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

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

Give us a call,
We’ll show you around!

Best Spring Activities in Boise

Best Spring Activities in Boise

Welcome to Boise and Beyond’s blog series focusing on living like a local in Idaho.  If you are one of the many who have recently relocated to Boise and the Treasure Valley here are some of the best ways to fit in and acclimate to your new home.

Discovering Boise’s Spring Scene

Spring is the season that Boise comes alive!  After months of colder weather and shorter days, locals are eager to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  With so many great activities and warmer, longer days there are endless things to do in Spring.   Here are my top 5 recommendations for the best Spring activities in Boise:

1. Edwards Greenhouse

organic nursery in BoiseSpring is a great time to experience Edwards Greenhouse.  Not only do the historic, geothermal water-heated greenhouses keep you warm on those cooler Spring days, but they are a feast for the eyes.  Not to mention a great way to find inspiration for all your gardening and landscaping.  You can find incredible, one-of-a-kind roses this time of year to order and find some Spring flowers for those flowerpots around your yard.  They are known for their classes, such as their upcoming orchid class or bulb class and of course there is yoga classes in the gazebo.  It’s a great place to enjoy an afternoon, soak in the warmth, and get inspired.

2. Bird Watching

Birds of Prey in Kuna, IdahoBird Watching at the World Center for Birds of Prey – Spring is a fantastic season for bird enthusiasts to visit the World Center for Birds of Prey. This unique experience offers a closer look at conservation efforts and the chance to see majestic birds in action. It’s an educational and engaging outing for all ages.  Another great area is to head over the the Boise Greenbelt and take a stroll down the Idaho Birding Path  It’s a serene strip of trail open to foot traffic only and is dotted with plaques of birds typically found in the area.  It’s a great place to catch a glimpse into some of Boise’s tallest trees and the feathered friends that seek refuge in them.

3. Soak in Idaho’s Hot Springs

Idaho is covered with hot springs waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. You can pick up a guidebook or visit a website to find many springs you can hike to during the day or twilight hours. Some are privately maintained and family-friendly just outside Boise. Here are two of my personal favorites:

  1. The Springs in Idaho City, are located just 45 minutes northeast of Boise near the historic mining town of Idaho City. Here, you can enjoy a spa-like experience with a soak in their natural hot spring pool while listening to local musicians or indulging in local cuisine. You can also rent a private pool or get a massage. Kids are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays, but reservations are required.
  2. Gold Fork Hot Springs, north of Boise on the route heading towards McCall, is situated in the town of Donnelly in the foothills of the North Fork Range. They offer multiple pools at different depths and temperatures, making it an excellent soak for the whole family, from young to old. Please note they are closed on holidays and Tuesdays, and cash is the only accepted payment method. It’s advisable to call ahead to ensure they are open and have ample space.

4. Bike the Boise Greenbelt

Biking Along the Boise River Greenbelt – The Greenbelt offers a scenic escape with its 25-mile path following the Boise River. Ideal for a leisurely bike ride or a refreshing walk, this trail is a prime spot for nature lovers to spot wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors.  Check out Pedego electric bikes if you want a great rental experience or join the Boise bike tours for a guided tour around Boise and the Greenbelt.

5. Downtown Boise/First Thursday

If you haven’t yet, this Spring come check out First Thursday, an iconic event that captures the heart and soul of our vibrant community in Downtown Boise.. As the city awakens with the freshness of spring, First Thursday in March, April, and May presents an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of Boise’s arts, culture, and culinary delights.

This monthly celebration takes place in Boise’s bustling downtown area, where locals and newcomers alike gather to explore an eclectic mix of galleries, shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Each First Thursday event is a unique experience, offering something new and exciting to discover.

Boise Real Estate Professional

 

Enjoy your Spring in beatiful Boise, Idaho.  And there are so many other great places to explore in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley.  Looking to discover more about Boise Metro Area?  Follow this blog or set up your personal consultation with Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide.  (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
Boise’s Best Lunch with a View

Boise’s Best Lunch with a View

Did you just move to Boise or thinking about it? Maybe you’ve been here for years, but want to try a new spot? A must visit spot for lunch, beer and an incredible Downtown Boise view is Zee’s Rooftop Café. Great local fare and an amazing atmosphere are always served at Zee’s. In addition to a great lunch check out what other amazing events you can participate in in this hidden venue in Downtown Boise.

This was the first place we went to eat after moving to Boise. It was a cold February afternoon and our friends, who work in Downtown Boise insisted we visit Zee’s. Zee’s closes at 2 p.m., but he stayed open for us and we had the whole place to ourselves. We were in awe of the most incredible view from the Penthouse where Zee’s Café is located. Snow capped hills and Mountains, Downtown buzzing below and topped with the best paninni and local beer I had eaten in ages. Zee’s automatically became one of our favorites!

Follow Real Estate and Relocation Specialist for Boise and The Treasure Valley 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. 

Bandanna Running

Bandanna Running

Season 1 – Episode 2

One of the major things that we loved about Boise when we moved here was all the outdoor activities and races. We signed up for FitOne and a couple of other 10K races when we moved here, but because of a past ankle issue, I needed special shoes that could support my ankle during a race. I asked around where to find a good running store and was only given the name, Bandanna Running.

Bandanna Running is unlike any running store we’ve ever been in. With hands on service by the owners and their team I knew immediately I was in good hands. Come to find out one of the Owners, Rich Harris is one of the fastest Milers in US History and has a “wall of history” that just blew our mind. Everything you need for a run (or walk) and more you can find in this store. You would think I was a professional athlete when I left by how much attention and service I received during my visit. Every staff member is truly interested in helping their customer find the right shoe or gear for their needs.

Located in Downtown Boise on 5th and Main St. for over 20 years, it brings not only an amazing history, but a true sense of what to expect of local businesses in Boise. They’re open Mon-Sun and you will usually find Owner, Rich Harris there most days. If he’s not, don’t worry you’ll be in good hands with Owner, Shannon Harris or a member of their expert team and their mascot, Rocket