West Bench - Boise, ID Area Guide

Historians disagree about the exact origins of Boise's name, but it relates to the French word for "wooded." The forested valley developed into an important stop for travelers on their way to Oregon and miners setting off to find their fortunes. The booming mining industry caused rapid growth in Boise's size and population, so it was chosen as the capital in 1866. The West Bench neighborhood developed in the 1970s to meet the needs of an increasing population.

Boise houses the largest Basque population in the United States, and this ethnic community hosts many annual events that teach visitors about a culture rarely seen outside Spain. The Basque Center sponsors street fairs, dances and celebrations of traditional foods. Watch as the Oinkari Basque Dancers twirl down the street in their colorful costumes, and sample unique foods created from recipes passed down through many generations.

While you do find casual dining chains within the neighborhood, head downtown to experience the best of Boise's culinary scene. These streets are made for walking, so stroll around until you see a place that strikes your fancy.

With a selection of over 400 brews, local beer lovers see Bier:Thirty as the Promised Land. If beer doesn't appeal to you, the German fusion cuisine and relaxed atmosphere certainly should. Order the Currywurst for an innovative combination of Indian sauces and traditional bratwurst. Vegetarians appreciate the large selection of meat-free appetizers and entrées. On mild October evenings, sit on the patio for a glimpse of the city's spectacular autumn colors.

Grab a quick lunch from Bleubird, and change the way you look at sandwiches and soda. The owners handcraft sodas in flavors geared toward a mature palate. Try a refreshing basil lemonade or a tangy grapefruit rosemary. Pick up a cold sandwich to eat on-the-go, or sit down for the famous grilled cheese. Brie, gruyère and caramelized onions turn a kid favorite into a gourmet treat.

The first thing you notice about Fork is its incredible Neoclassical architecture. Inside, the modern decor greets you with a warm and inviting color scheme. Choose the quiet dining area away from the bar for romantic dates and special occasions. The ale-braised short ribs melt in your mouth, and the crispy potato hash that accompanies them creates the perfect contrast in texture. Save room for warm butter cake topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and locally picked wild berries.

Boise's youthfulness and exuberance extend to its nightlife, and you find a wide variety of bars, clubs and music venues. Stop by Liquid Lounge for laughs and drinks. Enjoy stand-up comedy from both big names and locals competing for the title of Boise's Funniest. Submit the audience to your favorite jokes on Wednesday's Open Mic Night, and possibly win a cash prize if the audience likes your jokes enough.

Kick back with friends at the PreFunk Beer Bar. Listen to music on the patio, and choose from an extensive list of microbrews. Local bands arrive every weekend and play a variety of music, from rock and country to folk. This bar doesn't serve food, but fear not - the Burgerlicious food truck saves the day. Best of all, PreFunk allows you to bring your canine friends along.

You can't avoid owning a car in this area, but parking is free, with the exception of downtown parking garages. Walking from West Bench to downtown Boise proves impossible, but the downtown area itself is very pedestrian-friendly.

Residents love their bicycles and ride as often as possible. The streets allow for safe cycling with low traffic and dedicated bike lanes. A low-cost bike-sharing program encourages locals to leave their cars at home.

The city lacks significant public transportation. The ValleyRide bus service provides limited travel between the suburbs and downtown Boise. Ride anywhere the bus goes for no more than $3.

You don't see many taxis driving around, so call in advance if you need a ride. Uber car service is also available here and becoming increasingly popular with locals.

Drive just 7 miles to reach the Boise Airport, but keep in mind that it does not offer international flights. Most flights from Boise require stops at the larger airports of neighboring states.

Beautiful parks feature prominently in this area. Some, such as Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve, focus on preserving natural spaces and wildlife habitats. Escape a stressful day on the wooded trails, hearing nothing but birds and the crunch of leaves underfoot. A designated bird-watching area, this park offers nesting spots for many bird species. Watch for the unusual Cinnamon Teal Duck, which spends the spring and summer in this area. Make sure to visit the large art installation that doubles as a home for native bats. In consideration for the birds and other animals, dogs are forbidden to enter this park.

Residents also like to bring their lunches to the Willow Lane Athletic Complex, which has six baseball fields. A fence surrounds the large playground to help keep little ones safe, but if safety isn't a concern, stop by the BMX jump park. Watch as daredevils flip and fly over ramps and jumps, or - if you have good medical insurance - try it yourself. The concession stand opens during the summer months to help keep you cool. Use of the park is free, and leashed dogs are welcome except during league softball games.

One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $689 a month, making this a very affordable neighborhood for renters.

Gas prices are also reasonable at less than 1 percent higher than the national average. Expect beer to be less budget-friendly, at around $7 a pint.

Easily shop for your groceries at the Albertsons and WinCo Foods right outside your door, or visit two neighborhood health food stores providing organic products and catering to special dietary needs. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, locally produced wines, and artisan cheeses at the Boise Farmer's Market. Unlike most farmer's markets which close during the winter months, Boise's market just moves indoors.

In addition to big box stores and Boise's upscale shopping mall, find a number of independently owned shops and boutiques in downtown Boise. Nearly everything is handmade at Bricolage, from jewelry to birthday cards. Find gifts that fit within any budget, or decorate your home with paintings by local artists. Send letters to loved ones far away on handmade cards which read, "Someone in Idaho loves you."

Adorn yourself with designer denim from Fancy Pants. Let the stylish staff fit you into jeans that flatter, or seek their help in creating the perfect outfit for a special occasion. Choose from upscale brands not carried in any other store in Boise.

In a world of digital downloads, a few music stores still exist, and one of these rare gems is the Record Exchange. Grab a cup of coffee from the coffee bar, and sip while you browse aisles containing thousands of CDs and records. This store stocks every genre of music, from top 40 hits to the most obscure local bands, as well as a selection of vintage record players and assorted gift items.