Discover The Best Of Boise

Skip the Double Queens

Reserve a Spa King or One Bedroom Suite at the Inn at 500 Capitol and melt the day away with a soak in a jetted tub. (You can also soak up the sunshine and enjoy your uninterrupted morning coffee in a Balcony King guestroom.)

SUP or Solo Kayak
During the warmer months, get outside with a tranquil stand-up paddle board or solo kayak session on Quinn’s Pond and around Esther Simplot Park. Rentals are easily available.

Scream for Ice Cream
Downtown Boise is churning with options for ice cream, and we are loving it. Check out The STIL, Stella’s Ice Cream or Negranti Creamery (with ice cream made from sheep's milk) and discover your personal favorite.

Take in a movie at The Flicks.
Just a few steps from Inn at 500 Capitol is Boise’s independent movie theater. A self-cation means ALL the popcorn to yourself.

Crush a Workout.
The Inn at 500 has an excellent gym outfitted with free weights, medicine balls, kettle balls, balance balls, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, yoga mats, and specialty weight machines, but if you’re looking for a class environment, head to nearby Dope Boxing or Pure Barre. Both are within walking distance/the hotel’s complimentary shuttle range. Or for a relaxing pace on your own out in nature, we suggest a walk, run, or bike ride along the nearby Greenbelt. (The hotel has complimentary cruiser bikes, complete with helmets and locks.)

Fly Solo at a Cooking Class.
Season & Taste Cooking Classes in downtown Boise are frequently taken by singles. They’re a great way to learn something new and interact with others in a safe, fun and tasty environment.

Discover Your Inner Artist.
Take a stroll through Boise’s Freak Alley downtown to bask in colorful street art, or head indoors to the Boise Art Museum to immerse yourself in the museum’s mix of rotating and permanent exhibits.

Treat Yourself to Dinner.
Dining alone is an empowering act of self-love, and Hemlock Restaurant (with main dining room located on the ground floor at the Inn at 500) is the perfect place to reward yourself with a delicious meal paired with attentive service. Do not skimp on the dessert!

Crack a Book.
When’s the last time you had time to read? The helpful staff at Boise’s Rediscovered Books have suggestions for every taste, and if dining alone freaks you out, you can bring your new book as your companion.

Sip It.
There are several Idaho wineries with downtown Boise tasting rooms to explore. But to make it a bit more effortless, check out this guide that makes it easy to try a few new things.

What’s your favorite way to spend solo time in Boise? We’d love to hear.

Back to 1905

The Idaho State Capitol building has a rich history that began 15 years after Idaho became a state.

In 1905, the legislature voted to begin construction on the Capitol building and hired Boise architect John Tourtellotte to do the job. Tourtellotte’s resulting masterpiece made great use of natural light as well as a unique combination of materials to create a building that, while reminiscent of other great domed buildings in the world, is unlike any other in the Boise skyline. The majority of the Capitol building is constructed using sandstone from Table Rock, a nearby Boise landmark. Records indicate convicted felons from the then-fledgling Idaho State Penitentiary were the ones to haul the sandstone from Table Rock to the construction site.

Tourtellotte also incorporated different kinds of marble into the building’s walls and accents—red marble from Georgia, grey marble from Alaska, green marble from Vermont, and black marble from Italy. His primary inspiration came from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. It’s no surprise that the Idaho State Capitol inspires a certain amount of gravitas and old-world romance.

Did you know?

From inside the building’s Rotunda, visitors can look upward to see 13 small stars representing the original American colonies, and 43 larger stars, symbolizing that Idaho was the 43rd state in the union?

Underground tunnels connect the Idaho State Capitol building to the Supreme Court and other adjacent government buildings. These tunnels are used daily by legislative members but are not open to the public.

There is a scale replica of the Liberty Bell on the front steps of the Capitol building and visitors are encouraged to ring the bell.

According to the Capitol Commission, the original cost of the Idaho State Capitol building was $2.1 million; comparable estimates for a similar project today would exceed $100 million. Many materials used in the original construction of the building are today considered irreplaceable.

The Idaho State Capitol building is the only one in the U.S. to use geothermal water as a heat source. Like much of Boise, the Capitol building sits on top of geothermal heat meaning the water has to be pumped from depths of more than 3,000 feet.

Capitol Restoration Project

In 1998, Idaho officials began discussing plans to restore the Capitol building from nearly a century of natural wear and tear. Initial plans were drawn, and a master plan was eventually approved and funded to complete an extensive restoration project. In 2010, interior and exterior renovations were completed, as well as the construction of the additional underground legislative meeting rooms and offices, now known as the Garden Level.

Capitol Art

Last month we mentioned the art you’d see on a tour of the Capitol, and there are several impressive pieces. One of our favorites is a fantastic replica of the Winged Victory statue, or the Nike of Samothrace at the Louvre. The replica was a gift to the United States from France after World War II. Another remarkable piece is the statue of George Washington by Charles Ostner that stands on the south side of the rotunda and is carved from a single piece of pine. The figure was originally bronzed and given to the Idaho territory in 1869, but was repaired and covered in gold leaf almost 100 years later.

Other Capitol art includes some modern additions with historical roots: in 2010, when the underground wings were built, multiple old-growth trees had to be uprooted to make way for the new expansion project. Some of the trees had been planted by Presidents Benjamin Harrison, William Howard Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt. But the wood wasn’t discarded. A forward-thinking legislator, Representative Max Black, arranged for the wood to be given to local artists and turned into objects to display in the Capitol.

Consider the Capitol a living museum with enough day-of activities and historical treasures to fill an afternoon. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious citizen, or just looking for another way to experience the great city of Boise, the Idaho State Capitol should be on your list of must-see places. Book your stay with the Inn at 500 Capitol and schedule your visit to the Capitol building today!

The Idaho Capitol
The Idaho State Capitol building in downtown Boise serves up a main course of history with a side of style and functionality. The historic building with its columned rotunda is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to tour and experience art, architecture, and a past rich with Idaho lore. It’s likely that when you see photos or postcards of our capital city that the images feature downtown Boise’s picturesque skyline and undulating foothilled backdrop. The capitol building is often front and center and it’s no surprise why; the iconic structure stands out at one of the city’s most striking architectural display with beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.
But as impressive as it is from the outside, the inside of the building is even more breathtaking, with multi-colored marble from around the world, sandstone from Table Rock, natural light cascading from giant windows, plus a large collection of paintings and statues.

The Capitol is open to the public seven days a week and visitors are encouraged to come in and see the building during open hours. Of course, during the legislative session, government functions may mean certain rooms are unavailable or off-limits, but for the most part, the Capitol is free and open. When the legislature is in session, the 4th-floor gallery is open to the public to view the House and Senate proceedings. You can take a self-guided tour any time you like or schedule a guided tour by submitting this form online. Check in next month to read all the historic details about what you can expect to learn during your visit!

The Boise Depot
The stunning historic train depot is a wonderful location to tour, and the added bonus is a panoramic view of downtown Boise and the foothills included.

The Boise Depot is a beautiful historic Spanish-style landmark operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department. Its primary use these days is as a public ceremonial or meeting space. But its history makes it worth visiting, too. Designed by New York architects in the early 1900s, the building first opened in 1925 to elaborate fanfare. There’s an open house scheduled every month with free public tours scheduled twice during the day, usually at noon and 1:30.

Any visit to the depot should include a tour of the grounds; located on a hillside overlooking Capitol Boulevard and downtown Boise, Platt Gardens is a scenic location for photos of the grandest or smallest proportions. The gardens were donated to the city in 1982 by the Union Pacific Railroad. Designed by Spanish landscape architect Ricardo Espino, the Platt Gardens feature a winding walk, benches, ponds, a monument of volcanic rock and a welcoming display of greenery.
Check the Boise Depot website for updated schedule and site details.

Historical Trolley Tour
Don’t love the idea of a long walk through town? Take a trolley through Boise’s historic downtown instead! Opening again at the end of April, Boise Trolley Tours advertise an easy way to see for yourself what makes Boise “wonderful and unique.” Ride along to the tune of well-told stories about many locations throughout the city including the Old Penitentiary, the Depot, the Capitol, the Old Fort, city parks, and other lesser known sites along the way. Trolley Tours promises a well-researched script to ensure all information delivered is accurate. The trolley is enclosed, has heat and air conditioning, and has a wheelchair lift to provide easy access for all.

Daily tours start in May and run once a day at 11 am Monday through Friday and 2 pm on weekends. Buy tickets online.

Boise Brew Bus
Finally, for the wine and beer enthusiasts in your group, we’ve got a customizable tour of breweries and wineries sure to satisfy any palatte. Boise Brew Bus offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes educational look at the brewing process and invites you to sample some great beer all while celebrating local craft beer and the brewing community! Sample a variety of delicious beers from different breweries with the last stop offering incredible local cuisine. Choose from the following four tours:
Boise Brewery Tour - Celebrate Idaho’s best local craft beer by visiting three local breweries and enjoying a flight or pint while learning the brewing backstory as well as fun facts about the creative people who make it.

Urban Wine Tour - Find out why Boise and the surrounding area is primed to be the next great U.S. wine region. Taste your way through the relaxing high desert wine country with visits to three local wineries.

Dive Bar Tour - Embark on a three-stop dive bar tour throughout the Treasure Valley. Find your next favorite dive bar, bond with friends, and celebrate some of the best local watering holes in our great city.

We’re sure there’s a tour for everyone in your group. Book your stay at Inn at 500 Capitol and schedule a tour that excites you! Next month, discover our State Capitol Building!

First Thursday
On the first Thursday of every month, downtown Boise comes alive with events, raffles, demonstrations, discounts, and more. Even on chilly winter nights, you can stroll through Downtown Boise and pop into zny number of locally owned shops for samples, treats, and unbeatable shopping.

The Basque Museum
All you history buffs our there, plan a visit to the Basque Block in downtown Boise for a glimpse into the past and experience the rich culture of one of Boise’s original settler groups, the Basques. Visit the museum website to see what exhibits might be featured while you’re here.

Boise Art Museum
Experience the rotating exhibits and art on display at Boise Art Museum (BAM) with a self-guided tour. The museum also hosts regular events and lectures, as well as First Thursday specials. On display now are Jacob Hashimoto’s The Fractured Giant; Re-Framed: American Life, Legacy, and Ideals; and The Art of Jean LaMarr.

Idaho State Museum
If one museum isn’t enough, take a front row seat to Idaho’s past at the newly remodeled Idaho State Museum. Located right in Downtown Boise, the State Museum is designed to lend a fascinating glimpse into the past to families, school groups, and history-loving individuals alike.

Old Idaho Penitentiary
Peak into the prison cells of some of the West’s most notorious criminals at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The thrilling historical site offers self-guided tours and special, seasonal events like the Winter Scavenger Hunt in January and Romancing the Pen in February. Don’t be spooked; the prisoners are long gone, though their ghosts may not be!

The Boise Philharmonic
Following no particular order, we take you from prison to the philharmonic. Check the schedule to see everything from Brahms to Beethoven, Harry Potter to Star Wars, and holiday pops to classics. The Boise Philharmonic invites you to escape from your busy week and take in exceptional live music to the tune of elevated classics by our award-winning orchestra.

Boise Little Theater
This charming, all-volunteer run theater has been producing plays since 1948, making it one of the oldest volunteer theaters in the nation. Catch a show in the unique round building that has become a Boise landmark.

Morrison Center Events
Practically around the corner, sink into your seat to watch ballet performances, comedy shows, Broadway in Boise, and more grace the impressive stage at the Morrison Center, Idaho’s premier performing arts venue. Check the events list regularly when you’re in the mood for a mid-winter pick-me-up.

Boise Classic Movies
Every month, the friendly owners at Boise Classic Movies screen your old favorites at the historic Egyptian Theater. We’ve featured the theater in a previous post if you’d like more info, but you can tae our word for it, too. Grab a beer and some popcorn and take in a classically good time.

Create your own art at Boise Art Glass
Curious how to make a mosaic? During downtown Boise’s First Thursday events, plan to stop by Boise Art Glass to learn from the pros and create your own unique piece. Anyone older than eight-years-old can join!

Concerts
No matter the season, Boise’s concert scene is bumpin’. Check out venues like The Knitting Factory, Taco Bell Arena, and Revolution Concert House so you don’t miss any of your favorite musicians or shows when they come to town.

Liquid Laughs
Who doesn’t need a laugh, especially when winter drags deep into March? Get your comedy fix at Liquid in BoDo, hosting Liquid Laughs every Thursday through Saturday night. Grab some friends and enjoy Boise’s funniest people over a drink and some delicious food.

Next month? Tours! Take a back seat and enjoy the ride while Boise’s local experts guide you through their favorite parts of the city. Until then, we can’t wait to host you at the Inn at 500 Capitol!

Bogus Basin
It’s peak skiing season at Bogus Basin, a mere 16.5 mile scenic drive from Boise. Glide through the powder at this beautiful, natural bowl in the valley across from the Owyhee Mountains. The drive alone – along a switchback road that transitions from high desert sagebrush to coniferous evergreens, all the while offering breathtaking views of the valley – is worth the trip, regardless of the season. But the Basin offers more than skiing: there’s snowboarding, tubing, and even a mountain coaster to view the snowy forest in all its glory. Pack some thermoses and your wool socks and take in a scenic drive up to Bogus. Bonus: while the Boise valley sometimes experiences gloomy skies during the winter months, Bogus tends to stay sunny with its peaks above the clouds. Head up the highway for a sunshine fix!

The Springs in Idaho City
The Springs in Idaho City is a beautiful, secluded retreat from the real world, and just 45 minutes away from downtown Boise. Nestled in the Boise National Forest on 80 acres of wooded bliss, you'll find a place to soak away your cares and immerse in Mother Nature. Indulge in the many options for your soaking and rejuvenation needs at The Springs Resort near Idaho City, Idaho. Take a dip in the 40′ x 80′ geothermal pool or for some extra heat, kick back in the 16′ hot tub clocking in at 104*. While you’re there, try out the steam room to find that higher level of relaxation. Soak in the warm water while watching the snow fall, and order poolside drinks and food, then come on back to sleep like a baby in the Inn at 500 Capitol.

Hike to Hot Springs
There are many other hot springs within an hour or two from Boise, and many feature beautiful mountain views. Pack your warm boots, a few snacks and beverages, and your swimsuit and soak with a few friends while enjoying this quintessential Idaho winter activity. On our short list are Kirkham Hot Springs, Pine Flats Hot Spring, Moondipper Hot Springs, and Pine Burl Hot Springs. You can’t miss!

Sledding at Camel’s Back Park
The steep hills at Camel’s Back Park make for ideal sledding and tubing. Take any snowfall as an opportunity to take the kids and kids at heart to get out and play in the powder. Of course, since it ‘s one of the most popular hills in Boise, you’re likely to part of a crowd. Located in the North End of Boise, Camel's Back Park sees hundreds of sledders every winter. The orange fencing along the hill's chute is there for your protection and nature’s, protecting grass seed that crews laid back in the fall as part of a project to stabilize the chute. After hitting the “slopes” in the North End, don’t forget to stop for hot cocoa and a quick bite at a local restaurant in Hyde Park afterward. Try Goody’s Soda Fountain, Java Hyde Park, or Certified Kitchen and Bakery.

Idaho Steelheads
Grab a beer or a hot dog and take in the thrill of the watching the city’s minor league hockey team right in downtown Boise. The Idaho Steelheads are an affiliate to the NHL’s Dallas Stars, so the game you’ll see will be nothing short of spectacular. Games tend to fall on weekends, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Check the Steelhead’s schedule to plan your trip around their next home game!

Boise State University Athletics
If you’d rather watch than play, and you’ve already made it over to watch the Steelheads at the Idaho Central Arena, consider catching a Boise State basketball game while you’re here, too. You don’t have to bleed blue, just root for the home team!

There are more than enough reasons to get out there and explore. Go see and do, before warming up with us at the Inn at 500 Capitol. See you next month for more!

Idaho Ice World
Lace up your skates to glide through an evening of fun on the ice rink right in downtown Boise. Every Wednesday is special admission “Family Night.”

The Village at Meridian
During the winter months, the The Village at Meridian offers a welcome respite from the cold temperatures. Shop all your favorite brands in the quaint and cozy winter shops, order popcorn at a movie, and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the Village restaurants.

JumpTime
Spring into action with a visit to JumpTime, an indoor trampoline park with foam pits, games, obstacle courses, and more. You might even work up a sweat!

Aquarium of Boise
Not every aquarium is created equal, and we think ours is pretty special. Touch a stingray, feed tropical fish, and enjoy the beauty of underwater life in our landlocked state.

McCall Winter Carnival
One of our favorite items on the list is the McCall Winter Carnival–a celebration of all things winter–from January 27th through February 5th. Take a scenic drive two hours from Boise and view ingenious snow sculptures, eat at the ever-popular Pancake House, and have some winter fun.

Discovery Center of Idaho
Science exhibits and mind-blowing experiments make for hands-on learning and entertainment for the whole family at the Discovery Center of Idaho. There’s plenty of room to play and beat the winter blues after you’ve been shut inside for too long.

MK Nature Center
The MK Nature Center is a 4.6-acre reserve on the Boise River Greenbelt with an interactive interpretive center. Even on cold winter days, the short walk is absolutely beautiful and invigorating.

Children’s Museum of Idaho
Newly renovated, the Children’s Museum of Idaho makes for an excellent cold-weather activity. Check their events calendar for special activities for the little people in your family.

Pop-up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse
Every year in late January, Edward’s Greenhouse on the North End offers a respite from the cold by converting part of their warm greenhouse into a pop-up park with fresh green sod and plenty of room for everyone to play.

Zoo Boise
It may be cold outside, but the Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon. Many animals are more active during the cooler months and crowds tend to be smaller, too!

Give in to the temptation and get outside before warming up with us at the Inn at 500 Capitol. See you next month for more!