From building your wardrobe to sussing out your neighbor’s politics, Boise has some quirks that can take some time adjusting to. The City Cast Boise team has oft-unspoken guidance for you, whether you’re brand new to town or want to try some new things.
🥾 Invest in Good Footwear
Among the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in Boise, a good pair of trail shoes will serve a lot of purposes. Beware the people with niche outdoor obsessions who “can’t believe” you don’t have a custom rock climbing harness, but a solid pair of trail shoes is a worthwhile investment.
“One of the bigger delights of Boise, the whole point of it really, is access to nature. You can get to really good trails really, really quickly, but boy those trails wear your shoes out,” Boisean and Vulture culture critic Nick Quah said. “This might not seem like a walking city, but you’ll be doing a lot of walking outside of the city. Get some trail shoes.”
🍺 Try the Breweries
Even if you think they’re not for you. I’m not trying to sell you on beer — the people you meet at said breweries will take care of that — but breweries are a big part of the local culture and economy. They’re a great way to meet people, and learn the vibe of a neighborhood.
🌱 Quick Tips for New Boiseans
- As City Cast Boise podcast host Lindsay Van Allen testifies, it’s alright to be “casually outdoorsy.” This town is full of adventure fiends, which is great, but it’s OK to stick to your backyard squirrel feeder, too.
- Don’t skimp on sunscreen on your inaugural trip to the Sawtooths — the elevation will have you feeling like a bug under a magnifying glass in the sun.
- We love Boise, but it is a small city. There are some things (big nightclubs, rail systems, and anonymity, chiefly) that you need to travel to bigger cities for, and that’s just part of life here.
- For those new to the desert, you’ll need to seek out greenery, depending on where you live. We’ve got a few ideas for nature walks right here in town.
