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8 Things Locals Love About Garden City
Want to tour Garden City, Idaho, like a local? Here’s a look at the town’s best-kept secrets and how to hit all the hotspots.
What's The Vibe in Garden City?
If you want to feel like a Garden City native, you need to know what the people are like, what they do, and what they’re looking for in their favorite little town. That way, you can blend right in and get to experience everything Idaho has to offer.
Here are a few of the top scenes you’ll notice in the Garden City area:
- Art: From painters and sculptors to musicians and other performers, this is the place to be for local art. Creativity blooms in all corners of the city! Be on the look out for murals, art benches, and more.
- Food: Whether you’re looking for a snack, a nice meal, or a taste of your new favorite wine, you’ll find the best food and drinks in town. Everything about Garden City screams local because you won’t find a lot of chain resturaunts here.
- Family: Locals are nothing if not family-friendly. Kids and fur-babies alike will find plenty to do here. Speaking of fur-babies, if you’re looking for all the dog friendly joints– we have the guide to Garden City for pet parents.
- Recreation: If you’re wondering why it’s called Garden City, look no further than the nature and recreation opportunities in town. Locals love to get outside and walk, jog, bike, and more.
- Exploration: With Boise and the foothills well within reach, Garden City is a comfortable home base for all you explorers out there.
Garden City Attractions: Local Favorites
Ready to learn what makes Garden City feel like home to everyone who lives here? Check out a few of the town’s coolest attractions:
#1: The Boise River and the Greenbelt
Ask anyone what they love about living in the Garden City area, and they’re sure to wax poetic about the Boise River. From floating and fishing to swimming and wading, this winding blue gem is a perfect recreation opportunity for everyone. Locals especially love walking on the dog- and bike-friendly Greenbelt that twists through town.
#2: The Hawks Stadium
Want to catch a game? The Boise Hawks Stadium is the home for local baseball–and a great place to spend a warm summer night. There’s even a free Kids Club for the little sports fans in your life. When the Hawks aren’t playing, the stadium also hosts the occasional fireworks show.
#3: The River Club
The River Club was founded in 1917, making it one of Garden City’s gems and a historic country club. You can do a little bit of everything here, including tennis, swimming, golf, and more–and the club is proudly family-friendly, too. It’s positioned right on the Boise River for great views and great fun.
#4: Expo Idaho
Antique shopping. Car shows. The Western Idaho Fair. No matter what time of the year you choose to visit Garden City, you’re sure to find something going on at Expo Idaho, one of the area’s biggest and best event venues. Complete with grassy grounds, several expo buildings, and even barns and tracks, this is the perfect place to make Idaho memories.
#5: A Historic Hotel Remodel
Want to add a little history to your visit? Look no further than the historic Sunliner Motel–a 27-room motel built in the 1950s. With a new owner, a new name, and a new legacy on the way, the building is sure to become a new local hotspot.
#6: Pollinator Garden
Garden City is home to all kinds of wildlife–but thanks to the town’s special Pollinator Garden, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a little Bee City, U.S.A. Here, the whole family can learn about pollinators and how they help flowers, crops, and even humans.
#7: Surel’s Place
Artists rejoice: Garden City is the perfect home for creativity. Surel’s Place is a home and studio for creatives from across the country. Poets, painters, and other creators enjoy month-long residencies and host events for the community, sharing their experiences and finding new inspiration from the nearby river and Greenbelt. If you want a souvenir, you can also buy art to support these local artists.
#8: Boise Whitewater Park
Did you know you can surf in Garden City? It’s true–and it all starts at the Boise Whitewater Park. The area includes a man-made wave built into the Boise River, allowing adventurers to kayak, use stand-up paddleboards, and–yes–even surf.
Explore Like a Local
Whether this is your first journey to Garden City or you’re a long-time visitor, you’re sure to find a new favorite hangout when you explore the town like a local. From the Boise River to Expo Idaho and beyond, this town is proud of its community, its people, and its hotspots.
Request information today to plan your next big adventure!