85. BOGUS BASIN TUBING, Boise, ID

Want to have some fun in the snow ?

Try out the Bogus Basin 800 foot downhill slide. The ride down the hill is fast and thrilling. One of the best things about the tubing is the ride back up. Just hook your tube and enjoy the view. A great time to go is in the evening to watch the sunset above the valley.

Helpful hint: Go online or call and reserve a time that you want to go. They have two hour sessions for $10.00. For more information check out their website http://www.bogusbasin.org/

84. MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL, McCall, ID

Snow Sculptures, parades, concerts, hockey, yummy pizza, Payette Lake frozen are just a few of the exciting this you can see during this week long celebration.

The scenic drive up on Highway 55 could fill the winter issue of National Geographic with shots of crisp fields of snow, quaint red barns, the majestic bald eagle and the Payette River. It doesn't stop there, McCall is a winter wonderland blanketed in snow, charm and decked out for this annual event.

This year the McCall Winter Carnival runs from January 28 to February 6th. 

The 46th year of festivities is celebrating "100 years of McCall"

Visit  www.mccallwintercarnival.com for the event schedule and snow sculpture map. 

 

78. O'FARRELL CABIN Boise, ID

The O'Farrell Cabin is located  at 450 W. Fort Street. The cabin is the oldest family home in the city and retains 85% its original construction. The O'Farrell family donated some land for the first Catholic Church in Boise. John A. O'Farrell was born in Ireland in 1823. His wife Mary Ann responsible for the first Catholic services in the valley. Services were held in the cabin for four years. (Information Courtesy of City of Boise.)

76. CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP, Boise, ID

On Sunday December 26th the Historic churches of Downtown Boise opened their doors to the public. Each church provided guides and information about their church. It was a self-guided tour to look at the Christmas decorations, view the different architectural styles and hear special music.

Inside St. John's on the corner of 8th & Hays

Construction of the St. John's Cathedral began in 1906

Boise First United Methodist Church

First Baptist Church

The St. Michael's congregation was organized in 1864.





Christmas decorations inside St. Michael's

It was interesting to learn about some of early history of the churches in Boise. The stained glassed windows are beautifully detailed. 

75. EGYPTIAN THEATER, Boise, ID

Photo courtesy of boisetheatre. netfirms

 Since 1927 this has been a place for shows in Boise. Located in 700 W Main St. in downtown Boise. The theater stands as a local landmark of the early days of theater. The building was modeled after King Tut's Tomb. The name of theatre has changed a few times from the Fox, to the Ada and back to the Egyptian.  If the walls could talk just imagine what stories we would hear.

During the Christmas season they play the movie, It's a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart.  The cost is one can of food or a bag of animal food. These donations are given to the Idaho Food Bank. The showing is over for this year but you can always put on your list for next year.

While I watching the movie on the big screen it made me reflect on how each of us can make a difference. It is the litte things that we do that make the greatest difference.

Merry Christmas!



    

74. MERIDIAN FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY BAZAAR Meridian, Idaho

 The Meridian Farmers Market is a great place to find a gift for friends and family or something fun for you. Today was the last day for the holiday bazaar but here are some of the local vendors.

 This is Susannah of Xuxa Jewelry who makes her own jewelry

 and you can find her on

Facebook, Etsy or email xuxajewelry@gmail.com .

 Zoie Fresh is homemade soap made with natural products.

 They have many  lovely scented soaps  from lavender to citrus. 

 These beautiful and tasty cookies were made by Becky Hays. She makes cookies for your special occasions.  You can contact her at abkhays@gmail.com or take a look at her blog http://www.beckybakesboise.blogspot.com/



73. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, All, ID

If you are out exploring Christmas lights head over to these neighborhoods for a spectacular light display set to the holiday music.

It fun, free and you don't even have to leave the warmth of your car.

The Hickories Subdivision off Five Mile is a great neighborhood filled with lots of great lights.

 Check out www.mccoychristmas.com for a specific address and details.

Check out the neighborhood above Simplots Hill, off Bogas Basin Rd. At 4403 N. Keldoon. The arch ways at this house are incredible.

  

Where do you go look at Christmas lights? Any great neighborhoods?

Is your house great? Leave your comments below. 

71. WINTER GARDEN A GLOW, Boise, ID

The Christmas season seems to bridge the age gap. Through holiday magic and Christmas cheer everyone is magically the same age. If you look back at your memories of Christmas I am sure you will find a memory or two that is illuminated with the glow of holiday light. Every year my family drove around listening to Christmas music and marveling at the joy of seeing houses decorated to the nines with Christmas lights.

This year the magical display of lights was more spectacular and more magical then ever. The 14th annual Winter Garden a Glow at the Idaho Botanical Gardens featured almost 250,000 sparkling lights, fresh roasted nuts, live music and a railroad train.

Open Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25 - Nov. 28, 2010
December 3 - January 9, 2011 

Open daily from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Gates do not open until 6 p.m. - Last admissions at 8:45 p.m.
Garden closes promptly at 9:30 p.m.

Adults: $8.00; Children 4-12: $4.00; Members: $4.00

Take the whole family on Monday night and get in for just $20.00 a car.

70. STAN'S, Boise, ID

Craving a hot dog? Frozen Custard? A delicious burger?

Bet you are now.

Give this place a try. I myself have only been there twice. The first time I met Stan himself he told me the best things to eat. I had a hot dog with Bronco sauce. Not really sure what it is and how it differs from chili but it was good. I'm a fan. A little pricey for a hot dog, but they are gourmet and well worth it.

The menu is full of beefy items perfect for the a sports fan appetite. Decorated with local high school banners, and of course many Bronco items.

Located in the Vista Village shopping center on Vista Ave. Stop in and have a bite.
When you are full you can roll yourself over to Lees Candies, Ceramica, The Dollar Tree
 and Idaho Camera. (These places might appear on the blog soon.)

Apparently everyone loves this place.

68. BOISE TUBA CHRISTMAS, Boise, ID

I know another event to put on you holiday calendar for next year. Think of this as your holiday resource guide for next year.

A 60+ tube and baritone band of local musician from high school and BSU band members, band directors and community members.  The half an hour performance included classic Christmas Carols-Deck the Halls, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Silver Bells, and Silent Night.

Yesterdays performances were held at 3:30pm in the Grove, and 4:30pm at the State Capital Rotunda.

Check out downtownboise.org in November for next years performance schedule. You can listen here for a sneak peek.

66. THE BOISE CHRISTMAS SHOW, Boise, ID

Looking for some Christmas gifts for family and friends? The Boise Christmas Show is one great place to find unique gifts for those special people in your life. They have a wide assortment from red neck bubble bath to fine jewelry.

The Christmas Show is going on from December 3rd -5th at the Expo Idaho building. It opens at 11:00 am morning. The cost $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and free for children under 12.   If you missed it this year you can put in on the schedule for next year.