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Boise [1] is the capital of Idaho as well as the largest city in Idaho. Although its economic growth has its roots in the Simplot potato industry, the city is now home to many high tech industries. Notable companies such as Albertsons and Micron are headquartered here.
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 SEE
Boise is the administrative and cultural hub of Idaho. Many of the attractions in the city center around its status as the state capital.
- Idaho State Capitol Building, Capitol Blvd. & Jefferson in Downtown Boise off Interstate 84,[3]. If you are bold, you can ring the bell at the foot of the Capitol steps.
- Julia Davis Park - this Olmsted-esque urban park contains many of the downtown attractions in Boise. It sits across the Boise River from Boise State University. Located within its confines are Zoo Boise, the Rose Garden, Boise Art Museum and a scenic railroad. It also contains the Idaho Black History Museum, [4].
- Boise State University, [5]. The most famous landmark on campus is Bronco Stadium, best known for its eerily blue astroturf. This is also home to the New Year's Eve classic, the Humanitarian Bowl.
- Barber Park. A local favorite. Barber Park is located in Southeast Boise and is a refuge for various wildlife, including: deer, elk, bald eagles, hawks, various birds, salmon, trout, and many more.
- Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Warm Springs Ave. A great sight to see. This gem is a museum set in the old state penitentiary where guests can sit in old prison cells, solitary confinement, and explore the inner workings of a once scary place to be.
- Idaho Botanical Gardens. A truly serene place to visit. The gardens have been the site of many weddings and performances because of its beautiful setting of vibrant flowers and other vegetation. At no cost, it is a superb setting for a picnic. If you happen to be visiting in the month of December, you will find the gardens decked out in an impressive display of holiday lights.
- Boise Art Museum, 670 Julia Davis Drive. A great contemporary art at a very reasonable price. This museum is planned out beautifully and much more than most would expect from a town the size of Boise. Great local pieces as well as other western art.
- World Center for Birds of Prey, 5660 West Flying Hawk Lane. The name explains itself. A fascinating place to visit, many birds of all types constantly in your line of sight. My hawks, eagles, and other big birds of prey. Fun for the family at a very reasonable cost.
- Basque Museum and Cultural Center, 611 Grove Street. Great place to visit whether or not you are of the Basque descent. Chocked full of enriched heritage and even a bar to hang out at. A must see if you are in the Boise area. And if Phil is at the bar, ask for his drink.
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DO
Boise is the starting point for many outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Other local activities include:
- Inner tubing on the Boise River - this is something of a local tradition. The put-in site is at Barber Park. The five mile float takes around 3 hours, and ends at Ann Morrison Park. There you can take a shuttle bus back to your car at Barber Park. website
- Idaho Shakespeare Festival, [6]. Of course, this is why you come to Boise. During summer, shows are performed at the theater at the base of the Boise foothills.
- Bogus Basin Ski Resort. From early November to early April, Bogus Basin entertains skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country skiing. With easy accessibility, Bogus Basin Road is located in North Boise and takes only forty minutes to get there!
- Hyde Park Fair. Held every august, the Hyde Park Fair is in the North End of Boise at Hyde Park. It houses various indie rock bands and various hippie cultured events, clothing, and accessories.
- Lucky Peak. About 5 minutes out of Boise on Interstate 50 you will come to lucky peak. A huge reservoir that residents love to wakeboard, water ski, tube, hang out, camp, and even cliff dive. A great day trip for the summer.
- Boise River Greenbelt. A great place for a walk, rollerblading, biking, or just walking the dog. The greenbelt is a walkway follows the Boise River through beautiful trees, through golf courses, and brings you through downtown. It is one of the more popular and beautiful walks that Boise has to offer.
- Hull's Gulch Nature Trail, End of Eighth St. A great opportunity to explore Idaho. Very good for hiking, biking,sightseeing, and taking the dogs.
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EAT
Most of the fancier restaurants are in the downtown area.
- Lucky 13 - pizza and beer in a patio setting in the Hyde Park area. A great place to go on a warm summer evening. Smoking is allowed on the patio.
- Flying Pie - Easily Boise's best pizza with two locations: 6508 Fairview - (208) 345-0000 and 4320 State St., Phone: 208-384-0000. They use fresh ingredients and have great staff. They have a great beer selection and will deliver it to your house with your pizza.\
- Cottonwood Grille, 913 West River Street. An amazing place to eat. With its specialties in American and Caribbean foods, it is one of the most popular places to eat in Boise. You can't go wrong.
- Cazba, 211 North Eighth Street. A local favorite. Cazba serves European, Middle Eastern & African foods and is known for very good service. Amazing place to eat that is highly recommended.
- Asiago's, 1002 W. Main St., Phone: 208-336-5552. An intimate setting and very tasty Italian cuisine for a reasonable price.
- Mai Thai, 750 W. Idaho St., Phone: 344-8424. A great selection of Thai cuisine. The lunch bento specials are a nice sampling of various dishes. Dinner runs on the pricier side.
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