Boise, Idaho

In our trip plan, Boise was just a necessary overnight stop on a long drive, a dot on the map. As we entered Idaho, the high desert landscape gave way to wide swaths of emerald green farmland. We were surprised to find that Boise is a vibrant city with an attractive, walkable downtown and great food. Dinner was in a new section of town; the local brews were tasty, and the pizza had inventive, delicious toppings and a perfectly airy, crispy crust.

The next morning we had an excellent breakfast downtown, right near Freak Alley, an impressive outdoor art gallery spanning several blocks.

It was easy to see why people are leaving places like California for places like Boise, which are more affordable and have a lot to offer.