapas inside.

Paella at the Basque Market in Idaho

After that, we had a bit of time to kill before our next activity, so we checked out the locals’ favorite, Bittercreek Alehouse, for a flight of regional brews.

Where to Drink Beer in Boise

If you’re not a beer lover and art isn’t your thing—to which I say, girl, you’re crazy—there is still one major reason to visit Boise: the World Center for Birds of Prey.

World Center for Birds of Prey

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

This world-class facility serves as the headquarters for the Peregrine Fund (established in 1970) and is located just 25 minutes from downtown; it not only serves as a research center and sanctuary for raptors but also an educational facility teaching people why they shouldn’t fear these gorgeous creatures. I learned SO many things about birds of prey during our three hours exploring the grounds; for example, did you know that as recently as the 1950s, the government placed a bounty on the head of many birds of prey, in particular the bald eagle? How insane is that! Or that not very long ago, there were only 22 California condors left on Earth, and 35 years after starting to breed them in captivity and release them into the wild, there are now around 500?

World Center for Birds of Prey

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

Or how about this one: The main culprit of death for condors is lead poisoning (i.e. humans hunting animals whose carcasses the condors later prey upon). It’s mind-blowing, the amount of information available at this facility.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

The six-month-old Milky eagle owl was by far my favorite raptor to observe, but my Potter-loving self squealed when I got to meet Buckbeak’s doppelgänger (from the other side of the glass, I might add!). Those visiting the center in late-September through early-November should definitely sign up for one of the weekly flight demonstrations.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

Those who want to further their knowledge on raptors should drive down to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Murphy, a near half-million acres managed by the BLM about an hour south of Boise. We didn’t have time to squeeze it in on this trip, but a visit to Dedication Point Overlook will be the first thing we do next time we’re back.

World Center for Birds of Prey

After our time with the birds of prey, we headed back into Boise to make a dent in the local brewing scene, each stop impressive in its own right (and most of which had a resident food truck, which we took advantage of, as well!). Among our favorites are:

Where to Drink Beer in Boise

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

Where to Drink Beer in Boise

Where to Drink Beer in Boise

At 7pm, we drove to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, which isn’t so much a festival per se as a series produced by a local theater company that runs in the outdoor amphitheater from May through September each year.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

We already had lawn chairs reserved, nabbed a picnic dinner from Cafe Shakespeare and brought in our six-pack from Hops & Bottles. Gotta love a venue that’s BYOB (or wine)! There’s a pre-show concert to listen to if you arrive early. The play during our visit was Pride & Prejudice, and it was hands-down the best rendition of the classic Austen tale that I’d ever seen. Photos are not allowed during the production, which made me sit back and enjoy the three hours uninterrupted for a change, but let me just say this: I’ve never witnessed such professional-caliber talent in a non-Broadway show before, and I’ve sat through a lot of theater in my life, too.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Saturday

We’re early risers these days, particularly when on mountain time, and we were up with the sun and ready to cruise around town by bike. As if our hotel could get any more desirable, they also offered complimentary cruisers that guests could take out in three-hour increments. Even better is the fact that the Greenbelt is just two minutes by bike from the hotel. Sold!

The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho
The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho

The Greenbelt spans 25 miles of park and trail along the Boise River, and it’s definitely well-used and well-loved by its residents, from runners and bikers to fishermen and canines.

The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho

The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho
The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho

The GreenBelt in Boise, Idaho

Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes as you clip by—no, really, the giraffe quarters at Zoo Boise overlook the Greenbelt so if you feel as if you’re being watched, there’s a good chance you are!

Giraffes on the Boise Greenbelt

On our way back from our ride, I was in need of a caffeine drip, so we dropped into Form & Function, just a couple blocks from the hotel, and fueled up.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

After our bike ride, we returned our cruisers to the hotel, then walked over to Boise Farmers Market, a thriving public market with so much to look at and all sorts of delicacies like tamales cooked on site and jalapeño wine lemonade to taste.

The Capitol in Boise
The Capitol in Boise
The Capitol in Boise

Also taking place on Saturday mornings and early afternoons from mid-April through mid-December is Capital City Public Market up near the capitol, which is heavier on the arts and crafts than the farmers market.

Capital Public Market in Boise, Idaho

While in the heart of Boise, we took the opportunity to peek inside the capitol itself and check out its fantastic collection of marble before our stomachs directed us to Bardenay once more for a meal.

The Capitol in Boise
The Capitol in Boise
The Capitol in Boise

Following brunch, we returned to our hotel to kick it for the afternoon, only to discover there’s a hidden gem of an indie theater tucked behind it. Suddenly the cinematic theme of our room made perfect sense! Having not seen a movie all summer long, we grabbed tickets to see a matinee of Eighth Grade in a theater that was born one year before me (that’s to say, it’s been around a lot of years). There was a bar and a restaurant, and the experience was peppered with nostalgia. Boise peeps, you need to be seeing movies at the Flicks if you aren’t already!

Flicks movie theater in Boise

When we came out of the movie in broad daylight, the force of the Boise summer heat hit us full force so we ventured across the street from the hotel to a collective of concepts comprising Gas Lantern Drinking Company, White Dog Brewing and LongDrop Cider Company. This grouping of libations also dishes up eats from a local food truck, Smoke and Thyme, which has a permanent location out back.

Where to Drink in Boise

I’ve never been a huge cider fan before but that’s clearly because I’d never had LongDrop’s creations, as we sampled a full flight and I found myself wanting to come back for more; it was the perfect respite from the Idaho heat. LongDrop was the first cidery in the whole state, and they also sell select products in bottles and cans.

Longdrop Cider in Boise

We left LongDrop quicker than we would have liked—just one flight? who are we even?—but that’s because we were racing the sun and wanted to make it to Camel’s Back Park before dark.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Camel's Back Park

There are two ways to get up to the top of Camel’s Back ridge: the longer, windier way with more solid footing or the near-vertical climb up Sand Hill.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

We took Sand Hill, though I only recommend doing so if you’re wearing sneakers with good grip as that hill is steep, particularly at the top. I felt like I was going to topple down it as I dug my toes into the sand for stability.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

It was a hazy evening, which almost prohibited us from making the trek up, but I’m so glad we did as the smoke made for a dramatic sunset. Moon, too.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Camel's Back Ridge at Sunset
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Camel's Back Ridge at Sunset

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Next time we’re in Boise, we’ll bring a picnic to eat at Camel’s Back Park first as there’s a nice, grassy stretch of 11 acres at the bottom of the ridge.

Sunday

Lazy Sunday? Ha, not in our world! But like any good Sunday, ours started with mimosas and brunch at Fork, a downtown staple that luckily takes reservations because we had tried to go Saturday during the market only to find a near two-hour wait. Book your table in advance, as you don’t want to miss Fork.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

After brunch, we walked around the sleepy downtown before the collegiates were up and at ’em for the day, then headed 45 minutes north to Horseshoe Bend, stopping along the Payette River to take photos on the way.

Payette River in Idaho

It was a bit hazy from the California wildfires, but a gorgeous day for rafting. Idaho gets hot in the summer, and I can’t think of a better way to cool off than a rafting trip down the icy Payette!

Payette River in Idaho

We arrived at Cascade Raft and Kayak to find one of the most polished outdoor outfitters I’ve ever seen; in addition to all the usual equipment rentals and shops, there was an outdoor grille, a riverfront patio, a grassy lounge area, a smoothie bar, a cafe, and plenty of space to hang before and after your trip.

Rafting the Payette River in Idaho

We waited until our color was called, then boarded up the bus to drive the 15 minutes to the starting point of our trip.

Rafting the Payette River in Idaho

Given that I have been rafting all of five times in my life, I’ll admit: I was nervous. When the guide told us we’d be on Class III and IV rapids for much of the time, I wondered if it was too late to back out of our trip down the Lower South Fork of the Payette.

Rafting the Payette River in Idaho

Three hours later, I’m so glad I didn’t. This was by far the highlight of our time in Idaho, and that’s saying a lot, as there’s nothing from our trip I’d take off the itinerary.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

SVV even “rode the bull” right after we finished Staircase, the most epic series of cascades on this stretch of the South Fork. We had opted for the half-day “rush,” but next time I’d love to do the full-day “plunge” and really soak up the beauty of the region.

Rafting the Payette River in Idaho

We were tired when we returned to Boise, but that didn’t deter us from a couple of brewery stops, followed by a nightcap at the STIL Ice Cream Shop. This brand new ice cream shop not only scoops up booze-infused ice creams, but also serves beer and spirits pairings. Talk about my dream concept!

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

Monday

Monday morning rolled around, and we knew we’d saved the best breakfast stop for last: Guru Donuts. Better yet, they’re gluten-free (not that I needed an excuse to indulge)!

Guru Donuts in Boise, Idaho

We didn’t do much shopping while in Boise—primarily because we were too busy tasting all the beer in town—but while driving to Camel’s Back had stumbled upon Hyde Park in the North End and mentally bookmarked it for a little window-shopping. It was just a bonus then that we also spotted a mural that spanned an entire co-op wall on the drive over.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Sadly, our noon airport departure approached far too quickly, and we’d only managed to check off a half-dozen breweries and taprooms throughout the weekend. So we made that one more by heading over to the local outpost of 10 Barrel Brewing Co. for lunch and kiwi sours before we officially bid Boise farewell.

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho: Where to Eat

I’m a list-maker (shocking, right?), and I’ll admit we didn’t manage to make it through my entire eat/drink list, specifically to Waffle Me Up, Boise Fry Company, BACON or Wild Root Cafe & Market, because there are only so many meals in a day (or so I’m told…). But all the more reason to return next summer, as if the art and beer and outdoors weren’t already enough of an excuse!

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Have you been to Boise? Did you find it an unexpected Mecca of culinary and artistic delights? What would you add to my weekend itinerary for next time?

A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho

 


 

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A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho
A Long Weekend in Boise, Idaho
COMMENTS
  • September 4, 2018
    Briel K.

    Looks like a really great town! I’ve never been but after this post it’s now on my radar. 🙂

    • September 4, 2018

      Such an easy trip from California, too! We met several Northern and Southern Californians who have relocated to (or bought second homes in) the Boise area because it’s so much more affordable.

  • September 5, 2018

    Beers, murals, nature, Boise looks like my kind of city!

  • September 5, 2018

    That looked like an absolute blast of a trip! While living near Boise for two years we adored hitting up the Saturday markets – Misty would go shopping while I chase Owen around the innards of the Capitol building.

    We’ve only been gone a year, but it seems like the mural scene has just exploded in the last 12 months – nice pics there.

    One great thing about visiting Boise is that if you drive 30 minutes in any direction, the landscapes just become epic! (Coming from Washington state, that’s saying something)

    • September 10, 2018

      I wish we’d had more time to drive beyond Boise, but Horseshoe Bend was as far as we got! I’d love to make a McCall trip happen next summer.

  • September 5, 2018

    My sister and I drove through a bit of Idaho last summer when we went to watch the solar eclipse there. I was really surprised by much of Idaho (we stayed in McCall and it was awesome!), and would definitely like to go back and see more of it. Boise looks so artsy and fun – I’m definitely putting it on my list for my next road trip!

    • September 10, 2018

      I really want to go to McCall, as well! Jade went last summer and it looked like my kind of town. Also, you guys drove all that way? Bold!

  • September 9, 2018

    Many of these are my favorite things about Boise, too.

    One little tidbit about the Idaho Shakespeare Festival: I think they’d be miffed to hear you refer to them as a community theater. They are a professional company, employing Equity member actors, directors, sound, set, and costume designers from across the country. They’re a part of Boise’s thriving cultural scene which includes other professional theatrical companies, a ballet, and opera and a symphony as well.

    Cheers!

    • September 10, 2018

      Thank you for the info, Beth! I thumbed through every page of their program multiple times, and it was very thin on actual information (like the history of the company and also the dates of all future shows!). Maybe they need to also employee a writer/marketer 😉

      I’ll change the information to reflect what you gave me. I definitely wouldn’t want to offend them—when I said “community theater,” I guess I meant non-Broadway production and wasn’t sure how else to phrase it!

  • September 11, 2018

    We loved our trips to Boise when I was working for Discovery Education and training teachers in the area. Two of our don’t miss places are must-see’s when you return: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro downtown and Boise Fry Company (serves mostly fries with hamburgers on the side)! Great places for Idaho potatoes cooked just how you like ’em! And you’re right — Boise could be the next Portland, but we liked it because it reminded us of Knoxville, our great little college town with an outdoor vibe all its own.

  • September 12, 2018

    ‘Love it! But then, who wouldn’t?
    Craft beer, art, birds of prey, food markets, AND cider! What not to love? fun for all the family!

    • September 18, 2018

      It’s the perfect city to represent America, in my opinion!

  • September 17, 2018

    I never thought Boise would look so artsy and hip!

    • September 18, 2018

      SUPER hip! So much art, from the culinary scene to the murals.

  • July 15, 2020
    Rebekah

    Heading through Boise for a scant 24 hours at the end of the month, and now I have a LONG list of things to eat and drink during that time. I had no idea Boise was so cool!

    • July 16, 2020

      You’ll get a nice little teaser of Boise in that time! You can cover a lot in 24 hours, but you’ll definitely need to plan a return trip 😉

  • July 19, 2020
    Ayla Hall

    Hi! I’m a Japanese Single Mom living in Dallas, I found your article to be soooo Usefull!

  • July 20, 2020
    Kent Johnson

    Please find the good things about Boise, not that it could become the next Portland, Seattle or Denver! Does anyone really want that? We natives sure don’t! Glad you had a good time.

  • June 14, 2021
    Bryson Fico

    Great post! We love your photographs. Clearly, Boise has a lot to offer including street art, rafting, green areas, and Hops and Bottles is a must stop pub.

    • June 14, 2021

      So much to offer! I can’t wait to go back for round two.

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