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Things to do / Travel Guide
Idaho Tourist Attractions
As you won't see many visitors here, the region becomes your own "Private Idaho." In Boise, you can walk right into the governor's office and say "hello." In Sun Valley, you will find skiers willing to go the extra mile for great powder. You will quickly get used to outdoorsmen saying "Snake," "Salmon," and "Sawtooth," referring to local rivers, and Hell's Canyon is probably the deepest gorge you'll ever see!
Idaho Getaways
In remote, nature-filled, modest Central Idaho, you'll really get a good feel of the Western Frontier during your getaway, especially in some partly preserved towns like Idaho City. Few tourists make it all the way out here, so the historic sites truly represent the historic even that they memorialize, rather than turning into a historical theme park, as many historic sites tend to do in more populated tourist areas.
This also refers to the nature in the area: You could be peering down into the most spectacular canyon, wondering how it's possible that such a special place can remain so hidden and unpopulated. You'll have the whole spot to yourself—you'll truly be able to take in the experience without being bombarded by curio shops and kitschy canyon-side attractions.
All of this isolation and remoteness falls by the wayside come wintertime when the area fills up with skiers interested in some of the top ski resorts in the country. The ski resorts around Stanley have some of the best snow (and therefore slopes) in the U.S., attracting families, professional skiers, and celebrities.
Another great way to experience Idaho is to go on a wine tour. Just outside Boise, all along Routes 20 and 30, are a number of wineries. Heading out from Boise, stop at the Indian Winery & Vineyard in Kuna, Idaho first, then the Sawtooth Winery in Nampa, St. Chapelle Winery and Hell's Canyon Winery in Caldwell, and then finally the Parma Ridge Winery in Parma. While you're in Caldwell, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, stop by the Caldwell Night Rodeo Grounds.
Boise Tourist Attractions
Contrary to what tourists may expect of a city in faraway Idaho, Boise, the capital of Idaho, is actually rather cosmopolitan in nature. You'll find here all the luxuries of big city life—large shopping malls, upscale hotels, luxury spas, classy golf resorts, family-friendly activities, entertainment options, and an extremely walkable downtown.
Downtown Boise is pretty much condensed into a 10-block grid that runs from the capitol building to the Boise River. In this area you'll find some good shopping and many dining options. Once you hit the river, you'll be met by a greenbelt along the banks, perfect for strolling, jogging, cycling, or skating. A great way to experience the major sites and tourist attractions in Boise is to take the Boise Tour Train and River Float which begins and ends in Julia Davis Park. The Idaho Botanical Gardens and the World Center for Birds of Prey are great spots for nature lovers to migrate to during their city visit.
And then you probably want to head out of Boise. Grab a map of Idaho and start your Boise to Sun Valley roadtrip.
Sun Valley and Snake River Tourist Attractions
As mentioned before, Idaho fills up in the wintertime, with many of the tourists heading to the popular ski resort of Sun Valley. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Sun Valley uses its prime location to draw in Olympians to train on its slopes. The most popular mountain at Sun Valley is Bald Mountain (also known as "Baldy"), and in the winter it's flooded with skiers; in the summer hikers take to the challenging uphill climbs.
Another area favorite in the area is the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, located just south of Boise. All along the lovely Snake River you'll find the largest groups of nesting raptors in all of North America. Along the rich riverside plateau live a high concentration of small burrowing mammals.
The Snake River (which, by the way, is also an extremely popular white water rafting tourist attraction) is located in Hell's Canyon on the border between Idaho and Oregon.
Boise, Idaho Road Trip Getaway Planner
Spend a half day in Boise to see why Idaho is different than you imagined it to be. In the winter, make a beeline to Sun Valley. Go hiking or whitewater rafting for a week. Find quaint, frozen-in-time towns along the way to enhance your experience.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Boise, Sun Valley and Central Idaho
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
Idaho Botanical Garden - Boise, Idaho
Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
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