1. Lava Versus Lunar

The volcanic geology of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve made it a top pick for NASA’s Apollo 14 mission because it most accurately represented what astronauts would experience on the moon’s surface. The team trained for their lunar trip by maneuvering through through this unique Idaho landscape and collecting rock samples. The area is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, which means all the brilliant stars you’ll experience at night will make you feel like you’re worlds away.

2. Battle of the Birds

Don’t let the long name throw you. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) has a prestigious designation as its home to the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey on the continent and more than 250 avian species. On the other side of the country, Florida’s Everglades National Park may have a more tropical climate — making it an ideal destination for the 300 bird species that visit the area — but both locations offer top-tier birdwatching. Drive through the NCA to spot hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons as they use the crags and crevices 700 feet above the Snake River to raise their young. The NCA is the considered “the best of the best” for bird viewing in Idaho.

3. Tall Tree Tussle

Towering trees? We’ve got that! Walk through an old-growth cedar forest where the treetops reach heights of 150 feet. The Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars is a smaller concentration of gigantic trees than the expansive Redwood National Forest, but you’ll still find mighty cedars that are wider than a two-car garage. Visit this tucked-away spot in northern Idaho for a picnic, or a trek to a waterfall.

4. Big Lake Brawl

Idaho is home to hundreds of amazing lakes, but Lake Pend Oreille holds the title of Idaho’s deepest lake. Despite being nearly 200 feet shy of Lake Superior’s whopping 1,300-foot depth, Lake Pend Oreille makes up for it with 111 miles of shoreline. Farragut State Park sits on the edge of this magnificent lake, where you can wander around the Museum at the Brig and learned about the former World War II naval training center stationed here. Even better, when the conditions are right, you might be able to spot the northern lights.

5. Super-Sized Showdown

While this may seem an unlikely matchup, Idaho’s Frank Church-Wilderness of No Return Wilderness spans more than 2.3 million acres, which is a close second to Death Valley in size. “The Frank,” as it’s lovingly known, is the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48 states and offers more mountains, waterways and trees than its counterpart in California and Nevada. Featuring world-renowned whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, four national forests and the Salmon River Canyon (which is also deeper than the Grand Canyon), there is no shortage of wild places to explore in this extraordinary part of Idaho.

6. Falls Face-Off

There’s a reason Shoshone Falls is nicknamed the “Niagara of the West.” At 212 feet high, this dazzling waterfall stands 24 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The falls are accessible from overlooks in the nearby park, but some of the best views can be enjoyed by paddling to the base of the falls and looking up from the Snake River below.

7. Clash of the Canyons

While the Grand Canyon has some serious name recognition, Idaho’s Hells Canyon still outranks its fellow natural marvel. In some areas, Hells Canyon is nearly 8,000 feet deep and 10 miles wide. That’s 2,000 feet — almost two Eiffel Towers — deeper than the Grand Canyon. Take a jet boat tour, a whitewater rafting trip or a drive along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to see how it stacks up.

8. Dark Sky Duel

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve stretches 1,400 square miles (two times the size of Los Angeles) covering the majestic Sawtooth Mountains, rugged wilderness areas and several mountain towns. It also holds the coveted Gold-Tier status, which means Idaho’s night skies are some of the best found on Earth. Arches National Park in Utah also holds an International Dark Sky Park designation, so those night skies are nothing to overlook. But the size of Idaho’s Dark sky Reserve means you have ample, and often uncrowded, ways to experience the stars — no special equipment needed.

Which of these natural attractions will you visit first?

Boise, Idaho, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, is also home to a flourishing vegetarian food scene that caters to both locals and visitors alike. As the demand for plant-based options continues to rise, Boise has stepped up to the plate (literally!), offering a diverse range of vegetarian eats around the city.

While exploring the Boise vegetarian scene, I was surprised by the variety of international cuisine options ranging from Thai to Indian to Ethiopian (to a name a few), as well as the strong focus on sourcing produce from local farms to create the freshest dishes possible. I was pleasantly surprised by these two observations alone, and of course all the delicious offerings I discovered along the way. By no means an exhaustive list of the plethora of vegetarian options available in Boise, here are some favorite places (in no particular order) that should be on your list.

Lemon Tree Co.

Boise’s Lemon Tree showcases a menu that not only has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, but also emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Lemon Tree has gained a reputation for its innovative sandwiches and has three locations: downtown Boise, Harris Ranch and Parkcenter.

One of the most unique sandwiches (and my personal favorite) was the Massaman curry vegan banh mi with roasted yams, spicy peanut butter, cucumber, jalapeno, pickled carrot, daikon radish, cilantro and curry aioli served on hot ciabatta bread. Other vegetarian favorites include the cauliflower tacos and the jalapeno burger made with an Impossible Burger patty and roasted jalapenos. And order a refreshing lemonade with flavors like strawberry basil or prickly pear to round out your meal.

Broadcast Coffee

Located in downtown Boise, Broadcast Coffee is not just a coffee shop but a destination for anyone seeking a cozy and inviting atmosphere; I loved the décor and ambiance! Broadcast Coffee sources coffee from family farms and cooperatives with a focus on roasting for balance and sweetness.

Besides serving exceptional coffee, Broadcast Coffee offers a limited menu of breakfast items and pastries (with vegetarian options available). Opt for a creamy latte with house made caramel or vanilla syrup and pair it with the best orange cranberry scone for a perfect start to the day, just like I did.

ā café

A beautiful and bright café, come for the coffee and definitely stay for the food. I ordered the Northender sandwich (toasted Acme levain, cream cheese, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, cucumber, arugula) and the farmers market burrito (local flour tortilla, quinoa, sweet potatoes, organic black beans, purple cabbage, kale, white cheddar, green onion, house made mean green sauce) and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite, both were sincerely delicious.

New York Ritchie’s

Quite possibly the most surprising discovery was New York Ritchie’s Pizza. This unassuming Garden City restaurant has an entire menu of Indian pizza offerings. Clearly a hit amongst locals, this spot was consistently busy during our visit.

In addition to typical New York style pizzas, options include the Paneer tikka masala pizza with paneer (Indian cheese), red onions, bell pepper, fresh spinach, cilantro and a creamy tikka masala sauce as the base. I was absolutely blown away by this pizza, it was spicy and flavorful and a unique fusion of two types of cuisines. I highly recommend trying out these delicious pizzas.

Guru Donuts

No exploration of Boise’s downtown vegetarian food scene would be complete without a visit to Guru Donuts, a local favorite.

From classics to inventive flavor combinations, there are also gluten-free and vegan options available as well.  I had a tough time figuring out which donut to order from all the beautiful and delicious looking varieties, so I went for the Hipsterberry; a vegan raised donut with a blackberry, blueberry and lavender glaze. It was light, fluffy and flavorful and best of all, not too sweet.

Wyld Child

This fast casual eatery in the Bench neighborhood of Boise calls itself a “modern roadside kitchen,” serving up bowls, burgers and fries alongside beer and wine. The perfect stop for a quick bite.

One of the standout vegetarian items on the menu is the falafel burger with cucumber, tomato, red onion, sprouts and herb tzatziki on a toasted bun. Make sure to pair it with the freshly made Idaho potato French fries, where you have the choice of dipping sauce like fry sauce (ketchup + mayo) as well as the Wylder ranch, to name a few (both were excellent choices). And don’t leave without a slice of Yaya’s peanut butter pie (graham cracker crust, peanut butter cream and chocolate sauce) it’s decadent and delicious, the perfect sweet bite to end your meal.

Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, Boise has truly embraced the rising demand for vegetarian and vegan dining options. Next time you find yourself in the City of Trees, be sure to explore its vibrant vegetarian food scene and savor the flavors that make Boise a hidden gem for plant-based dining.

Feature image credited to Visit Idaho.

Sapna Dalal is the founder behind the brand Vegetarian Tourist. As a life-long vegetarian, she expresses her passion through writing and photography to share unique destinations; from the quirky, hole-in-the-wall joints to the most luxurious locations around the nation and the world. Follow her journey as she discovers and shares stories while blazing the global trail, one plate and country at a time. Instagram: @vegtourist

The Gem State is dotted with many breweries, taphouses and pubs worthy of a stop—or a session, as brewmasters say. Behind the scenes of some of Idaho’s top breweries, you’ll find talented women in craft beer who are developing unique flavors coupled with stellar vibes. Four remarkable connoisseurs are crafting the future of brewing in Idaho, from intriguing beverages to inviting taprooms.

Penny Pink

Portneuf Valley Brewing | Pocatello

Penny Pink may lovingly call herself Idaho’s “grandmother of brewing,” but her legacy as the state’s first female brewer ensures that Portneuf Valley Brewing isn’t your grandma’s typical watering hole. When Pink and her husband moved to Idaho in 1986, she gifted him a homebrewing kit and then took over the operation when his first round exploded. “Once he discovered the broken glass all over his power tools, he said, ‘You are the one with a degree in microbiology and chemistry—you brew the beer!'” she laughs.

After building her first brewing system out of scrap metal in her driveway and bootstrapping her way into growing the business, Pink unveiled Portneuf Valley Brewing’s first commercial pour in July 1996. Today, the space is equal parts brewery, restaurant and community hub. While you might come for the atmosphere, live music and great food, the diverse beer lineup is undoubtedly the shining star.

Portnuef offers six flagship beers—all of which Pink developed—and a host of seasonal and rotating brews.

“One of the reasons I have brewed a lot of different styles over the years is because I like a diversity of things,” she says. “In the summer, I want light and crisp, and in the winter, I want dark and satisfying. I bring a range of beers to the tap.”

Of her flagship beers, Ligertown Lager and Belligerent Ass remain Pink’s personal favorites. Ligertown is a classic all-malt, all-American pilsner known for its balanced flavor and light body. Belligerent Ass is a nut brown ale that was lovingly named for her husband (a fact he’s quite proud of, Pink confirms). It is brewed from six types of malted barley and two varieties of hops that create a rich, well-rounded beer.

Beth Bechtel & Hailey “Alex” Alexander

Bear Island Brewing Co. | Boise

Beth Bechtel came to brewing by way of serving her country. After a successful career in personal training and professional boxing, she was looking for her next chapter and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Throughout her travels, she became fascinated with the breadth of beers abroad. “I became a beer geek. The best brown ale I ever had was in Rome, where I had an epiphany that I needed to learn how to brew.”

Fast-forward to 2014, when Bechtel—along with her husband, business partner and fellow Navy veteran, Steve—evolved from brewing in a two-car garage to founding Bear Island Brewing Co. Today, it is housed in the historic Firehouse #6 building in Boise and offers a welcoming “community living room” vibe, Bechtel says. “Beers brings people together. It is our job to craft community.”

Bechtel, who is the CEO and CBO (chief brewing officer), works alongside Hailey “Alex” Alexander, the site’s head brewer. Alexander got her start in the wine industry but soon gravitated toward crafting beer. “I kept finding myself at breweries, learning about beer and drinking beer,” she recounts. “I just love the atmosphere of brewing.”

When it comes to her approach, Alexander explains, “I want to create something that is unique but sessionable, which means you can have more than one, and you want to have more than one.”

While both women gravitate toward Brewhouse #6—a Euro-style pilsner—their go-to brew of choice is Idaho® Potato Ale, the brewery’s flagship IPA. Bechtel crafted this beer out of necessity. “While I was on my final deployment in the Middle East, I ran out of barley and needed a replacement starch to make beer,” she recalls. She describes this juicy, tropical and approachable IPA as “Idaho in a glass.”

Ginger Cantamessa

Black Lodging Brewing | Coeur d’Alene

Ginger Cantamessa is a self-described beauty-school dropout who found her way to brewing. “The first really good beer I made was a stout,” she says. I realized that (much like processing hair) temperature matters more than you think it does. The adjustments on your grain mill matter—all the things really matter—and everything came together perfectly for that batch.”

Cantamessa had worked at a variety of bars, wineries and pubs but found herself gravitating to the production side. Getting in the weeds with recipes, science and logistics suited her, and a dream of what would become Black Lodge Brewing Brewing took hold. Cantamessa and her husband, Josh, opened the brewery in Coeur d’Alene in 2021, creating a spot that pays homage to the Davide Lynch TV show, Twin Peaks.

“I am a huge David Lynch fan, and I wanted [the brewery] to have [the show’s] ethereal, dreamy pop vibe,” Cantamessa admits. “It’s a very chill, low-key place where you can enjoy good food and good beer.”

A small but mighty brewery, Black Lodge always has one of Cantamessa’s recipes on tap but also serves up a rotating list of other regional craft beers. While you never know what she’s brewing or what you’ll find on tap when you visit, you can be certain it’ll be a nice, clean beer with funky flavors. “I like sours, I like dark beers, I like [beers that] have more depth,” she asserts. “I like some complexity to [them].”

These remarkable women in craft beer have made an indelible impact on the landscape of Idaho brewing, infusing it with their expertise, creativity and hospitality. They inspire others to redefine the craft beer scene in Idaho, while engaging brew enthusiasts and fostering a lasting sense of community.

After you’ve checked out these creative female craft brewers, you can discover more of Idaho’s impressive craft beer scene at breweries across the state.

Kate Hull is a travel and lifestyle writer and editor. She is the co-publisher and editor-in-chief of Powder Mountain Press—the publisher of Teton Valley Magazine based in Driggs. Hull lives in Victor with her husband and young son and enjoys biking, baking and exploring the Teton Mountains.

Change of Scenery

In 2023, Treefort Music Fest moved its Main Stage and surrounding events to Julia Davis Park. For the 2024 festival, Treefort’s main hub will once again take place in Boise’s oldest park. Within Julia Davis Park, there are two sections of the festival – a free section and a ticketed section. 

In the free section, you’ll find the Box Office, Alefort, Kidfort, live music at the Bandshell, large-scale art installations, and much more. All events within the free section of the park are all ages and open to the public. 

In the ticketed section, you’ll find the Treefort Main Stage, the Hideout Stage, and the new Lookout Lounge, a private space strategically positioned between Main Stage and Hideout Stage. The ticketed section of the park is open to all ages and requires a five-day, single day, or Main Stage festival pass. Kids under age 12 are free to enter with an adult passholder. Buy your pass here! 

Events in Julia Davis Park will be in full swing from 2-10pm on Wednesday 3/20 – Friday 3/22, and from 12-10pm on Saturday 3/23 and Sunday 3/24.

New Venues & Events

Every year Treefort transforms a number of spaces into venues throughout downtown Boise, including existing music venues, parking lots, coffee shops, and more. With Boise’s ever changing landscape, this means each year brings new venues to explore. New venues for the 2024 festival include: 

Cyclops Stage on the Grove Plaza

This year the Cyclops Stage will be located on the Grove Plaza in the heart of downtown Boise. The Cyclops Stage is a free stage, open to the public of all ages, and will have music from 1-10pm Thursday 3/22 – Saturday 3/23. In addition, local businesses will have booths set up that you can pursue and you are only a few steps from the Boise Centre East, which is home to Hackfort, Podfort, Comedyfort and Music Talks. 

Space Banana

Space Banana is Boise’s newest micro-club. The 85-person capacity club features a sound system unlike any other venue in the Treasure Valley and brings in well-known DJs for electronic shows several days a week. During Treefort, Space Banana will have an indoor stage inside the venue featuring electronic DJs and an outdoor stage in the parking lot between Mad Swede Brew Hall and 10 Barrel Brewing. Both Space Banana stages are 21+ and require a festival pass to enter. 

Shrine Social Club 

Formerly known as El Korah Shrine, Shrine Social Club is now a year-round music venue operated by Duck Club (Treefort’s parent company). New this year, Shrine Social Club will have two venues under one roof: Shrine Social Club Ballroom and Shrine Social Club Basement. In addition, Shrine Social Club features a full bar and a small food menu from City of Good. 

Shows will take place in both the Ballroom and the Basement on a staggered but overlapping schedule Wednesday 3/20 – Sunday 3/24. All Shrine Social Club shows are open to all ages and require a festival pass to enter. 

Music + Movement at The Morrison Center

A very special evening of music and movement is set to take place on Saturday evening of Treefort 2024. 

The evening begins with Chilean electronic duo Ciudad de Tar, followed by Boise’s dance company, music project, and film studio LED will perform its newest creation, An Arm and A Leg. The main event is an exciting collaboration between the legendary pianist and composer Patrick Watson performing live with the Boise Philharmonic, accompanied by live performances by Ballet Idaho. 

Ballet Idaho commissioned The Art of Losing as a dance film created for its digital season in 2021. The concept and choreography were created by Lauren Edson of LED, in collaboration with filmmaker Quinn Wharton, and support from Frontrunner Films and The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. For this special Treefort collaboration, Ballet Idaho will revive three dance excerpts from the film, featuring the music of Patrick Watson. This is a rare opportunity to experience Patrick Watson’s gorgeous and expansive sound embodied by Edson’s dynamic movement through the talents of the Ballet Idaho cast.

Admission for this special performance at The Morrison Center is by ticket or included with a festival pass. Festival passholders have first come, first served seating in the mezzanine. If you are a passholder and want to guarantee a seat or sit on the main floor, buy a ticket! If you do not have a festival pass, you can purchase an individual ticket. Buy tickets here! 

**Bonus: Purchasing a ticket includes parking at The Morrison Center! 

How to Get Around

Take the Treeline 

Valley Regional Transit operates the Treeline shuttle bus service Wednesday 3/20 through Saturday 3/23. It’s a super fun and easy way to zoom from venue to venue. For the 2024 festival, there’s two Treeline buses running Wednesday 3/20 – Saturday 3/23 and will feature live performances from Treefort bands! Look for the decorated bus stops throughout downtown Boise. The bus stop for Julia Davis Park is located in front of the Idaho State Museum.

Treeline Shuttle Schedule:

Wednesday: 6pm to 11pm

Thursday: 6pm to 11pm

Friday: 6pm to 11pm

Saturday: 2pm to 11pm

Sunday: No Service 

The Treeline is free for anyone (no festival wristband required!). In addition, anyone with a festival wristband can ride any regular Valley Regional Transit bus route for free during the duration of the festival. Just show the driver your wristband. Note: There is no bus service on Sundays.

Bike Around the Fest

Biking is a super fun and easy way to get around the fest, especially since Julia Davis Park is located right on the beautiful Boise Greenbelt! Boise Bicycle Project will be back with two bike parking stations in Julia Davis Park to support bike commuters during Treefort, so you shouldn’t 

Walk from Venue to Venue

Explore Treefort on foot and discover even more! Who knows what you will hear, see or experience while walking in between venues in downtown Boise. If you’ve never been to Treefort, rest assured knowing that our downtown is very flat and walkable, and all the venues are just a few minutes from each other.

Carpool and Parking

Parking can be a real hassle during Treefort. If you have to drive, either opt to carpool with friends and park near downtown or utilize parking garages downtown to park for the day. Note that parking areas are for day use only, so if you plan staying out late or sippin’ on Alefort’s finest, it’s best to make other arrangements.

This year, Boise State will offer daily parking to festival goers in the Brady Garage and is $5 per day. Simply choose Treefort Music Fest when paying for parking in Brady Garage and the $5 flat rate will automatically be applied. 

Accessibility at Treefort Music Fest

Treefort Music Fest strives to be accessible to all patrons and music fans. The larger venues, including Main Stage, Hideout Stage, the Bandshell, and Cyclops Stage are at ground level or have ADA access via ramp or elevator. Treefort will have an elevated ADA viewing platform at our Main Stage Area for improved views of the stage and grounds.

Due to the historic nature of the venue, only stairs are available at Reef. Treefort will do whatever they can to accommodate patrons at these locations. If you are unable to use stairs and are trying to access a show at Reef, please see a venue manager on site.

Elevator access for The Olympic Venue is located in the back entrance via the alley. Please see a venue manager at the Adelmann for elevator access.

Treefort will also have ADA parking available at Julia Davis Park. Please send an email to kevin@treefortmusicfest.com for more information or if you have any general questions.

Travel with Care at Treefort

Care for Boise 

When out and about in downtown Boise, you may notice how clean our streets and sidewalks are. We want to keep it that way! Please be sure to throw away your trash, utilize recycling bins throughout the festival footprint, and visit a festival compost station for any unwanted food scraps. Treefort also does not have any single use cups at any of its bars or beverage areas. Be sure to bring or buy a 16oz steel cup to use for all your beverages. 

Care for Others 

Whether you’re in the mosh pit at The Shredder or standing in line outside of Shrine Social Club, please be patient and kind to those around you. The folks you meet working the door at venues are all volunteers. Please keep your cool and be kind to the employees and volunteers assisting you. They are doing their best. Plus it’s Treefort – the happiest time of the year! 

Care for Yourself  

We, of course, want you to have the Treefort you’ve been dreaming of, but we also want you to know your limits and make sure you’re safe. Have you drank water today? Did you remember your sunglasses? Are you wearing comfy shoes? Do you have time to grab a snack? Remember: Treefort is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy the full five days of Treefort Music Fest!

Feature image credited to Treefort Music Fest/Brandon Loureiro

Marissa Lovell is a writer, reader and fresh-air seeker. She loves being outside, listening to good tunes, growing and cooking food and living a fun life. In addition to writing about Idaho adventures, Lovell writes for From Boise, a weekly newsletter about people, places, history and happenings in Boise.

Eagle Island State Park | Eagle

This 545-acre park is home to a year-round disc golf course that is challenging in all the right ways. The handcart-friendly route provides intermediate-to-advanced players with a mix of open fairway and wooded shots across 19 holes. The course is lined by water and features slight elevation changes.

Farragut State Park | Athol

This park’s five, yes five, year-round courses are known for their balanced mix of hole layouts and difficulty. Each course features 18 holes, with one geared toward beginners and children, three in the intermediate-to-advanced range and one highly technical, advanced course designed with professionals in mind.

Hells Gate State Park | Lewiston

This charming, intermediate nine-hole course sits along the Snake River and is available to play year-round, although summer access may depend on the park’s mowing schedule. Several holes prompt players to use strategy in avoiding light brush, tree groupings and water hazards.

Lake Walcott State Park | Rupert

With 21 holes open all year and various options for approaching play, the course at this state park is easily adjustable to suit a player’s skill level and is a fast favorite for first-time visitors.

Lucky Peak State Park | Boise

Sandy Point, a hillside section of this scenic state park near Boise, offers a welcoming 18-hole course with changing basket layouts. The park is generally accessible from October through May.

Massacre Rocks State Park | American Falls

This challenging, elevated adventure features nine holes available year-round and is best for intermediate-to-advanced players. There are drops and rises, narrow fairways and even several baskets located over ravines at this park. Beginners can get their throws in on an additional junior course.

Priest Lake State Park | Coolin

Harvey’s Hemlock Hideaway, a disc golf course located in the lovely Priest Lake area, was designed with beginners and families in mind. The nine holes feature scenic views and a mix of open shots and tree coverage. This picturesque location is technically seasonal, but baskets are left out for those willing to brave the elements throughout the year.

Three Island Crossing State Park | Glenns Ferry

Spend the entire day outside on a beautiful 18-hole course. This moderately challenging route along the Snake River incorporates water and can be tricky when it’s windy. The course at this park is accessible year-round despite occasional snow cover.

Thousand Springs State Park | Hagerman

Niagara Springs is one of six units at this renowned state park, where disc golf enthusiasts can find a well-designed course at a higher elevation with a mixture of shots. The play on this 18-hole disc golf course in Idaho leans toward intermediate or advanced, but beginners can also enjoy honing their throws here.

Castle Rocks State Park | Almo

Aim for an ace against a backdrop of ancient granite formations at this remarkable state park known for its rock climbing. The small, grassy course here has only three holes, but visitors can also take advantage of nearby scenic picnic areas, as well as hiking and fishing access.

Dworshak State Park | Lenore

Recently upgraded to 18 holes, the FoxBurrow fairway is found near the Freeman Creek Campground within the 850-acre park. The course allows ample opportunities for intermediate-to-advanced players to show off their skills over shots of differing lengths, inclines and technicality.

Looking for insider tips on visiting Idaho’s state parks? Check out Ranger Talks! This series gives you firsthand tips from the people who know each park inside and out: the rangers.

Find additional resources and check out more activities and adventures you can experience in Idaho State Parks.

Enjoy the market next to Meridian City Hall on Broadway (between Main and Meridian) and also in the City Hall Plaza.

Yes, the Gem State is well-known for its spectacular spuds; but beyond tasty taters, visitors can expect to encounter unique and unexpected options that not only delight but demand further awareness and recognition. Enter the James Beard Awards.

These prestigious awards are the “Oscars” of cuisine—and being nominated as a semifinalist for one of its several restaurant or chef categories is enough to put a nominee on the must-try map.

Recently, the James Beard Awards announced its 2024 semifinalists for the Best Chef category in the Mountain Region (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming)—and once again, four Idaho chefs received nominations. Idaho is no stranger to James Beard recognition, and last year a local restauranteur claimed Best Chef honors, for the first time.

Read on to learn what this nomination (a three-peat for some!) means to these individuals and how it spotlights and inspires their respective culinary journeys.

Salvador Alamilla, Amano | Caldwell

Chef Alamilla’s culinary journey is a testament to the transformative power of food and culture. Through his dedication to preserving culinary traditions and pushing boundaries, he continues to inspire and elevate Idaho’s culinary scene. At Amano, every dish tells a story—a story of passion, heritage and innovation.

This year’s nomination marks Chef Alamilla’s third consecutive as a semifinalist—an honor filled with gratitude, accomplishment and humility as well as excitement for his dedicated staff. “[The nominations] are a reminder of how far we’ve come … and [I’m] humbled by still getting recognized on this national level,” Alamilla says.

The James Beard impact goes beyond personal recognition, extending to the establishment’s ability to evolve its menu. “We definitely see an increase in awareness [at Amano], and it gives us the opportunity to be able to showcase dishes that use ancestral methods that may not have been as accepted when we first opened,” he acknowledges. The continued recognition also demonstrates the culinary diversity and talent present in small communities like Caldwell. “It shows you don’t have to be in a big city to do cool things,” he adds.

Alamilla’s culinary approach is drawn from the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors and techniques he experienced growing up. “I love digging into different regions of Mexico to get inspired for our menu or beverage program,” he reveals. “It gives me an opportunity to share my passion for my culture with everyone, so they see how beautiful Mexico is.”

Representing his cultural heritage through food holds profound meaning. “I feel proud that someone who looks like me, speaks like me, and was undocumented as a little boy, could grow up to have this opportunity,” he shares. “Twenty years ago, I didn’t see chefs like me. I am humbled and happy to help pave the way so that there is more representation, and in turn, opportunities for all.”

For those eager to explore Amano’s menu, Alamilla recommends the following:

• Beef Tartara Tostada—a reinterpretation of traditional carne apache, featuring Certified Angus Beef sirloin, vegetables, crema Mexicana, avocado and a housemade sesame-seed tostada prepared with nixtamalized corn.
• Baja Cali Fish Tacos—a longstanding menu item that has evolved to include Fairweather Fish Co. wild-caught Alaskan lingcod, salsa verde, mayo crema, housemade Tapatio salsa and hand-rolled flour tortillas.
• Mole Verde—a vegan dish showcasing a cauliflower steak, pistachio-poblano mole, local pea shoots and Cónico Azul heirloom corn from Oaxaca.
• Suavecito—a fun, smooth cocktail for those wanting to dip their toes into mezcal.

Dan Ansotegui, Ansots | Boise

In the cozy enclave of Ansots, Chef Dan Ansotegui, along with co-owner and daughter Ellie Ansotegui and their team, weave a culinary narrative steeped in Basque tradition and family heritage.

As a James Beard Best Chef semifinalist for three consecutive years, the honor brings astonishment and pride. “Every year is a surprise and a bit of disbelief,” Ansotegui divulges. “We joke that we think it must be a mistake because we do not consider ourselves chefs at all, let alone someone deserving of such an honor. But we know that so much of it has to do with the people we have here at the restaurant to make sure the food we are serving is everything we hope it to be.”

“The nominations show us that Basque food is worthy of being considered as some of the finest food in the world,” he conveys. “We pride ourselves on making sure that everything we do is done in a way and with an end result that my immigrant grandparents, and my own parents—Ellie’s grandparents—would sit down to a meal here and be very happy with what we are serving. Because, Lord knows, they would let us know if there was something wrong.”

Ansotegui notes the impact of the Best Chef nomination on his community’s burgeoning food scene and what that means for the people behind the apron. “I think it raises awareness that Boise is a foodie city,” he asserts. “It brings attention to those many chefs and local restaurateurs who are working their tails off each and every day to give people a restaurant experience that people talk about. Most of these chefs are never recognized, but should be, and I am happy to represent those who do not get mentioned but who are doing amazing work and putting out incredible food.”

This culinary approach appears to be working well for Ansots. “Our numbers have definitely increased; but more than that, we are getting people who may never have thought to try Ansots—or even a Basque chorizo— to come visit us and walk away with a pleasant surprise for the day,” he remarks.

Unfamiliar with Basque cuisine? Ansotegui recommends two must-try menu items: Presa and Lamb Txilindron. The Presa is a Denver pork steak—served with chimichurri, garlic crostini and arugula salad—offering a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. “[It’s] like something I’ve never tasted,” he exclaims. “It resembles a beef steak with its marbling and tenderness, and yet its caramelization reminds you of a fine chop.”

The Lamb Txilindron is a slow-cooked Basque stew centered around a leg of lamb. The three-hour simmer results in “an incredible tenderness and subtleness that is not usual with lamb,” Ansotegui affirms.

Heather Logan & Ben Barlow, Stanley Supper Club | Stanley

In the heart of central Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley, where jagged snow-capped peaks meet serene alpine lakes, lies the Stanley Supper Club—a cozy space where patrons indulge in exquisite flavors amid rustic ambiance. At its helm are chefs Heather Logan and Ben Barlow, whose culinary journey from a guest ranch kitchen to receiving their first James Beard Best Chef nomination is as inspiring as it is delicious.

The duo met in 2012 while working together in the kitchen at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch near Stanley. Their shared passion for food and adventure ignited a partnership that led them to Seattle, where they honed their crafts while working for notable establishments—and James Beard-nominated chefs—in the Emerald City’s fine dining and bakery scenes. But Logan and Barlow found themselves drawn back to Stanley, a place they had always considered home. “Heather and I could never stay away from Stanley for long, visiting every year and always dreaming of settling down there,” Barlow admits on the Stanley Supper Club website.

Their vision materialized into reality with the inception of Stanley Supper Club in 2020. “Our dream was to create something that had the best of both worlds; a homey place where you can relax and where simple food is prepared with skill and great care,” Barlow clarifies.

During an interview with the Idaho Mountain Express, Logan shared that their culinary philosophy bridges the gap between sophistication and approachability “We’re not a fancy restaurant, we are a good restaurant. Everything is homemade and done with the heart,” she claims.

Stanley Supper Club offers a diverse array of dishes to cater to every palate. From belly-filling fried chicken dinners and inventive pasta dishes to decadent three-layer cakes, each creation at the supper club is infused with passion and creativity. “It’s fun to expand people’s palates,” Barlow states.

Speaking to the Idaho Mountain Express regarding their James Beard nomination, the duo conveys “both excitement and apprehension” along with the realization that maintaining their original goal of being “low-key and accessible” may prove challenging with the notoriety that comes with the heralded honor. “Moving to the mountains in the middle of Idaho, we did not think we’d be on anyone’s radar,” Logan confesses.

But the recognition is not just a validation of their culinary talent; it’s a celebration of their journey and a testament to the power of following one’s passion.

As they await an undisclosed visit from James Beard judges, followed by the announcement of finalists in April, Logan and Barlow remain grounded in their mission to deliver an exceptional yet approachable dining experience—one delectable dish at a time.

Featured image credited to Stanley Supper Club.

Tucked on the west side of Idaho is arguably one of the most charming towns in the state, the town of McCall. Being situated on the edge of Payette Lake, within walking distance to the Ponderosa State Park, and close to the National Payette Forest, makes it a mecca for adventure. The town intermingles with nature and deer sightings are common as they wander through the town from the nearby wilderness areas. In the winter, the town is enchanted by a blanket of snow turning it into must visit winter wonderland. The smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit and there is no shortage of activities. Explore winter in McCall with this 3-day winter guide.

Day 1

On day one, take your pick between cross country skiing, fat biking or snowshoeing. Within Ponderosa State Park, there are over 22 km of groomed trails to explore for cross country skiing and there are also designated snowshoe trails allowing you to escape the worldly noise as you weave through the trees. Fat biking can be enjoyed around the town of McCall and the surrounding streets.

For more challenging terrain, hit up the over 25 km of cross-country ski trails and fat biking trails 20 minutes out of town at Jug Mountain Ranch. Snowshoers are welcome on many of the trails but must hike to the side. If you don’t have your own gear, then you can rent at Gravity Sports or Jug Mountain.

Before dinner, enjoy a walk by the Payette Lake and soak up the sunset views on your way to dinner at Ragazza Di Lago. Make sure to reserve a seat by their window overlooking the water while appreciating their creative take on Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 2

One of the best parts of Idaho is that there are ample opportunities to combine adventure with relaxation. Sleep in and slow down on day 2. This is a vacation, right? Next, enjoy breakfast and a latte at Fogglifter café. For a lighter option, enjoy avocado on toast or indulge in one of their Bob’s Benedict’s with Canadian Bacon.

Following breakfast, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Cove Spa located in Shore Lodge. They offer a variety of different massage options from relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal, and even a foot massage for after those long days adventuring on your feet. Pampering does not stop there and continues with an option to soak in their indoor/outdoor hot pools for up to two serene hours. The experience includes tea, light trail snacks, and the option to order in food if you need a little something extra.

Don’t go far and finish the day with dinner and drinks at The Shore Lodge overlooking the pristine Payette Lake. Their pacific northwest flavours combine local and sustainably sourced ingredients for an ideal dining experience.

Day 3

On the last day, visit Brundage Mountain located 40 minutes from downtown McCall. This resort boasts some of the best snow in Idaho with over 1900 acres to explore. The terrain is varied, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, and snowboarders’ ample opportunities to play. Beginners will enjoy learning off the Beartopia chairlift, intermediate skiers will fall in love with the views off Lakeview and advanced skiers will welcome the challenge of the chutes off the Hidden Valley trails. For those looking for a little more adventure, consider booking in with their snow cat to access over 18,000 acres of terrain and the chance to catch some amazing fresh powder in the backcountry.

End the day at Salmon River Brewery for a casual pub experience while recapping the adventures of the last few days. The brewery features award winning brews, and a fun upbeat environment to celebrate the time away.

Where to Stay

McCall is a touristy town with many lodging options. Stay at the historical Hotel McCall to enjoy an elegant stay just off the water and within the downtown proper. The hotel features a piece of Idaho history, has a pool, restaurant, and is within proximity to the many of the shops and restaurants in the town. Alternatively, for a resort feel, stay at The Shore Lodge which boasts a variety of luxurious modern hotel room along the shores of Payette Lake. Larger families and gatherings can book into of their mountain lake vacation rentals.

Although it is hard to pack all the activities in McCall, Idaho into three days, this 3-day guide combines a mix of adventure and relaxation to help you make the most of your trip. If you have more time, you will not regret exploring more of the trail system and adding on an extra few days skiing or snowboarding at Brundage mountain. Truthfully, the McCall area is one of quintessential experiences in Idaho and a must bucket list destination for tourists.

Feature image credited to Annika Mang.

Annika Mang is a photographer and published writer based in Regina, Saskatchewan who focuses on family adventure travel. She has lived in various countries around the world and spent three months living the Van Life across the USA and Canada with two kids under three years old. In June 2020, she published the book “Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies”. She documents her travels on her blog and social media Born to be Adventurous.

A snowshoe trek can be a magical way to explore winter’s striking scenery. When snow falls, the mountain trails of Idaho are transformed into an alluring world of sparkling white. Snowshoeing is fun, easy, and inexpensive—it is winter’s answer to walking and hiking.

For winter scenery, great trails, and easy access, the Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area is an excellent destination. Located northeast of Treasure Valley, the system is composed of four Park N’ Ski parking lots directly off 21—Whoop-Um-Up, Gold Fork, Banner Ridge, and Beaver Creek Summit—all dispersed along ID 21, about 30 minutes north of Idaho City. The lots are usually plowed after a significant snowfall and provide a diverse array of winter activities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skate skiing, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling.

There are 26 miles of groomed trails—usually groomed Tuesday through Thursday of each week, during the winter months. For snowshoers, it is the marked but ungroomed trails that offer the best outdoor experience. There are a multitude of marked snowshoe trails that begin from the four lots. Three excellent and diverse snowshoe loops are the Pilgrim & Valley Trail Loop, Whoop-Um-Up Loop, and Banner Ridge Snowshoe Loop. You will need a Park N’ Ski permit to use the area. You can choose between a $25.00 annual permit or buy a one to three day temporary permit for $7.50. Both permits can be purchased online at Idaho Parks and Rec website.

Pilgrim & Valley Trail Loop | Distance: 1.7 miles | Elevation Gain: 300 ft

This loop connects with several trails, allowing you to configure a diverse outing. The trek includes views along the Valley Trail and lush forest on the Pilgrim Trail. If you have young children who are new to snowshoeing, you can opt for the Pilgrim Loop (0.7 mile) that is quite scenic considering its shorter length. The trailhead is located at the southeast corner of the Whoop-Um-Up parking lot, 16.7 miles north of Idaho City.

From the signed trailhead, come to an immediate junction (the trail to your left is your return if you chose to snowshoe the Pilgrim Loop). Continue forward towards the Lower Lamar Trail. The route turns east and reaches a signed junction at 0.2 mile. Turn right unless you want to snowshoe the Pilgrim Loop (see next paragraph).

To complete the Pilgrim Loop continue forward at this junction. The route leads through mixed forest of Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine, as it descends about 50 feet to a signed junction in less than a quarter-mile. Turn left on a gentle slope to where the trail levels near a vault toilet. Here, the trail splits. Continue another 50 feet to the Whoop-Um-Up lot or veer left on the Pilgrim Trail and reach the trailhead you started from in a quarter-mile.

For the longer trek, turn right at the 0.2 mile junction. You begin a gentle climb to a switchback at 0.3 mile (from the trailhead) and then veer west on an open slope. There are superlative vistas looking east over the undulating Boise National Forest. Reach a signed junction with the Valley Trail at 0.6 mile. Turn left. (If you turn right, your can extend the outing another 0.8 mile by completing the Lower Lamar Loop which returns to this junction.) You now descend 250 feet over the next half-mile through patchy burned forest. Come to a signed junction, a few yards from the Wagon Trail, at 1.2 miles. Turn left towards the trailhead, paralleling the groomed Wagon Trail. You enter beautiful Douglas fir and lodgepole forest and soon veer around the Edna Creek Campground. At 1.4 miles, reach another signed junction. Continue forward on the Pilgrim Trail as the route ascends a sloped hillside and finally reaches the Whoop-Um-Up lot.

Whoop-Um-Up Loop | Distance: 2.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 550 ft

This snowshoe trek offers superlative vistas, dense forest, and more opportunity for solitude. You can extend the outing by another 0.7 mile by hiking the Upper Lamar Loop which intersects with the main loop. The trailhead is located on the west side of ID 21, directly across from the Whoop-Um-Up parking lot (16.7 miles north of Idaho City). Use caution when crossing ID 21.

From the trailhead, veer right. The route crosses the Whoop Um Up Creek drainage within 500 feet to its north side and begins a modest ascent west through open Douglas fir forest. After a gain of 150 feet, the route veers north and then gently climbs out of the creek drainage to an open area with good views at an elevation of 5,650 feet. Here, you will enter burned forest, which gradually becomes more prominent, until you reach a signed junction at 5,850 feet near a few large ponderosa pine trees at 1.3 miles.

From the signed junction, turn left. Some of the best views of the hike unfold as you veer east on an open slope. Views stretch for miles over a band of green hills and mountains. At 1.5 miles, begin a gentle descent into beautiful Douglas fir forest and reach another signed junction with the Upper Lamar Trail at 2.0 miles. (This trail allows you to extend the hike. It climbs a slope and returns to the Whoop-Um-Up Trail in 0.7 mile.) Continue forward (east), reaching a signed junction with the return of the Upper Lamar Trail at 2.2 miles. The route now levels, veers north, and reaches the signed trailhead at 2.4 miles.

Banner Ridge Snowshoe Loop | Distance: 2.0 miles | Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Of the three treks described, this outing takes top honors for “best views”. Vistas include an aerial perspective of the Steep Creek drainage and extended vistas to many high peaks in the Boise National Forest. This snowshoe can be extended since several trails intersect with the route. The snowshoe begins at the Banner Ridge parking lot, 22.2 miles north of Idaho City. The trailhead is located on the west side of ID 21, a few feet before reaching a vault toilet.

Begin with an immediate ascent of 60 feet through open forest to a signed junction at 0.1 mile. Turn left (west) at the junction. You now descend 50 feet as the trail veers north alongside a small drainage. Continue ascending through open forest and, after a gain of 250 feet, reach a scenic ridge dotted with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees at 0.8 mile (elevation 6,050 feet).

The path turns right and gently ascends through forest. There are wonderful vistas looking northeast. After a modest gain of another 50 feet in a quarter-mile, reach a signed junction at 1.1 miles. For the best views, continue forward towards the Banner Trail another 750 feet to a treeless knoll perched high above the Steep Creek drainage. The views from this perch are sensational. (If you continue past the knoll, you reach another signed junction in less than a quarter-mile with the groomed Banner Trail. This trail allows you to extend your snowshoe trek and there is a good map at the junction.) To return to the trailhead, retrace your steps back to the signed junction at 1.1 miles. Turn left. The route descends 200 feet through beautiful forest and reaches the signed junction near the trailhead at 1.9 miles. Turn left and descend to the trailhead.

Feature image credited to Scott Marchant.

Scott Marchant lives in Boise and when not exploring the rugged diversity of Idaho, he strives to keep up with his active family. After exploring thousands of miles of trails Scott published several hiking guidebooks and hopes that others will see these remarkable places and then help to preserve and protect our public lands. Find more hiking trail details from Scott here.