Why Boise Should Be Your Next Girls’ Trip Destination

Created in partnership with Hello Meridian and The Traveling Spud.

I’ve been writing about traveling to Boise for 10 years and have narrowed down what an elevated ladies’ weekend here should look like. Idaho’s capital city isn’t the obvious choice for a girls’ trip, and that’s exactly why it works. You’re not dealing with crowds that feel manufactured or places that are trying too hard to impress you. What you get instead is a weekend that feels full without overplanning. You can spend an entire day downtown without needing a car, moving easily from one place to the next, and then the following day, you’re in wine country, where everything slows down and stretches out. Come along on a recent trip for ideas and inspiration for your next girls’ getaway.

Day 1: Arriving in Downtown Boise

Before checking into our hotel, we had lunch at Ansots, a fantastic introduction to Boise.

The Basque community here is deeply established, and Ansots reflects that beautifully and simply. It’s been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and still feels grounded in its roots. The space is small and rustic. You’re there for food that locals have been enjoying for years.

We ordered a mix of sandwiches, croquetas, and house-cured meats, with Spanish wine and Basque cider. The flavors are bold, the portions are meant to be shared, and the pacing of the meal naturally slows you down.

After lunch, we checked into The Avery Hotel + Brasserie. The Avery offers boutique sophistication in the heart of downtown. Once you’re there, you can walk to dinner, drinks, shops and back to your room without ever breaking the flow of the night. Inside, the design leans classic but not heavy—with good lighting and clean lines while staying true to its historic nature. If a soaking tub suite is available, book it. The Avery also offers some of the best dining in town (reservations are recommended).

Downtown Boise is compact, making it easy to wander from one place to the next, which is ideal for the kind of girls’ trip where the goal is to enjoy time together and be a little spontaneous.

We stopped into Hearts on Fire Books, a store entirely dedicated to romance novels. The shelves are filled with every version of the genre, and the staff know exactly what they’re recommending. It’s a space you end up staying longer than planned.

From there, we moved through boutiques and vintage shops, picking up things that felt local instead of generic. We spent time at House of Wine, talking through bottles and asking questions to their educated staff.

It’s not a trip to Boise without a stroll through Freak Alley Gallery. Large-scale murals line the alleyways, and the work rotates often enough that it never feels static. It’s built into the rhythm of downtown, making it easy to add to your itinerary.

We went back to The Avery to freshen up, then walked downstairs for a tantalizing, sophisticated dinner and finely curated drinks. Michelin-star-chef-led, the menu leans French, and the focus stays on quality ingredients and clean preparation. I’ve never had a meal here that wasn’t extraordinary.

After dinner, we wandered into the adjoining Tiner’s Alley Tavern, a low-lit bar with a tucked-in feel. Settle into a booth, order a round, and stay for a while without feeling rushed.

We ended the night at Thick as Thieves, a speakeasy where the lighting and pace drop even lower and slower. The drinks are strong, and the space is a vibe. Reservations are encouraged.

Day 2: Winetasting & Mexican Cuisine in Caldwell

The following morning, we walked next door to Stardust for brunch. The space has a clear Mad Men influence, from the seating to the lighting to the overall pacing of the room. We like coming here because they offer brunch every day (except Wednesdays). The martinis are good enough to justify ordering one earlier than you normally would, and the food holds its own alongside it. Pick the patio on warm days and watch the city walk by.

For our day of winetasting at Sunnyslope Wine Trail, we booked a guided tour with Snake River Wine Tours, which picked us up right in front of our hotel. There are several wine tours in the area, but Snake River gets you into wineries and experiences that most others don’t. Featuring luxury vans with great tour guides, the overall experience is a step above, and the best part is you don’t have to drive, plan a route, or manage timing. You simply step into the van, and the day unfolds from there.

Within about 45 minutes, you’re in wine country, and the landscape opens up. Vineyards stretch out across rolling hills, and the quieter roads lead from one tasting room to the next. The first stop was Koenig Vineyards, where the views are wide and the seating invites you to stay. The place is very Instagrammable, offering European vibes with a romantic barrel room. The Syrah stands out if you’re looking for a bottle to take with you.

From there, we continued to SCORIA Vineyards. A smaller, beautiful space with an intimate tasting room and a solid lineup of wines, including Malbec, Syrah and Grüner Veltliner.

Next, we toured Gem 73 Winery, which is built directly into the hillside, with multiple levels, private rooms and dedicated spaces for tasting and blending. It was still under construction, but it provided a clear sense of what it will become and its prospective effect on Idaho’s wine-travel scene.

We ended at Devil’s Bedstead Winery, where the cabernet is the obvious order. The setting is serene, relaxing and made for lingering. It was the perfect last stop after a long day of tasting and laughing.

When you’re in the Caldwell area, eating at Amano is imperative. Honestly, it’s required if you are anywhere in the state. Amano serves Mexican cuisine so elevated and intentional that it has been featured in The New York Times’ 2023 Best Restaurants list. In 2025, owner-chef Salvador Alamilla won a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mountain Region. It’s spectacular. Dress up, explore the menu, and expect to experience something different from a typical Mexican restaurant. For a nightcap, head upstairs to CAN Coctelería.

Full and happy after a fun day, we headed back to the hotel to soak in the tub, then crash into the soft blankets.

Day 3: Checking Out + One Last Bite

After sleeping in and checking out of The Avery, we walked over to Bittercreek Alehouse for lunch. The patio is the move if the weather is good. You get a full view of the 8th Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only corridor lined with restaurants and shops. The beer list is one of the strongest in Boise, with a rotating selection that leans heavily into regional breweries. The staff knows what they’re pouring, which makes it easy to try something new without guessing. The menu features pub fare sourced intentionally from Idaho farms, dairies and bakeries. Try the Bittercreek Burger with fries and make sure to ask for fry sauce—a classic Idaho condiment.

This is how you end your Boise girls’ trip after two amazing days with urban and wine-country experiences. You will need a full day just to organize the photos for your Instagram dump.