Urban Spark, Small-Town Soul: A Long Weekend In Boise, Idaho

It hit me somewhere between the second cider and the first ice cream cone — I could see myself living here. I was wandering through downtown Boise on a golden summer afternoon, warm sun on my shoulders, an easy breeze in the air, when it clicked. This city has all the joys of Colorado — mountains, rivers, good food, craft beer — but without the oversaturation. Boise feels like Colorado’s laid-back little sister who’s figured out how to keep things cool, creative and (semi) crowd-free.

It’s the West’s most underrated, cool city.

Downtown Boise. Photo courtesy of Visit Boise.

DAY 1

Let’s start with home base. Check in at the Inn at 500 Capitol, a boutique stay steps from downtown’s heartbeat. Each room is uniquely themed (mine had an entire wall-sized mural of a local sports team), and amenities include complimentary bikes — perfect for exploring the Greenbelt (more on that later).

Boise’s compact downtown makes it ideal to hop on an e-scooter for getting around. For longer trips, Uber and Lyft are readily available, though you might find yourself preferring the open-air experience of cruising by bike or scooter.

Kick off your culinary tour at The Wylder, where wood-fired, 52-year-old sourdough pizzas meet thoughtful small plates. Try the “Honey Badger” with Italian sausage, caramelized onion and spicy honey — this dish has a cult following for a reason.

Boise is home to the largest Basque community outside of Spain, and the Basque Block offers a compelling case of how Idaho has conserved and honored a thriving ethnic community. This walkable cultural gem is lined with pintxos bars, murals and artisan shops. Step inside The Basque Market for a glass of wine and some paella, then meander over to Meriwether Cider House a few blocks away, where the lineup of craft ciders includes a crisp hopped cider that’s basically a beer drinker’s gateway to the apple side. Founded by a family of Idaho-transplanted adventurers and former wildland firefighters, this Boise cidery channels their love of the outdoors and good drinks into every hand-labeled pint. Later, stroll the nearby shops for some local charm, like SHIFT boutique, Rediscovered Bookshop and Mixed Greens.

Skyline from Boise foothills. Photo courtesy of Visit Boise.

Come nightfall, follow the downtown buzz to Percy, a fresh concept from Wylder Hospitality Group. The name is shorthand for “perseverance,” and you can feel the thoughtful intention in every dish. Expect upscale American cuisine in a warm, thoughtful space. Oddly enough, it’s the Baby Gem Salad I still dream about with its focaccia croutons and insanely fresh horseradish.

Wind down the evening at The Warehouse Food Hall, a community-minded space that combines live music, micro eateries and local brews under one stylish roof. Grab an artisanal cone from The STIL, known for boozy, indulgent flavors like “Ed & Carl Take Reno” with honey bourbon or “Idaho Wilderness” with berries and lavender.

DAY 2

Rise early and head to Camel’s Back Park, one of the best access points to Boise’s 190-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system. A short, steep walk up the hill reveals panoramic views of the city and the Treasure Valley. From there, you can pick a mellow path through sagebrush meadows or go full trail-runner mode.

Just three blocks south is the North End’s Hyde Park, a historic neighborhood brimming with character. Grab an espresso at Hyde Park Coffee House or Certified Kitchen + Bakery, then browse soy wax creations at Lit&Co. Candles. If you have the time, get your flow on at True North Yoga. This pocket of town blends old-school charm with new, creative energy.

Afternoons are made for Boise’s most iconic summer activity: a float down the Boise River. Rent a double kayak for $50 at Barber Park, then enjoy a breezy two-hour float past Boise State campus all the way to Ann Morrison Park. We just Ubered to Barber from our hotel, which worked perfectly. Pro tip: bring a hat, sunscreen and water — and while there’s a $4 return shuttle available (if you had parked, for example), we opted to grab e-scooters at Ann Morrison for the ride back to our hotel, which was a fun way to end the adventure.

After freshening up, dine in style at The Avery Brasserie, a showstopper restaurant inside the Avery Hotel, a 120-year-old property meticulously reimagined. Michelin-Star chef Cal Elliott, a Boise native who cut his teeth at NYC’s Gramercy Tavern and Blue Hill, brings world-class refinement to familiar flavors. The result? A menu that’s elegant yet completely unpretentious.

DAY 3

The next morning, stop at Slow by Slow Coffee, a downtown spot I can’t stop thinking about. I keep a Notes app file of all-time favorite bites and sips, and their cappuccino made the list. This is craft coffee in the truest sense — meticulously brewed and deeply rooted in story. From the beans’ origin to the brewing method, Slow by Slow invites you to be part of coffee’s journey. Each visit brings something new from the country’s top roasters, served by baristas who are equal parts experts and storytellers.

Slow by Slow Coffee. Photo by Ethan J. Adams.

Lace up your shoes again and hit Table Rock Trail, a local favorite that climbs steadily to sweeping views of Boise. On your way down, carve out time to visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a fascinating, slightly haunting stop that’s rich with Wild West history and dramatic tales of escape attempts and inmate life.

Make your way back to the Inn at 500 Capitol, then hop on one of the complimentary bikes and cruise the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile urban path that winds past some of the city’s most beloved parks and public art installations.

On your way, pause for reflection at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a tranquil park filled with quotes and sculpture near the Greenbelt. Then stop for lunch at Green Acres Food Truck Park, where you’ll find local bites, live music and lawn games galore. Continue the leisure ride and you’ll pass the “Ribbon of Jewels,” a series of riverside parks named after notable Boise women — and eventually, you’ll hit wine country. Yes, really.

While Idaho’s Sunny Slope region may get all the wine buzz, Garden City is where wine lovers can pedal between pours. This once-industrial enclave is now home to many blooming wineries, including Split Rail Winery and Veer Wine Project, two must-visits for those craving something different.

Split Rail is exploratory winemaking at its most fearless. From amphoras to concrete eggs, the team experiments with fermentation vessels to coax out the purest expression of the fruit. No shortcuts, just bold, boundary-pushing wines made with intention and curiosity. The tasting room is as edgy as the wines themselves, with vibrant colors, industrial details and a playful vibe.

Veer Wine Project. Photo by Angela Vesco Photography.

Split Rail Winery. Photo courtesy of Split Rail Winery.

Down the path, Veer Wine Project has quickly established itself as one of Idaho’s most exciting wine destinations. Founded by winemaker Will Wetmore and his physician wife Dr. Jaclyn Cooperrider, this boutique winery earned prestigious recognition as Idaho’s 2024 Winery of the Year — with good reason. Wetmore’s experimental approach yields remarkable results, from award-winning grenache and carménère to innovative skincontact riesling and vineyard-fermented malbec. The welcoming tasting room perfectly reflects the owner’s casual personality, while the wines themselves speak with sophisticated eloquence. With Veer’s growing recognition since winning multiple gold medals, it’s become an essential stop on any Boise area wine tour.

End the day at Art Haus Bar, the stylish sidekick to KIN from James Beard Award-winner Kris Komori. No reservations, no pressure — just deeply delicious cocktails, inspired small plates and a perfectly Boise way to close out your stay.

DAY 4

Before leaving town, grab something simple and elevated at ā café, known for locally sourced breakfast plates and thoughtfully brewed coffee. Then make a final stop at Sunshine Spice Café, a downtown gem run by four Afghan refugee sisters. Their menu of Afghan, European and American pastries showcase rich flavors and family tradition. Co-owner Khatera Shams was even a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Baker. Their saffron latte is pure magic, and don’t leave without a cardamom cookie or two.

Boise exists in that sweet spot between big-city amenities and small-town authenticity. Here, craft beverages and James Beard-nominated chefs share streets with century-old architecture and family-run businesses. Adventure is always minutes away, whether it’s mountain trails or river paths.

The true magic of Boise is in its balance — a city that’s growing and evolving while staying true to its welcoming, unpretentious spirit. It’s a place where the barista remembers your order, the trail isn’t overcrowded and there’s always a new corner to explore. This is Idaho’s modern mountain town, waiting to charm you at your own pace.

Originally published in the summer 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.