Boise Travel Guide
Nestled on a high desert plain with the snow-capped Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, visitors will be hard pressed to forget the city of Boise. Its location makes it a convenient gateway to Idaho's great outdoors. The Boise River flows directly through the centre of town, enhancing the 25-mile (40km) Greenbelt path system, which connects five major parks throughout Boise, providing runners, walkers, bikers and skaters with endless space for exercise. Towering mountains lie to the north, including the Bogus Basin Mountain Resort, which is just a few minutes' drive from the city. Also easily accessible are natural sand dunes, hot springs and crystal clear mountain lakes.
When travellers aren't exploring the area's natural wonders, they can enjoy Downtown Boise's shops, galleries, restaurants and clubs. Central Grove Plaza hosts free concerts throughout the summer and festive celebrations, including the lighting of an enormous Christmas tree in winter. Renovated historic buildings such as the 8th Street Marketplace offer unique shopping and dining experiences. Boise has an active downtown association, which promotes initiatives such as First Thursdays, when city businesses stay open late and offer various promotions.
Visitors should be sure to sample Boise's Basque cuisine. In the 1930s, a group of Basques left Europe and settled in Boise, leaving their unique mark on the city's culinary tradition. Today, Boise has one of the largest concentrations of Basques in the world outside the Pyrenees. In Boise's Basque neighbourhood, visitors can enjoy the Basque market, traditional restaurants and various cultural events.