There is always an excuse for a quick trip or vacation getaway. However, if you are indecisive about whether to spend your PTO in the mountains or city scene, look no further- Boise, Idaho is the place to go! Get the best of both worlds as the mountains are a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Out on the Outskirts

Nothing is better than an escape from the city on the outskirts of town. Driving out of the city center soon becomes open field and farmland in a short period of time. Away from the city you can drive to:

• The foothills of Boise
• Bogus Basin
• Small towns

The foothills are a great opportunity to take your truck or 4-wheeler out on a drive. Many people enjoy off-roading and riding the 8th street loop. You will come to find that Boise is more than a city but a recreationalists paradise.

Bogus basin is a mountain known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking trails in the summer. Once you take the chairlift up to the top, it is time to start exploring the miles of trails, nature, and wildlife it has to offer. If you’re lucky, you might spot a deer!

Many of the small Idahoan towns are packed with history and warm welcomings. Between the tasty diners, outdoor activities, and scenery these towns have to offer, there is truly something for everyone! Cascade is about an hour from Boise which holds a beautiful 21-mile lake that offers a plethora of water activities. McCall is a resort town filled with more tourists than residents year-round. Its vast Payette Lake and hiking trails make it a small town gem. And lastly, Idaho City is home to one of the best pie spots in Idaho at Trudy’s Kitchen. It’s worth the scenic 45-minute drive!

The City Scene

The city of Boise is walkable and filled with good energy and good eats. The restaurants are the best (and most delicious) part! Aside from being a foodie, which is a given, there are many unique parts to Boise. Some must-see attractions include:

• Freak Ally
• Boise River Greenbelt
• Capitol Building
• The Old Penitentiary

Freak Ally is filled with art from different artists. The walls are covered in paint and creativity. An interesting thing to note is that the art in Freak Ally changes occasionally so every time you visit Boise, make sure to check it out to see the new additions!

The river runs through Boise and is very accessible no matter where you are in the city. There are always people walking and biking along the river on the greenbelt.

The capitol building is right downtown and a popular landmark for tourists. You are welcome to walk inside, free of charge during operating hours.

The Old Penitentiary is just a couple minutes away from downtown by car. It is not free but worth the price of admission. You can walk around at your leisure or join a guided tour.

Best Remember Boise

There is so much history, outdoor adventures, and new additions to this growing city! As more and more people are moving here, it is also becoming a popular travel destination. Boise is a trip to remember which is why I have saved all of my favorite pictures and videos I took onto Penless stickers. I bought the travel design and nature stickers because Boise is known as the city of trees after all.