Boise is a cool town. Sure, it's in Idaho, a state known for its ultra-conservatism and bathroom toe tapping politicians, but really that's not what we're all about. Really.
Mike and I went to the state capitol this weekend. We attended a concert Saturday —Filter, Coal Chamber, Combichrist and American Head Charge if you're curious — and then spent Sunday morning simply walking around down town.
As far as cities and state capitols go, Boise really is not that big, but when you are from a really small town like I am (Blackfoot, if you're curious), even little 'ole Boise is awe-inspiring. One of the first things that struck me as unique were all the people who were just hanging out, sitting outside coffee shops, not just soaking in the free Wi-Fi but the company of others and the peace of a Sunday morning as well.
There were so many little shops — restaurants with foods from most every ethnicity, night clubs (not bars, night clubs, and yes, there is a difference). There was a little hang out in a basement that featured an array of 80s arcade games. There was even a peanut store. Seriously.
There is a blend of history and modernism in Boise — hipsters and vegans sitting on the steps of a building that is well over a hundred years old. And it works.
People have preserved the history here. The city hall building has stone remnants from the original building on display, and the original offices of The Statesman (Boise-based newspaper) still has the small tiles spelling out it's name in the entry way.
