Madison Shumway

Life Editor

Need a break from Pocatello? Consider a weekend trip to Boise.

Only a 3.5-hour drive from Pocatello, Idaho’s capital city is home to hip restaurants, quirky shops and a vibrant arts scene. Book an Airbnb, fill up your tank and check out these favorite spots in the biggest city in the state.

Eat

Dharma

Pairing its airy, minimalist decor with a minimalist take on ordering at restaurants, this downtown sushi and Thai joint offers an array of traditional Asian dishes and impressive vegan and gluten-free menus. Order your food on the iPad on the front counter—easily making any necessary dietary specifications—and pay with card only, then take a seat and wait for a server to call your name. Choose from sushi rolls, bowls, curries and banh mi sandwiches with names like Swagger and Apocalypse.

The Tortilla Factory

This casual Mexican eatery boasts massive burritos and a killer avocado salsa. Order and pay at the counter and receive your meal in a foil takeout dish.

“It’s like Cafe Rio, but better,” says one guest in line.

Dig into a hearty helping of sweet pork and sip on sugary-sweet horchata, surrounded by burnished copper fixtures and terra-cotta-and-tile mosaics.

Fork

The subject of rave reviews by TripAdvisor commenters and a Washington Post travel writer, Fork offers a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Exposed brick, warm lighting and a Pinterest-worthy open bar displays make for a cozy, yet indulgent, atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boise. In the evening, choose from salads, “sammies,” burgers and upscale entrees like Idaho rainbow trout or the Cast Iron Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle, or visit at brunch-time for avocado toast and mimosas. The real standout? A decadent salted caramel bread pudding that pairs perfectly with a scoop of pecan ice cream.

Play

Greenbelt

Winding parallel to the Boise River, this 30-mile network of trails and parks is perfect for an afternoon walk or bike ride. Enjoy the scenery of the City of Trees as you pass local cyclists and stroller-pushing joggers.

Capital City Public Market

A bustling affair between 8th and Jefferson, this weekly street market features vendors peddling local goods from baguettes to bracelets to barbecue sauce. The market is free to the public and lies within walking distance of the weekly Boise farmer’s market. Show up on Saturday and browse through fresh flowers, handmade clothes, leather goods and plenty of food.

Freak Alley

This vigilante art gallery is a required viewing for anyone who steps foot in city limits. Located just blocks from the state capitol building and nestled among restaurants and shops, the cinderblock walls of Freak Alley—a literal alleyway between a brunch spot and a boba joint—flaunt vibrant murals by local artists.

Above the dumpsters and gravelly pavement stare graffiti-style mermaids and sugar skulls, free to enjoy and easy to access from 9th and 8th Streets. The mural lineup changes periodically, so you’ll enjoy a new view every time.-

Treefort Music Fest

Each year, a team of passionate local organizers cobbles together a five-day festival of music performances, comedy sets, film screenings and panel discussions scattered around downtown. Treefort is Boise at its most vibrant, its assorted local artists joining forces for one week each spring. This year’s festival runs March 21-25 (aligning with ISU’s spring break) and features Tallahassee-based funk collective George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and Russian punk protest group Pussy Riot.