North Boise - Boise, ID

The city of Boise was founded in 1863, long before Idaho became a state. It began as an army encampment, spent some years as a rest stop for miners and grew into a center of industry in the Pacific Northwest. The Northwest neighborhood rests comfortably in middle age, neither the youngest nor the oldest section of the city.

Boise sponsors many cultural and community events, the most beautiful being Winter Garden Aglow at the Idaho Botanical Garden. Bring some sparkle to the darkest days of the year with a walk among trees strung with thousands of twinkling lights. The magic of light reflecting off the snow delights children and adults alike. At the end of the winding path, visit tame reindeer and enjoy the ethereal voices featured in Boise's foremost professional choirs. The Botanical Gardens make an equally appropriate setting for family outings and romantic dates.

Boise's restaurant scene rivals that of much larger cities. On warm evenings, watch locals walk up and down Eighth Street choosing from variety of American and international cuisine.

When only a traditional brunch will do, visit Goldy's Breakfast Bistro. Nibble on a complimentary plate of fresh fruits while you wait for your meal, but save room for Goldy's generous portions. Try the French toast stuffed with baked cinnamon apples that call to mind homemade apple pie - be sure to ask for whipped cream on top. This place competes for the distinction of most popular breakfast in Boise, so come prepared to wait for a table. Don't think of it as waiting; think of it as building up an appetite.

Barbacoa combines contemporary art with South American cuisine in an unforgettable setting. The artwork holds as much significance as the food. Bring your camera to take pictures of the incredible anemone-like blown glass chandelier and the massive art installations in the restrooms. Order the lamb enchiladas for a twist on an old standby, paired with a specialty martini from the extensive cocktail menu. Your drink never gets warm in a glass sculpted out of ice. When you need to impress your dinner companions, go to Barbacoa.

Celebrate special occasions at Chandlers, Boise's premier steakhouse. Get into an amorous mood with music from the professional jazz trio. Ask for your Filet Mignon Oscar-style - the addition of Dungeness crab brings surf and turf to new heights. With a wine list of over 100 varieties, every dish finds the perfect partner. End your meal with the heavenly chocolate soufflé and a glass of Riesling from Idaho's finest winery.

At night, safely walk the downtown streets, stopping in bars and music venues. The area's diversity is especially evident in its nightlife. Relive the 80s through its video games at the Spacebar Arcade. Created from a recipe of one part bar, one part arcade and one part bachelor living room, find no place like it in all of Boise. Have a beer while you kick back with some original Mario Bros. If you think you have the skills, participate in the pinball tournament to win prizes and bragging rights. Best of all, Spacebar never asks for a cover charge, even on live music nights.

If you like your clubs loud and you love to dance, make your way to Hannah's. The name sounds sweet, but the crowd here gets rowdy. Two floors provide plenty of space for your hottest moves, and a mix of live bands and local DJs keep the music from getting stale. Take a break with a game of pool in the billiards room. Hordes of young adults come to dance, so don't feel shocked if the line to get in stretches down the street.

Although they live near downtown Boise, residents use cars for commuting, shopping and daily errands. With the exception of downtown parking garages, parking is free and easily found.

Boise welcomes bicyclists with open arms, providing bike lanes and miles of trails. You'll notice bicycles chained in front of nearly every business downtown - proof of the local enthusiasm for biking. Bike sharing programs encourage cycling, and low traffic makes it a safe way to get around town.

Don't expect to find comprehensive public transportation services similar to those in major cities. The ValleyRide bus company offers limited routes between the suburbs and downtown Boise.

The nearest airport is Boise Airport, but its planes do not fly internationally. International travel requires connecting flights from larger airports.

Boise received its name from its lush trees and abundant greenery, and the city takes pride in preserving this natural beauty as much as possible. Children and dogs in the Northwest neighborhood particularly appreciate Sunset Park. A large, well-maintained playground entertains the kids with a wide range of climbing structures and equipment. Canine friends romp on four acres of land set aside for off-leash fun. The park does not charge fees, but all dogs must be licensed by the city.

Quite possibly one of the most beloved parks in Boise, the Greenbelt is a masterpiece of waterways, wetlands and forests. Walk for miles along the serene Boise River, over bridges and under the trees. Signs along the way alert visitors to rare birds nesting nearby. Arrive in autumn to witness some of the most spectacular examples of fall foliage in the United States. Idaho's mild fall weather allows you to picnic in the park through November.

Northwest Boise is more expensive than some neighborhoods, but not nearly the most expensive. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for a reasonable $700 a month.

The general cost of living is only slightly higher than the Boise average. Gas prices throughout the city are less than one percent higher than the national average, and it costs less than $3 to ride the bus. In this trendy area, a beer sets you back about $7.

Grocery shop with ease at the nearby Albertsons and Jerry's Market, or if your busy schedule doesn't allow time for shopping, have organic foods delivered for free from Brown Box Organics. Stop by the Boise Farmer's Market for locally grown produce and handcrafted items. Vendors from around the state arrive with uncommon wares including hand-spun yarn, wild salmon and bakery treats for dogs and cats.

Find upscale department stores at the Towne Square Mall, or do your shopping downtown in a more intimate, less-corporate environment. When you want to stand out from the crowd, your latest outfit awaits you at Subspace. Acquire authentic steel-boned corsets and hats with Victorian detailing and punk attitude. Though not intended to be a costume shop, the store makes it easy to find exactly what you need for your next masquerade ball or Halloween party. If it's black, spiky, weird or wild, it's probably in stock.

Discover local artists and artisans as you browse the shelves at Indie MADE. Walk inside and feel the creative energy that emanates from each and every item. Pick up cut-glass wine stoppers for a dazzling housewarming gift, or hand-knitted hats for a special new baby. Treat yourself to a piece of repurposed jewelry or all-natural bath products. When you need holiday gifts for the friends who have everything, surprise them with Indie MADE's ever-popular handcrafted hula hoops.