Ever thought about celebrating the New Year in the heart of Idaho? If not, it’s time to add this gem to your bucket list! We just wrapped up an amazing 6 Days, 5 Nights journey filled with holiday magic, scenic beauty, and unforgettable moments as a couple.
But here’s the best part—we’re spilling all the details! From our complete itinerary to the total trip costs, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter escape or looking to embrace the outdoors, this guide will give you everything you need to know for your Idaho adventure.
So, grab a warm drink ☕, and let’s dive into the experiences, tips, and stories that will inspire your next holiday getaway.
Day 1: Seattle to Boise – The Journey Begins
Our adventure kicked off with a flight from Seattle to Boise at 3 PM. Arriving at Seattle Airport at 12 PM, we enjoyed a quick lunch at the ClubSEA lounge. The lounge felt a bit crowded due to its small space, and the food was just average. Fortunately, Delta Airlines delivered with an on-time departure, and by 5:30 PM, we touched down at Boise International Airport, excited to begin our trip!
Instead of renting a car immediately, we opted for the economical and eco-friendly Bus #3 to reach the Hyatt Downtown Boise Hotel. The bus was conveniently located just outside the airport, cost only $1.50 per person, and saved us around $66 (rental car and parking fees). Plus, the bus driver was super friendly—welcome to Idaho hospitality!
Our hotel was perfectly situated near restaurants and Idaho’s iconic State Capitol, making it the ideal spot for New Year’s Eve festivities, including the famous Potato Drop. Though parking wasn’t free ($16/day), the location, comfy rooms, and stellar service made up for it. Pro tip: Request daily room cleaning, as the standard service is every three days.
Dinner was at Ginza Sushi, where the fresh flavors and excellent service left us fully satisfied. Rested and ready, we couldn’t wait to explore Boise the next day!
Day 2: Boise’s Historic and Culinary Treasures
The morning started leisurely with a bus ride to the airport to pick up our rental car. Navigating the rental car process was seamless. However, rental car return areas can be tricky to locate, even with modern mapping technology. While Google and Apple Maps are helpful for general directions, they might not precisely pinpoint the specific rental car return zone at airports or rental facilities.
Back in downtown, we grabbed lunch at Pie Hole, devouring their Potato Bacon Pizza. The restaurant space was small, so if you are in a group, prepare to order takeout/to-go. Next, we drove into history at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Admission was $8 per person, with optional guided tours for $2. Exploring the eerie solitary confinement cells, particularly the infamous “Siberia” section, gave us chills. There were 12 cells and each cell was 3 feet wide and 8 feet long (0.9 m x 2.4 m) for one inmate only. Built in 1926, these cramped, dark cells were a haunting glimpse into the past.
We ended the afternoon at Julia Davis Park, soaking in the serene sunset before treating ourselves to Idaho’s famous Ice Cream Potato at Westside Drive-In. Tip: Don’t leave Boise without trying this fun dessert! Dinner at Boise Fry Company rounded out the night, where we indulged in a variety of potato-inspired dishes before heading to the NYE Potato Drop. The giant potato, fireworks, and lively atmosphere made for a memorable start to 2025!
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| Julia Davis Park. Source: Marmarch |
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| Ice Cream Potato. Source: Marmarch |
Day 3: Snow Tubing & Artistic Adventures
On New Year’s Day, we embraced the snow at Bogus Basin Ski Resort. Snow tubing was a blast, even though the run wasn’t long. Tickets sell fast, so book online in advance and arrive on time. Tip: Arrive on time, as they have a limited time for each booking slot.
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| Bogus Basin Ski Resort & Snow Tubing. Source: Marmarch |
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After our snowy adventure, we explored Freak Alley Gallery, a vibrant outdoor display of street art. Dinner featured Idaho specialties like Huckleberry S’mores and Cauliflower Szechuan at Trillium Kitchen, followed by Idaho Poke from Paddles Up Poke—a perfect end to a chilly day.
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| Freak Alley Gallery. Source: Marmarch |
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| Huckleberry Smores |
Day 4: Bruneau Dunes & Stunning Sunsets
We hit the road for Bruneau Dunes State Park, just 1.5 hours from Boise. These ancient dunes, unchanged for 12,000 years, offered breathtaking views of surrounding lakes from the summit. Stargazing enthusiasts should plan a visit between April and October for observatory tours.
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| Bruneau Dunes States Park. Source: Marmarch |
Since Shoshone Falls was closed for renovations, we pivoted to Evel Knievel’s Snake River Canyon Jump Site. Arriving at sunset, we captured great views of the canyon. The paved paths and relaxing chairs along the rim made it an unforgettable stop. Just a heads-up: muddy entryways call for sturdy shoes!
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| Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon |
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| Snake River Canyon. Source: Marmarch |
Day 5: Twin Falls – Adventure Awaits
Our Twin Falls escapade began with dinner at Bake N Loaded Potato in Magic Valley Mall—because when in Idaho, you eat potatoes! The next morning, we explored Perrine Memorial Bridge, a stunning 486-foot structure spanning Snake River Canyon. Fun fact: It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where BASE jumping is legal year-round! We booked one night through vacation rental, and the process was seamless. It turned out to be a great choice for our stay!
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| Perrine Memorial Bridge. Source: Marmarch |
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| Perrine Memorial Bridge. Source: Marmarch |
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| BBQ Chicken & Bacon Ranch Potato |
Centennial Waterfront Park was our next stop. While summer offers kayaking opportunities, winter provided peaceful views and photo ops with the iconic Perrine Bridge. You’ll enjoy stunning scenic views along the way, and you’ll definitely spot a mini waterfall during your drive!
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| Centennial Waterfront Park. Source: Marmarch |
The journey back to Boise ended with a night at the Quality Inn Airport Hotel of Choice Privileges, ready for our early flight home on the sixth day by Alaska Airlines at 7AM. Our experience at this hotel was disappointing. We had to switch rooms twice, and there was no elevator, meaning we had to climb stairs to reach our room. We booked a King room, but when we tried to check in around 4 PM, it was still being cleaned. The first replacement room we were given had a strong smoking odor, so we had to change again. The second and final replacement room turned out to be a Double Queen, not what we had reserved, and the cleanliness was poor, with noticeable stains and hair on the bedsheets and pillows. We were too exhausted to request another change, as it required going up and down the stairs again. Thankfully, we only stayed for one night, and the heated indoor swimming pool and spa helped us unwind after our long day of adventures.
Budgeting for an Idaho Adventure: Our Expense Breakdown
For our 6-day, 5-night trip to Idaho, we focused on experiences over extravagance. Here’s how we managed our budget:
Where We Spent MostThe majority of our budget went toward comfortable, well-located accommodations.
Experiences, Not Shopping
We prioritize discovering new places and immersing ourselves in local culture over shopping. This helps us stay within budget and connect more deeply with each destination.
Local Flavors
We made sure to enjoy Idaho’s authentic dishes, savoring every local specialty we could find.
Why We Share Our Budget
We believe purposeful travel can inspire others to plan meaningful trips. By sharing our budget breakdown, we aim to show that travel is about memories, not overspending.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Boise’s charming downtown isn’t overrun with skyscrapers, making it perfect for a relaxed New Year getaway. The locals are warm and welcoming, and Idaho’s love affair with potatoes is both endearing and delicious! While we missed Shoshone Falls, every moment—from snow tubing to the Potato Drop—made this trip unforgettable.
Fun Fact: Idaho produces one-third of America’s potatoes. If locals consumed them all, each person would eat 55 potatoes daily!
Don’t forget to pack your adventurous spirit—and an appetite for potatoes! 🥔
How did you celebrate New Year’s? Share your experience in the comments—it might just inspire someone!
Mind, Money & Adventures 