Mountain View
Stuart Gustafson
Updated — July 23 was National Hot Dog Day
UPDATED September 8, 2021. Yes, July 23 was National Hot Dog Day. I was just told about another place that has quite the selection of gourmet Hot Dogs, there are 14 on the menu that I just looked at online for Twisted District Brew Company at 3840 Chinden Boulevard in Garden City. I haven't been there yet since I was just told about it this afternoon. But with names like Ring of Fire, Garden of Eden, and The Pool Boy (and many other interesting names), these dogs beg for tasting.
Really Good Mexican Food is Not as Easy to Find in Boise as You Would Think
With the varied and vibrant community that we have here in the Treasure Valley, you (that’s the proverbial you, not meaning actually “you”) would think that it would be super easy to find outstanding Mexican food here in Boise. After all, Boise is the largest city as well as the capital city of the Great State of Idaho.
Finding Good Pizza From a Local Business in Boise is Pretty Easy
Just like the saying that everyone has an opinion, I think it is also true that everyone has their own idea fo what makes a good pizza. Or what makes a pizza good. We are certainly not short of places in Boise to find pizza, whether it’s from the national chains or the local eatery. We all know of the big national chains, and we either like them for taste, convenience, or price. But I think that the local pizza companies come out on top when you consider flavor, variety, and “keeping it local.”
CopenRoss Growlers – Soon to Be Your Favorite Pub in Boise Where They'll "Know Your Name"
CopenRoss Growlers on Overland Road in BoiseStuart Gustafson. Those of us old enough to have watched Ted Danson, et. al., in the hugely popular television series “Cheers,” knows that the most memorable line from its theme song was, “where everyone knows your name.” It’s unlikely that the staff at CopenRoss Growlers on Overland Road in Boise will ever know everyone’s name, but they will know your favorite beverage after just a few visits.
NIFC Doesn’t Just Fight the Wildfires In and Around Boise
While many people don’t think of Boise, Idaho, as the center for anything really important (even though several major national corporations have been established here), summer and fire season usually bring one national organization to the forefront — the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The Idaho Veteran’s Cemetery in Boise Honors Those Who Served
The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise is set on North Horseshoe Bend Road, just about as far north and east as you can go and still remain within the Boise city limits. Although the address is on North Horseshoe Bend Road, that is the office. The cemetery itself is east of that location; it’s easy to find.
Get Your Next Pet from the Humane Society in Boise — Here Are Three Reasons Why
Many of my friends like certain breeds of animals; I get that. I’m not talking about large farm-type or really exotic animals; I’m talking about domesticated house-type animals—you know, dogs and cats. Sure there are plenty of other types of house pets: ferrets, birds, rats, snakes, etc. My daughter has had probably a dozen rats as pets; that’s fine. They’re quiet, neat, they just don’t live very long. Perhaps that’s why rats are used in laboratory experiments. But that’s another topic.
Housing Prices Won’t Decease Any Time Soon in Boise — Here’s Why
Quick question for you: “What is the most common sign you see in the front yard of houses in Boise?”. If you answered, “For Sale,” you are wrong. That used to be the case, where houses would get listed in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and then the listing agent would have a For Sale sign planted in the front yard. Most Real Estate agents have gotten away from what used to be the standard sign, like the one below.
What Happened to Bogus Basin? It’s Not There Anymore!
While that photo above isn’t the same view I have of Bogus Basin in the winter, I am able to see it through the barren neighborhood trees while standing in my backyard. Maybe some of the pines are highlighted in green, although most will be solid white right after a nice snowfall. And at night, the lights shining the way of some runs form a nice curvy line. Bogus is a great activity to have so close to town in Boise.
It’s Hot in Boise — And It’s Not Going to Be Cooling Off Any Time Soon
The image above is from Sunday evening July 11 for the Boise, Idaho, area, and it doesn’t look good. Admittedly, there are places farther west that are having hotter temperatures, and I hope the people there are able to stay comfortable and also take proper care of their pets. It says that there is an “Excessive Heat Warning” in effect from now until 9:00 PM on Monday evening — that’s 22+ hours from now as I’m writing this.
It’s Barbecue Time in Boise — Briquettes, Wood, or Propane?
Although there is no bad time to barbecue in Boise (I even do it when it’s snowing or raining, thanks to a patio cover), most people think of summer when thought turn to having a barbecue. Of course, there is Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and maybe even Labor Day. But you really don’t have to have a special occasion to light up the grill and “throw some shrimp on the barbie,” as they might say in Australia. [Note: Australians say “prawns,” by the way, not “shrimp.”] Whether it’s shrimp, steaks, hamburgers, brats, wieners, corn, potatoes, sliced vegetables — it seems that everything tastes better when it’s cooked on the barbecue.
The Sun is Out in Boise, and So Are the Sunflowers!
It is HOT in Boise, Idaho, as it is in most of the West Coast in this early part of July. We just missed setting a new consecutive day record of triple-digit temperatures when we only hit 99 a few days ago. Ah, but that was just a brief respite as we are back over 100, and we’re expected to stay that way for a while.
Mani, Pedi -- Get Them and More at Your Favorite Boise Day Spa
Manicure, pedicure, body massage, scalp massage — who doesn’t like to get pampered? It’s so relaxing, and you do feel (and look) better afterward. Many travelers splurge on these luxuries when they go on vacation; I see it all the time at the resorts in Cabo San Lucas. But how many indulge at home? Or is it only a “vacation” thing?
What’s Your Favorite Hobby Store in Boise?
I remember going into a hobby shop as a teen. There were all sorts of model car kits, airplane kits, electric trains, kites, and everything you’d need to put them together. You could even buy paints without needing an adult present! Times have changed, but, then, times are always changing. The definition of a hobby shop has probably also changed. If a pastime is something you like to do, then that is likely your hobby.
Raise Your Hand if You Like Ice Cream in Boise
It doesn’t take a genius to know that our string of triple digit temperatures here in Boise and much of the Pacific Northwest makes it an ideal time for ice cream. I’ve already seen many shaved ice huts re-appear after their fall-winter-spring hiatus in various parking lots. While shaved ice with its flavored juices poured over the top are a big summer hit, ice cream has a year-round appeal to many people.
What Will it Take to Ban Illegal Fireworks in Boise and All of Idaho?
I realize that the title sounds, perhaps, silly. If something is illegal, then it would seem that it is already banned. Because to make something illegal means there must be some law, some statute, that says you are not allowed to have it, do it, etc.
Boise State Grad Oh-So Close to 3rd PGA Victory
Troy Merritt celebrates after a hole-in-onegolfmagic.com. Troy Merritt looked every bit in a Fourth of July mood on Sunday, July 4th, at the Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA tournament in Detroit, Michigan. The stars were out, and Troy wore a bright red shirt that was tucked into his blue slacks and a wide white belt. There was no question he was ready to celebrate. He was tied for the lead going into the fourth round with Chile’s Joaquin Niemann at 14 under par.
Have a Ball Bowling in Boise and Surrounding Area
Bowling used to be for “old fogies” who had nothing else to do on a week night but get together at the bowling alley to eat burgers and fries, drink a beer or coffee, and tell stories. Oh, they would occasionally also throw the bowling ball down the alley hoping to knock down all ten pins. They had matching shirts with the team name emblazoned on the back, and there were loud cheers every time one of their team got a strike or picked up a split.
Boise Movie Theaters -- Still a Great Source of Entertainment
We’ve all been wanting to get out and interact with others. That goes for individuals as well as most businesses here in the Boise area. One of the best sources of entertainment and “escaping the real world” has been going to movie theaters. Unfortunately, that has not been possible for many, many, many months. But, just in time for summer break from school, movie theaters are starting to re-open -- not like they “used to be,” but at least they are opening.
Comparing Covid-19 Vaccinations in the U.S. and in Idaho
As we approach July Fourth, it appears that the United States population will not reach the mark of being “70% vaccinated by the Fourth of July” that had been set as an ambitious goal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as of July 1, 56.4% of the entire U.S. population had received at least one dose of the vaccine for Covid-19. That might not sound very high, but you have to realize that “entire U.S. population” includes everyone of every age, even those under the age of 12 who have not yet been approved to receive a vaccine.
Stuart Gustafson
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Articles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday about travel, relevant local/regional items, some finance. Always with a slant to ask you to think.
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