If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic, bleary-eyed after a summer concert at the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and thought: “this seems like a nice neighborhood,” then this is your reminder to go spend a day in Boise’s East End.
What to Know Before Going
It is a nice neighborhood, with some of the oldest and most expensive homes in Boise along Warm Springs Avenue. The East End boasts much of the history, comforts, and beauty of the Hyde Park and North End areas, but with less bustle.
It’s bordered by Fort Boise to the northwest, downtown to the west, the Boise River to the southwest, and the Boise Foothills all along its western edge.
Welcome to the East End, where even a walk through the neighborhoods is gorgeous! (Google Maps)
Start at The Roosevelt Market
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack, you’ve got to visit The Roosevelt Market. If you like restaurants owned by the Wylder Hospitality Group (The Wylder, Certified, Percy), then meet their quiet cousin.
The Roosevelt Market has changed hands for more than 30 years, and while it would be great to see more food options in the East End, it’s been served up as a gold standard for neighborhood cafes that the city wants to see more of under the modern zoning code.
Next Up: Hike, Golf, Swim, or Picnic
Hike Table Rock for the views, but don’t stop there. There are plenty of trails to try out, or just stick with the Greenbelt.
Spend an afternoon at Warm Springs Golf Course, one of Boise’s few public courses, which keeps the prices pretty reasonable. Keep your eyes peeled for elk that come down from the hills every day.
If you’re not keen on plunging into the river (which you shouldn’t do right now anyway), see if the Natatorium is open. It’s a public pool bubbling with history.
Wind down with a picnic. Stop by M&W, one of the smallest grocery market chains around, for some supplies, and head to one of the two parks that made City Cast Boise’s top five parks for adults.
Get Your Daily Greens
The reason the East End is so beautiful — and guaranteed to stay that way — is its abundance of green spaces. Take your pick(s):
- I won’t call you weird for visiting Pioneer Cemetery even if you don’t know anyone buried there.
- Visit the gem that is the MK Nature Center. It’s not just for kids, folks!
- Head to the Idaho Botanical Garden, where you can learn about local flora and fauna and take in the gorgeous gardens. It’s right next door to the Old Idaho Penitentiary if you’re in the mood for a little more learning.
- Hike around Chief Eagle Eye Reserve, one of the most sacred places in the Boise Valley for the Shoshone, Paiute, and Bannock peoples.
Saving the best for last: There’d be no better way to end your day in the East End than meeting Hank the Greenbelt cat.
