Real Estate in Boise, Meridian, Nampa
& All of the Treasure Valley

Jennifer Louis
Residential Real Estate Expert
Welcome To Boise and Beyond Real Estate

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We’ll show you around!

The Hillcrest Spring Fling

The Hillcrest Spring Fling

Thank you all for coming and supporting our first annual Hillcrest Spring Fling on May 14th in Owyhee Park.  We had hundreds come from all over the neighborhood to support our community and enjoy the festivities.  Here are some of the photos from the event. There were many more taken.   If you’d like a copy of any of the images please contact Jolyn Laney with Laney Photography

We hope to continue this community event next year, so keep a lookout for it in the green, Hillcrest Real Estate and Community newsletter I send out early next year.  

 

Activities and Events

For the first annual event, we went all out to make it memorable, after all, Hillcrest is a one-of-a-kind community and deserves the best.

Food

There were two food trucks at the event, The Rusty Dog, serving gourmet hot dogs, fries, and drinks and for the more mature, outdoor-loving pallet we have Smoked & Baked BBQ.  If you RSVPd you will get two free vouchers to sample the trucks per household and a free drink at the Registration booth (BBQ or Rusty Dog voucher for adults and Rusty dog for kids).   The trucks had lots of other goodies if you want to try more or get an extra plate for reasonable prices.  Click on the links above for more on their menus and prices.  There was also a cotton candy spinner spinning non-stop during the event and everyone was welcome to try one.

Photos

We were so fortunate to have a talented family photographer at the event. Not to mention her family is part of the Hillcrest Community. Jolyn Laney with Laney Photography was there to capture this special day, but also to take family, couple, and friend photos over at her booth.  If you haven’t already signed up for a private session, you can make sure to get a photo or two of you and your loved ones at the event.  Hopefully, you brought your matchy shirts and best park clothes and don’t forget to smile.

Music

Lauren and the Nostalgics played from 12:30 – 3:30 their blend of pop/rock/blues/r&b covers and got everyone movin’ and groovin’!!!  Neighbors brought their chair or blankets, and umbrellas at the start of the day and sprawled out and enjoy the music.

Games

Kids from around the park grabbed a potato sack and hopped over to the finish line for a chance to show off their skills to their family and neighbors and won some fun prizes from local companies.  Adults and kids alike enjoyed the hula hoops and other fun and games.

Prizes

Most sponsors offered a raffle or gift and we had several winners that took home great loot and swag.

Fun

The 50′ inflatable obstacle course, smack in the middle of the park was a success.  Both kids and adults climbed, slid, and tumbled down in glee.   The talented Andrea blew everyone away with her one-of-a-kind beautiful face painting and her sidekick balloon twister, twisted up some incredible balloon animals, and well, whatever struck your fancy.  For those looking to relax, but still, have a good time they checked out the reading corner set up at The Library! at Hillcrest’s tent and got a free comic book

If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or just more information for next year call/text 208-509-9122 or email jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com

Sponsors

Hopefully you were able to check out our sponsor’s tables for great info that is useful for this neighborhood. Sherwin Williams on Orchard, OneTrust Home Loans, Eco Tree & Shrub, the Library at Hillcrest, Welcome to Boise and Beyond, Idaho Websites, and The Hillcrest Neighborhood Association.

A Night Out in Downtown Boise

A Night Out in Downtown Boise

Warm Up and Relax in Downtown Boise

Brrrrrr, it’s getting cold out there.  Here’s a great spot to warm up on a cold Boise evening, The Flicks, located in Downtown Boise.  Enjoy a night out in Downtown Boise, in this eclectic cinema featuring independent, foreign, and art films.  But it’s much more than that.   Arrive early and grab a snack, beer, or wine in their cozy café, and make sure to grab a table by their stone fireplace.  If you can, check it out during the warmer months and enjoy their beautiful terrace.

Most locals have known about the Flicks for years, it’s a Boise icon as it’s been here for over 35 years.  It started as a film club and eventually evolved into one of Boise’s most treasured theatres.  They have four screens, knowledgeable staff that are happy to share their favorite films and offer recommendations.  Don’t forget to check out their video store to rent those hard-to-find classics or independent films if you want to enjoy a film at home.

So, if you’re looking for a fun night out in Boise, complete with dining and entertainment, look no further than the Flicks.  Discover other fantastic neighborhoods, local businesses and activities around Boise on our blog, Blog and Beyond, oh and of course get a few tips on the local real estate market.  Contact Realtor and Boise Relocation Expert, Jennifer Louis for more information.

Boise Has Amazing Lasagna

Boise Has Amazing Lasagna

Boise’s Favorite Italian Lasagna

Cucina Di Paolo is a Boise icon and legend, due to their location and Betty the Washerwoman, and of course their famous lasagna.  Some would even say this family-owned restaurant serves Boise’s favorite Italian Lasagna.

Update: On October 24, 2020, the co-owner and Chef of Cucina di Paolo, Paul Wegner passed away. You can read his obituary written by his beloved wife and business partner here (warning: have kleenex on hand).

This small business has touched the hearts and stomachs of locals and those passing through for nearly 30 years. If you were ever lucky enough to have been there during their mad lunch rush you would have seen the Wegners in full swing, cooking gourmet meals, making customers smile, all while never missing a beat.

2020 has been a tough year for so many of our local businesses in the Boise Metro Area. If you have the chance and would like to try a knock your socks off lasagna, (just like your Italian grandma used to make) then you must head over to Cucina di Paolo. 

Original blog post:

In this video, we explore and taste the delicious recipes of the well-known little eatery on Vista Ave in Boise’s Bench neighborhood. Known for their home-cooked meals, and out-of-the-world lasagna and desserts, the Owners, Paul and Mary Jean Wegner make Cucina di Paolo a MUST to dine in or take out when in Boise.

When we first moved to The Bench in Boise one of the first things we noticed was Betty the Washerwoman, a mechanical woman washing clothes far above the cozy little Cucina di Paolo. We noticed she was dressed for the season and each month we anticipated her next costume. From a spring cleaning outfit to a school teacher to the Spring Bunny, Betty has yet to disappoint.

After months of passing and noticing a constant full parking lot in front of Cucina di Paolo, we decided to check it out ourselves. We were not disappointed. The cozy restaurant is typically full at lunch and dinner with customers waiting in line to order. The place is bursting with energy as Paul Wegner bustles around the kitchen preparing his delicious recipes while Mary Jean takes orders, prepares her scrumptious desserts, jokes, and chats with the guests.

We ordered the most delicious lasagna and homemade meatballs and we knew we were in love. Not to mention the adorable side patio with plenty of cozy seating to make you feel you’re right in Italy eating Mama’s homemade cooking. And that’s the feeling that Cucina di Paolo gives, great homecooked food, made with love by people who truly love Boise. If you haven’t checked it out yet we highly recommend it. Let us know what you think.

Moving to Boise or new to the area?  Check out other great blog articles introducing the wonderful neighborhoods around town, local businesses, and fun activities for the whole family, and of course insight into the Boise real estate market.  Considering buying a home?  Click here to get started.  

Jennifer Louis is a Real Estate Agent servicing the entire Boise Metro Area passionate about the homes in the area and the local community. If you’d like to learn more about this fantastic area, a home for sale, or how to best prepare your home to sell please set up a free consultation at (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com

Boise Loves Their Pets

Boise Loves Their Pets

Boise’s Favorite Pet Store

If you’re new to Boise and have a pet, check out the well-loved store by pet owners throughout the Treasure Valley, Bark N Purr.  Boise’s favorite pet store is a culinary hotspot for your furry friends. A healthy choice in Boise that offers holistic and hyper-allergenic food for dogs and cats. They also carry gourmet, fun treats and toys for your pets from local businesses around Idaho.

Don’t forget the iClean Dog Wash. A self-service dog wash that is not only easy to use, dog friendly, and only $10. It’s a great way to wash, groom and dry your dog for a great price and not get soaked in the meantime.  The staff is knowledgeable, kind, and loves furry friends.  It’s a great place to bring a pet to socialize and learn how to behave in public.  

Bark N Purr is located in the Vista Village Shopping Center in the Boise Bench and is one of the great, local businesses here in Boise and believes in offering quality products and that genuine Boise, kind type of service that Idaho is known for. Come check it out and let us know what you think.

Jennifer Louis is a real estate expert in Boise, Idaho. If you’d like to learn more about the great communities and neighborhoods in The Treasure Valley give her a call. She’d love to show you around. (208) 509-9122/jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com.  Stay up on local real estate trends, discover local businesses, find out what’s happening around town on the Boise and Beyond Blog.

A Piece of Paradise in Boise

A Piece of Paradise in Boise

This episode takes a peek at the history behind the historic Edward’s Greenhouse located in Northwest Boise. A family-owned, geothermally heated paradise with some of the most incredible plants, flowers, and staff in all of The Treasure Valley. THE LOCALS love and recommend Edwards Greenhouse, so if you’re new to Boise and want to shop for your garden like the locals do you need to watch and see what you have been missing.

One of our favorite things about Boise, when we moved here, were the incredible yards and gardens as we drove around. Flowers that change and bloom on a weekly basis make spring and summer a very exciting time here. After buying our home we immediately started working on our own little paradise. All the locals we spoke to recommended Edward’s Greenhouse for the best flowers, plants and vegetables. Also, just an amazing place to spend the day and relax with a park-like setting, a garden gazebo, and picnic area and live music one evening a month. Such a gem and a must for any of those moving to the area or who have just recently arrived.

Follow Real Estate and Relocation Specialist for Boise and The Treasure Valley,  Jennifer Louis as she takes you on a tour of local businesses throughout the area. For more information on Boise Real Estate and The Treasure Valley please contact: www.welcometoboiseandbeyond.com or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com

https://youtu.be/iKK3gfs_G88