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Idaho Chefs and Restaurants Named 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists: What It Means for the Treasure Valley Food Scene
If you think Idaho is all about potatoes and wide-open landscapes, think again. The state’s culinary scene is quietly but steadily gaining national attention, and the latest proof is in: several Idaho chefs and restaurants, including some right here in the Treasure Valley, have been named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards . For context, the James Beard Awards are often called the “Oscars of the food world.” Recognition in these awards puts chefs, restaurants, and
Brent Hanson
2 days ago4 min read


Five Idaho Athletes Named to Team USA: Why the Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics Runs Through Idaho
Idaho doesn’t always get credit for what it produces. We’re not the biggest state. We don’t have the largest cities. And we definitely don’t market ourselves as a global sports powerhouse. But once again, Idaho is showing up on one of the biggest stages in the world. Five athletes with Idaho ties have been named to Team USA’s ski and snowboard roster as preparations begin for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. These athletes represent alpine skiing, freestyle, and s
Brent Hanson
3 days ago5 min read


Idaho’s Elk Dilemma: Why Fish and Game Is Considering Moving or Killing Nearly 100 Elk and Why It Matters
Idaho is known for wide-open spaces, working farmland, and abundant wildlife. For many people, that mix is exactly what makes living here special. But every once in a while, those things collide and when they do, the solutions are rarely simple. That’s exactly what’s happening right now in northern Idaho, where Idaho Fish and Game is weighing whether to relocate or lethally remove nearly 100 elk that have caused repeated damage to private agricultural land. The elk are nonmi
Brent Hanson
4 days ago5 min read


Pioneer Lodge Reopens at Bogus Basin: What the Upgrades Mean for Skiers, Riders, and the Treasure Valley
If you’ve spent any amount of time skiing or riding at Bogus Basin , you know that Pioneer Lodge isn’t just another building on the mountain; it’s part of the experience. It’s where people warm up, refuel, meet friends, wait out the weather, and take a breath before heading back out. And now, after a period of closure and renovation, Pioneer Lodge is officially back open , with upgrades that go beyond a simple refresh. The lodge has reopened with expanded space, improved food
Brent Hanson
6 days ago5 min read


A Sacred Mission: Boise Shelter Nears Opening After Years of Delays
After years of planning, setbacks, and legal hurdles, Boise is on the verge of a major milestone in community support. Interfaith Sanctuary’s new 205-bed shelter on State Street is almost ready to open its doors, and it’s a development that has implications far beyond just one building. For residents of the Treasure Valley, this shelter represents hope, resources, and a concrete step toward addressing homelessness in our growing city. But it’s also a story about persistence,
Brent Hanson
Jan 304 min read


Boise’s First Food Hall Is Closing: What Happened to Chow Public Market & What It Means for the City
Boise just said goodbye to a piece of its modern food history. Chow Public Market & Eatery, the city’s first true food hall, is officially closing. When it opened in 2018, it represented something new for Boise: multiple local vendors under one roof, communal seating, rotating concepts, and the feeling that Boise had officially joined the national “food hall” movement. Now, less than a decade later, it’s gone. For many locals, this news feels surprising. For others, it feels
Brent Hanson
Jan 295 min read


Idaho Snowpack Is Behind at Lower Elevations. Here’s What That Really Means for Water in the Treasure Valley
If you’ve looked at the foothills lately and thought, “It doesn’t feel very snowy for winter,” you’re not wrong. This year, Idaho’s snowpack at lower elevations is behind after a warm, wet winter that delivered more rain than snow. Higher elevations are doing better, but water managers Across the state are now paying very close attention to two things: Mountain snowpack Reservoir storage Together, those two factors will shape Idaho’s water supply for the rest of the year — i
Brent Hanson
Jan 284 min read


New Solar System Trail Display Debuts at Julia Davis Park Boise Just Got a Little More Out of This World
Boise just added another reason to love Julia Davis Park and this one stretches all the way across the solar system. A brand-new Solar System Trail display has officially debuted, giving Treasure Valley residents a chance to walk through the planets, learn about space, and enjoy fresh air all at the same time. It’s educational, interactive, family-friendly, and uniquely Boise. Whether you’re a parent looking for something different to do with the kids, a student who loves sc
Brent Hanson
Jan 274 min read


10 Reasons People Are Moving to Boise and the Treasure Valley
The word is out - Boise and the Treasure Valley aren’t just one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., they’re also one of the most livable. Whether you’re a longtime Idahoan or someone considering moving to Boise, it’s easy to see why so many people are packing up and planting roots here. I’ve lived in Idaho my entire life, and even after traveling the world - from Berlin to Cairo - every time I touch down at the Boise Airport, it feels clear: this is one of the best pl
Brent Hanson
Jan 264 min read


Why Techies Are Flocking to Boise: 5 Big Reasons the Treasure Valley is on the Rise
If you’ve been watching the headlines, you probably assume the next big tech hub is Austin, Miami, or maybe Salt Lake. But here’s the unspoken truth: Boise, Idaho, is quietly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for tech talent. Yes, Boise. The Treasure Valley has been steadily building its reputation as a place where ambitious professionals can thrive without sacrificing quality of life. Whether you’re a local curious about what’s fueling the hype or a techie fro
Brent Hanson
Jan 264 min read


Dunkin’ Could Be Expanding in the Boise Area Here’s What That Really Means for Treasure Valley
If you’ve lived in the Treasure Valley long enough, you’ve seen this pattern before. A national brand starts “looking” at Boise. Locals start talking. Some get excited. Some roll their eyes. And suddenly, everyone has an opinion. That’s exactly what’s happening right now with Dunkin’. The coffee-and-donut giant has confirmed Boise is officially on its radar. No locations have been announced yet, no leases signed, no opening dates, but interest is real. And that alone says a l
Brent Hanson
Jan 264 min read


The Top 5 Communities Everyone Wants to Live in Right Now in the Treasure Valley
The Treasure Valley is exploding with growth. If you live here, you feel it every time you sit in traffic, try to book a contractor, or watch another neighborhood go up seemingly overnight. And if you’re thinking about moving here, the amount of information online can feel overwhelming and often contradictory. But here’s the truth, most people don’t realize right away: Even though the Treasure Valley has dozens of cities, neighborhoods, and subdivisions , there are really onl
Brent Hanson
Jan 265 min read


Boise vs. Meridian: Which Treasure Valley City Actually Fits Your Lifestyle?
If you’re trying to decide between Boise and Meridian, you’ve probably heard some version of this line: “Boise is where everything happens, and Meridian is where everyone lives.” For a long time, that was mostly true. But the Treasure Valley has changed and that old one-liner doesn’t really tell the full story anymore. Meridian is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, adding thousands of new residents, jobs, and businesses every year. Boise, meanwhile, is shi
Brent Hanson
Jan 266 min read


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 14, 20256 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 13, 20256 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 12, 20255 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 11, 20256 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 10, 20255 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 9, 20255 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 8, 20255 min read
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