Robyn’s guidebook
Food scene
Barbacoa is walking distance from the house and the atmosphere is off the charts! There is no place like it in Boise. It’s pricey and reservations are a must but it’s perfect for a special occasion or date night. Its consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in Boise. There is also a rooftop bar and outdoor dining with a great view of the ParkCenter Pond.
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Barbacoa Grill
276 Bobwhite CtBarbacoa is walking distance from the house and the atmosphere is off the charts! There is no place like it in Boise. It’s pricey and reservations are a must but it’s perfect for a special occasion or date night. Its consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in Boise. There is also a rooftop bar and outdoor dining with a great view of the ParkCenter Pond.
Its located in a cool old bank building and the food is fantastic! They focus on sourcing local foods and beverages.
What to order: Asparagus “fries”, Red Wine Braised Boneless Short Ribs w/ Mashed Potatoes, and don’t miss out on the Salted Carmel Bread Pudding. Fork is also a great place for brunch. Best place downtown with a weekend “Build-Your-Own-Bloody-Mary-Bar”!
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Fork
199 N 8th StIts located in a cool old bank building and the food is fantastic! They focus on sourcing local foods and beverages.
What to order: Asparagus “fries”, Red Wine Braised Boneless Short Ribs w/ Mashed Potatoes, and don’t miss out on the Salted Carmel Bread Pudding. Fork is also a great place for brunch. Best place downtown with a weekend “Build-Your-Own-Bloody-Mary-Bar”!
Why we love it: HUGE tap list!
What to order: Any one of the 100% grass-fed burgers! I’m told The Reuben is delicious, although corned beef is not my thing.
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Bittercreek Alehouse
246 N 8th StWhy we love it: HUGE tap list!
What to order: Any one of the 100% grass-fed burgers! I’m told The Reuben is delicious, although corned beef is not my thing.
Why we love it: Amazing southern food. If the weather is nice it’s fun to sit outside on the large terrace overlooking the corner of 8th and Main Streets right across from The Grove Plaza.
What to order: Spicy Avocado @ Chopped Egg sandwich! If you’re there for lunch on a weekday, ask if they still serve $0.25 martinis. That’s not a typo.
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Tupelo Honey
150 N 8th StWhy we love it: Amazing southern food. If the weather is nice it’s fun to sit outside on the large terrace overlooking the corner of 8th and Main Streets right across from The Grove Plaza.
What to order: Spicy Avocado @ Chopped Egg sandwich! If you’re there for lunch on a weekday, ask if they still serve $0.25 martinis. That’s not a typo.
Why we love it: Great authentic Mexican food in a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Best Mexican food in Boise IMHO and bonus that it’s right around the corner. Its nothing flashy but the food is good, and service is quick.
What to order: I love the chili rellenos and fajitas. I’ve never tried breakfast (served all day) but I bet its great too.
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La Tapatia
401 W Parkcenter BlvdWhy we love it: Great authentic Mexican food in a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Best Mexican food in Boise IMHO and bonus that it’s right around the corner. Its nothing flashy but the food is good, and service is quick.
What to order: I love the chili rellenos and fajitas. I’ve never tried breakfast (served all day) but I bet its great too.
Why we love it: The food is fantastic! Worth the wait IMHO. It’s a popular place so there is usually a wait time weekends. I typically enjoy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop next door while I wait.
What to order: Crabcakes Benedict!!
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The Griddle
404 E Parkcenter BlvdWhy we love it: The food is fantastic! Worth the wait IMHO. It’s a popular place so there is usually a wait time weekends. I typically enjoy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop next door while I wait.
What to order: Crabcakes Benedict!!
Why we love it: It’s a great ol’ fashioned diner with orange vinyl booths and homestyle cooking. You almost expect to see Alice come out of the kitchen door. It’s a locals joint for sure.
What to order: Start with a plate sized sticky bun. Can’t go wrong from there, although their eggs benedict is not my favorite.
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Capri
2520 W Fairview AveWhy we love it: It’s a great ol’ fashioned diner with orange vinyl booths and homestyle cooking. You almost expect to see Alice come out of the kitchen door. It’s a locals joint for sure.
What to order: Start with a plate sized sticky bun. Can’t go wrong from there, although their eggs benedict is not my favorite.
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro (@108 S Capital Blvd downtown) is a Boise favorite. Personally, we think it’s overrated and not worth the typical long wait times. Most of Boise seems to disagree with us, so it’s worth trying.
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Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
108 S Capitol BlvdGoldy’s Breakfast Bistro (@108 S Capital Blvd downtown) is a Boise favorite. Personally, we think it’s overrated and not worth the typical long wait times. Most of Boise seems to disagree with us, so it’s worth trying.
Sightseeing
Why we love it: The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks.
What to do: Check out the city of Boise’s website for a map of the Greenbelt. The closest access point is about a quarter of a mile from the house across Park Center Blvd. See map below.
Want to rent a bike? Boise State’s Cycle Learning Center has cruisers and mountain bikes that you can rent for a day, weekend, or wee.
Pedego Electric Bikes is 0.3 miles from the house where you can rent an electric bike.
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Boise River Greenbelt
Boise River GreenbeltWhy we love it: The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks.
What to do: Check out the city of Boise’s website for a map of the Greenbelt. The closest access point is about a quarter of a mile from the house across Park Center Blvd. See map below.
Want to rent a bike? Boise State’s Cycle Learning Center has cruisers and mountain bikes that you can rent for a day, weekend, or wee.
Pedego Electric Bikes is 0.3 miles from the house where you can rent an electric bike.
Why we love it: The MK Nature Center is a unique wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt. The StreamWalk and Visitor Center provide a glimpse of Idaho's many landscapes and abundant wildlife. Underwater viewing windows along the stream walk give visitors a fish-eye view of the world.
What to do: Check out the website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/site/mk-nature-center. There is an access point on the north side of the river to the east of the Parkcenter Blvd bridge, just past the townhomes (see map on the previous page). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the house. Our kids love to see if they can spot the giant sturgeon that lives in the pond.
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MK Nature Center - Idaho Fish and Game
600 S Walnut StWhy we love it: The MK Nature Center is a unique wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt. The StreamWalk and Visitor Center provide a glimpse of Idaho's many landscapes and abundant wildlife. Underwater viewing windows along the stream walk give visitors a fish-eye view of the world.
What to do: Check out the website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/site/mk-nature-center. There is an access point on the north side of the river to the east of the Parkcenter Blvd bridge, just past the townhomes (see map on the previous page). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the house. Our kids love to see if they can spot the giant sturgeon that lives in the pond.
Why we love it: Boise has great city parks. Our kids never seem to get bored, although we like to switch it up occasionally and take them to different parks.
What to do: Check out the website: www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/ for a list of parks. Some favorite parks for kids are the Kristian Armstrong Municipal Park, Camel’s Back Park, and Terry Day Park which has a little zip-line (photo to the right). If strolling along scenic paths is more your style, the Kathryn Alberton Park is a 41-acre park with paved footpaths plenty of wildlife. There is also a bike park on Reserve St. and a world-class whitewater park that is worth checking out just to watch.
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Kathryn Albertson Park
1001 S Americana BlvdWhy we love it: Boise has great city parks. Our kids never seem to get bored, although we like to switch it up occasionally and take them to different parks.
What to do: Check out the website: www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/ for a list of parks. Some favorite parks for kids are the Kristian Armstrong Municipal Park, Camel’s Back Park, and Terry Day Park which has a little zip-line (photo to the right). If strolling along scenic paths is more your style, the Kathryn Alberton Park is a 41-acre park with paved footpaths plenty of wildlife. There is also a bike park on Reserve St. and a world-class whitewater park that is worth checking out just to watch.
Why we love it: Bogus is a great mountain! It’s a non-profit that is a treasured community destination.
What to do:
Winter- ski & snowboard of course! You can also make reservations for the tubing hill which is a blast for the whole family, even the non-skiers There are also plenty of cross-country trails and a lodge where you can rent skis, snowshoes, and even Fat Tire bikes.
Tip: Leave the house very early on the weekends, even though it’s only a 45-min drive, Bogus has not kept up with the population growth of the valley therefore the 2-lane road up there (Bogus Basin Rd) and the parking areas get very crowded very quickly. Another insider tip: you don’t need to park in the main parking lots. If you by-pass the lower lots and continue up the hill, there are more parking opportunities that could get you closer to the slopes.
Summer – Plenty of summer activities, including lift-assisted mountain biking, roller coaster, scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, and hiking. Check the website for the schedule of their summer concert series.
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Bogus Basin Recreation Area
2600 N Bogus Basin RdWhy we love it: Bogus is a great mountain! It’s a non-profit that is a treasured community destination.
What to do:
Winter- ski & snowboard of course! You can also make reservations for the tubing hill which is a blast for the whole family, even the non-skiers There are also plenty of cross-country trails and a lodge where you can rent skis, snowshoes, and even Fat Tire bikes.
Tip: Leave the house very early on the weekends, even though it’s only a 45-min drive, Bogus has not kept up with the population growth of the valley therefore the 2-lane road up there (Bogus Basin Rd) and the parking areas get very crowded very quickly. Another insider tip: you don’t need to park in the main parking lots. If you by-pass the lower lots and continue up the hill, there are more parking opportunities that could get you closer to the slopes.
Summer – Plenty of summer activities, including lift-assisted mountain biking, roller coaster, scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, and hiking. Check the website for the schedule of their summer concert series.
Why we love it: Family fun or thrilling adventure, depending on which river you float!
What to do: There are various guide companies that offer half-day, full-day, and overnight river trips. A few of them are Cascade Raft & Kayak, Bear Valley Rafting, and Payette River Co. Check out their websites and book in advance! If you’re looking for adventure, we suggested a South Fork of the Payette trip. For a more family friendly trip, we suggest the Carbarton stretch of North Fork of the Payette because of the river doesn’t follow the highway for most of the float so you get to enjoy nature and wildlife along the way. It’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles!
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Cascade Raft & Kayak
7050 ID-55Why we love it: Family fun or thrilling adventure, depending on which river you float!
What to do: There are various guide companies that offer half-day, full-day, and overnight river trips. A few of them are Cascade Raft & Kayak, Bear Valley Rafting, and Payette River Co. Check out their websites and book in advance! If you’re looking for adventure, we suggested a South Fork of the Payette trip. For a more family friendly trip, we suggest the Carbarton stretch of North Fork of the Payette because of the river doesn’t follow the highway for most of the float so you get to enjoy nature and wildlife along the way. It’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles!
Name: Floating the Boise River
Why we love it: Every year over 125,000 people enjoy a leisurely float down the Boise River, floaters put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park. The park has a raft and tube rental and a shuttle bus service. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). This is a must do activity IMHO for anyone visiting Boise in the summer months!
What to do: Pack sunblock, water, and snacks in a zip-lock or other waterproof bag, drive to Barber Park, park your car, rent a raft or tube, float down the river for 2-3 hours, take out at Ann Morrison Park, and take a shuttle back to your car. If taking the shuttle doesn’t sound appealing you could also get dropped off and picked up by someone or take an uber. It’s an easy, relaxing float right through the center of Boise. We’ve floated the river with our 4-year-old (at the time) and my 84 year old grandmother. The only thing to watch out for are other floaters and to steer clear from the river edges where you could get hung up on tree branches. Check out this website for more details: https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/float-the-boise-river/
If you prefer to be in the hands of an experienced guide, check out www.boiseriveroutdoor.com.
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Barber Park
Barber ParkName: Floating the Boise River
Why we love it: Every year over 125,000 people enjoy a leisurely float down the Boise River, floaters put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park. The park has a raft and tube rental and a shuttle bus service. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). This is a must do activity IMHO for anyone visiting Boise in the summer months!
What to do: Pack sunblock, water, and snacks in a zip-lock or other waterproof bag, drive to Barber Park, park your car, rent a raft or tube, float down the river for 2-3 hours, take out at Ann Morrison Park, and take a shuttle back to your car. If taking the shuttle doesn’t sound appealing you could also get dropped off and picked up by someone or take an uber. It’s an easy, relaxing float right through the center of Boise. We’ve floated the river with our 4-year-old (at the time) and my 84 year old grandmother. The only thing to watch out for are other floaters and to steer clear from the river edges where you could get hung up on tree branches. Check out this website for more details: https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/float-the-boise-river/
If you prefer to be in the hands of an experienced guide, check out www.boiseriveroutdoor.com.
Why we love it: The Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the first and oldest botanical gardens in Idaho, is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. Nestled in the Boise Foothills, it is a sanctuary in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District.
What to do: Events at IBG are always fun for the family. Our favorites are Winter Garden Aglow around the holidays and Fall Harvest Festival. IBG also hosts big outdoor concerts during the summer. On Thursday evenings in the summer months they have more low-key concerts featuring local bands. The Old Penitentiary next door is also a great place to check out if you’re a history buff.
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Idaho Botanical Garden
2355 N Old Penitentiary RdWhy we love it: The Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the first and oldest botanical gardens in Idaho, is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. Nestled in the Boise Foothills, it is a sanctuary in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District.
What to do: Events at IBG are always fun for the family. Our favorites are Winter Garden Aglow around the holidays and Fall Harvest Festival. IBG also hosts big outdoor concerts during the summer. On Thursday evenings in the summer months they have more low-key concerts featuring local bands. The Old Penitentiary next door is also a great place to check out if you’re a history buff.
Why we Love it: Our kids go crazy for Wahooz and Roaring Springs. We go crazy keeping an eye on them while were there. It’s usually a full day excursion so we only go once or twice a year as a special treat for the kids. Wahoozs has indoor attractions (i.e. bowling, bumper cars, ropes course, laser tag) that are open year-round. Their outdoor attractions are open year-round as well, weather permitting (expect the bumper boats are closed seasonally). Roaring Spring is open generally early May through September. Hint: Lines (food and rides) get very long on weekends during peak season. If you go during those times I suggest packing a lunch and drinks, although you’ll need to leave them in your vehicle and exit the park for lunch.
What to do: Drive there, pay a hefty entrance fee, have fun until your hearts content, leave dead tired.
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Wahooz Family Fun Zone
1385 S Blue Marlin LnWhy we Love it: Our kids go crazy for Wahooz and Roaring Springs. We go crazy keeping an eye on them while were there. It’s usually a full day excursion so we only go once or twice a year as a special treat for the kids. Wahoozs has indoor attractions (i.e. bowling, bumper cars, ropes course, laser tag) that are open year-round. Their outdoor attractions are open year-round as well, weather permitting (expect the bumper boats are closed seasonally). Roaring Spring is open generally early May through September. Hint: Lines (food and rides) get very long on weekends during peak season. If you go during those times I suggest packing a lunch and drinks, although you’ll need to leave them in your vehicle and exit the park for lunch.
What to do: Drive there, pay a hefty entrance fee, have fun until your hearts content, leave dead tired.
McU Sports is a great place to rent bicycles by the day. You can order online and they'll deliver the bikes right to you! Biking the greenbelt is a fabulous way to explore the city of Boise.
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McU Sports
822 W Jefferson StMcU Sports is a great place to rent bicycles by the day. You can order online and they'll deliver the bikes right to you! Biking the greenbelt is a fabulous way to explore the city of Boise.