This tree-filled avenue is home to some of Boise's first houses done in a graceful late 1800s architecture. Located near downtown Boise, these elegant mansions were the first in the United States to be geothermally heated. Stroll the neighborhood and find some of the best gems. The oldest home, built in 1868, is at 1035 Warm Springs Avenue. The first geothermally heated home, built in 1891, can be found at 1109 Warm Springs Avenue. At 929 Warm Springs Avenue, you come to a 1925 house built in the style of a British manor. All of the homes are private and are not open for tours.

Offering a view of the Boise River's underwater world, this unique and interesting center allows visitors to see what happens under the rippling surface of a river. Hands-on computers help visitors understand and learn about the complex world of a living river. This learning center is a must for both tourists and residents, especially if you are a science buff. You will leave the center with a new appreciation for science and river habitats. Student tours are also available.

This glass-fronted wood and concrete lodge overlooks the Boise Valley from its mountaintop location at the Bogus Basin. Offering a comfortable and cozy place for cross-country skiers to relax, the lodge also houses ski rentals and education programs. The Bogus Basin Nordic Center is surrounded by 32 kilometers of trails groomed for both classic and cross-country skiing.

Less than an hour drive from Boise is the nation's seventh largest forest, offering about 2.6 million acres of recreational opportunities. Towering ponderosa pine and Douglas fir dot the forest, located northeast of Boise. Home to Bogus Basin, the forest offers more than 70 campgrounds and picnic facilities. Fishermen haunt the streams and rivers looking for trout, while hunters seek deer. Mountain bikers and hikers explore the many trail systems and river kayak enthusiasts can enjoy the white water here. The main office with information is in Boise.

Bogus Creek Ranch, located in Meridian, offers a complete western experience for the entire family as well as out of town guests. Come for the Western Action Adventure Show in the summer or enjoy a Winter Sleigh Ride & Dinner at Bogus Basin in the winter. The Ranch is also perfect for corporate events, company picnics, weddings, receptions and fundraisers. There are events for all seasons, and the venue assists in all aspects of planning to give the customer a complete vacation package that fits any sized group or budget.

Visitors looking for a quick escape from the city should check out this large park just 8 miles east of Boise. You can build sand castles or enjoy a picnic at Sandy Point at the base of the Lucky Peak Dam. Cyclists can bike to the park on the Boise River Greenbelt. Known as one of the best parks in the Northwest, the area also offers fishing, boat ramps and watching wildlife.

The mission of this catholic community is not only to spread the word of God, but to also spread knowledge. Apart from organizing fundraisers, it also runs educational courses for children and adults. In the summer months, Our Lady of Rosary Church organizes camps for kids and families. The church also organizes youth meets and has its own choir group. Check the website for daily mass schedules.

The original 1860s courthouse had a first floor jail that allowed prisoners to strike up conversations with passersby. Now, those laid back days are gone. Today, the 1939 Ada County courthouse, built by the Works Progress Administration, is an austere nine-story edifice. Designed by well known Boise architects Tourtellotte and Hummel, the building is fashioned from Indiana limestone in the Starved Classical style, resembling an Art Deco style.

Hugging the Boise River, this park invites visitors to take a dip in the river's blue waters. Most visitors accept the invitation, with about 250,000 people beginning Boise's summer river-rafting ritual at the park. But river-rafting is not the only attraction. Fox, muskrat and beaver make the park their home. Developed sections of the park provide wildlife-viewing opportunities and educational information. Picnic facilities are scattered throughout the park. If you don't feel like packing a lunch, a concession stand is also available.

A creative venue showcasing current and future talent, Visual Arts Collective is a fine arts gallery exhibits work in the visual and performing arts, including music, theater and film. Shows like Exonerated, SuperDelicious, Hubris are hosted at this venue. The venue attracts the creative crowd of Boise and is a great opportunity to discover new talent. Check out the website for future exhibits.