Looking for a relaxing spot in the Boise area? Here are five locations worth checking out
Whether you prefer a relaxing walk in the foothills or something a little closer to downtown, there are various outdoor spots around the Boise area to enjoy.
Here are five locations recommended by local experts and residents, as reported by the Idaho Statesman:
Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserve
There are plenty of places to walk north of the downtown area, but the Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserve trails are particularly nice, said Carrie Westergard, executive director of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“It’s close to town but it’s a quick and easy way to get out in nature,” Westergard said in an interview with the Statesman. “You definitely will see a few people along the way, but it’s not overcrowded.”
There are 21 trails total in the reserve, totaling up to almost 15 miles of walkable paths.
The reserve can be accessed from Camel’s Back Park at 1200 W. Heron St. in Boise. A full list of trails in the reserve, as well as all other trails in the foothills, can be found on Ridge to Rivers’ interactive map.
Nampa and Boise Farmers Markets
The beginning of April also signaled the start of the farmers market season for the Treasure Valley.
The Nampa Farmers Market and Boise Farmers Market are two of the largest farmers markets in the valley. The Boise market has over 90 registered vendors (65 to 75 of those show up regularly each week), while the Nampa market has over 150 vendors, according to each market’s respective website.
Westergard said that the farmers markets are a good opportunity to check out local businesses as well as different products such as Idaho-grown produce, specialty foods and arts and crafts.
The Nampa Farmers Market is located at Lloyd Square Park on the corner of 13th and Front streets and the Boise Farmers Market can be found at 1500 Shoreline Drive.
Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater & Reserve
The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is nestled away in southeast Boise at 5657 E. Warm Springs Ave. and shows a variety of Shakespeare plays from May through to September, including classics such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”
But take a step away from the main stage and you’ll find yourself in a nature reserve that surrounds the amphitheater.
“I love that you can follow the path back to the water; it’s shady, there are spots to sit and talk, watch for wildlife, and just enjoy the serenity,” Laurie McConnell, senior tourism communications specialist for Idaho Tourism, told the Statesman.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more social, the festival also offers beer and wine tasting events on the same nights as many of its plays.
Celebration Park
If you’re wanting to get a little farther away from downtown and into nature, McConnell suggests Celebration Park approximately 40 miles south of Boise.
Celebration Park is an archaeological site protected by state and federal laws because of petroglyphs — rock paintings or carvings — that date back to approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.
McConnell also suggests visiting Guffey Bridge within the park, which provides a great view of both the Snake River and birds of prey in the spring.
The address for Celebration Park is 5000 Victory Lane in Melba. The park’s East end will remain closed for construction through April 6.
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Located on the southwest corner of Julia Davis Park and next to the Boise River at 770 S. 8th St. is the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.
Within walking distance of downtown Boise, the memorial features the Spiral of Injustice, an art installation sculpted to prompt discussion on the Holocaust and marginalized communities. The Marilyn Shuler Classroom, named after the co-founder of the memorial and long-time human rights leader in Idaho, has on-site educational resources.
“It’s very thought-provoking and a peaceful place. They have this water feature that kind of drowns out the noise of the road and the (Boise River) Greenbelt path,” said Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Westergard.
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This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
