Travel Puma

Well, we’re wrapping up our trip out West with a quick post on downtown Boise, Idaho. 

Despite its population of just over 125,000, Boise is the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon so it enjoys many luxuries other cities its size would not.  For instance, downtown Boise boasts niche shops from Urban Outfitters to Paradigm and while Boise State University of course brings in much of this business, it’s rare for a city this size to host such commerce.

When downtown, be sure to stop at the Tourist Information located on S 8th Street for a map of the area or stop into any local shop and grab one there.  The best way to see downtown is going to be on foot, so head over to Capital and park in the handy parking garage where the first hour is free and every hour after $2.50 per.

Start by walking  up to the state’s capital building which was designed with the U.S. capital in mind.  Currently the building is under construction and is not allowing any visitors inside, but its worth at least a closer look.

Next, just pick a street and start walking.  If you see a restaurant that looks appetizing, jump in and see what the locals are doing that day.  Often there are downtown events such as Alive After Five going on in the evenings.  Live like a local and enjoy some freshly-brewed beer or the best bacon on the planet at Brick Oven Bistro.

If you find you’re in need of souvenirs, look no further than Taters on S 8th, where you can find some Huckleberry jam and the prices are better than you would imagine.

Then it’s on to the local candy company, Owyhee Idaho Candy Company.  Since 1901 the company has been making its candy and selling it to Boise locals and beyond.  Stop in for some chocolate and maybe you’ll get a tour to boot.

Well, it’s time to end the day and now it’s your pick.  Head over to TableRock Brewery or find yourself in the local Basque Square or just chill off 8th South and watch the locals, either way, the foothills of Boise are glad you’re there.

Located in Boise, Idaho on 1402 W. State St. you will find one of the best hometown restaurants.

Fanci Freeze has been a Boise tradition since almost the beginning of time.  Serving up delicious shakes, burgers, tots and fries with fry sauce, this local restaurant is the perfect solution after hitting up Camels Back Park or a spot of rock climbing.

We took advantage of their chocolate malt, which we would pretty much drive 100 miles for now and we’re going to have to stop talking about it now or we might just end  up in the car with a full tank of gas.

Well, we didn’t do the best job blogging about the Boise, Idaho trip due to some Web troubles and a 20-mile Ice Lake Yellowstone Park hike, but we’re back now and going to make it up to you.

First off, if you’re planning a Yellowstone trip in July, stop there and reconsider.  While we were in the backcountry and not so much in the more populated areas of the park, we can only speak for the hordes of mosquitoes where we were, and boy can our bites tell a tale.

Apparently, July and early August is the high season for these pests who, in our opinion, do not have nearly enough spiders to eat them.  The best time to enjoy Yellowstone is going to be in mid to late August and even further on into the cooler season.

Take a tip from us, and rethink that July Yellowstone trip.

What gets you to Boise, Idaho might be the potatoes or Boise State University, but what will keep you there is the foothilled landscapes and stunning parks.

Boise has more than 30 parks that will stun you with their natural features, one of which being their 40-acre Kathryn Albertson Park where you are almost guaranteed to see at least one deer.

This special use park features 40 acres of beauiful Boise land along with outdoor gazebos where so many of Boise’s residents tie the knot, a fountain, and a cross-section of the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine.

If you’re looking for a great and free detour in Boise, look no further than their extensive list of parks.

Well, we have a surprise for all you readers, we’re coming to you live from Boise, Idaho.

That’s right, we’re here in the potato state for a 12-day excursion that will take us all around Boise from the BSU campus to the Brickoven Bisto and even all the way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

We’re keeping a travel nose the ground and will have something for you to chew on daily.

You’re too excited to work now, aren’t you?