Last weekend, my brother and I had the chance to ride a scooter around Boise. I initially connected with Veronica’s Scooters a few months back to discuss possible collaborations — one of which was the giveaway for 2 scooter riders.
Thankfully, my work schedule did not consist of weekend travels so I was able to try out Veronica’s Scooters myself. I’m blessed that the weather held up, because I was worried it was going to rain all weekend!
Here is our ENTIRE DAY in a nutshell:
1PM: Arrive to Veronica’s Scooters and meet with Dave (co-owner). Dave teaches you how to safely ride the scooter, including giving you some time to balance yourself, test out the gas & breaks, and adjust your mirrors. So if you’re worried you can’t ride a scooter because you don’t know how — Dave is here to help! Me and my brother have NEVER (repeat – never!) been on a scooter before. That time with Dave truly helped us out.
1:30PM: After practicing and getting the hang of the gas & breaks, we were OFF! With the construction on Vista, Dave suggested we take the back streets to lead us to Protest Street. That way, we can take it straight into BSU.
Perfect idea, Dave!
That hill on Protest was that wind-in-your-face all speed ahead thrilling feeling. I know I wasn’t going fast, but dang — that wind in my face at 25 MPH was AWESOME!
2PM-6PM: We did nothing but explore Boise.
List of Stops:
If you want to coordinate your own mini Boise tour, here are some of my stops. I highly suggest you include some of these stops when you drive your scooter around Boise:
Stop 1: Boise State University “B” Sculpture
Where: In front of the BSU State Administrative Plaza
Why: why not take a photo in front of a 12-foot “B” sculpture? Plus, it’s a great photo op
Stop 2: Albertson’s Stadium; the famous “Smurf Turf”
Where: East end of Boise State University (corner of Broadway and University)
Why:
- Site of the famous “smurf turf” (blue playing surface)
- First ever non -green playing surface in football history
- Site of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Stop 3: Opaline School House & Excellence Bell
Where: East End of Boise State University
Why:
- Preserved one-room schoolhouse
- Used as classroom for mining community’s children in Opaline, ID (no longer in existence)
- Refurbished in 1084
- Can actually see old desks and classroom setting inside windows
Stop 4: Christ Chapel
Where: BSU Campus, Broadway at Campus Drive
Why:
- Constructed in 1866
- Used as schoolhouse for St. Margaret’s School (founded in 1892)
- Added to National Register of Historical Places in 1974
Stop 5: Friendship Bridge
Where: Near Ann Morrison Theater on BSU Campus
Why:
- Beautiful view of the Boise River
- Peaceful place to meditate , take a solo walk or with someone special, or with your family
- Connects Boise State to Julia Davis Park
Stop 6: Centennial Amphitheater
Where: Greenbelt east of the Friendship Bridge
Why:
- Popular outdoor venue for concerts and other events
- Easily accessible
- Great choice for outdoor picnic, lunch date, or quiet place to read & think
Stop 7: Idaho Black History Museum
Where: Julia Davis Park
Why:
- Oldest Black History Museum in Pacific Northwest
- Host of activities, events, and information
- Free admission
Stop 8: Abraham Lincoln Bronze Statue
Where: Julia Davis Park (near Idaho Black History Museum
Why:
- Chance to sit near larger-than-life statue of Abe Lincoln
- Enlarged version of one of most famous image of Lincoln when seated at a bench
- Wonderful photo-op
- Usually Abe has something new in his hand, depending on the season (during my tour, it was beautiful flowers)
Stop 9: Rose Garden
Where: Julia Davis Park
Why:
- Site of gorgeous roses
- Place where families create memorials
- Nationally recognized Rose Garden in 1992
- Site of many wedding ceremonies
Stop 10: Tin Roof Tacos (for some GRUB!)
Where: 115 South Broadway Ave, Boise ID
Why:
- Delicious and yummy tacos including: Baja Shrimp, Fried Chicken, and BBQ Pulled Pork
- Great outdoor patio to grab some fresh air as you grub
Stop 11: Idaho Historical Center
Where: 2205 Old Penitentiary Road Boise
Why:
- Home of the Idaho State Historical Society
- When opened, good place to visit to learn ways to explore Idaho’s history, including visiting various Idaho landmarks
Stop 12: Idaho Botanical Gardens
Where: 2355 North Old Penitentiary Road, Boise
Why:
- One of the oldest botanical gardens in Idaho
- 15-acres of lush gardens
- 13+ gardens including the Children’s Aventure Garden, vegetable garden, and the meditation garden
- various outdoor and entertaining events including outdoor concerts (depending on season)
Stop 13: Idaho Old State Penitentiary
Where: 2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Why:
- formerly a functional prison in Idaho from 1872 -1973
- Home to personal collections from prisoners, historical arms & military memorabilia
- Hosts tours throughout the day
- entertaining and thrilling (if you go at night)
Stop 14: Goody’s Soda Fountain
Where: 1502 North 13th Street Boise (Hyde Park)
Why:
- Home of soda fountain, homemade ice cream, decadent chocolate, and candy for that sweet tooth
- Hip and trendy location (converted bungalow house)
- Seating inside and outside
- Great place to stop for that sweet dessert during your tour
Stop 15: Camel’s Back Park
Where: 1200 West Heron Street
Why:
- Lots of open space – perfect for picnic
- Outdoor gym (burn off those sweets!)
- Large hill you can climb for a beautiful view of Boise
- Photo Op!
Stop 16: State Capitol Building
Where: 700 West Jefferson Street
Why:
- Home of the government of the State of Idaho
- Historical site (free tours if during the day)
- Large scale replica of Liberty Bell in front
- Perfect photo-op!
Boise Bucket List Review: Veronica’s Scooters
I can’t describe how much fun this experience was! I mean, talk about a thrill ride. Yes, you can drive around Boise to see the sites I listed above, but it’s a completely different experience when you go on scooter. It’s a holistic experience: breathing in fresh air, sounds of the scooter’ engine roaring away, power of the wind in my face, easy access to certain sights, and being able to do with friends & family!
Plus, Veronica’s Scooters is a locally owned business and right here as part of the Boise community. I’ll say that the prices and fares to rent a scooter is truly affordable (trust me – I’m from south Florida where hourly rentals are significantly higher; makes sense because it’s a touristy things to do near the beach).
Some feature I’d like to highlight:
- Each scooter has a name – after a piggy! (mine was snow ball)
- Some scooters have a place for your GoPro (or something similar)
- Available to rent on a hourly basis
- Perfect for a weekend adventure, for family visiting or DATE NIGHT!
You can explore so much on these scooters. There are some places I wish I went to visit (honorable mentions):
- Anne Frank Memorial
- Zoo Boise
- Freak Alley Gallery
- Boise Art Museum
Definitely checkout Veronica’s Scooters! I look forward to building a relationship with them because it’s an activity you should cross off your Boise Bucket LIst!
I also encourage you to join my Facebook groups (Boise Bucketlisters & Girls Night Boise) to learn about group outing, including riding around Boise on a scooter!
Boise Bucket List 