Food Beverage Shopping
The Treasure Valley offers so much in the way of food, wine, breweries, and shopping experiences. Close to the ROOST in Caldwell the highlight is Indian Creek Plaza; in Meridian the Village, in Boise you could spend a whole month and only scratch the surface of this magnificent city.
Just 10 minutes from the ROOST, Indian Creek Plaza has various boutiques, Flying M Coffee, The Good Spoon Yogurt Shop, a plethora of great restaurants, splash pad for kiddos in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. The annual Winter Wonderland showcases over 1M lights; it's truly spectacular!
28 locals recommend
Indian Creek Plaza & Ice Skating Ribbon
120 S Kimball AveJust 10 minutes from the ROOST, Indian Creek Plaza has various boutiques, Flying M Coffee, The Good Spoon Yogurt Shop, a plethora of great restaurants, splash pad for kiddos in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. The annual Winter Wonderland showcases over 1M lights; it's truly spectacular!
In the heart of the Sunny Slope Wineries sits this quaint country cafe. The location is great, inside and outside dining, yummy food, and a HUGE selection of homemade pies. If you love burgers as I do give this a try and if you really want to indulge order their ice-cream mud pie (eat it solo or share with a group).
17 locals recommend
The Orchard House Restaurant
14949 Sunny Slope RdIn the heart of the Sunny Slope Wineries sits this quaint country cafe. The location is great, inside and outside dining, yummy food, and a HUGE selection of homemade pies. If you love burgers as I do give this a try and if you really want to indulge order their ice-cream mud pie (eat it solo or share with a group).
The Village is the place where people go to feel special. When ever I shop or eat at the Village I feel transported to a different place with their European influence of trimmed boxwoods and architecture. Restaurants, shopping, large fountain, outdoor music, skate rink in winter, and gorgeous holiday lighting.
245 locals recommend
The Village at Meridian
3597 E Monarch Sky LnThe Village is the place where people go to feel special. When ever I shop or eat at the Village I feel transported to a different place with their European influence of trimmed boxwoods and architecture. Restaurants, shopping, large fountain, outdoor music, skate rink in winter, and gorgeous holiday lighting.
A friend of ours, Boomer Godsill owns this restaurant and it is a WONDERFUL place to go for breakfast/lunch/brunch. I consider myself an Eggs Benedict snob, well Boomer has created six bennie' variations. I've had four of the six so far and each one has been amazing.
6 locals recommend
Huck House Brunchette
7135 W State StA friend of ours, Boomer Godsill owns this restaurant and it is a WONDERFUL place to go for breakfast/lunch/brunch. I consider myself an Eggs Benedict snob, well Boomer has created six bennie' variations. I've had four of the six so far and each one has been amazing.
My hubby Jack takes me to Barbacoa for our anniversary and my birthday; it's my favorite place to eat when I want to feel pampered and extra loved. The restaurant is alive with activity, art, with such a beautiful aesthetic. And the food. . . so delicious! Try their Table Side Guacamole, and the Hot Rock Fillet with cognac sauce. Seriously so good. It is expensive but very special.
160 locals recommend
Barbacoa Grill
276 Bobwhite CtMy hubby Jack takes me to Barbacoa for our anniversary and my birthday; it's my favorite place to eat when I want to feel pampered and extra loved. The restaurant is alive with activity, art, with such a beautiful aesthetic. And the food. . . so delicious! Try their Table Side Guacamole, and the Hot Rock Fillet with cognac sauce. Seriously so good. It is expensive but very special.
Amano is a 'modern craft Mexican kitchen that delivers tradition in a vibrant and modern setting". It is my go-to when I want an amazing fish taco. It is just 7 miles from the ROOST next to Indian Creek Plaza. I recommend the Baja Cali Fish Tacos but order the hot salsa on the side (it's HOT). They have great cocktails as well.
15 locals recommend
AMANO
702 Main StAmano is a 'modern craft Mexican kitchen that delivers tradition in a vibrant and modern setting". It is my go-to when I want an amazing fish taco. It is just 7 miles from the ROOST next to Indian Creek Plaza. I recommend the Baja Cali Fish Tacos but order the hot salsa on the side (it's HOT). They have great cocktails as well.
Jack took me to Goody's on our second date. It is in the historic Hyde Park where there are charming shops and restaurants located on the north end of Boise. This area is very popular; it has a "secret neighborhood" feel as it sits apart from downtown Boise in its own little paradise.
53 locals recommend
Goody's Soda Fountain
1502 N 13th StJack took me to Goody's on our second date. It is in the historic Hyde Park where there are charming shops and restaurants located on the north end of Boise. This area is very popular; it has a "secret neighborhood" feel as it sits apart from downtown Boise in its own little paradise.
When ever my son is in town we go to Sushi Ya! It sits in a humble strip mall but oh-my-goodness it's amazing. We always get the all-you-can-eat where they bring out fresh prepared sushi each time you add to your order. I know it sounds gluttony but what can I say--it's that good and affordable! AYCE is under $20!
Sushi Ya Boise
8915 West Overland RoadWhen ever my son is in town we go to Sushi Ya! It sits in a humble strip mall but oh-my-goodness it's amazing. We always get the all-you-can-eat where they bring out fresh prepared sushi each time you add to your order. I know it sounds gluttony but what can I say--it's that good and affordable! AYCE is under $20!
If you want fast food near the ROOST and you want to make it worth your while Hamburger Connection is the place. There is something about their hamburgers and tots, so delicious! Known for their Famous Mile High Shakes. . . and the "small" shake isn't that small so there's that. Yum! I usually get the Oreo Shake.
Hamburger Connection
423 S 10th AveIf you want fast food near the ROOST and you want to make it worth your while Hamburger Connection is the place. There is something about their hamburgers and tots, so delicious! Known for their Famous Mile High Shakes. . . and the "small" shake isn't that small so there's that. Yum! I usually get the Oreo Shake.
Friends of ours, Skip and Melinda Smyser own this restaurant and it is great! Both were former Idaho State Senators so they have curated the restaurant to reflect their time in the legislature. They also have their own wine label: 2C Wines. They offer lunch, happy hour, Saturday brunch and dinner with a full coffee bar and extensive wine list. They "exhibit a local cuisine that changes with the season's bounty".
Capitol Cellars
110 S 5th StFriends of ours, Skip and Melinda Smyser own this restaurant and it is great! Both were former Idaho State Senators so they have curated the restaurant to reflect their time in the legislature. They also have their own wine label: 2C Wines. They offer lunch, happy hour, Saturday brunch and dinner with a full coffee bar and extensive wine list. They "exhibit a local cuisine that changes with the season's bounty".
If you are wanting a great diner-like breakfast I strongly suggest Mr. V's. It is just 7 miles from the ROOST and the food is yummy if you are going for that no-fuss, hearty portion kind of meal.
Mr. V's Family Restaurant
407 North 10th AvenueIf you are wanting a great diner-like breakfast I strongly suggest Mr. V's. It is just 7 miles from the ROOST and the food is yummy if you are going for that no-fuss, hearty portion kind of meal.
Wineries
Idaho is home of 52 wineries in the Snake River Valley, an "official American Viticultural Area with 1800 acres under vine".
Within minutes of the ROOST you'll find several of my favorites: Huston is one of them. I recently took guests there and they allowed us to bring in our own charcuterie. So fun.
16 locals recommend
Huston Vineyards
16473 Chicken Dinner RdIdaho is home of 52 wineries in the Snake River Valley, an "official American Viticultural Area with 1800 acres under vine".
Within minutes of the ROOST you'll find several of my favorites: Huston is one of them. I recently took guests there and they allowed us to bring in our own charcuterie. So fun.
If you like wine and spirits Koenig offers both. The setting is beautiful, the views are stunning, and the wine is delicious. This is a family friendly winery: lawn chess, lots of picnic tables and grass area and a great spot for afternoon brunch. They allow you to bring in your own food; perfect time for a picnic basket filled with your favorite charcuterie!
22 locals recommend
Koenig Vineyards
21452 Hoskins RdIf you like wine and spirits Koenig offers both. The setting is beautiful, the views are stunning, and the wine is delicious. This is a family friendly winery: lawn chess, lots of picnic tables and grass area and a great spot for afternoon brunch. They allow you to bring in your own food; perfect time for a picnic basket filled with your favorite charcuterie!
I recently visited Scoria for the first time and I was very impressed. What first appeared to be a humble home with a backyard shop suddenly transformed into a modern, well curated tasting room with quaint outdoor seating. The wine was delicious as well. Scoria "focuses on cultivating red varieties on a ridge overlooking the Owhyee mountains".
SCORIA Vineyards
12639 Walker Lake RoadI recently visited Scoria for the first time and I was very impressed. What first appeared to be a humble home with a backyard shop suddenly transformed into a modern, well curated tasting room with quaint outdoor seating. The wine was delicious as well. Scoria "focuses on cultivating red varieties on a ridge overlooking the Owhyee mountains".
Recreation
Bogus is to Boise as Park Center is to Utah. We are very proud to have this ski resort so close. There are shuttles available to transport you to the hill, or you can drive there yourself. Winter or Summer--there are many fun activities available.
174 locals recommend
Bogus Basin Recreation Area
2600 N Bogus Basin RdBogus is to Boise as Park Center is to Utah. We are very proud to have this ski resort so close. There are shuttles available to transport you to the hill, or you can drive there yourself. Winter or Summer--there are many fun activities available.
If you like biking and walking/hiking you'll love our beloved Boise River Greenbelt! It begins at the Lucky Peak Dam and extends 25 miles along the Boise River. The tree-lined pathway trails through the city and multiple parks for an abundance of beautiful views and wildlife. A HUGE favorite for outdoor enthusiasts!
128 locals recommend
Boise River Greenbelt
Boise River GreenbeltIf you like biking and walking/hiking you'll love our beloved Boise River Greenbelt! It begins at the Lucky Peak Dam and extends 25 miles along the Boise River. The tree-lined pathway trails through the city and multiple parks for an abundance of beautiful views and wildlife. A HUGE favorite for outdoor enthusiasts!
Just 20 or so minutes from the ROOST sits this extraordinary waterfall. It is a quick, easy 1/4 mile hike from the highway and you are transported into a bit of magic. You can swim, hike, observe, relax...a great place to take the family for a relaxing picnic.
In the summer it is very popular; it's not huge so it can get a bit crowded. My suggestion is to go mid morning to beat the crowd.
32 locals recommend
Jump Creek Falls
Just 20 or so minutes from the ROOST sits this extraordinary waterfall. It is a quick, easy 1/4 mile hike from the highway and you are transported into a bit of magic. You can swim, hike, observe, relax...a great place to take the family for a relaxing picnic.
In the summer it is very popular; it's not huge so it can get a bit crowded. My suggestion is to go mid morning to beat the crowd.
Probably one of the most popular hiking destinations in Boise. "You can see most of the Treasure Valley from the top of Table Rock." You can drive to the top or you can hike starting near the Botanical Gardens. I once had a guest from Canada who ran Table Rock 4x's in one day. Now that is a hiking/running enthusiasts!!
195 locals recommend
Table Rock
3199 E Table Rock RdProbably one of the most popular hiking destinations in Boise. "You can see most of the Treasure Valley from the top of Table Rock." You can drive to the top or you can hike starting near the Botanical Gardens. I once had a guest from Canada who ran Table Rock 4x's in one day. Now that is a hiking/running enthusiasts!!
Art & Culture
This is a must see when visiting! The Idaho Botanical Garden is a nonprofit botanical garden located on 50 acres at 2355 North Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho, United States. Until 1973 the site served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's farm and nursery.
"Idaho Botanical Garden provides a full garden experience for all ages that enhances our community’s quality of life through plant collections, education programs, and entertainment, cultural and community events."
It is open year round, everyday from 9AM-5PM
124 locals recommend
Idaho Botanical Garden
2355 N Old Penitentiary RdThis is a must see when visiting! The Idaho Botanical Garden is a nonprofit botanical garden located on 50 acres at 2355 North Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho, United States. Until 1973 the site served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's farm and nursery.
"Idaho Botanical Garden provides a full garden experience for all ages that enhances our community’s quality of life through plant collections, education programs, and entertainment, cultural and community events."
It is open year round, everyday from 9AM-5PM
Jump is a unique property in downtown Boise. It offers a beautiful park with an outdoor amphitheater, sweeping terraces, rooftop parks, meeting areas, play areas, and all with unique views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Jump has plenty of space to roam, a structure to climb on, and most remarkably an opportunity to take a five-story slide instead of the stairs.
32 locals recommend
Jack's Urban Meeting Place
1000 W Myrtle StJump is a unique property in downtown Boise. It offers a beautiful park with an outdoor amphitheater, sweeping terraces, rooftop parks, meeting areas, play areas, and all with unique views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Jump has plenty of space to roam, a structure to climb on, and most remarkably an opportunity to take a five-story slide instead of the stairs.
BAM is Boise's popular art museum. I love going to BAM when I feel like I need a dose of culture and creative inspiration.
155 locals recommend
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis DrBAM is Boise's popular art museum. I love going to BAM when I feel like I need a dose of culture and creative inspiration.
Rentals
If you want to rent a bike to cruise downtown Boise or the greenbelt this is a great place to go. If you haven't tried an electric bike--you are in for a treat!
Pedego Electric Bikes Boise
393 W Parkcenter BlvdIf you want to rent a bike to cruise downtown Boise or the greenbelt this is a great place to go. If you haven't tried an electric bike--you are in for a treat!
This water-play rental gets the highest reviews of the three options in Boise.
31 locals recommend
Boise River Raft & Tube Rentals
4049 S Eckert RdThis water-play rental gets the highest reviews of the three options in Boise.
This ski rental sits just below the hill you would access to Bogus Basin Ski resort. Its in the perfect location to rent your equipment for your day on the slopes!
Greenwood's Ski Haus
2400 N Bogus Basin RdThis ski rental sits just below the hill you would access to Bogus Basin Ski resort. Its in the perfect location to rent your equipment for your day on the slopes!
City advice
Getting around
Wine Tours
https://www.snakeriverwinetours.com/
Getting around
Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tours
https://idahoriverguides.com/
Getting around
White Water Rafting: Rafting the Salmon River
https://idahoriverguides.com/
Don't miss
Idaho—it’s not just potatoes!
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