A Weekend in Boise

Evening

Boise, Idaho's capital and largest city, is known for its microbrewing culture, so get in on the action at Bittercreek Alehouse, located on 8th Street downtown. Grab a seat at the patio and soak in the city vibe. For a more upscale experience, head next door to Red Feather, where the food, like many restaurants in town, has a heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Taste a slew of local brews on a self-guided tour of 10 of the city's best microbreweries by purchasing a Boise Ale Trail passport.

Morning

For a creative twist on your morning meal, try Wild Root Cafe or pick up some homemade treats at the weekly Boise Farmers Market downtown. The indoor winter market takes place from early November to mid-December, while the outdoors market in the heart of downtown is open April to October. Shop locally made jewelry, crafts and artwork at The Capital City Public Market between mid April to mid-December, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays only.

Afternoon

Cycling is the best way to get around town: Rent a bike and cycle your way through the Boise Green Belt, a 40-kilometer pathway along the Boise River.

While cycling through "The City of Trees," make a stop at Julia Davis Park to visit the Boise Zoo. At the Discovery Center of Idaho, enjoy interactive science exhibits, or peruse local and regional artwork at the Boise Art Museum. If you're around in early September, hang out at the museum's Art in the Park open-air festival. Return your bike at a bike-share stand and reward yourself with a pizza slice and a pint of local craft beer at The Front Door, a Boise classic.

Evening

After a long day, take in some live music at Pengilly's Saloon, a longtime local favorite with amusing and vintage décor. For a quieter moment, enjoy a craft cocktail at the Modern Hotel's popular bar, before experiencing an unforgettable prix fixe menu in the cozy space of the lauded State & Lemp.

Boise hosts an annual indie music festival, Treefort, in March, which showcases emerging and well-known independent artists from the region and beyond. But the Treefort fun doesn't stop with live music. Nine other “forts" are part of the festival: The tech culture conference at Hackfort, workshops and talks from emerging directors at Filmfort, farm-to-fork feasting and food-themed lectures from Foodfort and Alefort, the tranquil space at Yogafort and entertainment for little ones at Kidfort. The rest of the year soak in the music scene at the Knitting Factory to catch musical acts from around the region and the country.

Morning

Indulge in brunch at Fork, or keep it simple at the award-winning bakery, Janjou Patisserie. To work it off, hike to the top of Table Rock in the foothills for stunning views of the city.

Afternoon

Wineries are on the upswing around Boise. Not far from downtown Boise, you'll find Garden City's tasting rooms of Split Rail Winery, Syringa Winery, Cinder Wines, Telaya Wine Co. and Coiled Wines. Try local cider nearby at Meriwether Cider Company with a side of delicious food truck grub.

Or take a walk around the Old Boise Historic District downtown, which has buildings dating back to the gold rush days in the 1860s.

Evening

For a night under the stars, head to the amphitheater to catch a play from the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Or enjoy dinner, house-distilled cocktails and people-watching from the patio of Bardenay.

For more ideas on exploring Boise and its surroundings, check out Year-Round Adventures in Southwest Idaho.