A Day in the City of Trees
This one-day itinerary will help you get the most out of your short stay in Boise, Idaho.
Upon its colonization in the mid-1800s, the capital of Idaho was nicknamed the City of Trees due to the surrounding forest—and even its true name, Boise, is French for "wooded." So it's fitting that the city has various sustainable initiatives in place to help take care of the natural environment.
As of mid-June, city officials have unanimously committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Other goals include transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2035, prioritizing alternative transportation modes and fuel, waste reduction, water renewal, protecting and preserving green space, as well as increasing local food production and security.
Some programs that have already been implemented are a city-wide compost system, Idaho's first commercial net-zero energy building, and the Dixie Drain that filters up to 140 pounds of phosphorus per day from the Boise and Snake rivers.
All of this isn't just an environmental or conservation issue: It's a people issue. It always has been for me. If we want to thrive in the long term, we have to do everything we can to set ourselves up for success.
—Lauren McLean, mayor of Boise, to BoiseDev
Though we only spent one day in the City of Trees, we made the most of our time and created this guide so that you can, too.
Out & About
After arriving in the city, we headed straight for the downtown area to go on an urban adventure. While researching Boise's sustainable businesses, we found the Green Works directory, which features companies that have committed to maintaining a "healthy environment and a strong local economy."
It was through Green Works that we learned about Rediscovered Books and its goals to achieve energy efficiency, waste management through increasing recycling and reuse initiatives, as well as upholding social responsibility. It even offers 10% off all sustainable living and gardening books through the Green Pass Program.
Another store we found is Idaho Made, an artisanal co-op featuring local, handmade goods—the perfect place to peruse for a unique souvenir. After purchasing a small wall decor piece, we continued our self-guided walking tour and stumbled across Freak Alley. This open-air graffiti gallery showcases an eclectic collection of artistic styles and was ideal for viewing amidst the various indoor restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If your adventure style is more outdoorsy, you may opt to traverse the Boise River Greenbelt by foot or using a rental from one of the city's many bicycle shops, such as Pedego Electric Bikes. Other locales to explore include the MK Nature Trail, Boise Trails and Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve.
Holistic Treatment
The Green Works directory was also helpful for finding a wellness service, which is how we discovered the Ashamenta Healing Spa & Learning Center. Out of the various services, we chose to partake in a bespoke prana touch therapy session. This intuitive practice incorporated reiki, reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stones, cupping, as well as crystal and sound healing.
Another local respite is the Organic Origins Spa, which provides therapeutic massages using organic products, including its own line of mineral soaking salts, organic sugar polishes and aromatherapy roll-on oils. The spa also offers discounted pricing for new guests.
Fantastic Fare
After a long day of exploration, we certainly worked up an appetite. We made our way back downtown to enjoy the outdoor patio at Fork Restaurant, which has implemented a #LoyalToLocal campaign to highlight its commitment to sourcing local ingredients. One of our favorite dishes was the signature warm butter cake topped with locally made ice cream and fresh fruit (pictured below). Additionally, 75% of the beverage menu features regional beer, wine and spirits. The dining room was also recently renovated using reclaimed Idaho barn wood as well as other recycled materials.
Though we weren't in town long enough to saver all of the notable food stops, a few other honorable mentions include the Boise Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings; the Boise Co-Op or Roots Zero Waste Market for other groceries; vegan doughnuts made from locally sourced ingredients at Guru Donuts; as well as local and organic American fare at Boise Fry Co. Looks like we'll just have to plan another trip so that we can continue to eat our way through the city.
Please note: COVID-19 restrictions apply, but are subject to change and vary by state.
Freak Alley and Fork Restaurant photos by Ashley Probst.
