Lakin has generously offered a 50% discount for all services for all guests attending our wedding during their time in Boise. Please book an appointment and send a note letting her know you are a part of this party and she will make sure to include your wedding discount. Lakin does incredible services like holistic facials, lymphatic massage, and sound frequency healing. 10/10 highest recommendation.
If you are looking to get your hair done for the reception my highest stylist recommendation is to see Mia at Sola Salon Studios. She can be reached at 208-999-0827
Here is a list of all the places we highly recommend to eat and or drink at while in Boise. There are a few more further locations for anyone feeling adventurous.
The Boise Green Belt is a 25 mile tree-lined pathway that follows the north and south sides of the Boise River through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of Boise’s popular riverside parks. There are a ton of ways to access the green belt. Go for a walk or a bike ride and enjoy one of my favorite parts of Boise. <3
The Zoo is small but mighty and has some really great animals to see including, my favorite, the Giraffes you can say hi to while riding your bike on the green belt!
Also known as Quinn's Pond. This is a great place for the kids to play on the playground and have a "beach day" the Pond is a man made area for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. and there is a full sand beach and play area which is always packed in the summer. A lot of fun and paddle boards are available to rent at Idaho River Sports just at the entrance. You can also access Quinn's Pond via the Greenbelt by walking or bike.
Historic and spooky. Quick and fun walking tour for architecture nerds. There is also a weapons museum inside to see antique guns and such, it is surprisingly interesting.
Directly next to the Old State Penitentary, the botanical gardens are mostly dormant in winter but there may be some special events happening. It is absolutely tranquil in spring and summer.
Weird and Wacky Indoor/Outdoor Museum Space.
A great park for the kids with a huge sand hill to climb to the top of the peak and see another great view of Boise, it is a great place if you want to wear the kids out before a nap. This park is nestled in the Hyde Park Neighborhood which is straight out of a movie with its quaint boutiques restaurants and cafes.
This is a super cute and historical neighborhood in Boise full of great shops, cafes, and restaurants. I recommend Certified Cafe for a breakfast sandwich or pastry.
If you are willing to drive out a bit, this center has done more for predatory bird conservation than any other place on earth. They brought back the Peregrine Falcon from extinction and are actively breeding the California Condor and releasing them which also almost went extinct. You can go and see some amazing predatory birds that can not be released in the wild due to a number of health reasons and get up close and personal with them. It is a great organization and worth the 45-60 min drive.
Boise has the largest Basque population outside of Spain. This unique neighborhood boasts some delicious bars/restaurants and a museum to teach you about this proud cultural identity of immigrants from the Basque country.
Ann Morrison Park is named after our late great great Aunt who supported and created many of Boise's beautiful spaces. The park is beautiful year round. There is a large playground for the kids, river access, and our municipal soccer fields. It is also home to our awesome dog park island which is so fun to walk through.
The Idaho State Capitol is beautiful inside and out! It is open during the week during normal business hours, on certain days you are allowed to attend sessions in the gallery as a visitor or take a tour and learn about Idaho State Government. At the very least walk into the main hall to see the gorgeous white marble rotunda.
An alley gallery filled with impressive street art in the heart of downtown. This is a highlight of downtown for all visitors and the graffiti changes every year sponsored by the city as an art installation.
MK stands for Morrison-Knudsen after my late great uncle Mr. Morrison! Go see the sturgeon pond on Friday during feeding time and learn about the local flora and fauna! This is one of Madi's favorite spots to ride her bike to and try and catch a glimpse of the Jurassic sized fish in the tiny pond.
Our kids museum filled with interactive STEM focused exhibits. Fun for kids and adults.
Our little aquarium with a lot of heart, so many touch pools for everyone to get up close to some really cute sea creatures. 10/10 would recommend, and bring me with you too.
A short but steep hiking trail behind the Old State Penitentiary and Botanical Gardens that leads you up to the big cross on the hill and gives you an awesome panorama of the Treasure Valley.
If you need to do some shopping this outlet mall is packed full of great shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, and outdoor play area for the kids. It is gorgeous.
This is our small but mighty art museum that boasts some incredible exhibits. Worth a visit.
Quirky Egyptian themed theatre that you can sometimes catch a great concert at or an old movie. It was renovated in the last 10 years to reflect its former glory and worth taking a look at.
Our "drop in" point to float the Boise river.
If you want another spot to have a "beach day" Lucky Peak State Park sits at the base of Lucky Peak Dam and is jam packed in the summer. The cold water from the bottom of the dam is so refreshing when it is 40C outside. It is also home to another great paddle boarding spot that is usually quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.
During the winter, Bogus Basin is our closest, and nonprofit, ski resort. During the summer they host all sorts of family friendly activities like the mountain coaster, live music, obstacle course, mountain biking trails, and great food. Just 30 min drive up the mountain.
This is a hidden gem of Boise in the old historic Pioneer Building this place is a train nerds heaven. It is impressive with the sheer volume of model trains they fit into this tiny basement room.