Coming to Boise in a couple of weeks (McCall, Horseshoe Bend: rental car, rental)

[gimme it]

Staying for a long weekend, and want to get a sense of what it would be like to live there with a family. Will see the Northend and Greenbelt of course and other than that, what should I check out to get a real sense of both the city and the beauty of Boise? Any must see parks? Where in downtown should I look? I plan on taking one of those trolley tours for a good overview and I will have a rental car. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[Torrie]

Check out the Julia Davis & Ann Morrison Park:

Julia Davis Park : visitidaho.org

Ann Morrison Park : visitidaho.org

Definitely check out the dowtown area, it's not super big so you'll be able to figure out the heart of it. You'll see lots of restaurants and shops, the state capitol etc.. so you should enjoy hanging out there. Trolley tour should be fun!

[gimme it]

thank you

[fw208]

I would visit Kathryn Albertson Park which is next to Ann Morison Park. It's a nice park with lots of trees and ponds. I saw a couple deer there which was nice.

[Grumbler]

I would definitely suggest taking a side trip up Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway to Idaho City for breakfast or lunch at Trudy's Kitchen.

[DESERTRYDER]

While your up there take the Train ride out of Horseshoe Bend.
Thunder Mountain Railway.

[zedd]

The World Center for Birds of Prey is pretty cool if you're into that sort of thing...

[Jarndyce]

On Saturday morning, you should go to 8th St around 9am and have breakfast outside and then cruise around the Farmer's Market. It is fantastic.

I would recommend visiting the Hyde Park area which is easy to get to --head North-ish on 13th street until you come to this funky cool place with shops, restaurants, etc. It's not far from downtown Boise at all.

There's also a newly constructed shopping area with nice restaurants if you head East-ish on Park Center Blvd. There's a lot of nice, new construction out here too.

There's plenty of great coffeeshops downtown or in the downtown vicinity. My favs are Java, Flying M and Lucy's.

Julia Davis Park is great for jogging and walking. Ann Morrison has a great playground for the kiddies but it also offers jogging and walking.

If you have the time, I would recommend a drive to McCall, Idaho....fantastic scenery and a fun place. It's longish but totally doable in a day--up and back.

[gimme it]

Thank you all. Can I drive to downtown, park and then walk all over or is the city really spread out? It's hard to tell on maps. For example, can I go to the Farmers Mkt and then walk to Hyde Park area? Is the city easy to navigate? I have the worse sense of direction However, I am soooo incredibly excited to see Boise.

[AlleyTD]

I dont know if this link will post, but I would buy this guide as soon as you get into town.
It's very clear, color coded and easy to read.

Boise and the Snake River Valley, Idaho Street Guide * Rand McNally - New!