Boise, Idaho

Introduction to Boise

Boise, Idaho, the state capital, is the largest city in Idaho and the center of commerce and politics for the state. It is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and residents enjoy many outdoor activities from skiing to boating. The terrain surrounding the city is very mixed and includes desert, rivers, mountains, and lakes. Boise State University is found in the city and has over 15,000 students. Boise's downtown area is at an elevation of 2704 feet. There are a number of large corporations that call Boise home, including Albertsons, Micron Technology, and Hewlett-Packard.

Boise Culture

Boise is known as the regional hub for music and performing arts. Jazz is big here, with the Gene Harris Jazz Festival happening every spring. A range of museums provide something for every art lover and history buff, including the Boise Art Museum, Idaho Historical Museum, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and the Discovery Center of Idaho. Theater is also popular in Boise with a number of theater groups working in the city, including the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Little Theatre, and the Boise Contemporary Theatre. Boise is also home to a large Basque population, numbering 15,000, that adds to the city's cultural diversity. Every five years, the community holds a large Basque festival called Jaialdi.

Boise Sports and Leisure

Boise has a substantial sports scene that includes the minor league baseball short-season Class A team the Boise Hawks. The Idaho Steelheads play for the ECHL, and the Idaho Stampede compete in the Continental Basketball Association. College sports can be seen at Boise State University. Bronco Stadium is a 30,000-seat football facility featuring a blue AstroPlay field. Taco Bell Arena has 12,000 seats and is home to basketball games, and the MPC Computers Bowl football game is held annually. Bosie City Parks have a wide range of leisure activities available to the public, including bowling, football, golf, swimming, and tennis.

Boise Outdoors

The Boise area features a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking just north of the downtown area. The city has an urban trail system known as the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Boise River also serves as a recreational venue for fishing, swimming, and rafting. For those after some winter outdoor fun, Bogus Basin Mountain Resort offers cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing - and it is just 16 miles from the city. There are a number of motorized and non-motorized biking trails surrounding the city. Rafting and river tours are available on the Boise River. There are a number of guest ranches offering ranch experience getaways including horseback riding. Hunting and fishing are popular activities in the mountains and foothills near Boise.

Boise at Night

When the sun goes down in Boise, there is quite a variety of activities to provide entertainment and enjoyment to just about anyone. Dining out in Boise features a host of high-quality restaurants, such as four-star fine dining restaurants, ethnic eateries, trendy coffeehouses, or casual steak and potato diners. In the summer, Boise has a number of restaurants and cafes that feature outdoor patio or balcony dining. The restaurants in Boise are known for offering both quality food and affordable prices. For those interested in the bar and club scene, Boise also delivers with places like The Big Easy, a concert house that also has a bar and dance floor.