8 Things Locals Love About Garden City

8 Things Locals Love About Garden City

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8 Things Locals Love About Garden City

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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.

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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!

Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

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Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

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Looking for a way to get out and have some fun without getting too far from home? A staycation in gorgeous Garden City, Idaho, is the perfect place to start! And, of course, no staycation would be complete without an assortment of snacks and drinks–and if it’s wine you’re looking for, Garden City delivers.

Here’s how to plan your staycation and grab a few drinks along the way!

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Garden City Wineries to Put On Your Itinerary

Ready to see where your Garden City adventure will take you? Here are a few wineries to mark on your map:

Telaya Wine Co

Nothing says “Garden City” like a view of the Boise River, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Telaya. This winery doesn’t just have a riverfront porch; it has a tasting room, private tours, and even events like “Sip2Give,” which supported local organizations including Boise Black Dog Rescue and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in 2021. Old-world inspired and Idaho-crafted, Telaya is the perfect first stop on any staycation.

Quick Tip: If you want a souvenir from your staycation–or if you want to surprise friends and family with a treat–check out the Telaya gift sets. These carefully paired wines make it easy to remember the taste of your adventure.

Coiled

“Here’s to those following their own winding path!” That’s the spirit around which this local winery was built, and it comes through in every sip. Named for the Snake River Valley, Coiled makes everything “from vine to wine” right under its own roof. You can taste, shop, and enjoy a view of beautiful Garden City outside the huge windows.

Quick Tip: Wishing your staycation could last a bit longer? Coiled has wine clubs  complete with private parties, free monthly tastings, and more. It’s the perfect way to make Garden City feel like your own private retreat.

Rolling Hills Vineyard

Rolling Hills Vineyard isn’t just a wonderful a great way to enjoy Garden City. It’s also a unique experience combining Idaho and Washington grapes–a true taste of the West. You’ll taste award-winning wines, enjoy movie nights, and plan your staycation around “Idaho Wine Weekends.”

Quick Tip: One of the best things about the Treasure Valley is that your staycation isn’t limited to any one town. From Garden City, you can reach Boise, Meridian, and Eagle in just a few minutes. While Rolling Hills Vineyard has an estate in Eagle, it’s not currently open to the public–but there are plenty of other great things to see in this town, so don’t mark it off your list.

Staples of a Garden City Staycation

Of course, a true Garden City staycation doesn’t just have to be about drinks. Check out these other things to do while you’re resetting your palate:

Explore The River

The river is the beating heart of the Boise area. No matter where your adventure takes you, be sure to make some time for this stunning natural attraction–and keep an eye out for the birds, frogs, turtles, and other wildlife that also call Garden City home.

Enjoy Your Favorite Art

Whether you love painting, sculpting, live music, or another artistic endeavor, Garden City is the place to be. In between drinks, check out some of the area’s most creative minds and works in the galleries spread across town.

Take Pictures

Don’t forget to make those memories! Garden City has plenty of unique photo ops, from historical locations to candid shots at all those wineries. Be sure to share on social media so your friends can see how you made your staycation into something special!

Plan Around Events

Garden City–and the entire Treasure Valley–is built around a strong sense of community. That means there’s always a fun local event to enjoy–so plan your staycation accordingly.

Garden City is the perfect town for a staycation and a wine tour all wrapped up in one. Just don’t forget to slow down in between tastings and enjoy everything else the area has to offer!

Ready to begin your Garden City staycation? Check out our trip itineraries for a little inspiration!

Fall In Love With Garden City This Winter

Fall In Love With Garden City This Winter

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Fall In Love With Garden City This Winter

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You can stop looking for love in all the wrong places. In Garden City, there’s an experience just waiting to woo you around every corner! This winter, treat your love (or yourself) to a staycation or excursion that will turn even the grayest skies blue for a bit. You’ll find yourself falling in love with our magical little oasis — and emerge from wintry weather pampered, rested, and ready for the hubbub of spring.

 

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Woo Your Love With Art and Music

You’re bound to find the perfect gift for your SO through one of Garden City’s artists and makers — plus, they offer endless opportunities for an out-of-the-box date night (glass blowing classes, perhaps?). Be sure to check out artist Stewart Holland’s works at the Visual Arts Collective starting Feb. 4, which marks the VAC’s first opening of the year. 

Music lovers, take note: The Sapphire Room is offering back-to-back concert runs that are sure to fire up some fun. Petty Fever — a Tom Petty tribute band, of course — will play both Feb. 12-13. Or relive those prom memories with classic rock from Last Call on Feb. 14! Purchasing tickets for these events makes you eligible for the Sapphire Getaway package at the Riverside Hotel, which includes a double room and breakfast for two. 

Audiophiles can continue the fun into March, when Boise’s Treefort Music Fest takes place between March 23-27. This super popular festival is celebrating its 10th season, and it’s sure to be a blowout — concerts from the legendary Kim Gordon, Joshy Soul, Deerhoof, Durand Jones and the Indications, and literally hundreds more performers. Treefort takes place at locations throughout Boise, which makes the Riverside Hotel and Garden City the home base. Everything you’ll want to experience is just a short walk or bike ride away!

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Sweets for Your Sweet

Here’s an insider tip: Garden City is home to some of the best bakeries in Southwest Idaho. Wildflour Bakery has been churning out its famous, just-slightly-oversized cookies for two decades now, plus scones, cakes, and other temptations that are perfect for an at-home breakfast or morning coffee date in their cafe. Score bonus points by taking home Wildflour’s sinful flourless cake for your Valentine’s Day dessert. 

Pastry Perfection is the OG Garden City bakery, a wonderfully old-school shop that sells everything from bagels to buttermilk bars to butternut coffee cakes. To really impress your sweet, order a dozen customized sugar cookies or book one of their famous cakes or cupcakes with your Valentine’s Day message emblazoned across the top. Plus, this bakery delivers! Visit their site or call for details. 

If bread is your significant other’s love language, you’re in luck. Acme Bakeshop churns out the most delicious, beautiful loaves you’ve ever seen — crusty on the outside, full of flavor and the perfect bite on the inside. No wonder it is the go-to bread for some of the Valley’s best restaurants. Grab a loaf of olive-oil laced Rosemary Sea Salt Focaccia or Roasted Garlic Sourdough at the Boise Co-Op or Lark & Larder, the two locations where this Garden City business regularly delivers bread for purchase. 

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Wine and Beer and Roses

The city’s famed Craft Beverage Corridor is packed with wineries and breweries that offer unique events, cozy tasting rooms, and even local food experiences. The fun-loving folks at Potter Wines will host a Valentine’s Day-themed murder mystery on Feb. 11 (be sure to call in advance to book so you can properly prep) and a Sip & Paint event on February 13. Twisted District Brew Co. will be offering their own Paint Night on February 14, too. Cinder Wines will be offering a special red wine and chocolate pairing; call or head to their website for more details. 

Coiled Wines has two V-Day events on tap: An adult-themed Lover’s Bingo on Feb. 11, featuring charcuterie from Roots Zero Waste Market and local wines, and live indie/folk music from Wes Schlagenhauf on Feb. 12. Call Coiled or check their website for more details. 

If a stress-free weekend with your love is in order, check out Sunday Yoga and Cider at Meriwether Cider. Meriwether will also host their sixth annual Cheese, Chocolate, and Cider pairing Feb. 12-13. To get in on this tradition, you’ll need to make a reservation and purchase your pairing beforehand. The cheese and chocolate will be provided by local makers. You won’t also want to miss Meriwether’s Strawberries and Cream cider, which marries fresh strawberries and lactose for creaminess. This specialty cider is on nitro and comes laced with super small, creamy bubbles. Check Meriwether’s website for details. 

Telaya has three Valentine-inspired events to enjoy with your sweetie. Festivities kick off Feb. 11, with Date Night Light Bites, when you can enjoy delicious wine and cheese pairings and learn the basics behind creative pairings. You’ll sample four hand-selected artisan cheeses paired with four of Telaya’s wines, then learn why each is a perfect match. Craving more? Check out the Wine Dinner with Kismet on Feb. 12. Indulge in five courses of French-inspired cuisine, all partnered with Telaya wines. If brunch is more your style, book your space for Telaya’s Valentine’s Brunch on Feb. 13. You’ll be greeted with a mimosa before tucking into your choice of three brunch options accompanied by a glass of wine. These events require an RSVP, so be sure to plan ahead!

Want to celebrate “Galentine’s Day” this year with your besties? Ask your favorite winery about a private tour and tasting — or head to the Mimosa Festival at Revolution Concert House, which will feature shopping, a live DJ, food, and everyone’s favorite brunch beverage. 

Of course, flowers are always in order, so be sure to stock up for the big day at one of Garden City’s florists: Johnson Floral & Decor, Sunflower Florist and Gifts, and Boise House of Flowers

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Ski and Snuggle

If the weather thus far is any indication, Bogus Basin will remain open far into the month of March — which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get cozy with your favorite downhill racer. The Riverside Hotel once again comes through clutch with its Warm Up Staycation package, featuring a $50 food and beverage card, access to the Riverside’s heated saltwater pool and poolside beverage service, the opportunity to circle ’round the fire pit, and warm slippers and robes to slip into aprés ski. 

We probably don’t have to tell snow bunnies about the restorative power of beverages, but these hard-hitting specialties are especially good for warming up frozen fingers and toes. Check out the traditional Manhattan at the Stagecoach Inn, the dangerously smooth Morrigan 2021 from Barbarian Brewing, the Slow Draw Oatmeal Stout from County Line Brewing, or toast your feet at Push & Pour’s outdoor fire pit, cortado in hand. 

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Here’s How to Holiday (and Win) Like a Local

Here’s How to Holiday (and Win) Like a Local

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Here’s How to Holiday (and Win) Like a Local

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Reader, you know what the holidays have become. There’s the day-after-Thanksgiving dash to big box stores, the super-quick slide into Christmas/Hanukkah/Festivus, and finally the frantic race to the New Year.

It’s all over so quickly. Where’s the joy? Where’s the time for fun, for creating little moments that add up to big memories? This year, slow your roll and allow the season to surprise you. Here in Garden City, we take the art of getting off the beaten path seriously. Here’s how we’re inviting you to set a new holiday pace that will fill your cup (in some instances, quite literally) and leave you feeling refreshed and ready once you head back to real life in January.

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Shop Local

Big box holiday shopping might be second only to football when it comes to winter contact sports. If you skipped the crowds during 2020 by shopping online, take note: Experts — and businesses themselves — are predicting big backlogs and shipping delays. Instead of biting your nails and hoping your package will arrive on time, why not shop Small Business Saturday in Garden City? The annual Buy Idaho Holiday Market will feature handmade and unique gifts from more than 100 local makers, including specialty food items, glass art, handmade wooden gifts, one-of-a-kind illustrations, beautiful jewelry, and so much more!

Can’t make it to Small Business Saturday? No problem. Check out our guide to artists and makers in Garden City — many of them are ramping up production for the holidays and taking orders now.

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Fill Your Cup

The breweries and wineries that line our famous Craft Beverage Corridor have plenty of ways to sip your way into the holiday spirit. Telaya Wine Co. is offering two Telaya Design events that will tap into your creative side: a Thanksgiving Centerpiece class on Nov. 22 and a Holiday Wreath Making class on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1. Cinder plans on hosting an Ugly Sweater Party in December, while Powderhaus Brewing Company is going all out with its European-style Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) Nov. 26-28. Craft Beverage Corridor businesses are offering more events every day, so be sure to check the website of your favorite maker. (Bonus tip: Wine and beer club memberships make fantastic gifts, too.)

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Ski and Stay

Yes, it’s too cold to float or surf Garden City’s star attraction, the Boise River. But when the snow starts to fly, locals switch gears by heading up the hill to Bogus Basin Ski Resort. Savvy locals and out-of-towners know the best way to enjoy a day of hassle-free skiing or snowboarding is by making basecamp in Garden City at the Riverside Hotel. Not only does it offer easy access to Bogus Basin, but a treat awaits weary muscles after a long day on the slopes: The hotel’s outdoor pool is heated to a soothing 100 degrees in the winter. Want it even hotter? Try the nearby hot tub and soak any lingering aches away.

You can check out even more ideas to add stress-less fun back into your holiday schedule by visiting the Things to Do section of our website. And don’t forget to enter your chance to win a restful weekend with our Holiday Like a Local contest!

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Pick Your Park: An Interactive Guide to GC’s Best Spots

Pick Your Park: An Interactive Guide to GC’s Best Spots

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Pick Your Park: An Interactive Guide to GC’s Best Spots

Garden City has plenty of lush, green spots — a fact that might not be surprising given the city’s verdant name. But what really sets Garden City’s parks apart is access to water, and lots of it: Visitors can pick their speed, from the lazy eddies of Heron Park to the famous wave at Boise Whitewater Park. Garden City’s parks aren’t just places for picnics and pick-up basketball (though they’re great for that, too). They’re some of the best ways to access the Boise River, the crown jewel of the Treasure Valley.

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Best for Thrill Seekers:

Boise Whitewater Park

You can raft the Boise River, float it, swim in it — or, if you’re up for a real adventure, tackle it head on at Boise Whitewater Park. This unusual river park features a man-made wave that rises and falls with the water levels in the river, making it an ever-changing challenge for kayakers, river surfers, and stand-up paddleboarders who want to test their technical skills.

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Best for Anglers:

Riverside Park

Trout, bluegill, bass: If you want to catch it, Riverside Park has it! This lovely spot is a favorite of both anglers and wildlife lovers — you’re sure to see waterfowl and maybe even a deer or two. You don’t need to be experienced to cast a line here, which makes it a great place for kids who are just learning to love the sport.

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Best for Kids:

Riverfront Park

It’s big. It’s full of fun. And for years, it’s been the best playdate location in Garden City. Parents will love Riverfront Park for its easy access to restrooms and a shady picnic pavilion, and kids will go wild for the full playground and basketball court.

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Best for Picnics:

River Pointe Park

Quiet, lovely, and within walking distance to some of Garden City’s most beloved spots, River Pointe Park is a fantastic al fresco lunch location. Dine in the shade before strolling along the Greenbelt, visiting the nearby Pollinator Garden, or picking up a book at the Garden City Library.

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Best for Swimmers:

Esther Simplot Park

Nearly half of this 55-acre park is devoted to ponds for swimming and fishing. If you prefer an all-natural swimming session among wildlife, waterfowl, and fewer crowds then you’ll find at the average public pool, this is your spot. Pro tip: Reserve one of the two shelters on Friendship Island for your lunch break.

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Best for a Quiet Break:

Mystic Cove Park

Located just off the Greenbelt on 48th Street, Mystic Cove is a wonderful pit stop during a cycling or strolling session. You’ll find benches for resting and playground equipment to help the kiddos blow off some steam.

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Best for River Lovers:

Heron Park

This half-acre park offers direct access to the river, making it a perfect destination for owners of water-loving dogs, kids who want to cool off during the summer months, or nature lovers who want to take a break on its bankside seating area. There’s plenty of parking and restrooms nearby, as well.

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Best for Nature Lovers:

Westmoreland Park

Westmoreland boasts 5.6 acres of open space and clear access to the Boise River, which makes it a favorite put in/pull out point for kayakers — not to mention anglers who love to fish for trout and steelhead. In fact, you can make a full day of your time there thanks to plenty of picnic tables and room to roam. True nature lovers appreciate the part of this large park that’s off limits to foot traffic: A reserve for the wildlife that thrive along the river.  

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Bring Your Bestie! A Dog Lover’s Guide to Garden City

Bring Your Bestie! A Dog Lover’s Guide to Garden City

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Bring Your Bestie! A Dog Lover’s Guide to Garden City

Garden City has a laid-back, beers-on-the-patio, lazy-day-by-the-river feel. So it’s no surprise that this city is amazingly Fido-friendly. From craft beverage purveyors to lodging, coffee shops to parks, you’ll find plenty of places to spend the day with your best friend.

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Breweries, Wineries, and Bars

Garden City’s amazing Craft Beverage Corridor is famous for its homegrown breweries and wineries, while the city’s bars are known for their come-as-you-are atmospheres. In other words: Furry friends are definitely welcome here.

Barbarian Brewing

Your dog might not be able to partake in Barbarian’s genre-defying beers, but it is welcome in the taproom.

 

Cinder Wines

Make sure your dog is on a leash while you enjoy winemaker Melanie Krause’s celebrated wines.

 

Coiled Wines

Your furry friend is allowed only on the patio — not much of a sacrifice with one of Coiled’s famous wine slushies in hand.

 

County Line Brewing

Make sure your dog is on leash while you stock up on favorites like Hayride Pale Ale. 

 

Meriwether Cider Co.

Dogs are so much a part of Meriwether that visiting pups are featured on their very own Instagram account: @dogsofmeriwether.

 

Par Terre

No problem sipping on a cab franc with your dog by your side — just make sure it’s leashed.

Potter Wines

Potter is known for its quirky wines, like jalapeno wine, and dogs are welcome to join their owners while they light up their tastebuds.

 

Powderhaus Brewing Company

Powderhaus is all about that Idaho outdoor life, and including your best friend is part of the fun.

 

Split Rail Winery

This fun-loving winery has a tasting room and a Chinden Boulevard patio that are open to dogs.

 

Telaya Wine Co.

Telaya has a picture-perfect riverside patio where dogs are welcome, too.

 

Twisted District Brew Co.

Garden City’s newest brewery has not one, but two patios where you can bring your dogs.

 

Western Collective

Boozy slushies, hard seltzer, and clever beers are even better with your pup by your side.

 

The Yardarm

Tucked into Garden City’s “beach” community by the Boise River, this seasonal bar welcomes all members of the neighborhood.

Eateries

These restaurants aren’t just a great place to have a bite — they also welcome your best friend.
(note: most allow dogs outside only).

Barrelhouse

You and your dog can enjoy Barrelhouse’s “perfectly unusual” menu on this eatery’s patio.

 

Blue Sky Bagels

Feel free to bring your pup with you while you enjoy your bagel and schmear on Blue Sky’s outdoor seating.

 

Cobby’s

This beloved sandwich shop has a shaded, dog-friendly patio.

 

Idaho Pizza Company

Your best buddy is welcome to join you at this local pizza company’s outside seating.

 

Moxie Java Bistro and Moxie Java Café

These always-popular coffeehouses have spacious, dog-friendly patios.

 

Oliver’s Daily Grind

This walk-up and drive-up coffee stand is perfect for morning java runs with your dog.

Pastry Perfection

Enjoy a cup of coffee and one of Pastry Perfection’s fan-favorite donuts on the outdoor patio with your dog.

 

Push and Pour

This craft coffeeshop has a cozy, dog-friendly patio out front.

 

The Sandbar

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at this riverside patio grill that’s open from mid-May through October.

 

Sofia’s Greek Bistro

We won’t tell if you slip your pup one of Sofia’s Greek fries while you dine outside.

 

Uncle Giuseppe’s

This Italian deli known for its mouthwatering sandwiches allows dogs to sit with their owners outside when their patio seating is available.

Parks and Swimming Holes

Garden City offers plenty of locations for river exploring, swimming, running, and playing fetch.

Greenbelt

At 25 miles long, this jewel of a riverside path offers more than enough opportunities to run, walk, or even swim in the river. Dogs especially enjoy the swimming hole west of Mystic Cove Park.

 

River Pointe Park

This little park behind City Hall is great for a session of fetch.

 

Riverfront Park

Riverfront is the largest in Garden City, with plenty of space for dogs to frolic.

 

Heron Park

This is the newest park in Garden City and makes great use of its river access, with steps leading to your pup’s next swimming session.

 

Mystic Cove Park

Just off the Greenbelt, this park is a great diversion after a swim in the river.

 

Boise Whitewater Park

Have a water-loving dog? This park isn’t just for river surfers — dogs can practice their swimming skills here, too.  

Lodging

Finding a dog hotel while traveling can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, but not in Garden City.

The Riverside Hotel

The Riverside Hotel (where you’ll also find the Sandbar, listed above) allows up to two dogs per room for a non-refundable fee. Book online or call ahead with questions about the policy. 

The Most Fido-Friendly Spots of All

Pups are always welcome at food trucks, the ultimate outdoor eateries! Garden City has two full-time food trucks that serve authentic Mexican food. Many establishments, like Crooked Fence and Powderhaus, offer rotating food truck service; check their websites to discover the latest. But for an OG food truck experience, start with these two.

Tacos Mobile Primo

Located just outside Primo Super Market, Tacos Mobile Primo offers traditional standbys like asada street tacos, tortas stuffed with ham and pineapple, and chile relleno burritos.

El Sabor

Located near the Mobil 1 Lube Express at 9275 W. Chinden, El Sabor serves up classics like aguachile (a ceviche-style dish served with tostadas) and burrito verde (stuffed with marinated pork).

Ski Stress Free

Ski Stress Free

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Ski Stress Free

Garden City is the Secret to Stress-Free Skiing

It’s true that you won’t find ski resort in Garden City — but, thanks to its location, it’s the ideal place experience a stress-free day of skiing. Here’s how you can make the most of your time on the mountain while maximizing every moment of relaxation.
Sleep tight at the Riverside Hotel.

The best way to start your adventure is by resting up for the thrills ahead! The Riverside Hotel in Garden City is popular with locals and out-of-town folks alike thanks to its spacious rooms and friendly vibe. Check in, then chill out at the Sapphire Room while enjoying a cocktail and live music.

Fuel up!

Get a head start on the crowds by hitting up the Riverside Hotel’s Riverside Grill for its signature breakfast buffet (weekdays) or brunch (weekends). Starting at 6 a.m., you can enjoy made-on-the-spot omelets, freshly baked donuts, and the Riverside’s famous caramelized pepper bacon. On the weekends, the buffet goes deluxe with the addition of hand-carved prime rib, eggs benedict, a dessert bar, and bottomless mimosas.

Let a driver be your guide.

There’s another amazing perk besides the awesome breakfast at the Riverside: Free connection to the Bogus Basin shuttle! Skip the hassle of dealing with traffic by letting the Riverside shuttle ferry you to the Bogus Basin bus that loops to the ski resort and back every 20 minutes. All you have to do is sit back and think about your first run.  

If you’re new to Bogus Basin, you’re in for a treat. This beloved non-profit ski area has been entertaining families for more than 70 years with its 1,800 foot drop and 91 runs. And it’s not just for skiers! Try the twisting, turning mountain coaster (the only one in Idaho) or the slick tubing hill.

Aprés ski at the brewery.

Where better to finish your mini ski adventure than at the Powderhaus Brewing Company? Their “taphaus” on Chinden Boulevard features alpine-inspired brews in a sleek, wooden space that looks like a modern take on a rustic cabin. Try the First Turns IPA, which is based on locally-grown Chinook and Cascade hops, or the Hinterlander Porter, which boasts coffee and chocolate flavors. Sit back, stretch out, and listen to live music on Friday nights and weekends — and just remember, you can come back for another stress-free ski adventure every weekend while the snow flies! 

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Shop Boutiques & Antiques

Shop Boutiques & Antiques

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Shop Boutiques & Antiques

Nothing But One-of-a-Kind Finds

If you thrill at the idea of scoring a 1940s Stetson or stumbling upon the perfect Danish mid-century chair, Garden City is your town. We boast a bevy of small businesses that focus on eclectic offerings. Here, you’ll discover unusual antique treasures, specialty stores, and craftspeople who create and restore beautiful furniture. Pick your favorite type of store, choose your destination, and start mining for gold!

Where to Search For Antique Treasures

Garden City has an unusually high number of awesome antiques in a small area.

Ricochet

Where can you go to find a 1940s evening gown and mid-century chaise to lounge in? Ricochet, of course. This consignment store specializes in high-quality furniture and clothing — including pieces from the estate of actress Maureen O’Hara. The selection is always rotating, so pop in to find your next statement piece.

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Estate Sales Outlet Shop

This business is the extension of a longstanding estate sales management company and features a constantly updated selection of handpicked art, books, china and porcelain, jewelry, kitchenware, and so much more.

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Estate Sales Outlet Shop

This business is the extension of a longstanding estate sales management company and features a constantly updated selection of handpicked art, books, china and porcelain, jewelry, kitchenware, and so much more.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE +
Assistance League Thrift Shop

This well-stocked thrift store includes sections for clothing, home goods, jewelry, shoes, and seasonal goods. The thrift store is the main source of income for the Assistance League of Boise’s seven philanthropic programs, so you can feel good while scoring your latest treasure.

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Eclectic Curio

You never know what wonders you’ll stumble upon at this whimsical shop. Clothing, home decor, collectibles — the multiple vendors who sell at Eclectic have an eye for it all. If you’re in search of something truly unique, check out Eclectic’s upcycled furniture.

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The Merq

The Merq specializes in pieces that are salvaged, repurposed, and ready to be loved again. Goods at The Merq are carefully curated and ideal for shabby chic lovers. Be sure to ask about their monthly sales and specials, too.

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Idaho Vintage Market

This two-day market comes to Garden City from the founders of Boise’s uber-popular Wintry Market. Every September, you can browse through treasures supplied by about 60 vendors, including clothing, original art, jewelry, outdoor furniture, and more.

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Reuseum

The Reuseum is truly one of the most original stores you’ll ever visit. This surplus outlet takes in a huge variety of unwanted items like computer parts, lab supplies, industrial machinery, and more — all so intrepid makers can create their own inventions. Their in-house education center schools kids through their “deconstruction lab” and also includes practical tips for mastering 3-D printers and more.

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Family Day in Garden City

Family Day in Garden City

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Family Day in Garden City

There’s No Shortage of Family Fun in Garden City

Sure, Garden City has plenty of big fun for adults thanks to its Craft Beverage Corridor. But it’s also a wonderland of interesting activities for kids — and who knows, their parents might learn a few things, too!
Start the morning in the garden.

Garden City is the first Bee City, U.S.A. in Idaho, which means that the city is devoted to preserving and protecting these important insects. Garden City has created a safe space for bees at its purpose-built Pollinator Garden. At this educational garden, you and your kids can learn about native bee species, the plants they enjoy, and how the whole family can do its part to help Idaho’s bees thrive.

Learn at the library.

The Garden City Public Library proudly proclaims that it’s “not a quiet library.” And with the number of programs for kids, you’ll quickly find out why! Take your little ones to Toddler Tales storytime and Puppet Theater, or help your older children learn how to speak Spanish at Bilingual Storytime. You’ll discover plenty of other activities, from rock painting workshops to chess, as well as one of the most welcoming environments in the Treasure Valley.

Get weird at the Reuseum.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild at this family-friendly electronics surplus and supply store. You never know what you’ll find here: Old lab coats, beakers, used motherboards — the list goes on and on and on. The Reuseum is a huge advocate for STEM education and regularly hosts workshops for kids like Deconstruction Labs, Bristlebot Builds, Circuit Building Basics, and Junk Drawer Robots. Or, if your child has a STEM or science project, book time with the staff to go over logistics and see how the Reuseum might be able to help.

Bowl like a pro.

Westy’s Garden Lanes have been a Garden City staple since 1959, and they’re still a family favorite. Strike down some pins and let the kids gorge on Westy’s breakfast-all-day specials (there’s a full-service bar on hand for adults, too). You could always make your excursion into a party: Westy’s has a party package that includes an hour of bowling, 30 minutes of arcade games, unlimited soda, and take-home gifts.

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Surf the Boise River

Surf the Boise River

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Surf the Boise River

Yep, You Can Surf Here

The Pacific is 588 miles away, but the surf is definitely up in Garden City. Esther Simplot Park, which is bordered by Garden City on one side and Boise on the other, is home to the ever-expanding Boise Whitewater Park. This dedicated area was built specifically for whitewater lovers and features a man-made wave to challenge kayakers and river surfers.

Of course, you could just put on your wetsuit and hit the river for an hour or two. But why not make a day of it?

Fuel up.

First stop: Coffee. For a true Garden City experience, ditch the car and pull up to Push & Pour on your bike. This acclaimed shop is just a block south of the whitewater park and features craveworthy coffee and what’s rumored to be the Treasure Valley’s best avocado toast. If the weather’s warm, savor your breakfast on the canopy-covered patio.

Rent your gear.

Don’t have your riverboard or kayak? No worries. Head to Corridor Surf Shop and Necessary Goods to rent your surfboard and wetsuit. Boise Army Navy Supply is the OG of kayak rentals in Garden City with a track record of 30 years and counting. Sign up for a rental package and get other essentials, like a helmet and personal flotation device, with your package.

Hit the river.

Boise Whitewater Park was already making waves (forgive the pun), but it’s attracting even more water lovers since its expansion in summer 2019. The park now includes two mechanical waves and two waves created with engineered boulders. The waves operate on a schedule, which means that they change fairly frequently so surfers and kayakers never get bored. (You can find a schedule here.) Check the waves ahead of time with the park’s handy wave cam.

Wind down.

You’ll need to cool off after all that adrenaline-pumping fun! Make like a local and head to the Yardarm, a seasonal bar created entirely with recycled and upcyled objects. The place was born from a brainstorming session at Corridor, so it’s no surprise that it has become the go-to for river surfers. Check out its fine beer selection and beachy vibe from spring through fall.

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