Summer Musts in the Treasure Valley
What makes the Treasure Valley the best place to be in the summer time? Here are some reasons we love the Boise area in the summer.
This list of summer musts came from all the folks at Townsquare Media. They are in no particular order, but they all add up to an active summer of fun.
Please let us know in the comment section if we've forgotten anything!
Boise River
A river runs through it. The Boise River has to be a part of those hot summer days. We recommend swimming in it, floating it, and walking, biking or running on the greenbelt beside it. According to Discover Boise Idaho, Boise means outdoors. There is no better place to be outdoors than on the Boise River.
Outdoor Concerts
We are lovers of music here in the Treasure Valley, but you move the music outside and we are over-the-top happy. How could you not be? A few examples are the Boise Music Festival, Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series at the Botanical Gardens and Alive After Five every Wednesday during the summer months.
Lucky Peak
One of our favorite summer pastimes is a few minutes' drive from Boise. Lucky Peak Reservoir promises swimming, boating, fishing and even some sandy beaches. And, if you don't have your own boat, all you have to do is rent for an immediate party.
City Parks
Our parks provide not just beauty, but an array of activities as well. Our parks include Frisbee golf, baseball, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, fishing ponds, water parks, pools, paddle boats, memorials, museums, biking, nature preserves, and even a zoo. Check out Boise Parks and Rec, Meridian Parks and Rec, Eagle Parks and Rec, Nampa Parks and Rec, Kuna Parks and Rec and Caldwell Parks and Rec for more information.
Shakespeare Festival
To be or not to be? The Treasure Valley and beyond have answered with a resounding 'to be at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.' This outdoor theater is definitely a unique Idaho experience.
Boise Hawks
Get your sports fix with our very own semi-pro baseball team. The Hawks are a family friendly way to spend a summer afternoon or evening.
Les Bois Park
Another summer must in our opinion is horse racing at Les Bois Park. Those of us who have lived in the Treasure Valley for a while remember when we didn't have the races. Lucky for us, they are back and are more popular than ever. Put a couple bucks on a horse, get a cold beverage and a snack, sit back and watch the action.
Saturday Market
You can find the best Idaho has to offer at the Capital City Market. Some of our favorites are the fresh fruit and vegies, Idaho wines, and the food vendors. The market happens every Saturday from 9:30am to 1:30pm April through December.
Meridian Speedway and Firebird Raceway
Both Meridian Speedway and Firebird Raceway have been satisfying the Valley's need for speed for generations. It's worth the time to experience this summer time thrill ride.
Off Road Advenures
In Idaho we not only like to be outside, we like to take the paths less traveled whether it be on our mountain bikes, ATVs or on our own two feet. There are plenty of places to accomplish this within the Treasure Valley. Some our favorites include hiking to the top of Table Rock. While you're there, wander through the Penitentiary and the Botanical Gardens. There is also Camel's Back Park and Eagle Bike Park. ATV and dirt bike owners can find a plethora of trails throughout the Valley. And, if you like to shoot and be shot at while running around, check out True Paintball.
Idaho Beer and Wine on a Patio
There are really too many establishments to list where you can find a place with a patio that serves some great made in Idaho beer and wine. There's nothing better after a day of Treasure Valley activities.
Events
There are a lot of big events that you have to catch during the summer. We've already listed concerts, but here are some other big events: Hyde Park Street Fair, Snake River Stampede, Caldwell Night Rodeo, Emmett Cherry Festival, Western Idaho Fair, Tour de Fat, Dirty Dash and all the other foot races and bike races you can enter throughout the summer. These are our summer time event have to's.
A Short Drive Away
White water rafting, camping, hiking, 4th of July in McCall, hot springs, midnight sturgeon fishing
Golfing
The only thing we may have more of than parks in the Treasure Valley is golf courses. This is a golfer's paradise. We even have the Albertsons Boise Open if you care to watch some pro golf in July.