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Gem State Camaraderie

Idaho’s capital city, Boise, is a friendly community with convenient meeting opportunities

By Amanda Christensen

Boise Centre
Boise Centre || Courtesy of Visit Boise

Boise, Idaho, embodies ease and accessibility with its campus-like environment comprising lodging, venues, and attractions all in proximity to each other. The state’s capital city is a vibrant canvas of historic neighborhoods like the Basque Block, a preserved area that many Basque immigrants from southwestern Europe called home in the 1800s. Boise also features more than 100 restaurants and bars, plenty of outdoor green space, and diverse venues for groups to gather.

Vibe: “We like to say that Boise is a city you would want to have a beer with,” says Carrie Westergard, executive director at Visit Boise. “That vibe reflects the people who live here. We’re a welcoming community that genuinely wants to get to know you and your group.” She also adds, “Boise is very walkable, easy to navigate, and clean. The Boise State University campus also is located in the middle of the city, giving Boise a lively, vibrant energy.”

Transportation: The Boise Airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown and provides nonstop routes from 26 cities nationwide. For those driving in, Interstate 84 runs right through the city, and several area hotels also offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Uber and Lyft, as well as regional buses, also are available for travel to and from the airport.

Boise || Courtesy of Visit Boise

Hotels: The Grove Hotel is connected to the expansive Boise Centre and offers 14,000 square feet of function space, The River-side Hotel has more than 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and Hotel Renegade opened last year and features 5,100 square feet of event space. Other meeting-friendly properties include the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise–Downtown, the Inn at 500 Capitol, and the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown.

Venues: Event venues in Boise range from traditional conference spaces and outdoor gardens to historic museums and even the Idaho State Capitol. Boise Centre accommodates up to 1,600 attendees, while the Idaho State Museum has 3,150 square feet of event space. Enjoy stunning outdoor backdrops at the Idaho Botanical Garden, or go stately by gathering in the first- or fourth-floor rotundas of the Idaho State Capitol.

Restaurants: When it comes to Boise dining experiences, Westergard recommends Anthony’s, which specializes in Northwest seafood; Bardenay, featuring a menu of Northwest fare and house-distilled spirits; Cottonwood Grille, serving up fresh, seasonal dishes; and Boise Brewing, offering a menu of pub fare and beers. All offer private dining. Other group-friendly outlets to note include Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, Trillium, and Barbacoa.

Must-Sees & -Dos: If attendees want some fresh air, consider a group excursion to Bogus Basin Resort, home to the Mountain Coast ride in summer and access to hiking and biking. Or, book with Boise Bicycle Tours, which takes groups around city landmarks and green spaces, including along the Boise River. Explore the area’s winery scene with Snake River Wine Tours, or add some thrill with Cascade Raft and Kayak. Season and Taste Cooking School provides “Chopped,” a timed team-building challenge based on the TV series during which attendees receive a basket of mystery ingredients they must turn into delicious entrees.

visitboise.com

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