Where to Take Friends in the Treasure Valley: A Local’s Guide to Impressing Out-of-Town Guests
Discover the best of both worlds: 10 amazing places for indoor and outdoor activities, plus 10 must-visit dining and drinking spots!
The Treasure Valley is home to an incredible mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique attractions that can turn any visit into an unforgettable experience. Whether your guests are outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic adventures, food lovers eager to explore local flavors, or history buffs and art aficionados seeking cultural enrichment, this region has it all. From bustling cityscapes to tranquil riversides, the Treasure Valley promises to impress visitors with its diverse offerings. Here’s your ultimate guide to showcasing the very best of this gem-packed destination, ensuring your out-of-town guests leave with lasting memories.
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At Ragers Smash-N- Axe Guests can engage in axe throwing, with high-tech lanes that feature interactive projections, enhancing the traditional experience.
Indoor Activities:
🕊️ RAGERS SMASH-N-AXE: Test your skills with high-tech axe-throwing lanes. Interactive projections and various games add a twist to traditional axe throwing. Break items like glassware, electronics, and more in a controlled environment. Perfect for stress relief, a unique outing, or just some chaotic fun!
Location: 8085 W Fairview Ave Boise, Idaho 83704
Website: https://www.ragerssna.com/
🕊️ X- GOLF BOISE: Sharpen your golf skills at X-Golf, a high-tech indoor golfing experience perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy realistic simulators and a laid-back atmosphere while you swing away. They Also offer food and Drink!
Location: 8101 W Emerald St, Boise, ID 83704
Website: https://playxgolf.com/locations/boise/
SPACEBAR ARCADE: Combine gaming and nightlife at Spacebar Arcade, a popular downtown spot with classic arcade games and a great drink menu.
Location: 620 West Idaho St, Boise, ID, 83702
Website: https://www.spacebararcade.com/
Located in downtown Boise, Spacebar Arcade is a popular retro gaming bar that offers classic arcade fun with a vibrant nightlife experience.
IDAHO STATE MUSEUM: Learn about Idaho’s fascinating history and culture through interactive exhibits at the Idaho State Museum.
Location: 610 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://history.idaho.gov/museum/
🕊️ MERIDIAN LANES/BULLSEYE SPORTS BAR: A popular bowling alley offering a fun and family-friendly environment for all ages. The facility features modern bowling lanes, a full-service bar, and a variety of entertainment options.
Location: 324 S Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://meridianbowlinglanes.com/
URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK: With wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, and climbing walls, it's an exciting way to burn energy.
Location: 3876 E Lanark St, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://www.urbanair.com/idaho-meridian/
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BOISE SALT SANCTUARY: Relax and recharge with a therapeutic session at the Boise Salt Sanctuary, which offers salt therapy to promote relaxation and wellness in a calming, quiet environment.
Location: 5626 W State St, Boise, ID 83703
Website: https://www.salt-sanctuary.com/
BOISE ART MUSEUM: It serves as the city's main contemporary art museum, offering a diverse range of art exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
Location: 670 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://boiseartmuseum.org/
Boise Art Museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary and modern art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia works.
🕊️ CLOCKWISE ESCAPE ROOM: An immersive and interactive experience where players work together to solve puzzles and escape a themed room within a set time limit, usually 60 minutes. It's an exciting, team-building activity that's perfect for friends, families, or coworkers.
Location: 1020 W Main St, 2nd Floor, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://clockwiseescape.com/
FAST LANE INDOOR KARTING: A premier indoor go-kart racing facility offering high-speed fun for all ages. It’s an exciting, adrenaline-pumping activity where visitors can race against friends, family, or other competitors on a professionally designed track.
Location: 10243 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704
Website: https://www.fastlaneboise.com/
Outdoor Activities:
ZOO BOISE: A popular zoological park located in Boise, Idaho, situated in Julia Davis Park near downtown. It is home to over 300 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world.
Location: 355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://zooboise.org/
IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN: A beautiful and serene 50-acre garden located in Boise, Idaho, nestled at the base of the Boise Foothills. The garden serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, offering a variety of themed gardens, educational programs, and seasonal events.
Location: 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
Website: https://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/
BOISE GREENBELT: A beautiful and extensive 25-mile-long pathway that runs along the Boise River in Boise, Idaho. It's one of the city's most popular recreational spaces, offering scenic views, wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Website: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/boise-greenbelt/
The scenic Boise Greenbelt offers breathtaking views as you ride or hike its trails, making it the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beauty of the Boise River and surrounding landscapes.
PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES BOISE: A local shop that specializes in renting, selling, and servicing electric bicycles.
Location: 393 W Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706
Website: https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/boise
🕊️ BOISE BREW PUTT: A unique and fun experience in Boise, Idaho, combining mini-golf with craft beer. This outdoor, 9-hole mini-golf course is located at The Basque Block in downtown Boise, and each hole is paired with a local craft beer from Boise's diverse brewery scene.
Location: 3315 N Collister Dr, Boise, ID 83703
Website: https://www.boisebrewputt.com/
BOGUS BASIN MOUNTAIN: A popular recreational area located just 16 miles north of downtown Boise, Idaho. Known for its year-round outdoor activities, Bogus Basin offers visitors a wide range of experiences in both the winter and summer months, making it a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike.
Location: 2600 N Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho 83702
Website: https://bogusbasin.org/
🕊️ BLUE SKY FARM: A mother-daughter-owned farm that began as a small idea centered around flowers and has blossomed into a beautiful space for the community to enjoy. Over time, the farm has become a welcoming spot where families and friends can walk through and even pick vibrant flowers, creating lasting memories and connections.
Location: 2685 N. Haven Dr. Eagle, ID
Website: https://www.blueskyfarmidaho.com/
HIKING TABLE ROCK TRAILS: A series of popular trails that lead hikers to the summit of Table Rock, a prominent plateau-like formation that offers panoramic views of the city of Boise, the surrounding valley, and the foothills.
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/table-rock-trail
THE VILLAGE AT MERIDIAN: A premier outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment center located in Meridian, Idaho, just outside of Boise. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors, offering a wide variety of experiences in a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly setting.
Location: 3597 E Monarch Sky Ln #225, Meridian, ID 83646
Website: https://www.thevillageatmeridian.com/
BOISE FARMER’S MARKET: A vibrant, community-driven market located in Boise, Idaho, that connects local farmers, food producers, artisans, and consumers. It provides an opportunity for people to purchase fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and other unique items, all while supporting local businesses and sustainable agriculture.
Location: 1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://theboisefarmersmarket.com/
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Places to Eat:
🕊️ THE LOCAL: The Local is a neighborhood Eatery and Wine Pub, offering live music and rotating artists. Spend an evening out at The Local and discover this amazing part of Boise.
Location: 5616 W State St, Garden City, ID 83703
Website: https://thelocalboise.com/
🕊️ EL GALLO GIRO: A family-owned Mexican restaurant in Boise, Idaho, known for its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Established in 1997, it has become a staple in the Treasure Valley, offering a menu rich in traditional Mexican dishes.
Location: 1435 N Eagle Rd suit 140, Meridian, ID 83642 & 5285 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID 83714
Website: https://www.gallogiroboise.com/
🕊️ UNCLE BOB’S PIZZA: A family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of pizzas, pastas, and other dishes. Featuring an Arcade, Outdoor Seating and 14 Big Screen TV’s to catch your favorite sports game!
Location: 1728 E McMillan Rd #100, Meridian, ID 83646
Website: https://unclebobspizza.com/
The Idaho Potato & Bacon Pizza at Uncle Bob's Pizza is a mouthwatering masterpiece, with crispy, golden potatoes, smoky bacon, and a perfect blend of creamy cheese—each bite is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth delight that will leave you craving more.
🕊️ DON & CHARLYS: A friendly restaurant specializing in delicious sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, and tasty beverages.
Location: 103 N 10th St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://www.donandcharlys.com/
🕊️ LEMON TREE CO. : An artisan sandwich shop that offers a variety of specialty lemonades and sandwiches with a unique twist.
Locations: 224 N 10th St, Boise, ID 83702 (Downtown Boise) 3724 S Eckert Rd, Boise, ID 83716 (Harris Ranch) 404 E Parkcenter Blvd, Unit 250, Boise, ID 83706 (Parkcenter)
Website: https://lemontreeboise.com/
🕊️ BOMB BURGERS BOISE: A premier burger restaurant specializing in high-quality burgers and bar bites, offering a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Location: 7609 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709 (Located inside Chow Market)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bombburgerboise/?hl=en
🕊️ THE TIPSY CHEF: A family-owned restaurant offering a diverse menu of breakfast and lunch options. The café is dedicated to using organic and locally sourced ingredients to create fresh, balanced meals.
Location: 979 S Progress Ave, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://tipsychefcafe.com/
🕊️ FANCI FREEZ: A cherished local eatery in Boise, Idaho, renowned for its classic burgers, finger steaks, and delectable milkshakes. Established in 1947, it has become an Idaho icon, serving the community for over seven decades.
Locations: 1750 W McMillan Rd #100, Meridian, ID 83646 & 1402 W State St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://fancifreez.com/
Treat yourself to Fanci Freez's indulgent vanilla ice cream, loaded with chunks of rich cookie dough—every scoop delivers a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and delightful crunch on a crispy cone.
🕊️ THE MELTING POT: A unique dining experience centered around interactive four-course fondue meals. Their menu features a variety of cheese fondues, fresh salads, entrées including meats, seafood, and vegetables, and decadent chocolate fondues for dessert.
Location: 200 N 6th St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://www.meltingpot.com/boise-id/
KYOTO SUSHI: A Japanese Steakhouse offers an immersive dining experience featuring hibachi-style cooking and a diverse sushi menu.
Location: 6002 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704
Website: https://www.kyotoboise.com/
Place to Drink:
🕊️ BOISE BREWING: A community-owned brewery that opened its doors in 2014. As one of the few "Community-Supported" breweries in the country, it is dedicated to the people and places that make Boise so great.
Location: 521 W Broad St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://www.boisebrewing.com/
🕊️ GOOD APPLE TAPHOUSE: Taphouse featuring 28 rotating draft beers and ciders, along with a selection of wines, premixed cocktails, and seltzers. They also offer over 50 bottled and canned beers for in-house and to-go consumption.
Location: 1728 E McMillan Rd #160, Meridian, ID 83646
Website: https://www.gataphouse.com/
10 BARREL BREWING: A renowned brewery offering a diverse selection of craft beers and a full menu of pub fare. As one of the oldest brewpubs in Boise, it serves as a hub for both locals and visitors seeking quality brews and a vibrant atmosphere.
Location: 826 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://10barrel.com/pub/boise-brewery/
🕊️ VOODOO BREWING MERIDIAN: A craft brewery and pub situated in the vibrant heart of Old Town Meridian. They boast an impressive range of award-winning beers and a menu full of classic pub favorites.
Location: 713 N Main St Ste 120, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://meridian.voodoobrewery.com/
Voodoo Brewing Co., in Downtown Meridian, provides a welcoming atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and events.
🕊️ POTTER WINES: A family-owned winery and tasting room offering a diverse selection of wines, including award-winning reds, crisp whites, rosés, and their unique jalapeño wine lineup.
Location: 5286 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714
Website: https://potterwines.com/
FRONTIER CLUB: A local bar and grill offering a variety of drinks and classic pub fare. The establishment features amenities such as shuffleboard, darts, billiards, and an outdoor patio, providing a comfortable setting for patrons.
Location: 116 E Broadway Ave, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://www.instagram.com/frontierclubmeridian/?hl=en
🕊️ VIZCAYA WINERY: A family-owned boutique winery situated in the heart of Idaho's Treasure Valley. The winery specializes in estate-grown wines, including Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Albariño.
Location: 8987 S Greenhurst Rd #1105, Kuna, ID 83634
Website: https://www.vizcayawinery.com/
SULLY’S PUB & GRILL: A family-owned establishment offering traditional Irish-American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of starters, salads, sandwiches, and dinner specials, including favorites like beer-battered fish and chips, hand-carved steaks, and fresh seafood delivered daily.
Location: 11123 W State St, Star, ID 83669
Website: https://www.sullysidaho.com/
🕊️ BOISE BOOCH: A family-owned brewery and taproom specializing in hard and non-alcoholic kombucha. They also offer a selection of beer, wine, and canned cocktails. The establishment is kid and dog-friendly, allowing patrons to bring their own food or enjoy offerings from visiting food trucks.
Location: 520 N Curtis Rd, Boise, ID 83706
Website: https://www.boisebooch.com/
THE ROOSEVELT: A whiskey and cocktail bar situated in the heart of downtown Meridian. The establishment offers an extensive selection of whiskeys and craft cocktails, providing a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
Location: 126 E Broadway Ave, Meridian, ID 83642
Website: https://www.facebook.com/therooseveltmeridian/
If you're a whiskey lover, you absolutely need to stop by The Roosevelt—these whiskey connoisseurs offer an impressive selection that will delight your taste buds and elevate your experience.