Over a long weekend recently, we had the opportunity to host a number of writers in our hometown of Boise to experience all this amazing city has to offer. By bike. Along with the Idaho Tourism, we showcased the diversity of our capital city from nights out to see Shakespeare performed in an outdoor theater and enjoy seed-to-table dinners in beautiful orchards, to down-and-dirty mountain biking on easily accessible trails, our guests had the opportunity to do and see a bit of everything. The overall opinion of the weekend: Boise is an incredible place for adventure and a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, easily explored by bike.
Experience the Treasure Valley for yourself! Here is our itinerary we would recommend. While these activities are tops on our list, options for activities, dining, trails, and special events are endless. Hit us up with a note when you come this way and we would be happy to help out.
36 Hours of Boise By Bike Itinerary
Day 1. The Greenbelt, River and Downtown
Arrive and catch a cab from the airport to the Modern Hotel – our favorite boutique accommodations in town. The cab fare will run about $15 and take about 10 minutes to get you to the hotel.
The Modern has cruisers you can borrow during daylight hours – grab a bike and ride over to the Boise Greenbelt, stopping at Big City Coffee for a fantastic cup of coffee and a pastry or lunch to go. Go left or go right – the Greenbelt runs for 25 miles of traffic free, river-cooled and tree shaded miles. There are endless spots to stop for your picnic of Big City snacks. Find a cool spot with a view and watch people float down the river on rafts, inner tubes and even the occasional inflatable couch.
Head right – or west – along the Greenbelt and stop to watch water lovers play in the Boise River Park.
Continue on to Idaho River Sports, park your bike and rent a SUP set up for a session on Quinn’s Pond or a boat to play in the River Park.
Head back to the Modern, return your cruiser and walk up to Idaho Mountain Touring to rent a mountain bike for the weekend.
Back at the Modern, clean up from your day of riding and start the evening with a handmade cocktail made by the hotel’s expert bartenders. Not sure which drink to pick off their menu? Select your base of choice – gin, rum, vodka, etc – and let them know if you like it sweet, tart and refreshing or with a spicy twist and they’ll make you a special concoction.
Ride into town when you’re ready for dinner to one of Boise’s newest restaurants, Alavita. (We love the Garganelli and Sweet Potato Gnocchi). Continue your tour into the heart of downtown for live music at Pengilly's or the Neurolux, or catch a film with a pint or glass of wine at The Flicks.
Day 2. To Market, to Market...
If its Saturday, the best way to start your day is to grab a cup of coffee at The Modern or Big City, and head to Boise’s markets.
Just a few blocks down from the hotel, the Boise Farmers Market features the freshest produce, cheeses, meats and flowers from local growers. Grab a donut from the Guru Donuts stand and stock up on goods for tonight’s picnic dinner.
Continue into town towards 8th and Grove and dive into the Capitol City Market for crafts, baked goods, household decorations, occasional performances, great people watching and more. Stop to refuel at Dawson Taylor coffee and grab lunch at one of the many food vendors.
Keep up with a day in the city by browsing the many shops in town that feature locally made goods including Mixed Greens, Indie Made, Piece Unique and Bricolage among the many other independent shops.
One your way back to the Modern, stop at local music shop, The Record Exchange because browsing through vinyl is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Back at the Modern, grab a sweater, your picnic supplies from the market and borrow a blanket. Then head to the Greenbelt and ride out towards Warm Springs for an evening at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. A gorgeous outdoor theater, the world class talent and the beautiful setting will make this a night to remember. Whether you choose to sit in seats, at tables or along the tiered grass, buy a bottle of wine at the café and settle in for a grand night of entertainment.
Day 3. Trail Time!
Sleep in or get up early, either way, head once you’re caffeinated and lightly breakfast, head towards the hills. The Ridges to Rivers system offers 150 miles of potential riding. Pick your loop, and get into gear.
On your way back, stop into one of the many establishments in historic
Hyde Park for lunch. Grab a sweet treat at Goody’s Soda Fountain and meander down the road back to Idaho Mountain Touring to drop off your bike.Back at the hotel, clean up, call a cab and head on your way after a weekend jammed with fun, exploration adventure!
*There are so many other opportunities to explore in this city from the Boise Art Museum, to the Botanical Gardens and the Basque Heritage block, to a hike up Table Rock, a float down the river or a seed-to-table dinner. Events happen near nightly and this city bustles with friendly energy. Follow the above itinerary or check out the visitor information at www.boise.org.