the boise zen center is also a hidden gem with an interesting teacher
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What's with that green so-called "soup?" It doesn't even cover the bottom of the bowl. There's not enough of it to fill a fountain pen. Who do they think they're kidding?
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The editor who oversaw this article should have flagged a suggested overnight trip on a weekend getaway that involves 5 hours of driving RT, and a completely discrete destination—Sun Valley—that has already received plenty of coverage, in 36 Hours and elsewhere. (Dinner at the ancient Michel’s and a visit to Hemingway’s grave? How original.)
There is more than enough to explore in Boise and its immediate environs, as the city has undergone enormous dynamism over the last few years. If an overnight trip is in order, how about the lovely and, little-known to non-Idahoans, lakeside town of McCall?
Next time your NY-based reporter should conduct more on-the-ground research, if you want this column to maintain any credibility as a practical and up-to-date traveler’s guide.
Otherwise, you’ll end up with a 36 Hours in Pittsburgh that recommends a day trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
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Beautiful city but I worry for Boise's sake. Boise Boys on HGTV may be the tolling of the bell for Boise. NPR just did a piece on how Boise has become un-affordable for local home buyers and renters being priced out. Forbes recently rated it #5 in cities to retire.
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But don’t come in August. It’s over 100 degrees and the wildfire smoke is ever present. If you do, sharpen your driving skills to make it to Stanley, make reservations to camp NEXT year, and really don’t discuss your politics with anyone you don’t know.
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NYT, give it up with your Boise crush already! It’s not that great! In fact, I would steer far and wide if I were you. For one, it’s H-O-T here! And everything everyone says about it being dry heat doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Believe when I say, stay away!
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I disagree with the foregoing comment
We found Boise to be a gemstone
An abundance of very interesting people, sites and many things to do
Boise conducts a wonderful series of speakers at its city hall. (Disclosure..... I was a speaker a few months ago)
A worthwhile destination for travelers headed for Seattle or Portland
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Was lovely years ago before all of the taxed-out Californians invaded to move and live there.
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NYT Travel needs to do a "36 hours in Ketchum" to give it its full due instead of relegating it to a brief mention here. Plus, at 3 hours away, it's hardly within the Boise "area".
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In order of importance, my stereotypes of Idaho are/were: 1) potatoes, 2) neo-Nazis, and maybe a distant 3) scenery.
Apparently #2 doesn't fit in with Boise, and "Basque" and the French word, "bois", would never have occurred to me. In general and especially concerning Idaho, I may have to rethink my stereotypes.
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@DaveG, you should always rethink your stereotypes. I've had to do the same concerning Manhanttanites :-)
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I was born and grew up in Idaho. I’ve lived outside Washington, DC for nearly 40 years and when asked “Where are you from?” I always think Idaho first, not northern Virginia. Boise is a great city, with tons to do, wonderful turn-of-the-20th century architecture downtown and residential areas and a walking trail along the Boise River. If you really want to see Boise at its best visit Harrison Boulevard on Halloween when residents welcome up to 4000 (that is not a typo) trick-or-treaters. It represents what Boise does best — nice neighbors and friendly visitors.
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As a dad with a Junior at Boise State who LOVES this city and has visited a number of times (and will be there next week), this story focuses way too much on the "Beyond" and not enough on "Boise." The reporter completely missed the huge food scene emerging in Boise proper and the Times needs a new 36 hour piece that stays inside the city limits to do this city the justice it deserves. It is Seattle 20 years ago, a new burgeoning high-tech center, housing is exploding and BSU is the driver. A 2-star story that should have been 5-stars!
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Funny that you'd include Sun Valley in a story about Boise. Same state. Different planets. I love them both. Locals will not be amused.
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Shakespeare Festival in the summer, rent a tube and float the Boise River through town on a hot day- like today- 102.
Seventeen miles to Bogus Basin Ski area for summer and winter activities.
Lots of great AirBNB/VRBO homes and apartments for rent also.
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If you come from September through May, sample the excellent cultural offerings of the Boise Philharmonic, Idaho Ballet, Opera Idaho and Boise Contemporary Theater. In the summer the outdoor Idaho Shakespeare Festival is not to be missed.
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@tony83703
I've only been to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and it was a wonderful experience--on may levels.
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I've never been, but I listen to the local community radio station all the time. It's fantastic.
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Joey R. What radio station do you listen to in Boise? I am so curious.
@Raissa Miller
Must be Radio Boise, KRBX, radioboise.org Tune in
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@Joey R.
Can't forget about the best public radio station in the country, Boise State Public Radio.
Don't overlook one of the more fascinating "outsider" artists of all time, James Castle. His story is compelling and his art is collected throughout the world. http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/exhibition/construction-deconstruction-and...
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