Travel Nurse Destination Spotlight: Boise, Idaho 

Has Boise, Idaho been on your must-see travel list? If not, it is time to officially add it. This city is full of culinary experiences and outdoor adventures for you to explore.

Read on and start planning what to do while on your next travel nursing assignment in Boise, Idaho.  

Indulge Your Inner Foodie 

This mid-size city has a large-size culinary scene with everything from gourmet donut shops, craft cocktail lounges, expert coffee roasters, to tasting-menu restaurants. This food scene isn’t just for you to try, it is for you to fully experience and indulge in all that the restaurants have to offer. Here are a few we think you will like. 

Are you up for a happy hour? Taphouse, a pub and eatery located in downtown Boise, is on the list of top happy hour spots to check out. With daily happy hour deals and trivia every Tuesday night, grab your friends and head out for a night of beers and games.   

Petite 4 prides itself on its whimsical experience of intimate dining with floor to ceiling green and gold décor in a renovated 50’s strip mall. This spot is perfect for a post-shift sip with an eclectic wine menu and fancy donuts to pair.  

Janjou Pâtisserie will bring all of your French pastry dreams to life. Locals rave about the butter croissant and quiche slices but you can also swing by for dessert if you are craving something sweet. This shop is locally owned by a family that named the restaurant after their mother so be sure to add it to your list and taste a touch of Boise.  

Plan a get-together with your co-workers at St Lawrence Gridiron in the spring or summer and take advantage of the outdoor patio for a warm weekend brunch. The menu explores the roots of American cuisine and has a variety of craft cocktails for all to enjoy.  

Find your Adventure 

Right outside of this mid-size city is more than 180 miles of outdoor adventure for hiking, running, biking, and more. Depending on the time of year and what type of outdoor excursions you prefer, there are so many ways to fill your time off and truly explore Boise. Check out some of the places we recommend.  

Bogus Basin is a non-profit recreation area destination 16 miles outside of downtown with a mission to provide accessible, affordable and fun year-round mountain recreational activities. If you are in Boise for the winter, hit the slopes to ski, snowboard, tube or ride the mountain coaster. Take a day off to take in all that the snow-covered mountains have to offer. For the warmer months, Bogus Basin offers so many outdoor activities to try including bungee trampolining, rock wall climbing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf and more.  

One Day Adventures

For a solo adventure on a day off of work, plan a date at the Idaho Botanical Garden. Admission allows you to roam around the garden and explore the outdoor garden art gallery. Pack a lunch and bring a book for a scenic stroll and a relaxing lunch date with yourself. The flowers are in full bloom May through July so plan a summer visit for the optimal experience!  

The Boise River Greenbelt is another option for a one-day adventure when not in the hospital. This park has a 25-mile tree-lined path that follows the river through the city. This creates scenic views all along the way. Bike the trail to soak it all in or add this park to your list for your next run. This will be a breath of fresh air to refresh you for your next long shift.  

There are actually three rivers in Boise, the Payette, the Snake and the Boise rivers that all run through out the town and water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of all these rivers have to offer. Boise Whitewater Park gives visitors the opportunity to kayak and surf – yes surf! This may surprise you for Idaho, but the park has a wave wall set up for endless waves. There is even a live cam feed you can check out here.  

Expand Your Creativity  

While in Boise, you can also explore the city’s art and history. Let these experiences expand your knowledge on your new home city.  

Boise Art Museum offers a visual art experience that will engage you through its exceptional exhibits. Schedule a group tour or check out their current exhibits and see what attracts you most. With a rotating collection, there is bound to be something you don’t want to miss.  

The Old Idaho Penitentiary is rich in history, housing prisoners as early as 1872, years before Idaho even became a state, and closing its doors in 1973.  The old prison is now open for tourists all year-round. It offers stories of daring escapes and scandals from some of the 13,000 prisoners to have lived within its cells. Including two of the most infamous being Harry Orchard and Lyda Southard. Plan a visit to the penitentiary to learn their stories.  

A truly unique experience while in Boise is to visit the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. This outdoor theater was established in 1977 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the first-ever performance.  Now, the stage is filled with emerging actors spotlighting regional playwrights’ work in the spring and summer months. A beautiful view of the mountains sits directly behind the stage, elevating the theater experience.  

Visit Boise, ID with Gifted Healthcare  

Set your sights on Boise, Idaho and sign a 13-week contract to immerse yourself in the destination. Apply now and get started on your next travel nursing adventure with Gifted Healthcare!