Jeannie & Joey
Things To Do
Boise Farmers Market
Visit downtown Boise on Saturday morning from 9AM - 1PM for locally grown and crafted products! While you're in the area, stop by the Boise Fry Company (Joey's fave) and Guru Donuts (Jeannie's fave)
Freak Alley Gallery
Located downtown, Freak Alley Gallery is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. It's free and open to the public 24/7. We love how this gallery is unique and constantly changing!
Walk the Greenbelt
This walk follows the Boise River and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths. Jeannie's favorite stops along the way are the Anne Frank Memorial and the MK Nature Center.
Boise Hikes
With more than 200 miles of trails surrounding the city, it’s no exaggeration to say that Boise is a haven for hikers. See this link for some of the best trails in and around Boise, from easy paths that double as great nature walks for kids, to challenging day hikes.
Idaho Botanical Garden
These gardens are a 15-acre garden nestled in the Boise Foothills, it is a sanctuary in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District.
Kathryn Albertson Park
A 41-acre special use park located near downtown Boise. This park features wide, paved footpaths and outdoor gazebos in a beautiful natural setting.
Bogus Basin Recreation
Known for its ski slopes during the winter, Bogus Basin also offers summer activities including mountain biking, a mountain coaster, scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, hiking, horseback riding.
Lucky Peak State Park
Boise residents love spending time at Lucky Peak State Park to get outside with biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Sandy Point and Discovery Park are just 10 minutes from Boise, while the marina is about 40 minutes away. Onsite watersport rentals and boat ramps are available here.
The Springs
Soak in natural hot springs pools just 45 minutes from Boise. We loved spending a full day here! We left to hike in the Boise National Forest and returned for another soak in the hot springs. From Boise, go north on Highway 21 towards Idaho City and look for our sign on the left, just past mile marker 37. The town of Idaho City is beyond The Springs another mile.
Bruneau Sand Dunes Road
The tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, Bruneau is located 64 miles south of Boise. We recommend hiking or sand sledding the sand dunes! On the way there or back, stop by Shiok in Mountain Home for some great Singaporean food.
River Rafting
You’ll find some of the best whitewater rafting in Southwest Idaho. There is a stretch of river perfect for everyone, whether experienced or a beginner. Both full-day outings and shorter trips are available!
Kid Friendly
Our last activity recs are five options that are especially fun for kids: Downtown: Discovery Center of Idaho, Zoo Boise, Julia Davis Park paddleboats 15 min west of Boise: Roaring Spring Water Park, Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Urban Fox Coffee & Boba
A Ngo sister recommendation, Urban Fox is a one-stop-shop for milk teas, tea, coffee, lemonades!
The District Coffee
These Boise baristas are experts at brewing quality coffee, making hot brunch & pastries. Spend a morning in this airy and gorgeous downtown shop.
Neckar Coffee
Beautiful downtown coffee shop to enjoy a weekend morning. We ordered the cordata - similar to the flat white coffees in New Zealand!
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
Opened in February 1999 in the heart of downtown Boise, ID. Goldy’s takes pride in its made to order breakfast using as many fresh local ingredients as possible
Janjou Pâtisserie
Jeannie and Joey are obsessed with French pastries, and this unassuming spot has the best! Stop by for croissants, bostocks, kouign-amanns, tarts, quiches, and lattes!
Westside Drive In
One of Boise's most beloved and iconic spots since 1957. This 50's diner is featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and is home to Idaho's iconic ice cream potato! Looks like a potato but it's all dessert :)
Boise Fry Company
Joey's Boise must-have! Come here for Idaho potato fries...and order a burger on the side. Choose between the potato (Yukon gold fry, sweet potato, etc), cut (curly, homestyle, etc), and dip (chipotle aioli, blueberry ketchup, etc) for over 100,000 variations.
The Basque Market
Idaho’s Basque population is the largest in US. Come visit this casual spot in the Basque Block and try Spanish-style pintxos (Basque for tapas). Check their website to see which days they offer paella!
Bar Gernika
Located on the Basque Block in downtown Boise, this is one of our favorites! We recommend the croquetas (Basque dumplings) and the lamb grinder sandwich!
Fork
A favorite downtown spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner that highlights the Northwest region by using the finest and freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Tango's Empanadas
Tangos introduced Argentinian empanadas to Boise! In high school, this was the go-to spot for Jeannie, her friends, and her sisters.
Guru Donuts
Guru is magical enough to satisfy donut connoisseur, Joey. These made from scratch donuts sell out quickly! Jeannie recs: The Hipsterberry, Alice in Wonderland, The OG, and any donuts off the seasonal menu. During their last hour, donuts are BOGO.
Goody's Soda Fountain
Nestled in the heart of Boise's historic district, this is the most nostalgic sweet shop serving handmade ice cream, chocolates, candies, malts, and floats for the past 30 years. Visit if you have a sweet tooth like us! Did we mention they make their own waffle cones? :)
Bittercreek Alehouse
An Idaho-American beer bar that pairs good beer with thoughtful food, friendly service, and comfortable downtown Boise ambiance. This is a Boise favorite!
Payette Brewing Company
Bringing award-winning beers to Idaho since 2009, Paytte Brewing is a large brewhouse and Tap Room in the heart of Boise, Idaho along the Boise River.
Western Collective
The cutest bar with large outdoor patio and lawn games. Kid and dog friendly! Western Proper is their other location in Boise which offers brunch and BOGO 3-5pm daily.
Ste. Chapelle Winery
40 minutes east of Boise, Ste. Chapelle uses grapes planted among the sweeping orchards of southwestern Idaho in the Snake River Valley. It has grown to become the largest winery in Idaho.