Caldwell, ID Area Guide

Caldwell's long history dates back to 1883, when the Oregon Short Line Railroad was constructed through the area, as building it through Boise was impossible due to steep ground. The railway allowed for commerce between farmers and surrounding towns, and the town grew into one of Idaho's most important agricultural areas. To this day, agriculture plays an important role in Caldwell's economy.

The College of Idaho was founded in 1891 and remains the center of the town's cultural events. The College contains the Orma Smith Natural History Museum, the Whittenberger Planetarium, the Jewett Auditorium and the Rosenthal Gallery. The Gallery hosts art exhibitions a year from around the world and opens to the public. The Auditorium sponsors performances by Caldwell Fine Arts, including dance, theater, classical music and comedy. Entrance to the museum or planetarium costs $5, while tickets to the Auditorium cost from $10 to $20 and children enter for half price.

You'll find dining options scattered across town rather than clustered in one neighborhood. The restaurants in this area lean toward casual American classics instead of following the latest trends. The younger crowd tends to visit downtown Boise when dining out, as it overflows with hip, upscale restaurants.

Small towns often hide the best burger joints, and Caldwell is no exception. The Hamburger Connection serves up hot French fries, juicy burgers and an impressive array of "mile high" milkshakes. Try a local favorite — the pumpkin pie milkshake. This diner only provides outdoor seating, making this a strictly summertime treat.

The Orchard House reminds you of comforting dinners at Grandma's, each meal wrapping you in a warm hug. When the modern world grinds you down, recharge your batteries with a visit to a simpler time. Sit down in a rustic farmhouse and enjoy the pot roast sandwich with a slice of homemade pear pie — all the fruit used in the famous desserts hails from local orchards.

While not for the health conscious, the American diner breakfast satisfies like few other meals can. Mr. V's Family Restaurant serves up hash browns, biscuits and gravy and other traditional "greasy spoon" fare with plenty of steaming hot coffee to wash it down. Order the Idaho omelet with potato, cheddar and bacon or the chicken-fried steak and eggs. Remember to bring a hearty appetite for the generous portions.

Indulge your craving for meat and potatoes at Indian Creek Steakhouse. Chefs cook each steak over an applewood fire, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. Ask for the Rancher, a perfectly marbled ribeye. In addition to tender steaks, this restaurant offers horse-drawn wagon rides through the town's historic district. Indian Creek only opens Wednesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly.

With Boise so close, this town doesn't put much effort into its nightlife. Corner dives appear regularly, but you won't find clubs or upscale lounges. Victor's Hogs N Horns caters to motorcycle aficionados but draws a crowd with its gourmet burgers and notable beer menu. One part bar and one part coffee shop, The Bird Stop charms visitors with artistic decor and keeps them coming back with eclectic patrons and live music. Many locals head to Nampa's Northern Lights Cinema Grill for dinner, drinks and a movie — a mix of kid-friendly flicks and more mature films makes it a perfect destination for date night or family night.

Residents typically drive everywhere, as Caldwell's public transportation options are very limited. Park for free throughout the town, as well as in surrounding towns and cities. Easy access to Interstate 84 makes it easy to drive across town and beyond. You won't be able to hail a taxi, so use Uber when you want to avoid driving.

The town maintains several multi-use paths and bike lanes, but they do not cover a large enough area to make cycling a practical form of transportation. Cycling continues to be popular as a recreational activity, and many wooded areas provide paved trails for this purpose.

The ValleyRide bus service is the area's only public transportation, and it travels between downtown Boise and its suburbs. Caldwell residents can take the bus to Nampa, and from there to Boise and other cities.

Boise Airport remains the area's only option for air travel, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make the 27 mile drive. This airport does not fly internationally, so world travelers will need to take connecting flights out of larger airports.

Caldwell maintains a number of beautifully landscaped parks, helping it achieve the designation of Tree City USA. Couples enjoy walking the waterfront trails at Indian Creek Park or the rose garden paths at Luby Park. Children prefer the excitement of Pipe Dream Park's BMX course and skate park. An untamed woodland preserve, Curtis Park provides overnight camping facilities and fire pits—an ideal spot for outdoor adventures. Each of the town's parks, except for Curtis Park, provides playground equipment and shaded picnic areas. Only leashed dogs may enter the parks, and use of the parks is free.

Every September, Indian Creek Park hosts the Indian Creek Festival. The two-day celebration includes a wide array of activities for adults and children of all ages. Test your strength and engineering skills in the cardboard kayak race, or savor fine foods and wines at the Farm-to-Fork Dinner. This event's entertainment includes live music, a classic car show and a rubber duck race down the Creek. The Festival does not charge admission fees, but tickets to the Farm-to-Fork Dinner must be purchased in advance.

Caldwell is the most affordable town in the Boise metropolitan area, with a cost of living 7 percent less than the Idaho average. Expect to pay as little as $350 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Gas prices are reasonable at 8 percent less than the national average, and public transportation costs next to nothing. Ride the bus anywhere it goes for no more than $3. At local bars, a pint of beer costs around $4.

Grocery shop with ease at Albertsons or centrally located big box stores, and purchase organic and specialty products at Cliff's Country Market. Every Wednesday from May through October, the Caldwell Farmers Market sets up shop at the Treasure Valley Community College. Shop for fresh produce, wild honey, baked goods and handmade items from over 40 different vendors.

This town does not contain a shopping mall or major shopping center, so locals drive just a few minutes southeast to Nampa. Treasure Valley Marketplace and Karcher Mall provide all the major department stores and a good selection of apparel and housewares. In addition to national chains, this part of Nampa houses several unique independently owned shops.

Artists and knitters find a home away from home at Puffy Mondaes. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and browse a rainbow of yarns, handcrafted papers and needlework supplies. Let the knowledgeable staff assist you with problematic projects, or hone your skills at a series of evening classes.

Spice up your home with weird and wonderful items from Rusty Retro Antiques & Oddities. From owls to sad clowns, shelves organized by theme threaten to topple under the weight of figurines, dishes and other home decor. The taxidermy fish may induce nightmares, but, as they say, there's no accounting for taste.