48 Hours of Fun, Food & Fall Foliage in Boise, Idaho
48 Hours of Fun, Food & Fall Foliage in Boise, Idaho
48 Hours of Fun, Food & Fall Foliage in Boise, Idaho
WJ Tested: Where to Stay, What To See & Where to Dine on a 48-Hour Fall Foliage Road Trip to Boise
With only 48 hours to have fun and dine on fabulous food, where better than “The City of Trees” to enjoy the changing colors of fall? If you’re like us and love all things fall has to offer: crisp and fresh morning air followed by warm temps and blue sky; spectacular changing colors of foliage; endless sampling of soul-warming comfort food — Boise, Idaho is well worth a visit.
Whether for a weekend or a week, Idaho’s state capital (population of Boise is around 210,000) has plenty to offer the entire family for recreation, entertainment, arts, gastronomy and culture. Located on the Boise River in the southwestern part of the state, this city is a lush oasis at the base of bare and bleak foothills and high desert.
Jog, bike or stroll along the paved 25-mile trail known as the Boise River Greenbelt. Wander through the tree-lined streets of the North End and view 100-year old historic homes and mansions that in days gone by, housed Boise‘s elite. Then shop till you drop at unique shops and antique stores in the Hyde Park area.
Easily accessed by air (Boise Airport handles about 90 flights a day) or road, Boise’s bounty will surprise and delight any visitor. Armed with the following list of things to see and do, you will be set to indulge all your cravings during what is one of the most beautiful seasons for this part of the United States.
Stay:
If you want to conserve your budget on accommodations check-in to the Boise Hotel and Conference Center – it’s close to the airport and downtown. We found this hotel to be very clean, comfortable, providing excellent friendly service at a very reasonable price. WIFI is free, there’s even an indoor pool and the Castle Ranch Breakfast House cooks up some great breakfasts starting at $4.99. Tip: Ask for an outside room when making the reservation.
Eat & Drink:
Boise has many wonderful restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds. Take your pick from a few of our favorites or make your own discovery as you explore the area.
- We love craft beer and good pub grub, so when we learned 10 Barrel Brewing had opened up their second location (the first is our local favorite in Bend, Oregon) we just had to visit – and they did not disappoint us! Some of the brews here are different from the Bend pub and we found a new 10 Barrel favorite in Boise’s SAM. Tip: Whatever you order from their menu is sure to be a hit.
- If a martini is your preferred beverage visit Chandler’s Martini Bar for a cocktail. There are also more than 20 varieties of wine available by the glass.
- Chandler’s Steakhouse is the place to enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth steak in an upscale atmosphere. Tip: Enjoy a martini in the bar first and then ease into dinner at the steakhouse.
- Mai Thai is our pick for some of the best Thai cuisine this side of the Pacific – perfect for either lunch or dinner.
- Bittercreek Alehouse serves up great beer and great food in a fun and busy casual atmosphere. We particularly loved the Huntsman Burger and Turkey Anaheim Pita sandwich.
- We’re guessing that you probably haven’t had the chance to experience too much Basque food. But, if like us, you’re game for new experiences, Bar Gernika serves Basque pub food at very reasonable prices.
- Leku Ona is a very popular Basque restaurant that serves lunch and dinner.
See & Do:
Hit the pavement and walk to all of the main attractions in downtown. Boise is a great walking city – compact and well laid out.
- The Basque Block (Boise has close to 15,000 Basques) provides plenty of shops to explore. If time permits, pay a visit to the Basque Museum and Cultural Center (one of only two in the world) and stop in at the Basque Market to pick-up a bottle of Spanish wine or a unique Basque gift to take home.
- Idaho Capitol Building – Take a self-guided tour of the State Capitol building.
- Boise Art Museum features various exhibitions of artwork and is a good place to spend an hour or two.
- The Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is located on the banks of the Boise River – a very sobering memorial.
- Basque Museum & Cultural Center is a terrific place to learn about the heritage of the Basque’s who left their homes in the Pyrenees mountain range of France and Spain.
- Idaho Black History Museum is the only African-American history museum in the Pacific northwest.
- Capital City Public Market is where you will find handmade art, crafts and local products.
Shopping:
Boise offers shopping opportunities galore! Some of our favorites are:
- The Chocolat Bar for fine handcrafted chocolates
- My Fair Lady is the place for home decor, furniture and gifts – Address: 208 N 9th Street, Boise. Phone: 208-343-0030
- The Basque Market – wine, gifts, Basque foods and deli
- Pottery Gourmet for authentic Polish pottery
If You Go:
- Visit Idaho Tourism website for more information
NOTE: Late September to late October offers peak fall foliage viewing
Next… Drive To: Top Places To Eat Plus Things To Do and See Near Boise
