Three Perfect Days: A trip to Idaho

Regardless of the season, Boise is a nature enthusiasts' playground, packed with dozens of outdoor adventures. Downtown, you’ll find many local restaurants, shops, parks and museums. So, spend your first day getting to know Idaho’s stunning capital.

Things to do and see

If you’re visiting on a Saturday from April to December, I recommend checking out the Capital City Public Market on the corner of Myrtle and 11^th Street. Almost 30 years ago, this outdoor market opened with one employee and 10 vendors. Today, it generates millions for the local economy, helping independent businesses thrive and emphasizing the importance of locally sourced, sustainable food.

Some vendors have been selling their trinkets and goods here for decades. This is truly a great way to experience the heart and kindness of Boise.

As you explore downtown, stop by these landmarks and shops:

• The Idaho State Capitol is the backdrop of Downtown Boise. You can’t miss it!
• Take in local graffiti art in Freak Alley, which runs between 9^th and 8^th Street.

• The Boise Art Museum is situated right along the Boise River (more about that on day 3) in Julia Davis Park, also home to the Boise Zoo and the Discovery Center of Idaho, the state’s only hands-on science center.
• Catch a concert or show at TreeFort Music Hall, Knitting Factory or Shrine Social Club.
• Visit Basque Block and Basque Museum and Cultural Center, which share artifacts of Basque communities in the American West through exhibits and photos. Plus, enjoy traditional Basque dishes from Bar Gernika.

• Get the best view of the Boise skyline at the Boise Train Depot.
• See “the blue” and get the hype at Boise State’s Hall of Fame building, where you can practically step out onto Boise State University’s infamous blue turf on weekdays when there aren’t football games.
• Find one-of-a-kind bars lined up on Main Street. Here, you can ride a bull in a country bar, sing along to live music and dance the night away.

Where to eat and drink

Start your day like a true local at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro. This restaurant is a staple right in the heart of downtown Boise, putting you in the center of it all. If Goldy’s is too busy, check out Moon’s Kitchen Cafe.

Need an energy boost? Flying M Coffee House and Java are cute coffee shops that perfectly encapsulate the Boise vibe, while caffeine connoisseurs can get a coffee flight at Jitters by Jane. Once you’re ready for a drink, taste local craft beer at White Dog Brewing Company, 10 Barrell Brewing, or Mother Earth Brew Co.

I miss the elevated yet unpretentious dinner cuisine at some of my favorite local restaurants like Bacon, Fork and Bardenay.

Boise is blessed with striking natural landscapes and flourishing wildlife. So, on your second day, trade the city for sprawling valleys and mountains. I highly recommend renting a car for a picturesque day trip to Sun Valley.

Sun Valley is for thrill seekers who love chasing that unforgettable view. This small city is a world-class ski destination in the winter and breathtaking during the summer. The three-hour road trip from Boise will fly by as you marvel at Idaho’s natural wonders, including the Sawtooth National Forest and quaint towns.

Boise to Sun Valley

There are two main routes you can take. If you want a quick road trip, the best route is along I-84 and US-20.

Landmarks and sights along the way:

• As you get closer to Sun Valley, you won’t be able to take your eyes off Sawtooth National Forest’s jagged peaks, shimmering lakes, and lush meadows bursting with wildflowers.
• Prosperity Mountain is a sculpture in Hailey, Idaho at the northwest corner of Walnut and Main Street that honors the Chinese immigrants who helped build the Wood River Valley.

However, if you would rather see and experience the best wildlife and nature Idaho offers by car, I highly recommend the "Sun Valley Loop". This trip, routing you through Idaho City, Lowman, Stanley, and then Sun Valley via the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, will take you about six and a half hours. But if you have time to spare, this is worth an early morning!

There are many natural wonders along the scenic route since you'll drive along Lucky Peak State Park and through the Sawtooth National Forest. But here are some of my can’t-miss stops and sights along the way:

• Some of the features of the Granite Creek Interpretive Trail just outside of Idaho City can be seen from the road without embarking on a full hike. However, the most captivating aspects of the site and its beautiful surroundings are best appreciated by walking the trails.

• Kirkham Hot Springs is a natural oasis nestled in the picturesque Boise National Forest with a beautiful view of the flowing river below. It’s a short walk from Idaho State Highway 21 with easy access to parking.
• The South Fork of the Payette River is near Sun Valley and is packed with adventures like white-water rafting, kayaking, biking and hiking, but it’s also just a beautiful view to take in from the car.

• I promise a picturesque detour to Stanley Lake, just 14 miles from Idaho State Highway 75’s main road, is worth it. Take in the stunning views of the clear blue water surrounded by the majestic Sawtooth Mountains. For the best views, drive to the Stanley Lake Overlook or Stanley Lake Trailhead.

As you plan to hit the road, stop by another Boise classic, Blue Sky Bagels, for breakfast or lunch. The cinnamon sugar bagel with butter makes the perfect sweet treat, and you can’t go wrong with a savory bagel sandwich.

Sun Valley in the winter

Sunny Valley Resort is a premier skiing and snowboarding destination comprised of two mountains, and people travel from across the world to experience its sprawling 2,000 acres. For those more experienced, try Bald Mountain’s vertical lines reaching up to 3,400 feet. For more beginner-friendly terrain, start at Dollar Mountain.

Though Sun Valley is a premier skiing and snowboarding destination. That’s not all this town has to offer:

• Glide across the ice on the Sun Valley Ice Rink or shoot pucks on one of the largest non-refrigerated ice rinks in the U.S. at Christina Potters Ice Rink.
• Snowshoe through over 15 miles of winter wonderland trails at Galena Lodge.
• Catch a show at the Sun Valley Opera House or enjoy an indie movie at Merlin’s Magic Lantern Cinema.
• Enjoy truffle fries and fondue at Roundhouse, or grab a more rustic bite at Pioneer Saloon and Sawtooth Brewery Public House.
• Embark on backcountry and helicopter skiing and snowboarding in one of the most remote mountain regions in the West.

Sun Valley in the summer

Sun Valley summers are all about hiking, biking and sustainable, locally sourced food. Here’s what I recommend:

• One of my top memories was rafting the gentle but exhilarating rapids of the Salmon River.
• Enjoy a boat day on Redfish Lake or hike three hours up to Sawtooth Lake for an unforgettable swim and scenery.
• Rent a mountain bike from Pete Lanes, catch the Christmas chair lift and choose from five different downhill-only trails.
• Unwind from all the adventure during a spa day at one of Sun Valley’s luxury resorts.
• Fuel up on hearty meals at The Kneadery, Grumpy’s or Scout Wine & Cheese.

End your trip on a high note, and choose your own adventure for day three, whether it’s hiking and river rafting or enjoying the city vibes.

Foodies

Get a true taste of Boise. Indulge Boise is a Black-owned food tour company that pairs art and adventure with local restaurants and cuisine. The company has several tours, including the potatoes and bicycle tour, where guests enjoy a variety of potato dishes like loaded fries, tacos, and more while riding to each spot on a classic or E-bike. Additionally, the Downtown Boise brunch and art tour gives guests a VIP glimpse into some of the city’s most popular restaurants while taking in Boise’s most iconic art and architecture.

Thrill Seekers

My No. 1 rule: you can’t visit Boise without shredding down Bogus Basin or rafting down the Boise River. But here are some other top recommendations:

• Hike: Walk through the Boise Botanical Gardens or go on a self-guided tour of the haunted Idaho State Penitentiary before hiking up Table Rock. This smaller mountain has challenging hiking trails that lead to a stunning view of Boise and the Treasure Valley.
• Raft: Floating the Boise River is my favorite way to experience the city. In the summertime, park your car or get dropped off at Ann Morrison Park. Then, take a bus up to Barber Park, where you can rent a raft and life jacket and begin your three to four-hour float down the river.
• Ski or snowboard: If you haven’t already lived out your black diamond dreams in Sun Valley, you can snowboard, ski or launch yourself down a hill in an inner tube — without having to pack or lug any heavy gear! Hop on the 40-minute shuttle bus from downtown Boise that will take you to Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.
• Golf: With 15 golf courses and over 200 sunny days a year, Boise is truly a golfer’s dream. Many golf courses in Boise are open year-round, but courses will close if there is snow or ice on the ground.
• Leisure hike: Take in beautiful views without a strenuous hike at Camel’s Back Park, which offers incredible views of the foothills and downtown.

Where to eat

After a day of exploration, it’s time to choose your next adventure: Dinner.

• I recommend Pie Hole Pizza if you’re in the mood for a more laid-back vibe. These specialty pizzas are unlike any other slice you’ve had. I always order the slice o’ the day and potato/bacon.
• For something a little more indulgent, order Hot Rock steak at Barbacoa, an inventive Spanish-American restaurant with a unique atmosphere.

There’s a reason why they call Boise the Treasure Valley.

So, why not escape to a slower pace of life? Immerse yourself in Idaho’s breathtaking landscapes, where Boise and Sun Valley perfectly blend adventure, relaxation, and awe.