Boise Travel Guide

Boise unfolds in sections. It is the mountains, rolling brown velvet topped with white in the winter, that most people notice first. After that, the charming downtown area with historic buildings, funky eateries, plush restaurants and quaint shops grab the attention. In the end, the parks, the Boise River Greenbelt and the Ridge to River Trail System complete the package.

Warm Springs Avenue The Historic Center of Boise displays some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. The sandstone Belgravia Building, noted for its thick walls and bay windows, is also home to the delicious Mortimer's Idaho Cuisine. Nearby you'll find the U.S. Assay Office, built in 1872, and some of Boise's oldest homes on Warm Springs Avenue. The Municipal Park is also just a short walk away.

Hyde Park Explore the Old Warehouse District, or the North End Area, which hosts gracious old mansions and bungalows, as well as the quaint Hyde Park shopping area. This district preserves Boise's industrial past and is home to coffeehouses, shops and restaurants, such as Asiago's. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Ridge to River Trail System.

Boise River Greenbelt Enjoy breakfast at Goldy's Breakfast Bistro, then enjoy the great outdoors. Connected by the Boise River Greenbelt, Ann Morrison Park, Kathryn Albertson Park and Julia Davis Park are the grand dames of Boise's park system. Visitors can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the park's attractions or viewing wildlife while following the smooth, paved Greenbelt pathway.

Zoo Boise Crossing over the Boise River and passing by the Boise Public Library, you come to Kathryn Albertson Park. Located between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue, the park offers many attractions including Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, Pioneer Village, Idaho State Historical Museum and Discovery Center of Idaho. Somewhere in between, you can grab a bite to eat at the popular Flying M Espresso.

Treasure Valley Wine Country Stop into Cristina's Bakery & Coffee Bar before heading out to discover some of Boise's best wineries. Treasure Valley boasts several outstanding choices, including the largest and best known, Ste. Chapelle Winery. The Koenig Winery & Distillery and Hell's Canyon Winery are located practically around the corner. Both are open on the weekends for tours and wine tasting. A few miles away is the Indian Creek Winery in Kuna, offering weekend tours, wine tasting and a variety of special events.

Perhaps the best tour a visitor can take is to treat oneself to a hike or mountain bike ride on the Ridge to River Trail System. You can mountain bike from downtown Boise to the Boise Ridge and within minutes be in the golden, rolling foothills. From the trail system, the Boise Ridge disappears behind a barrier of Evergreens and trails twist left and right. It's possible to be only a few miles from the Capitol Building but feel much farther away.

Walking Tours Boise Walking Tours ( +1 208 853 0368 ) Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau ( +1 208 344 7777‎/ http://www.boise.org/ )

Bus Tours Boise Shuttles and Tours ( +1 208 342 4796/ http://www.boise-shuttle-charters.com/ ) Gray Line Tours ( +1 800 966 8125/ http://www.grayline.com )

Train Tours Boise Tour Train ( +1 208 342 4796/ http://www.boisetours.net/page3.html ) Boise Trolley Services & Trolley Train ( +1 208 433 0849/ http://www.boisetours.net/ )

Air Tours Silverhawk Aviation ( +1 208 453 8577/ http://www.silverhawkaviation.net/tours.html ) Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. ( +1 208 426 8117/ http://www.asu-nvg.com/ )

Boat Tours Boise River Tours ( +1 208 376 3874/ http://www.boiserivertours.com ) Idaho River Sports ( +1 208 336 4844/ http://www.idahoriversports.com/ )

Trolley Tours Boise Trolley Services & Trolley Train ( +1 208 433 0849/ http://www.boisetours.net/ )

Fishing Tours Idaho Angler ( +1 208 389 9957/ http://www.idahoangler.com )2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 283