Treasure Valley Oktoberfest Extravaganza: A Roundup of Bavarian Bliss

Boise and the Treasure Valley are gearing up for an exciting Oktoberfest season, and you won't want to miss out on the fun. From traditional German music to mouthwatering food and, of course, plenty of beer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a quick overview of the Oktoberfest events happening in the Treasure Valley this year:

1. Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest 2023

• Date: September 22nd and 23rd

• Location: Boise

• Details: Get ready for an authentic Bavarian experience with live music, traditional food, and a variety of German and Austrian beers. Check out the Ultimate Guide A to ZZ for more details.

2. October Fest at Idaho Botanical Gardens

• Date: October 21st, 10 am to 3 pm

• Location: Boise

• Details: Put on your best Oktoberfest attire and head to the Idaho Botanical Gardens for beer, brats, and live music by Bacon Drive. It's a festive celebration you won't want to miss.

3. Oktoberfest Downtown Meridian

• Date: October 7th, 10 am - 10 pm

• Location: Downtown Meridian

• Details: Meridian's Oktoberfest promises a day full of fun, including live music, contests, races, and delicious food. Get ready for a vibrant celebration.

4. Oktoberfest at Nampa Civic Center

• Date: September 29, 2023

• Location: Nampa

• Details: Celebrate German culture, food, and music at the Nampa Civic Center. Enjoy live music by the Boise Valley Edelweiss Band, games, food, and more. Get your tickets early!

5. Oktoberfest Party at High Desert Harley-Davidson

• Date: September 30th, 11 am - 3 pm

• Location: Meridian

• Details: High Desert Harley-Davidson is hosting a lively Oktoberfest party with beer, brats, pretzels, and, of course, Harley's. Join the fun! .

6. Payette Brewing Oktoberfest

• Date: September 15th, 5 pm - 10 pm

• Location: Boise

• Details: Enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit at Payette Brewing, featuring traditional German fare, music, and, of course, plenty of beer.

7. Oktoberfest Volkswagen Cruise-in BBQ

• Date: October 1st, 12 pm - 4 pm

• Location: Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park, Boise

• Details: If you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, don't miss this event with beer, brats, and a cruise-in at the park. Get ready for a fantastic fall Sunday!

8. Old Boise Oktoberfest 2023

• Date: September 23rd, 2 pm - 9:30 pm

• Location: Boise

• Details: Old Boise Oktoberfest is back with music, brats, and a great time. Get ready for a festive day of celebration.

These Oktoberfest events are your ticket to celebrating German culture, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment.

Be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide A to Z for more details on each event. Prost to a memorable Oktoberfest season in the Treasure Valley! 🍻🥨🎶

Where the Wild Things Grow: Best Boise Hikes to See Wildflowers

It’s pretty wild out there! Wildflowers, that is.

And Boise has plenty of wildflowers to see along its trails. Grab your hiking shoes, your camera, and get ready to be dazzled by Boise’s beautiful wildflowers. Here are a list of #BoiseBucketList worthy trails where you’ll find plenty of wildflowers

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• Military Reserve

  • Popular Wildflower: Arrowleaf Balsamroot

  • Details

Source: Ridge to Rivers

• Hulls Gulch

  • Popular Wildflower: yarrow; Wood’s rose

  • Details

• Mesa Reserve

  • Popular wildflower: Penstemons

  • Details:

• Homestead Trail: 

  • Popular Wildflower: lupine

  • Details

• Bob’s Trail

  • Popular Wildflower: Syringa; Nuttall’s cinquefoil

  • Details

• Cottonwood Creek Trail

  • Details

• Chickadee Ridge Trail #36A

  • Details

• Polecat Reserve

  • Popular Wildflower: Idahoa; Aase’s onion; bisuitroots

  • Details:

• Hillside to Hollow Reserve

  • Popular Wildflower: Cusick’s primrose; arrowleaf balsamroot

  • Details

• Oregon Trail Reserve

  • Popular Wildflower: arrowleaf balsamroot ; purple & white lupines

  • Details: 

• Cobb Trail

  • Popular Wildflower: wild violets and yellow orange scabland fleabane

  • Details:

• Corrals Trail

  • Popular Wildflower: purple, pink and white lupines

  • Details

• Elks Meadow Trail #94

  • Details

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Checkout City of Boise Foothills Learning Center to learn more about wildflowers.

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TRAIL ETIQUETTE

• Ridges to RIvers has an excellent guide to trial etiquette. Some tips include

  • Become familiar with who yield where on the trails

  • Continue practicing social distancing

  • When passing, make sure to do so in a single file line & be courteous to others in along the trails

• Click HERE for general trail etiquette 

Grill & Chill: Top 10 Must-Try Burger Spots to Cross off Your Boise Bucket List with Guest Blogger BurgerBOI

It’s National Hamburger Month and what better way to celebrate than to give you some of my favorite spots to grab a burger here in the City of Trees!

Now...before we get into that...a little bit about myself:

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I started my #burgerjourney and created BurgerBOI (www.burgerboiboise.com) in the midst of COVID. I’ve always wanted to find a way to share my passion and creativity, as well as, bring attention to all of the great burger options that Boise and the rest of the Treasure Valley has to offer. As terrible as the pandemic has been, it actually gave me the time to catapult my ideas into fruition! 

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BurgerBOI has been an incredible outlet. It has allowed me to flex my culinary ingenuity, as well as, give me the opportunity to connect with some really AMAZING people. It has also given me the platform to encourage people to support/buy/shop local; which is more important now than ever! 

Now...before I give you the deets, I must say this: 

By NO MEANS is this list EXCLUSIVE! There are SO MANY great and delicious options here in the Treasure Valley and I have yet to check them all out! It’s my hopes that you will use this list as a guide to where you can find a great burger and build upon what I call your own “Burger Journey”

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So here we go...my 10 MUST GO-TO SPOTS in the Treasure Valley:

DRIVE INS

Big Bun Drive In

Where to Find: 5816 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709

What to Eat: Pastrami Burger.

I love me a good Pastrami Burger and Big Bun’s DOES not disappoint! Super fresh with PLENTY of Pastrami!

Fanci Freez

Where to Find: 1402 W State St, Boise, ID 83702

What to Eat: the Super Giant Burger with Cheese.

It’s 3 patties on this bad boy. How can you go wrong? That’s right...you can’t! PRO TIP: ADD BACON!

Hamburger Connection

Where to Find: 423 S 10th Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605

What to Eat: Jumbo Special.

Make the drive to Caldwell and get yourself this OH SO delicious classic Double Cheeseburger. Thank me later!

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BURGER JOINTS

Big Juds

Where to Find: 1289 S Protest Rd, Boise, ID 83706

What to Eat: The Big Jud. World Famous 1lbs Burger.

Definitely not for the faint of heart, but I get it when I’m feeling REALLY hungry (which is most of the time)...lol. PRO TIP: ADD BACON and Fry Sauce. Yes...I said Fry Sauce on a burger!

Sid’s Garage

Where to Find: 3525 E Longwing Ln, Meridian, ID 83646

What to Eat: Boss Hog.

SLOW. ROASTED. PORK. BELLY. On a burger. #yourewelcome

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BREW PUB/RESTAURANTS

Hooligans Pub

Where to Find: 10704 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709

What to Eat: The Hooligan Burger

Great burger that utilizes local beef (Malheur River Meats) and Bun (Acme Bake Shop). Solid burger through and through! PRO TIP: ADD BACON and dress it with their house made Thousand Island!

The Shed

Where to Find: 1010 S La Pointe St, Boise, ID 83706

What to Eat: The Grateful Shed

This was suggested to me and I’m SO GLAD I obliged. Do yourself a favor and add their Signature Candied Bacon!

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FOOD TRUCKS

Big Daddy’s Meat Wagon

Where to Find: 1551 W Cherry Ln, Meridian, ID 83642

What to Eat: 6th & Main

Smoked Gouda accompanies this burger and it is packed with flavor! When they are not out and about, you can still order from their menu through Door Dash!

Off The Grid-L

Where to Find: https://www.facebook.com/offthegridl/

What to Eat: OTGB

Super fresh burger loaded with grilled jalapenos and onions. You’ll be glad you had it!

Triple Bs’ - Boise Best Burgers

Where to Find: 615 S 9th St, Boise, ID 83702

What to Eat: Willy Burger

1/2 lbs of delicious goodness loaded to the brim! They are temporarily closed through July 2021, but be sure to check them out as soon as they get back up and running! Did I mention it has a fried egg???

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As mentioned, there are DEFINITELY more than 10 spots, but hopefully this list will give you a good head start!

So there you have it…

I. LOVE. BURGERS. I mean like...LOVE. LOVE! So hopefully I’ve inspired you to “LOVE. LOVE” burgers too!

For all things BURGERS in the Treasure Valley and beyond follow me on Instagram: @burgerboi_boise; as well as the hashtag: #BURGERSINBOISE and on Facebook: BurgerBoiBoise 

Make sure to check out all of the #BURGERSINBOISE and cross them off of your #BoiseBucketList

Til Next Time!

D.J. aka BurgerBOI

Memorial Day 2020: How to Honor & Remember During This Time

While many traditional ways to celebrate Memorial Day have been cancelled, you can still observe Memorial Day in different ways. Some cities are even offering virtual events.  Here are ways you can remember those who served and fought to protect our freedom:

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Visit , reflect and show respect at one of the local cemeteries:

Idaho State Veterans Cemetery

Source: Idaho Veteran’s Cemetary Faebook

Location: 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road in Boise and is co-located with Dry Creek Cemetery.

Open: morning to dusk

Morris Hill Cemetery

Source: City of Boise

Location: 317 North Latah Street, Boise

OPen 10am to 4pm

No Civil War reenactment this year

Pioneer Cemetery

Soure: City of Boise

Location: 460 E. Warm Spring Avenue 

Fort Boise Military Reserve

1101 N. Mountain Cove Road

Eagle Field of Honor

Source: Eagle Field of Honor Facebook

Location: Reid Merrill Park, 1101 N. Mountain Cove Road.

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Live/Virtual Celebrations:

Idaho Public Television in partnership with Office of the Governor & Idaho Veterans Services will have a special recorded message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aszwa-VUAOI&feature=youtu.be

City of Nampa 

Virtual Memorial Day ceremony

Starting at 9am

Watch on Facebook page HERE: https://www.facebook.com/cityofnampa.us

American Legion 113 Rock of Honor Memorial 

Julius Kleiner Park

Event is closed to the public, but will be broadcast on City of Meridian’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MeridianIdaho/

Warhawk Air Museum Flyover

Saluting veterans and front line care providers

Will include WWII era planes

Flyover begins at 11:10am from Warhawk Museum 

This year, I encourage you to  safely honor and remember all those that died while serving our Nation during this unprecedented time.

Champagne in the Membrane: 10 Best Spots in Boise for Mimosas

Sip, Sip, Hooray! It’s National Mimosa Day!  Today is where we celebrate what is now the staple of all brunches: the mimosas. Whether it’s a bottomless mimosa, mimosa bubbly bar, this classic simple cocktail defines the brunching era. 

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Looking for some of Boise’s best mimosas to cross off your #BoiseBucketList?  Checkout my list below:

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Fork

Source: Fork Boise Instagram

Fork has its Build-Your-Own-Mimosa Bar that you’ll want to certainly try. Guests enjoy Prosecco bottle with orange, cranberry, grapefruit carafes, and all served at your table. Grab your best brunch-loving friends & grab a seat at Fork. 

Website: www.boisefork.com

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Solid Bar & Grill

Source: Solid Bar & Grill Facebook

Every Sunday, Solid Bar & Grill has an incredible bottomless mimosa bar from 11am to 4pm. The mimosa bar has various juices (cranberry, pineapple, mango) and fresh fruit to ignite the flavors in your mimosa. Oh yes, you can also order food with your mimosa. They have a brunch menu worth exploring. 

Website: www.solidboise.com

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Bodovino

Source: Bodovino Facebook

Nearly Bottomless Bubble Bar: where they limit the amount of mimosas if necessary :) 

Bodovino offers a bubbly bar from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays at both their downtown Boise and Meridian locations. Not in the mood for a bubbly bar? You can also enjoy  $1.99 mimosa flasks on their happy hour menu

Website: https://www.bodovino.com/

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Homestead Bar & Grill

Source: Homestead Bar & Grill Facebook

Known for their over-the-top mega sized cocktails, any mimosa lover would want to head over to Homestead Bar & Grill. Their MEGAMOSA is one that you’ll have to try. 

Website: https://homesteadbarandgrill.com/

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Sawtooth Winery

Source: Sawtooth Winery Instagram

Located in Idaho’s Snake River Valley, Sawtooth Winery is not only known for its high-quality wines, but also their flavorful mimosas. Each month, Sawtooth Winery releases unique mimosa blends such as: Thin Mint (brut, creme de menthe & peppermint simple syrup, tonic water, garnished w/fresh sprig of mint); Ice Princess (brut, lemonade, splash of blue curacao garnished with silver sugar rim, as well as pumpkin beermosa. 

Website: https://www.sawtoothwinery.com/

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Red Feather Lounge

Source: Red Feather Lounge Facebook

Recognized as a modern American lounge, Red Feather Lounge on 8th Street in downtown Boise is a popular brunch spot for many brunch goers. Brunch is served on Saturday & Sunday from 8am to 2pm. They serve 4 types of mimosas: Sharin’ mimosa, regular mimosa, Germain mimosa, and their slushee mimosa. 

Website: http://www.bcrfl.com/red-feather-lounge/

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Goldy’s Corner

Source: Goldy’s Corner Website

Adjacent to the famous Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, Goldy’s corner offers a quiet place for studying, working & meeting with friends and family. Goldy’s offers a variety of mimosas: mango, strawberry, guava, strawberry, cranberry & traditional. You can add fresh berries inside. 

Website: http://goldyscorner.com/drinks/

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The Riverside Hotel

Source: Pexel.Com Stock Photo

As part of their weekend brunch buffet, the Riverside Hotel offers bottomless mimosas every Saturday and Sunday. The weekend buffet is offered form 6am to 1pm, Saturday and Sunday. 

Website: https://riversideboise.com/feast/riverside-grill/

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The Hyde House

Source: The Hyde House Instagram

The family-owned cafe located in Boise’s Hyde Park neighborhood is quite the charmer. This brightly colored cafe invites you to take at seat on its front patio, all while sipping on a mimosa.  Hyde Park Cafe offers a rotating brunch menu. 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/HydeHouseBoise/

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The Donut and Dog

Source: The Donut + Dog Instagram

Known for its brioche donuts, The Donut + Dog  offers bottomless mimosas. These mimosas are offered on the weekend. 

Website: https://www.thedonutanddog.com/

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What other spots are great for mimosas? Let me know in the comments! Enjoy crossing these spots off your mimosa #BoiseBucketList

Thanksgiving Dinner: Where to Eat in Boise

Not traveling to see family?

Not cooking but still want a Thanksgiving dinner?

If you’re like me where I am staying in Boise & NOT cooking, you are probably wondering where to go to still enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.

• Pumpkin Pie

• Turkey

• Bread Rolls

• Ham

ALL THE THINGS!

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Ease the stress by heading to one of these restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether it’s buffet-style or 5-course meals, these places have you covered.  I strongly encourage you to make reservations because they will sell out!

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Owyhee Tavern

Type: Pre-fixed menu

Service Time: 12pm to 7pm

Make a reservation HERE



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Richards at Inn @500

Type: Pre-fixed menu

Service Time: 3pm to 7pm

Make a reservation HERE



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Trillium Boise

Type: Pre-fixed menu

Service Time: 6am to 5pm

Make a reservation HERE

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Barbacoa 

Type: Buffet Style

Service Time: 10am to 10pm

Call 208-338-5000 to make a reservation

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Riverside Hotel

Type: Buffet Style 

Service: 12:30pm to 5pm

Call 208-331-4949 to make a reservation

20 Fall Activities to Cross Off Your #BoiseBucketList

Fall is in full effect here in Boise. From the foliage, to the pumpkin patches, to the cool, crisp weather, there’s no denying Boise is an amazing place in Fall. Here are 20 activities I feel you should cross off your Boise Bucket List this fall:

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Do the Scarecrow Stroll @ Idaho Botanical Gardens:

Looking to see all types of scarecrows throughout a beautiful garden? Throughout the entire month of October, you can head over to the Idaho Botanical Gardens to checkout scarecrows created by local community organizations. You can vote for your favorite, as well as visit the pumpkin patch.

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 Linder Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Who doesn’t like a good corn maze and pumpkin patch? Linder Farms is wildly popular and a must-see place for fall. From hayrides to pumpkin patches to petting zoos – there is no doubt you will have your fair share of fall fun.  You can visit Linder Farms Corn Maze the entire month of October.

Source: Linder Farms

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Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival

For the entire month of October, you can visit Idaho’s “original corn maze.” Nestled in Meridian, the Farmstead Corn Maze gives its fans so many offerings, including the traditional hayrides, a huge slide, and the Field of Screams.

Hoptober Freshtival, Downtown Boise

Beer lover? Look no further. Boise Brewing is hosting its annual Freshtival in downtown Boise. You will have a variety of beers to choose from, games to play, and downtown Boise as your backdrop. Event is October 6.

GO VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH
Boise has its fair options for pumpkin patches. You can visit Linder Farms, the Farmstead Corm Maze, Idaho Botanical Gardens, or Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch and Tree Lot. Who else likes to carve pumpkins and roast the pumpkin seeds?

See Spot Run

On October 6, come out and support the Idaho Humane Society for its biggest fundraiser of the year! There will be lots of vendors, contests, and food to enjoy.

See a Classic Movie at the Egyptian Theater:

 This fall, Boise Classic Movies has some of your favs coming to the Egyptian Theater: Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hocus Pocus, and The Shining - just to name a few. What’s fun about going to see a classic movie is that attendees are encouraged to dress up. For more info and to purchase your tickets, visit: https://boiseclassicmovies.com.

Binge during the Idaho Horror Film Festival

If horror films are your thing, I strongly suggest you checkout the Idaho Horror Film Festival. Its 3 days of films across 10 venues.  All the binging you can take starts on October 11.

Crawl around Boise Bars for 2nd annual Crawl-o-Ween:  

Crawl-o-ween is back! Come bar hop with fellow bar hoppers dressed in your favorite Halloween costume. Event is on October 19th and starts at 8pm.

Go Apple Picking

Within driving distance from Boise, you can head to Emmett and enjoy picking your own apples. Candy Apple Orchard, Tyler’s Rocky Point Orchard, and Williams Fruit Ranch are examples of local places where you can go apple picking.

Hike Table Rock and See the Beautiful Fall Foliage

With all the amazing outdoor recreation, you cannot help but to be outside during this time. Seeing the leaves changes colors is one of my favorite parts of fall (aside from the cooler weather after a hot summer).  Hike up Table Rock (or any hiking trail, TBH) and enjoy the scenery.

Freak Out at Freak Alley

Freak Alley is one of Boise’s largest tourist attractions.  On October 5th, they are hosting their 1st annual fundraiser, a night where art, stories, and entertainment are combined.  The huge part is the story-telling from the artists, including a tale from the founder himself.  Click HERE for more info

No Escape at The Haunted World

Haunted World is proclaimed to be the scariest haunted house in Idaho. And I don’t doubt that! Since 2000, Haunted World has perfected the art of fear. It includes an indoor and outdoor haunted attraction. Tickets are only purchased at the door (NO online purchases). Click HERE to see for yourself. I will be going with a group - why not join me?! Join my New to the BOI Group for more info.

Become a bartender at Mai Thai’s Bartender School

Each month Mai Thai has hosted a bartender school, where you can learn how to mix our own craft cocktails. This fall, they are hosting a class on Sunday, October 28th called “Spooky Spirits.” Each attendee gets 3 cocktails, 3 appetizers, and enjoy learning how to mix drinks.  Follow Mai Thai on their Instagram page for more info.

Do a Halloween Boise Trolley Tour

Drive around Boise on the vintage trolley called Miss Molley Trolley. You will enjoy a narrative Halloween-themed tour for 90+ minutes. Tickets are $18. You can purchase your tickets HERE.

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Make sure you TAG @boise_bucketlist on Instagram or use the hashtag #boisebucketlist so I can share your adventures! Do you have ideas or suggestions of activities to cross off your Boise Bucket List? Email me at info@boisebucketlist.com