I stay at the Riverside Hotel, cozily on the lower level with a patio that opens to the pool—perfect for the kiddos to splash around. My morning ritual? A quick stop at the Riverside Grill in the hotel for my essential one cup of coffee. I’m not one to splurge, but I don’t waste time getting that caffeine into my system!

 

For breakfast, we head over to The Huck House. It’s got something for everyone: traditional fare for the purists and hipster delights for the adventurous. Come lunchtime, my family’s love for authentic Mexican cuisine takes us to the cherished Taqueria sol de Jaliscos. It’s a little family-owned joint that’s stolen our hearts.

 

Dinner is a hearty affair at The Hit List, where we indulge in their fabulous burgers and sandwiches—perfect for a family feast without breaking the bank. After eating, we love to play and explore the greenbelt, biking and stopping at various parks along the riverside paths.

 

When it comes to music, I can’t help but plug Potter Wines. We’re all about supporting local talent and only feature musicians who play their original songs. It’s truly a place to witness brilliance. For crafts and shopping, my daughter and I can spend hours lost in the wonderland of Quality Art.

 

For a bit of unusual family bonding, we head to Section 37 Axe Room. And when I need to find my center, a meditative walk along the greenbelt is my sanctuary. As for exercise, you’ll find me at Asana Climbing Gym, challenging my kids to a race to the top of the wall. It’s all about living and loving life in our little corner of the world!

 

Check out family-friendly entertainment in -> Garden City.

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In Garden City, my stay-and-play itinerary is an absolute adventure! I always opt for the Riverside Hotel, starting my days with a delightful cup of coffee from White Cloud. Breakfast is a treat at The Riverside Grill, and by lunchtime, I’m savoring the wholesome offerings at ROOTS Market. Dinner becomes a special occasion at Sofia’s Greek Bistro in the Plantation Shopping Center.

To stay active, depending on how my day shapes up, I might enjoy a session at YogaSix. For retail therapy mixed with creative exploration, I find myself at the Plantation Shopping Center, browsing through stores like D&B Supply and Ross, and engaging in artistic endeavors at the Board & Brush Creative Studio. On pleasant days, the Greenbelt Market is my chosen retreat. This scenic spot along the Boise River offers excellent food and drinks and a panoramic view and hosts weekly events like beer and wine tastings. As an artist and crafter, I’m particularly drawn to The ReUse Market, a treasure trove of materials.

My journey often leads to the Sapphire Room at the Riverside Hotel in the evening. Here, I relax to the sound of live music sessions, which vary from Jazz to Bluegrass, all in a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Adding to this is a must-visit to the Idaho Pinball Museum, where I immerse myself in their interactive collection of pinball machines. This diverse and engaging itinerary makes my stay in Garden City vibrant and memorable.

Check out more “Places to Shop” in Garden City.

My staycation day in Garden City is an eclectic mix of local flavors and activities. I start my mornings with a fresh coffee from Moxie Java on Chinden. But no staycation is complete without breakfast at Merritt’s Family Restaurant. Their world-famous scones and authentic country diner breakfast are a must for me.

Come lunchtime, I head to Black Moon, a cozy spot on Chinden Boulevard, where I indulge in their delicious pizza, sandwiches, and salads, accompanied by a selection of beer and wine. For dinner, it’s Garibaldi’s for me. Their authentic Mexican cuisine in Garden City is simply unbeatable.

For my family, playtime is a cherished part of our staycation, and it often means heading to the Greenbelt. Together, we enjoy walking, biking, swimming, or just exploring. The endless possibilities along the scenic Boise River provide the perfect backdrop for our family adventures. It’s our unique way to connect while enjoying the area’s best wildlife. Music is another passion, and catching a concert at Revolution Concert House is a highlight. It’s an exhilarating experience I look forward to as a part of a special night out as often as possible.

As a baseball enthusiast, an evening at a Boise Hawks game is an essential outing. We relish the simple joys of hotdogs, popcorn, and cold drinks while cheering from the third base line at Memorial Stadium.

My staycation in Garden City isn’t just about relaxation and fun; it’s about experiencing the best the city offers in its unique way.

Check out more -> Things to Do.

My staycation would begin with booking a charming Airbnb in the scenic Garden City. I’d kick off my mornings with a delightful coffee beverage at my beloved Push & Pour, where I always savor a hemp milk matcha. I appreciate the festive atmosphere adorned with local artistic photos and the friendly pups that frequent the place for their morning libations and visitations.

The day begins with a delightful breakfast of chilaquiles at Taqueria Las Brazas, a place renowned for its authentic flavors and hearty portions. The perfect start to any morning, their chilaquiles are a must-try for anyone seeking a traditional taste of Mexican cuisine.

My staycation would undoubtedly include visiting Project Flux, a remarkable performing arts nonprofit organization that nurtures a collaborative environment among artists, free from hierarchy, to create immersive experiences. I might catch a performance or participate in a community class, depending on my mood and the day’s schedule.

To fuel my creative side, I’d explore the ReUse Market, an eco-friendly haven for affordable materials for my artistic projects. Then, I’d indulge my passion for art at Zion Warne Studio, renowned for its colorful glass creations and special themed collections.

For lunch, I’d opt for pre-ordered take-out from Big K BBQ. Their menu is a feast of flavors with tender smoked ribs, mouthwatering pulled pork, scrumptious chicken, and delicious beef. The sides are just as tempting, featuring Smotatoes, BBQ beans, bacon-jalapeño mac & cheese, potato salad, and Carolina cole slaw. Known for their top-notch to-go orders and catering, Big K BBQ is the ideal choice for a satisfying midday meal to feed my crew. To wrap up the day, I’d mosey on over to Westy’s Bowling Lanes for a family-filled afternoon of fun, offering bowling lanes, pool tables, and video arcade games.

In the afternoon, I might partake in a sound bath and meditation at the Garden City Library, attending a session presented by Soundwell Boise. Skilled ambient musicians would weave together calming tones using crystal singing bowls, steel tongue drums, bronze gongs, ambient guitars, musical chimes, and Native American flutes, creating an immersive and tranquil experience. Afterwards, I could drop in for a class at Studio Move, where they offer a variety of dance, barre, and yoga classes for both adults and youth — a perfect way to stay active and engaged. Meanwhile, the guys might head to Cadillac Matt’s Barber Shop for some fresh fades, enjoying their own kind of pampering and relaxation.

This diverse range of activities makes for an enriching and balanced afternoon for everyone. To conclude my well-rounded dream staycation, I’d savor a dinner of Birria tacos at Tacos El Rey and dance the night away at The Farm, a perfect spot for fun and dancing.

Check out the -> Where to Stay page and Airbnb locations in Garden City.