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The City of Trees welcomes its high-tech future but remains as grounded as the surrounding high desert and velvet
 Starved Classical structure |
514 West Jefferson Street Boise, ID 83702 United States |
The original 1860s courthouse had a first floor jail that allowed prisoners to strike up conversations with passersby. Gone are those laid back days. Today the 1939 courthouse, built by the Works Progress Administration, is an austere nine-story edifice. Designed by the well-respected Boise architects, Tourtellotte and Hummel, the building is fashioned from Indiana limestone in the Starved Classical style, which resembles Art Deco architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Schmidt |
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Oldest temple west of Mississippi |
11 North Latah Street Boise, ID 83706 United States +1 208 343 6601 http://www.ahavathbethisrael.org/ |
This Moorish-style synagogue is small in size but dripping in history. Built in 1896, it has the honor of being the nation's oldest continually-used temple on the western side of the Mississippi. Former Idaho Governor Moses Alexander, the first Jewish governor in the United States, was instrumental in the temple's founding. The architects tried to copy a Toledo, Spain temple, and their success is obvious with a distinctively Spanish feel in the synagogue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Soaring spires up to 112 feet |
1211 South Cole Road Boise, ID 83709 United States +1 208 322 4422 |
This 32,000-square-foot temple sits next to Interstate 84, but its soaring spires can be seen from a distance. Reaching 112 feet into the sky, the tallest spire stands in front of the church, and a bubbling fountain is nearby on the well-kept grounds. Opened in 1984, the Temple's speckled walls surround the building. Be sure to walk to the eastern side of the building where you will find a hidden door found in many Mormon temples. According to Mormon beliefs, Jesus Christ will return through this door. Unfortunately, the Temple's interior is open only to church members. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Football, track and much more |
1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 United States +1 208 426 1408 http://www.broncosports.com/ |
This university stadium looks like any other until you see the turf. It is blue! Located on the campus of Boise State University and home to the BSU Bronco Football Team, this popular stadium is also used by many other athletic teams. In the fall football dominates, but come spring nimble tracksters sprint around the track or arc a javelin across the field. In June the stadium becomes the focal point for local high school graduations. The 20,000-seat stadium was dedicated to Lyle Smith, a former BSU football coach with a history for winning teams. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Casey Thielges |
 Photo: Jesse Spector |
 Climb the hump |
1200 Heron Street (13th and Heron streets) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 384 4240 |
Nestled in the North End, this popular park rises like a camel's sandy hump in the high desert. To really appreciate the park, bring your walking shoes and get your heart rate up with a vigorous hike to the top. It stretches out below you from the tree-lined North End streets to the prairie like desert and craggy Owyhee Mountains in the distance. After your climb, grill some burgers and play a set of tennis at the public courts. If you've had enough activity, relax on the green lawn and watch Frisbee-loving dogs show off. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brandon Dalton |
 Photo: oddivy |
 Photo: George Privon |
 Photo: Valerie Davenport |
 Photo: Chris Murphy |
 Photo: Corey Nasman |
 Luxury hotel in heart of downtown |
245 South Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 333 8000 / +1 800 426 0670 |
Imagine stepping out of your hotel room and continuing across the hall into your seat for an exciting hockey game, big name entertainment or professional convention. Connecting with the 5,000-seat multi-use Bank of America Centre, this luxurious hotel is also located in the center of downtown shopping and activities. The hotel's large, elegant lobby includes comfortable lounge seating areas, a bar and the hotel's signature dining room, Emilio's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Photo: Lynda True  |
 Photo: Sarah Stowers |
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Activity-packed park |
700 South Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States |
Boise's oldest park brims with activities. Named after an early Boise resident who died in 1907, the park offers Zoo Boise, rose gardens, museums, and the Boise River Greenbelt pathway meandering next to the Boise River. A bridge crosses the river to Boise State University where you can continue your explorations. The 87-acre park even offers boat rentals at the lagoon. The park is located within walking distance to downtown Boise, between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Rigsby |
 Photo: Wade Dorrell |
 Photo: picmax@flickr |
 Photo: Jasperdo |
 Photo: Steve Hulme |
 Photo: John Sumsion |
 Photo: Bryan Lass |
 Photo: Amy Wang (huimei98) |
 Photo: terronzo |
 Photo: Lea Driever |
 Photo: Michael |
 Photo: Tan Kok Hui |
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Learn about fire-fighting technology |
3833 South Development Avenue Boise, ID 83705 United States http://www.nifc.gov/ |
Idaho is often ravaged by summer forest fires, so it is appropriate that this wildland-firefighting support center is located in Boise. Founded in 1965, the facility houses equipment that helps firefighters across the western United States, including Alaska. During the free tours, visitors learn about special equipment for detecting lightning storms and the role of smokejumpers. The Wildland Firefighters Monument pays homage to firefighters with poetry along the pathway and statues by Larry Nowlan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bob Minton, Boise ID |
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Tour an old frontier prison |
2445 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, ID 83712 United States +1 208 368 6080 |
The "Old Pen" is a view of prison life in the West over the span of 100 years. The castle-like fortress was built in 1870 and was enlarged over the years, often with prisoner labor, until 1973 when a new prison replaced this one. Visitors take a 90-minute tour through solitary confinement cells, death row and the gallows. It is also the site of Idaho's only hanging in 1957. The building also houses several museums within the museum. Admission fees: USD5 for adults, USD4 for seniors and USD3 for kids (6-12). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bob Minton, Boise ID |
 Photo: Peter Thody |
 Photo: Charles W. Voll |
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Idaho's largest cathedral |
775 North 8th Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 3511 |
Descriptive stained-glass windows accent this 800-seat cathedral. Idaho's largest cathedral stretches across an entire city block and has ceilings that soar up to 50 feet, but its size does not detract from its simple elegance. Warm, rich tones light the interior and intricate paintings climb the walls. Opening in 1921, the sandstone cathedral follows a Romanesque design, based on a Mainz, Germany cathedral. Even though the cathedral underwent a restoration in 1979, it retains an old-world feeling. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Photo: Fr. Mariusz Majewski |
 Boise River golfing |
2495 Warm Springs Avenue Boise, ID 83712 United States +1 208 343 5661 |
Following the Boise River, this golf course offers city golfing close to downtown and most of the major hotels. Attractive homes line the course and the Boise River Greenbelt twists along next to it. Sensibly laid out, the course poses few problems except for the occasional tree. Facilities include a putting green, driving range, practice bunker, golf shop, cafe and lessons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |