Here's why you need to discover the beauty of Boise

June 15, 2018 // By Joanne and Tony DiBona

By Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel Photography Experts June 15, 2018

Beauteous Boise Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Beauteous Boise

If you've never thought about spending some vacation time in Boise, think again. The city, which is the capital of Idaho, has undergone an urban renaissance over the past few years and offers a surprising number of visitor experiences for travelers of all ages.

Downtown charm Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Downtown charm

Boise's colorful downtown is very walkable and lined with a wide variety of dining establishments, craft breweries, bars and cafés to satisfy any taste.

Pedal power Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Pedal power

One of the first things you'll notice in Boise is that biking (besides being for pleasure and fitness) also serves as a very popular form of inner city transportation. Although surrounded by golden foothills, Boise's city center is relatively flat with well-defined bike lanes, so it's no wonder it's a favorite mode of transportation.

Sip Idaho wine Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Sip Idaho wine

Raise a glass of delicious Idaho wine (yes, you read correctly) at one of two Garden City wineries, Cinder and Telaya, with several others located in the nearby countryside. Great soil, enriched with volcanic ash, and four distinct seasons make Idaho's thriving wine industry successful.

It's all for the birds Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

It's all for the birds

A must-see during your stay in Boise is the World Center for Birds of Prey, the 2017 10Best Readers' Choice award winner for "Best Idaho Attraction." Located in the golden hills of the backcountry some 15 miles from downtown, the center is committed to the cause of conserving endangered raptors from around the world, including the California Condor. Live presentations of various species of raptors are presented throughout the day.

Come "nose to beak" Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Come "nose to beak"

You'll have the opportunity to come "nose to beak" with many endangered raptors at the World Center for Birds of Prey. Photographers especially enjoy the opportunity to capture the beauty of these magnificent creatures in close-up portraits.

A mix of both worlds Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

A mix of both worlds

What makes Boise's downtown so interesting and delightful is the mix of old and new architecture. Here, 19th century architecture blends with modern buildings in a pleasing combination.

Basque history & cuisine Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Basque history & cuisine

Boise's "Basque Block" is located near Capitol Boulevard, the city's main thoroughfare, and 6th Street. It's the heart of the largest concentrated population of Basques outside of Spain. The first Basques immigrated to Idaho in the late 19th century to work as miners, but quickly turned to sheep herding as their primary occupation. Enjoy authentic Basque tapas and wine at Txikiteo tapas bar.

Unique souvenirs Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Unique souvenirs

Tired of bringing home baseball caps, T-shirts and tote bags for family and friends? Check out the Basque Market for a shopping experience that includes authentic Basque pottery and a wide variety of food items that make for unique souvenirs.

Sweet dreams Photo courtesy of Inn at 500 Capitol

Sweet dreams

Boise offers a huge hotel inventory that continues to grow. One of the most interesting properties is the Inn at 500 Capitol, which offers spacious suites highlighting various themes, from classical music to Basque culture to the wonders of Africa. Go to sleep dreaming of whatever strikes your fancy among the hotel's line-up of creatively-themed rooms.

Go green Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Go green

Boise is known as the "City of Trees" and boasts an exquisitely picturesque 25-mile Greenbelt. It's one of the city's most beloved parks whose shores straddle the churning Boise River as it flows through town. It's an entire area devoted to recreation, both on land and in water, and you'll find plenty of it here to enjoy.

Magnificent Capitol Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Magnificent Capitol

Saunter down to the end of Capitol Boulevard and come face-to-face with the magnificent Idaho State Capitol building, completed in 1912. Its architects were inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Don't miss a visit inside to see its impressive dome and hundreds of marble pillars. It's interesting to note that this Capitol Building is the only one in the nation heated by geothermal water, tapped and pumped from a source 3,000 feet underground.

Freak out in Freak Alley Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Freak out in Freak Alley

Turn a corner in downtown Boise and freak out over the amazing murals of Freak Alley. It covers several city blocks and is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. You can even have lunch in its shadow.

Mural, mural on the wall Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Mural, mural on the wall

You may come face-to-face with some exceptional mural art in the most unexpected places.

Nuts about nuts Photo courtesy of Arthur Balluff

Nuts about nuts

Boise's downtown is filled with delightful specialty shops and boutiques, and one of the most popular is the City Peanut Shop. Fashioned after the classic nut shops of the past, visitors can choose among a variety of hand-crafted nuts, chocolates, brittles and other goodies. On the first Thursday of the month, visitors can enjoy a nut + beer pairing featuring Boise's acclaimed craft brews.

Prepare to indulge Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Prepare to indulge

Boise boasts an amazing number of excellent restaurants, many of which put great emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. For a true gourmet experience, check out Richard's Restaurant on Capitol Boulevard. Owner and James Beard-nominated chef Richard Langston serves up some incredible cuisine, and his desserts are...well, quite decadent to say the least!

Rollin' down the river Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Rollin' down the river

Well, maybe the stream in Esther Simplot Park isn't quite a river, but it's a wonderful place for families to take their SUPs and kayaks and enjoy a leisurely ride down this lovely waterway.

Run, bike, paddle Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Run, bike, paddle

Beautiful paths and waterways wind through the Greenbelt, a perfect spot to watch runners, bikers and kayakers enjoying the great outdoors. There are several outfitters on the premises offering bike and aquatic rentals, so visitors can also easily be part of the action.

Challenging the currents Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Challenging the currents

If you love whitewater kayaking, you've come to the right place. At one point on the Boise River, you can experience the thrill of an exhilarating ride in the churning waters.

Over the rainbow Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Over the rainbow

Maybe you'll be lucky, as we were, and enjoy one of the many rainbows that illuminate Boise's skies after a spring rain.

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About Joanne and Tony DiBona

Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.

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