Looking for a new AirBnB to stay here in Boise? Checkout Daniel’s blog about his time at 26th Street Studio.
Luxury
As soon as you walk into the home you realize that this place is something special. You notice that real thought went into the building and constructing. With an emphasis on design and style. The calming colors they choose really set you into a relaxing mood. A place to let your guard down.
2. Romantic
Whether you’re visiting the beautiful city of Boise or you want to treat your partner to a treat. You’ve come to the right place. You can start by relaxing on the patio enjoying a delicious complimentary wine bottle. Afterward, head to the amazing stand alone tub to soak up that sore back along with the slick doorless shower. You’ll then head to the most comfortable bed you’ve ever slept on. With the beautiful canopy setting the tone for some romanticism.
3. Location
When visiting Boise and on a timeline, you need to be properly placed for efficiency. There is no better than 26th Street Studio. It’s perfectly placed right downtown. Close to restaurants, Bogus Basin, BSU and most importantly the highway.
4. Affordable
I’ve been in this area for 10 years. So I’ve been able to see the prices throughout the whole valley. Even though this is a luxury Airbnb it is priced phenomenally. Typical hotels in Boise will cost you almost double the price. Skip the price and get double the luxury.
5. Exposed Rafters
Cause why not? Listen I’ve been a realtor for a while and I’ve been in more homes than you can imagine. There is something special about exposed rafters. Being able to see the architecture is something you can truly appreciate. Seeing the hard work that was done to bring something together speaks volumes and adds to the beauty. #MakeRaftersGreatAgain
About Daniel Frank: Daniel Frank is a Boise Bucket List contributor. Daniel is a real estate agent with Boise Premier Real Estate. Follow him on Facebook or Instagram (@boisechampion). He can help with all your real estate needs in the Treasure Valley.
About 26th Street Studio: A fresh and airy guest house in West downtown Boise. Come relax in our claw foot bathtub after a long day of exploring the nearby whitewater park, foothills, green belt or downtown scenery. Cook in the kitchen or walk to nearby restaurants for meals. Sip your morning coffee on the patio while you plan your next adventure. You’ll sleep soundly in the comfortable king sized bed. We hope you’ll enjoy Boise but it will be hard to leave your sanctuary at 26th Street Studio.
Meet Christen and Brandon Fisher. Their love story is vampire meets zombie. Intrigued? Keep reading! This is their Love in the BOI story.
How Did You Two Meet?
Brandon and I met working as actors at a haunted house in Arizona. Just a classic love story between zombie and vampire! Our friends had asked us if we wanted to make good money while working a interesting job. I had seen him from across the room and was immediately struck (later he told me the same). I was so shy though I barely spoke to him whole month we worked there because I had the biggest crush!
Describe Your First Date
On the last day [of the haunted house] I thought this was now or never, so I asked for his number so we could go to the company Halloween party together. There would be our first kiss too by the way (and I still had my pointy teeth in haha!). We started dating after that and found out we had just missed each other in the same schools and he only live a couple miles from my house which in Phoenix is a big deal.
We have been through everything together including long distance so I can finish school. The first time it was up north in Arizona, the second was when I was accepted to go to a school in Idaho. When we learned that, we had been together for 4 years and he decided that was when he was going to propose.
Now, Brandon had never gotten me flowers because at first he thought they were a waste of money since they just die anyway (men.), but then he realized that would be a good way to propose eventually. So he asked my mom to take me out shopping. When we came back to our apartment he had filled it with bouquets of flowers for every event that he had missed giving them (birthdays, valentines day, etc.). In the middle was a box that said open me. I was in shock. Inside it said turn around. When I did, he was dressed up in a suit and down on one knee. He was so nervous he blurted out “would you marry me?”, and after I (tearily) said yes he admitted he had a speech ready but he was so nervous he forgot! So then he said it and it blew me away. We planned to get married in two years after school in Idaho. And we ended up getting married this past June in McCall!
What is Your Advice for Those Looking for Love?
As far as the advise for people looking for love… you can find love in unexpected places. We put ourselves out there signing up for a odd job and ended up finding soulmates. Be open to opportunities but if it doesn’t happen just enjoy the time while you are out there. You will know when you are gradually going through the dating steps and it just feels natural and easy. Everyone is different and there will be ups and downs, but I know Brandon and I never felt any doubt that we were going to end up together forever.
What Is Your Favorite Thing To Do In Boise?
Now that we live in Boise it is truly hard to pick one thing that we love to do here. We love to go hiking in the foothills, paddle boarding at the different lakes, running with our dog on the greenbelt, checking out the nightlife downtown. trying out different restaurants, or going to the myriad of events always going on in Boise. We love it! I think we found our paradise.
In 2014, Mallory went to the Mayhem Festival. Although since she was young she knew she would meet her future husband at a concert, Mallory probably didn’t know it would be this one! Meet Mallory and Tommy.
How did you all meet?
We met at Mayhem Festival in 2014! It was too perfect because growing up, I always knew I would meet my future husband at a concert!
Describe your first date
Our first date was at Barbacoa and we shared a rack of ribs and their roasted marshmallow dessert
What advice do you have for those looking for love in Boise?
For those looking for love in Boise, I advise that you look in places where you least expect it. Branch out and get out of your comfort zone! Maybe attend a class that you haven’t been to before.
Where is your favorite place to go (or thing to do) together as a couple?
Our favorite thing to do as a couple is eat out! We LOVE food and Boise has so many amazing local restaurants and brew pubs to offer. We try to eat at a new place every week!
Thank you, Mallory for sharing your LOVE in the BOI story!
Imagine only being able to communicate with each other in a beginner’s American sign language class. This is Sarah & Zac’s Love in the BOI story.
Zac & Sarah Warren
How did you all meet?
We were paired up during a beginner’s American sign language class in college and weren’t allowed to actually speak to each other those first few weeks – just awkwardly try to sign.
Describe your first date.
We met in Vancouver, WA, but one of the first things we did together as a couple was come to Boise to meet Zac’s mom and great-grandmother. It was a bit intimidating for me, but I ended up loving his family and we had such a good time exploring the city. We were married in the Idaho State Capitol and when we started our family we decided that Boise was the place we wanted to live. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made!
What advice do you have for those looking for love in Boise?
Our advice for people looking for love in Boise is that it comes when you least expect it. Pursue your dreams and passions and you are bound to run into that special someone.
What is your favorite place to go (or thing to do) together as a couple?
Our favorite thing to do as a couple is travel. We have a goal of taking our son to all 50 states and 7 continents! We also love camping at Redfish Lake.
Zac & Sarah Warren (photo by Maggie Grace Photo)
Want to follow Zac and Sarah on their adventures? Make sure to give them a “follow” on their Instagram pages: Zac @zacwarren56 and Sarah @raisingsmiles. Photo credit to Maggie Grace at @maggiegracephoto.
We met at a friends’ wedding; my friend Catalina and his friend Gabe were getting married. He approached me on the dance floor and complimented my outfit. We talked the remainder of the evening and exchanged phone numbers; he asked first of course.
Describe Your First Date.
Our first date was very simple and casual, my style. We went out to dinner to Matador, a local Mexican joint. We realized later that both of our favorite food was Mexican. We barely ate but instead talked for 2 hours getting to know one another. After dinner, we went to his place and watched a movie. We were inseparable from that moment on.
What advice do you have for those looking for love in Boise?
Don’t be so picky, but don’t settle either. What I mean by this is lose your “type” or the idea of a “perfect” person because it will limit who you meet based on your own judgement but don’t allow your character to be questioned based upon what you think the other person will like. Believe your worth because there’s only one of you and every person deserves love. People often, myself included, confuse lonely and alone. If you feel lonely, you’re better off being alone. I also truly believe you have to love yourself first before you can love someone else and allow them to love you back.
Where is your favorite place to go (or thing to do) together as a couple?
We love to go anywhere outdoors. We love to hike and/or backpack with our pups through the wilderness; one of our favorite spots is Stanley, ID. It’s one of our favorite ways to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of work and social media stress. For us, it’s the best way to spend quality time together and go back to basics.
Sladja & Devin with their fur babies
FYI – I enjoy Sladja’s instagram page and been following her for some time. I was even behind her in line when Bleu Bird Cafe closed a few weeks back. Make sure to give Sladja a follow!
Do you have a Love in the BOI story? Feel free to email me at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com.
If you are like me a year ago, I didn’t know what to do when it came to my first holiday season in Boise. For those who are new to Boise, or if you’re looking for a few new ideas, here’s my Top 16 Holiday Activities to Cross Off Your Boise Bucket List:
1. Capital Tree Lighting on the Grove Plaza
Date: November 24th, from 5pm -6:30pm.
Get ready to snuggle with your loved ones as you enjoy the holiday tree lighting. It’ll be held at The Grove, and festivities begin at 5pm. Entertainment by Red Light Challenge and the Boise Men’s & Women’s Choruses.
Date: November 18 & 19; 10am – 5pm; Pioneer Room at JUMP Boise
Looking to find some homemade goodies you can give as gifts? The 2017 Wintry is here and will be held at JUMP. The market will be open and free to the public this Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.
3. Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
Date: November 22nd – November 28th.
Last year, I attended this wonderful event and I highly recommend it. For so many reasons. All funds raised will support the expansion of Saint Alphonsus. You get to walk around and be surrounded by all of the holiday splendor that makes you feel warm inside. Let’s not forget the hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday decor.
4. Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Friday, November 24; 11am – 2pm; Grove Plaza
It’s the 20th anniversary of the Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls! The Empty Bowls is where you get to choose from hand-painted bowls from professional and amateur painters, students, and studios. After you select a bowl, you can then enjoy a hot bowl of soup generously donated by one of the local Boise restaurants.
Over 3,000 bowls to choose from, and bowls start at $10.00. It’ll be held at the Boise Center. *Parking WILL BE FREE on Friday.
Recommendation: ARRIVE EARLY! I made the terrible mistake of attending around 12pm. The line was long, wrapped around Main Street.
5. Boise Classic Movies at the Egyptian Theater
Source: Boise Classic Movies
I’m movie geek and fanatic, so when Boise Classic Movies released its holiday schedule, I screamed with joy. Maybe not scream, but definitely got giddy.
This year, the list of classic movies range from action to romcom to the classic holiday movies:
Love Actually
Christmas Vacation
It’s a Wonderful Life
Die Hard
A Christmas Story
Home Alone
White Christmas
Elf
Some of the movies showings include beer and wine (21+). I believe these will all sell out, so grab your tickets early. Plus, you get to watch it in the coolest place here in Boise: The Egyptian Theater.
6. Ice Skating at the Village of Meridian
Source: Adam Eschabach/MP
Date: November through January 2018
I’ll admit — I’m not the best when it comes to ice skating. BUT for the holiday season, I’ll put on some ice skates.
The Village of Meridian now has an ice skating rink in Fountain Square. Its open from November thru January. Ticket prices start at $5.00.
Enjoy a night of ice skating, then grab hot chocolate at Village Coffee, and sit by a warm fire.
7. Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Thursday, November 23 – Monday, January 1; 6pm; Botanical Garden
The Garden isn’t only for the warm months. The Idaho Botanical Garden becomes a dazzling display of lights during the holiday season. Over 380K lights, to be exact.
On select nights, you can even see Santa and enjoy the sounds of local choirs.
Tickets start at $8, and children under 4 are FREE
8. Idaho Hot Springs
Source: Visit Idaho
Stay warm in one of Idaho’s hot springs. There a public and commercial options when choosing a hot spring. There are quite a few an hour or less from Boise:
The Springs Resort
Roy Stone Hot Springs
Little Anderson Hot Spring
If you’re willing to drive further, your options expand!
9. The Nutcracker at Ballet Idaho
Source: Morrison Center
Date: Friday, December 15th and go through Sunday, December 17th.
When I was growing up, my parents brought my siblings and me to see the Nutcracker. My sister especially loved it because she was into ballet. When I close my eyes and think of Christmas, seeing the Nutcracker is part of that vision.
Luck for us, we have a chance to see the Nutcracker live at Ballet Idaho. This year, Ballet Idaho is hosting Nutcracker parties prior to each performance!
Snag your tickets early because these showings HAVE SOLD OUT! Not kidding.
10. Downtown Carriage Rides
Source: Stock Photo
Date: Every Friday and Saturday from November 24th – December 16th, 4pm – 8pm
You’d think you’d have to travel to New York City to enjoy a classic carriage ride. Or, at least that’s what I see in the movies.
Starting in late November, you have the chance to enjoy a FREE carriage ride in downtown Boise. Yes, I said FREE.
Pickup is in front of the Washington Trust Bank 9th Street downtown Boise.
11. Boise Annual Holiday Concert
Source: Boise State University Music Department
Date: The concert is December 8th at 7:30pm.
Let’s celebrate the season with Boise State University’s annual family holiday concert. The Boise State Music Department puts on this wonderful concert for all to enjoy. BSU students, faculty & staff are eligible for free tickets. Non-BSU tickets start at $8
12. Claus N Paws Day at Zoo Boise
Source:Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from 10am – 5pm
Want to have a fun FREE day at the zoo? On Saturday, December 2nd starting at 10am, you and your family can enjoy all the zoo offerings. Santa Claus will visit the zoo for photo ops.
13. Boise Holiday Parade
Source: Downtown Boise
Date: Saturday, November 18th starting at 9:45am
You can’t help but to enjoy a good, entertaining holiday parade. On Saturday, November 18th, come to downtown Boise and enjoy the “Storybook Christmas” at this year’s Boise annual Holiday Parade. The parade kicks off on Jefferson at 10th Street and heads to 4th Street.
14. Winter Wonderland in Downtown Caldwell
Date: Friday, November 17th from 6pm – 9pm.
If you haven’t driven to Caldwell for its Winter Wonderland, you’re definitely missing out! I attended this last year, and I’m so happy the time has come where I can go again. You have the beautiful light display in downtown Caldwell. Lots of children activities, music, and plenty of vendors.
15. Elf the Musical at The Morrison Center
Source: Morrison Center
Date: Shows start on Friday, December 1st and run through Saturday, December 2nd. Tickets start at $35
Want to experience Broadway in Boise? As part of the 2017 – 2018 season, Elf the Broadway Musical will be playing at the Morrison Center. After you see the classic movie at the Egyptian Theater, head over to the Morrison Center to see the Broadway Musical!
16. Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Monday, November 27th
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Last year, I attended the Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree lighting right after work, and it was absolutely worth it. There was free hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. After the tree lighting, you can head inside and explore the Idaho State Capitol building. Holiday decorations are something that’s magical – amazing, even. With the vibrant reds and the deep greens to the holiday wreaths, you can get lost in the sea of beautiful holiday decorations. The Idaho State Capitol building does not disappoint. The interior of the Capitol building is absolutely amazing!
Do you have any ideas of holiday festivities I should include on this list? Feel free to email me at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com for activities worth crossing off the #BoiseBucketList
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and use the hashtag #BoiseBucketList to share your stories of new adventures!
Anytime I tell someone I’m originally from West Palm Beach, Florida I’m greeting with this automatic “oh dear, how are you holding up in the winter?” Great question.
Fortunately for me (or unfortunately, depending on your mindset), I lived in Portland, ME for 5 years. During that time, I gained firsthand experience of what it means to dress warmly. Such is a foreign concept for Floridians — unless that 3-day cold front we usually get in January.
Thankfully, lessons learned in Maine helped me transition to life during this BOI winter. Here are the 5 ways I dress warmly:
L.L. Bean Boots. For those who don’t know, the founders of L.L. Bean are from Maine. If you ever visit Freeport, make sure to snap a photo in front of the famous Bean Boot.With all my Mainer friends talking about their “beans,” I took note and decided to do some research for myself. I immediately became hooked after purchasing my 1st pair. Yes, I have more than one! The ones I wear for winter are the L.L. Bean Boots with the shearing-lining. They keep my feet extra warm, which is necessary for me! They can be a bit costly upfront, but it’s a lifetime guarantee with their products. I’ve had mine for over 6 years, and they still look good as new.
Wool Socks. Understandably, I had NO CLUE what wool socks were prior to moving to New England. Once winter came around, I overheard a classmate of mine talk about his wool socks and how they made him itch. Say what?What are wool socks? Rather than asking and being embarrassed, I did the usually thing: Google search. I have no clue how I survived my first winter without them! I try to keep it colorful with these wool socks.
Parka. I tried my hardest to refrain from pulling out the parka here in Boise. I wanted to show that I can handle the cold temps. Then I was (re) introduced to 20 degrees F. That made me change my mind real quick. I have a few parkas, but my favorite is my North Face parka.
Here’s a tip: if this is your first winter and costs of jackets are wearing you down, I recommend visiting the local thrift stores such as Idaho Youth Ranch and Goodwill. I received this tip when in New England because I was worried about costs, particularly since I never had to spend over $20 for any warm piece of clothing. At the thrift stores, I found everything from brand new jackets still with tags to gently used high-end jackets. My first winter in New England was manageable because of those 2nd hand L.L. Bean jackets.
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Gloves. A few weeks ago, I made the terrible mistake of leaving my gloves at home when I volunteered at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Boy were my hands freezing! Moving forward, I now I have 2 pairs — one I keep in my jacket pocket. My go-to gloves are those with a buckle closure and those which are touchscreen-friendly. Prior to these touchscreen-friendly gloves, it was annoying to have to remove my gloves to answer my call or text.
My winter hats. I have my fair share of winter hats. Some hats are more appropriate to wear when my hair is straightened; others times I wear hats made to fit my entire head of curls. My when-my-hair-is-straight winter hat is the standard beanie. It’s comfortable, keeps my head warm, and it compliments my face. Now, when my hair is too curly, the only hats that can handle it is the ski caps with a visor. I wear this all the time — even at home! Makes me feel warm and toasty.
With what appears as this record-breaking winter for snow, I’m glad I’m equipped to stay warm. What are some of your must-have winter items?
Boise Bucket List 