This Unique Capital City Is A Dynamic And Artsy Gem With Rocky Mountain Views

One of the most unique capitals of all 50 states sits nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, amid a year-round outdoor playground and a burgeoning arts scene. While Denver and its foothills might immediately come to mind, the dynamic city of Boise, Idaho, is on the upswing. Despite its smaller population of roughly 238,000 people, Idaho's capital has many big-city amenities and is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. It has plenty to offer for travelers, especially those who love a mix of nature and city life. Just outside of Boise is Idaho's hidden nature reserve, along with the picturesque Boise River and trails leading up to majestic golden foothills overlooking the Treasure Valley.

Boise was named by French-Canadian fur trappers who crossed the high desert and came upon the Boise River. At that time, the region was surrounded by trees, so they named it "boisé," which translates to "wooded." After gold was discovered in the Boise Basin in 1862, prospectors and miners poured into Southern Idaho. Boise City was founded in July of 1863, but was largely a sleepy town until the early 1980s. Tech companies Hewlett-Packard and home-grown Micron set up camp here, paving the way for Boise to become one of the top startup and tech hubs in the country, largely driven by new residents arriving from out of state. Whether you work in the city or you're visiting for a weekend, you're minutes away from the endless beauty of the foothills and its majestic sunsets. Boise enjoys around 210 sunny days annually and 15 hours of daylight during the summer. 

Since the early 20th century, Boise has been at the center of a growing and somewhat eclectic arts scene. To get a feel for the city's heritage and its artistic past, tour the homes of two of the city's most prominent historical figures: James Castle, a deaf self-taught artist, and Erma Hayman, an advocate for inclusivity and opportunities for marginalized communities in Idaho. Castle's work, crafted from homemade charcoal and scrap materials, have earned national and international recognition. The Erma Hayman House contains cultural works and stands as a legacy of the River Street neighborhood, one of Boise's most diverse residential areas decades ago.

Head downtown and you'll likely note the city's unique artistic vibe. Much of downtown is an outdoor art museum, with local artists taking the lead to showcase their talents and love for the city on nearly every street corner. Be sure to pay a visit to the Freak Art Gallery — the largest outdoor multi-artist mural gallery in the region — just footsteps from the incredible restaurants that give Boise its reputation as a top underrated foodie destinations in the Northwest.

One of Boise's top areas for foodies and art lovers is the small enclave of Garden City. The neighborhood's Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District  is minutes from downtown by bicycle or on foot along the picturesque Boise River Greenbelt. Whether you walk or ride, you'll find plenty of cafes, bars, studios, and performance venues to keep you entertained and inspired.

Although neighboring Utah is home to "Festival City USA," Boise holds its own with two major arts festivals. At the end of March, downtown Boise comes alive during the Treefort music festival, one of the largest indie festivals in the Northwest. Though hundreds of nationally and locally-acclaimed bands have taken the stage, Treefort isn't all about the music. The festival also celebrates other forms of art and personal expression, such as storytelling, film, comedy, and even skateboarding, aiming to create an inclusive environment where all feel welcome. Of course, there is also plenty of delicious food to enjoy. 

If you're visiting in the summer, follow the locals and head to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheatre and Reserve. Grab your friends and family, a blanket, and a picnic basket full of goodies for an open-air Shakespeare performance with the foothills as the backdrop. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance online, which start at $63.60 each, at the time of writing. Lower prices are offered on weekdays, preview shows, and for children on family nights.

Boise is ranked one of the best places to retire and raise a family in America. It also has its own airport with direct service to 26 destinations around the country. However, given its large influx of out-of-state residents, the city does experience traffic jams at rush hour, especially heading to and from the city. To dodge them, hop on a bicycle like many locals do and ride along the picturesque Boise River Greenbelt, or explore hundreds of miles of beautiful Ridge to Rivers trails through the foothills.