For old-world charm, visitors can stroll or cycle through this North End neighborhood. Neat bungalows line 13th Street, brushing up against sports stores, river guides, art galleries, interior decorators, antique shops and tasty restaurants like Lucky 13. Near downtown Boise but with a smaller neighborhood feel, Hyde Park is famous for its Hyde Park Street Fair. This small retail center deserves its place among favorite shopping haunts.

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 (reserve in advance). If you've had enough activity, relax on the green lawn and watch Frisbee-loving dogs show off.

Stretching from the Boise River to the Boise Ridge, the Ridge to Rivers Trail System offers hikers and mountain-bikers 75,000 acres of trails. Through the cooperative efforts of several government agencies, private landowners and other organizations, the trail system was created to preserve Boise's foothills. The old roads and trails allow for outdoor exploration conveniently from downtown Boise. Maps are available from the Boise Parks and Recreation, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Boise outdoor stores. Some of the easier trails to hike include #27 Cottonwood Creek, #28 Crestline Trail and #31 Corrals Trail.

Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters provides visitors the opportunity to explore the middle fork of the Salmon River, which includes over 80 rapids over 100 miles of river. June is the best month for experiencing white rapids, while July and August is best for a more relaxing trip where you can enjoy scenic views. The outfitter provides trips down the river on oar boats, paddle boats and kayaks for those who want to get in on the action.

A wonderful touring experience can be had "all aboard" Boise Trolley Tours. You can travel in an open-air trolley car and explore several local historic locations, including the Basque Block, Julia Davis Park, the Idaho State Capital and more. The trolley is available for charter as well as individual tour rides. Tours depart from the Kit Carson Cafe at 11a and 1p May through September. Please visit their website for more information.

Trees line the paths at this public course, designed for all golfing levels. Surrounded by mountain views, golfers enjoy well-maintained greens on a naturally hilly course. After a full day of golf, the Pub & Grill offers cool food and beverages, including wine and beer, homemade soups, hearty sandwiches and omelettes. Overheated golfers can escape the hot Boise sun by taking a dip in the club's pool. A pro shop, lessons and banquet facilities fill out the club's offerings. Check online for current deals.

Like a Las Vegas-style beacon in Idaho's sagebrush desert, this entertainment complex lights up the night sky. Neon, stretching seven miles, highlights this Boise anomaly. Its flagship business is the Edwards Boise Stadium 21 & IMAX. Ameritel Inn-Boise Spectrum also sits on the property, as well as several chain restaurants like the Cracker Barrel, McGrath's Fish House and the popular Chuck-A-Rama. The complex attracts families from all over the valley.

Colorful stock car racing is only a few minutes away from Boise. Entertaining car fans for decades, the Meridian Speedway offers a full racing schedule every Saturday from April through to the end of September. Whether you're into bombers, truck stock or super-modifieds, the speedway has a race that you'll love. Special events include motorcycle racing and monster truck demonstrations.

Responsible for housing more than 200 birds of prey, this wood and glass interpretive center stands out against Boise's flat southwestern fields. Visitors to the World Center for Birds of Prey can admire peregrine falcons, eagles, owls and California condors, or stroll through the grounds, crossing over a rocky creek on a wooden bridge. The 7,200-square-foot interpretive center features soaring wooden beams and colorful wildlife art. Volunteers answer questions and provide informational programs and workshops.

This 32,000-square-foot temple sits next to Interstate 84, but its soaring spires can be seen from even farther away. 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, a characteristic of many Mormon temples. According to Mormon beliefs, Jesus Christ will return through this door. Unfortunately, the interior of the temple is only open to church members.