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Glide on Grove Gone: Downtown Ice Rink Update
Winter in Boise has always been a mix of cozy indoor activities, outdoor adventures, and seasonal traditions. From sledding at Camel’s Back Park to holiday markets, locals find ways to make the short, chilly days feel festive. For a brief but bright moment over the past two years, Glide on Grove became one of those special downtown winter experiences. This synthetic ice rink, set up at Grove Plaza around the downtown holiday tree, offered free skating and rentals for everyone
Brent Hanson
Dec 146 min read


Amanda’s Café Coming to the Bench in 2026
Boise’s food scene has been steadily evolving over the past decade. What used to be a fairly meat-and-potatoes dining culture now includes everything from vegan bakeries to globally inspired street food to neighborhood wine bars tucked away on residential corners. And while Boise isn’t Portland or Seattle, it’s increasingly becoming a place where small, personality-driven food spots can thrive. That’s why the announcement of Amanda’s Café, a new vegetarian scratch-made café s
Brent Hanson
Dec 136 min read


Kokanee Cove at Ponderosa: New Lakefront Stays
If you’ve ever spent time around Payette Lake, you already know the area has a certain magic to it. Pine-scented air, glassy summer mornings on the water, and that mix of small-town charm and rugged Idaho beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else. But here’s the thing longtime locals know all too well. Staying on the lake is tough. Most of the shoreline is private, inventory is limited, and when something does pop up, it tends to get booked out or priced out instantly. That’s
Brent Hanson
Dec 125 min read


The Flicks’ Hidden Sign: A Downtown Surprise
If you’ve lived in Boise long enough, you probably know The Flicks. Maybe you’ve caught an indie film there on a quiet Thursday night, grabbed a bowl of their famous house-made soup, or wandered through the courtyard thinking, “This place feels like old Boise in all the best ways.” But even longtime locals might not know one of the coolest little Easter eggs hiding in plain sight right outside the building, a secret tucked into a sign that blends nostalgia, movie-history char
Brent Hanson
Dec 116 min read


Boise High’s Hidden Museum: What You Need to Know
If you’re new to the Treasure Valley or you’ve lived here for decades, you’ve likely heard about Boise High School and its classic, ivy-covered main building downtown. What you probably haven’t heard about is what lies beneath it: a hidden time capsule of Boise’s educational and cultural history, now open to the public as a small but deeply meaningful museum. A recent article from BoiseDev shines a spotlight on this unusual community gem. For Treasure Valley locals, history b
Brent Hanson
Dec 105 min read


Idaho’s 2023 Liquor Reform: Changes and Frustrations
If you’ve lived in the Treasure Valley the past several years or you’re thinking about moving here, you’ve probably noticed the boom in breweries, cocktail bars, gastropubs, and trendy restaurants. With all that growth comes demand for liquor-by-the-drink licenses. But until recently, getting one was nearly impossible in many cities. In 2023, the state government tried to fix the system. Nearly three years later, things still look a lot like they did before. Here’s a breakdow
Brent Hanson
Dec 95 min read


New Brunch Energy in Garden City: Meet Max & Louie’s
If you're into brunch, Idaho food culture, or just love discovering new cozy spots around town listen up. A new brunch-and-lunch café is on the way to Garden City, Idaho: the soon-to-open Max & Louie's. It’s set to take over the space at 175 E 35th St (the former location of Wepa Café), offering a welcome fresh vibe to an area already booming with new restaurants, breweries, and wine bars. If you’re a Treasure Valley local or someone considering making the move to the area. M
Brent Hanson
Dec 85 min read


Exploring Southern Idaho’s Wildest Oregon Trail Route: History You Can Still Walk Today
Most of us learned about the Oregon Trail in school wagon trains, pioneers, and the long push west toward a better life. But what’s easy to forget is that more than 500 miles of that iconic route run straight through southern Idaho , cutting across sagebrush plains, rugged river valleys, and the same ridges we drive past on our weekend trips. If you live in the Treasure Valley, you’re closer to this history than you might think. From Three Island Crossing in Glenns Ferry to
Brent Hanson
Nov 125 min read


Zoo Boise’s New Small Animal Kingdom: A Wild Comeback for the Treasure Valley
Zoo Boise just hit a major milestone and for anyone who loves animals, conservation, or family weekends in the Treasure Valley, this one’s worth celebrating. After months of renovation, Zoo Boise has officially reopened its upgraded Small Animal Kingdom , unveiling new habitats, exciting species, and modernized spaces that put animal care and visitor experience front and center. This isn’t just a new coat of paint or a single exhibit. It’s a meaningful transformation that ref
Brent Hanson
Nov 115 min read


Bigger Green Spaces, Deeper Roots: Boise’s Plan for Two New Parks
If you already live in the Treasure Valley or are thinking about relocating here this update from the City of Boise is one of those “quiet but big” stories worth paying attention to. The city is moving forward with acquiring two new parcels of land to expand park access: one a sizable donation in the Foothills, the other a compact but meaningful piece on the Bench. ( KTVB ) These acquisitions aren’t just parcels of land, they're signals of what Boise values (and what it’s be
Brent Hanson
Nov 106 min read


Friday Night Lights: Idaho High Schools Wrap the Regular Season
The regular season for Idaho high‑school football has officially concluded and what a ride it’s been. From decisive conference wins to dramatic last‑minute plays, teams across the Treasure Valley and the rest of the state locked in playoff spots and set the stage for postseason intensity. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan, a new resident, or simply curious about the community pulse in Idaho, this turn in the season matters. In this post we’ll dig into what wrapped up, the highlig
Brent Hanson
Nov 96 min read


Idaho’s Bigfoot Watch: 105 Sightings and Counting
Idaho isn’t just wide open it’s mysterious, rugged, and apparently a hotspot for Bigfoot sightings. According to recent reports, the state has logged 105 reported sightings , putting Idaho squarely on the map for those tracking the elusive creature. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just someone who loves exploring the outdoors, these sightings are more than just folklore they reveal insights about land use, wildlife behavior, and how legends take root in communities.
Brent Hanson
Nov 84 min read


Boise Could Get “Waterslides Without the Water”
Boise’s entertainment scene might be getting a major boost. Plans are in the works for Slick City , a new indoor slide park, to take over the former Jo-Ann Fabrics space near Boise Towne Square . This isn’t your typical indoor playground Slick City promises a thrill-packed experience for kids and adults alike, bringing a taste of the water park experience to the Treasure Valley without actually needing water . If you’re a local or thinking about moving to Boise, here’s what y
Brent Hanson
Nov 63 min read


Boise’s Old Rite Aid Could Get a New Life
Boise’s retail landscape might be changing yet again. The longtime Rite Aid store on State Street, a fixture of the city since 1962, is officially up for lease , and developers are exploring new retail, restaurant, or mixed-use possibilities. For locals, this isn’t just another vacancy it’s a chance to reimagine a historic corner of Boise. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters for the Treasure Valley, and what residents can expect if the property gets a fresh tena
Brent Hanson
Nov 64 min read


Big Changes on Meridian’s Ten Mile Road: What It Means for the Treasure Valley
Meridian is gearing up for a major transformation. A new mixed-use development proposal along Ten Mile Road could bring a Target store , multiple hotels, dining and retail options, and a new community hub. ( Idaho Statesman ) If you live in the Treasure Valley or are considering making the move this kind of project matters. It’s not just another shopping center. It will reshape traffic, services, housing, and the very character of Meridian and its surroundings. In this post,
Brent Hanson
Oct 245 min read


Vertical View Reaches New Heights: A 50-Foot Ropes Course Comes to Meridian
If you’ve ever driven past Meridian’s Vertical View Climbing Gym, you probably know it’s already one of the Treasure Valley’s go-to destinations for adventure seekers. But now, they’ve added something that takes outdoor recreation in the Valley to the next level literally. The brand-new ropes course towers 50 feet high and promises thrills for everyone from families to hardcore adrenaline junkies. So, what’s the deal with this new attraction, and why is it such a big win for
Brent Hanson
Oct 233 min read


Free Rides, Big Impact: How Metro Community Services Is Keeping Canyon County Connected
For many of us in the Treasure Valley, hopping in the car to head to the store, make a doctor’s appointment, or meet up with friends is just part of everyday life. We don’t think twice about it. But for thousands of Canyon County residents, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families getting from point A to point B is the single biggest challenge they face each week. That’s where Metro Community Services , a nonprofit based in Canyon County, has step
Brent Hanson
Oct 226 min read


Mountain Home Needs You: Idaho Fish & Game Calls for Volunteers
If you’ve ever driven out to Mountain Home or spent a weekend fishing, hiking, or hunting in Elmore County, you know the region is rich in wildlife and open spaces. What many don’t realize is that much of this beauty doesn’t just happen on its own; it takes people on the ground, year after year, caring for habitats, tracking wildlife, and passing on outdoor traditions. That’s where the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) comes in. And right now, their Mountain Home volunt
Brent Hanson
Oct 215 min read


Boise Airport Expansion: What It Means for Treasure Valley (Now and in the Future)
If you’ve caught a flight out of Boise lately or sat in traffic wondering how the region keeps growing you’ve likely heard that big things are happening at the Boise Airport. The latest: a bold expansion of Concourse A , adding up to 10 new gates in a project that could cost up to $700 million , funded entirely with airport revenue and ticket-based fees (i.e. no local tax dollars). ( Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI) ) But beyond the headlines, this development matters de
Brent Hanson
Oct 208 min read


Archery Goes Public in Eagle: What You Need to Know About the New Range and the Debate Ahead
A New Spot for Archers in the Treasure Valley If you’ve been looking for a place to practice archery without paying membership fees or traveling far out of town, Eagle just gave you one. The city has officially opened a free public archery range at Willow Creek Shooting Sports Park. This 80-acre park has been years in the making, and while only the archery portion is open right now, it’s already drawing in locals from hunters gearing up for the season to casual shooters want
Brent Hanson
Oct 174 min read
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