Spring in Boise is hands down my favorite time of year. The foothills glow green, bluebird days become the norm and the rooster tail display at Lucky Peak marks the official start of spring. For those of you looking to soak up the spring sun after a long winter or just visiting for the weekend, this is my go-to guide for spending the spring in Boise. 

Note: Please check with each business or the city’s latest COVID-19 information prior to visiting the following businesses, as hours of operation might change and restrictions might be in place.

Stay

Boise’s hotel scene hosts several new hotel chains, but I’m loyal to local. I truly believe that where you lay your head can tell you a lot about a city. That’s why I make it my business to help people find their dream home in Boise. Here’s where I suggest you stay for a weekend getaway in Boise. 

• The Inn at 500: For an authentic Boise experience, the Inn at 500 delivers. Each room has a unique design that depicts a part of town through its decor, including a Zoo Boise themed room and one designed with the Spirit of Boise balloon festival in mind. Plus, their location is unbeatable, with immediate access to Boise State University, downtown Boise, the Boise Art Museum and Zoo Boise. For anything a bit further away, they offer complimentary cruiser bikes so you can zip around town like a local.
• The Modern: For the hip set, The Modern is a motel-style mainstay. The renovated Travelodge doesn’t sacrifice anything in the form of comfort or style, and it serves as a hub for Boise’s creative culture. Located in the Linen District, it’s an easy location to access downtown and the North End. Plus, This is one of my favorite date night restaurants with my husband. The restaurant and bar serve some of the best food and drinks in town, with a cozy courtyard where you can lose track of time.
• Airbnb: With historic North End rentals in walking distance to Hyde Park and Camel’s Back, as well as riverside villas with pools and Greenbelt proximity, Boise’s Airbnb market allows visitors to truly feel what it is to live like a local. For anyone looking to move to another neighborhood, or those looking to move to Boise, staying in an Airbnb in your desired area is a wonderful way to picture yourself in that spot.

Dine

Boise’s food scene excels beyond Idaho’s famous potatoes slogan. There’s no end to where to eat in town, but a few restaurants stand out as uniquely Boise.

• Richards: If you’re staying downtown, Richard’s serves an excellent breakfast that will fuel you up for the day. 
• Certified: Those in Hyde Park shouldn’t miss the breakfast sandwich at Certified. It’s the perfect post-Camel’s Back hike recovery, with a griddled English muffin and melty cheese.
• Bar Gernika: For Basque food, a Boise staple, Bar Gernika is a must-visit. An order of croquetas, a lamb grinders, and a Kalimoxto – a combination of Coca Cola and red wine, will give you the full experience.
• If you’re feeling peckish, Boise has jumped on the bandwagon of custom charcuterie boards. Get one delivered to your hotel, Airbnb or home. Say Cheese Boise, Crafted & Co. and Savory N Sweet are just a few options.
• Bittercreek Alehouse: For dinner downtown, Bittercreek boasts an elevated bar food menu that made them a pioneer in Boise’s farm-to-table movement. Try a local beer from their long list and a classic poutine, the perfect accompaniment to people-watching on 8th street. 
• Petite 4: On the Boise Bench, Petite 4 takes cuisine up a notch, with their French-inspired brasserie menu in a cozy, intentional dining room. Their service and food instantly make you feel like home.
• The Stil: Cap off any meal with a sweet scoop at The Stil downtown or in Southeast Boise.

Do

After you’ve decided where you’re going to eat during your perfect spring weekend in Boise, it’s time to decide what you’re going to do. Boise’s list of must-do activities hardly has an end, so think of this itinerary as a starting point. While you’re out and about and the weather turns, remember one of Boise’s favorite sayings, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.”

• Public Art: Take a stroll through downtown Boise and you’ll see art everywhere. From the downtown windows to the graffiti-lined Freak Alley, the city’s dedication to the arts shows up all over town. Click here to see the lineup on the City of Boise website.
• Farmers Markets: Boise’s known for its commitment to farmers, and the wealth of farmers markets in town displays this well. The Boise Farmers Market is my go-to for local ingredients and operates every Saturday from April through November. The 34th Street Market pops up on the river with food trucks and makers. Capital City Market takes over downtown on Saturdays starting in spring, as well.
• Cycle Around: Rent bikes at a local shop like George’s Cycles or Idaho Mountain Touring. Then cruise the Greenbelt, a 25-mile stretch of paved pathways that border the Boise River. Stop at Whitewater Park to watch locals surf the mechanical waves. Then sip on locally made wine on the riverside lawn at Telaya Wine in Garden City. 
• Hiking the Foothills: The Highland Valley-Cobb Loop in Southeast Boise has great views of downtown without the Table Rock crowds. Hike off Bogus Basin Road to take in the impressive display of lupine on the Millers Gulch trail (these bloom around Mother’s Day). Remember to always check trail conditions with Ridge to Rivers before you lace up.
• Cruise the courses: Longer, sunnier days mean Boiseans are hitting the links. Boise boasts multiple public courses like Warm Springs and Quail Hollow. Fun 9-hole courses include Pierce Park Greens and Indian Lakes. Pickleball has also picked up in town. To see parks with dedicated pickleball courts, click here.

In Summary

Just compiling this list makes me proud to call Boise home. I feel honored to get to share this beautiful city with visitors and locals alike. If you don’t yet call Boise home, give us a visit and then give me a call.