The typical tourist attractions in Boise are sure to entertain whether you’re staying for a day or a week, but if you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, the area’s attractions off the beaten path can make a trip truly special.

Though it may not jump off a label like Bordeaux or Sonoma, Idaho is nevertheless home to a collection of vineyards producing award-winning bottles. Most of the vineyards are located just to the south-west of Boise in what has come to be known as “Idaho’s Wine Country,” and all of them offer tasting sessions and tours. Ste. Chapelle Winery , the largest in the region (located in Sunny Slope, about 30 miles outside the city), is open to visitors seven days a week and affords guests fantastic views of the Snake River valley as well as great wine and complementary tours. Come during the summer for picnicking on the grounds and a full bill of summer concerts.  

Also worth the ride (it’s just a short drive up Highway 21) is Idaho City , once the largest city in the Northwest during the boomtown days. Now, the city operates largely as a museum, offering a full calendar of events and tremendous views of the Idaho countryside.