Boise is one of the Northwest’s best-kept secrets, blending charming mountain-town warmth and modern downtown cool. Want to explore this under-the-radar destination like a local? Step one: Don’t pronounce it “Boy-zee.” (Locals tell us it’s “Boy-see.”) Step two: Add the spots below to your itinerary. For extra credit, consider navigating the city by bike—just like the locals. When you book your stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites® hotel in Boise, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a set of wheels, making it easy to get around.
See Boise by bike
Like its Northwest neighbors, Boise is a burgeoning bike-friendly destination. Bike corrals dot the downtown area, and wide sidewalks and bike lanes make it easy to cruise from coffee stop to boutique shop. Start your adventure with a scenic ride along the Boise River Greenbelt, one of the city’s star attractions. The 25-mile trail runs along the Boise River and connects the Ribbon of Jewels, a series of public parks named after famous Boise women. A notable stop among these is the 41-acre Kathryn Albertson Park. And, for adventurers planning to rent a mountain bike, Hulls Gulch offers miles of scenic and challenging trails.
Surf in the city
If cycling along the river makes you want to take a dip, you’re in luck. You can ride river waves on SUPs (stand up paddleboards) or kayaks at the newly expanded Boise Whitewater Park, a public park with waveshapers that help generate surf-worthy waves. Or, if you’re seeking a more leisurely way to get on the water, join in on a local summer pastime and rent a tube to float from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park.
Experience a foodie renaissance
In Boise, farm-to-table is a way of life (move over, Portland), and foodies can expect more than potatoes from its culinary scene. Fork is one place to find some of the best food in downtown Boise—located in one of Boise’s oldest downtown landmarks, the restaurant is committed to sourcing key ingredients from local Boise and Northwest farmers, ranchers, bakers, distillers, brewers and cheesemakers. Try Matador to sample modern Mexican fare and an extensive tequila menu. To pair a chic, upscale atmosphere with seasonal American comfort food and craft cocktails, Red Feather Lounge is your stop. Or hit up the downtown farmer’s market—open every Saturday from April through October—to stock up on fresh produce for a park or trailside picnic.
Drink up
Like its food scene, Boise’s local craft beer scene is growing fast, so there’s no shortage of bikeable bars in downtown Boise where you'll find creatively crafted brews. Case in point: Payette Brewing, Boise Brewing and White Dog Brewing Co. are all within less than a mile of each other. The city is also known for regional wine, and you can find it at tasting rooms across the city, like Telaya and Cinder. Got a sweet tooth? The STIL (Sweetest Things in Life) is an ice-cream shop and craft beer and wine bar where you’ll find beer floats, booze-infused creations and flights that pair ice cream scoops with wine or beer. For beverages of the caffeinated variety, turn to District Coffee House, where you can enjoy sustainably sourced coffee in a bright, modern space—and your cup can even benefit local non-profits. Or stop into Flying M Coffee, a cute and quirky corner coffee shop also known for its scratch-made pastries.
Exercise your creativity
JUMP, which stands for Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, is a non-profit creative center and community gathering place in the heart of downtown Boise. It’s worth a visit for its showstopping public spaces, including a five-story slide, an art museum and a park that features an amphitheater, gardens and mountain views. Exploring your artistic side is encouraged—here, you can access audio and video studios, a dance studio and a maker studio stocked with tools like 3D printers.
Get artsy
If you’re looking for Boise’s most Instagrammable spot, Freak Alley Gallery is a worthy contender. New artists regularly contribute to the colorful downtown art display—which is said to be the largest outdoor mural in the Northwest—so it’s constantly evolving. After admiring the mural, catch a show at The Boise Contemporary Theater. And if you’re in town during the summer, plan a Wednesday evening around The Grove Plaza’s free outdoor concert series.
Bask in Basque culture
Boise is home to an active Basque population—one of the largest in the world outside of Northern Spain. Wander downtown’s charming and colorful Basque Block, which is home to the Basque Market, landmarks like the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House and several restaurants that serve up delicious Basque cuisine. It’s also where you’ll find The Basque Museum and Cultural Center. Here, you can learn more about Basque culture’s roots in the city through oral history archives, artifacts and photos, or even try your hand at traditional games like esku pilota.
Little luxuries. Big difference.
Check In to the New Comfort®
At the newly opened Comfort Inn & Suites® hotel in Boise, bikes aren’t the only amenities that come complimentary. Enjoy a free hearty and healthy breakfast, free WiFi, free airport transportation and free shuttle service to downtown. You’ll also enjoy a fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub, premium bath amenities and plush bedding.