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Fall In Love With Garden City This Winter
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
