With so many big summer events cancelled due to COVID-19, summer 2020 may be looking a little dismal, but moving into phase 4 of the state’s re-opening means we can start enjoying some great activities that the valley has to offer!
We highly encourage you to follow the rules, practice social-distancing guidelines, wear masks, wash hands while out and about.
Outdoor activities
The valley offers many outdoor spots that allow you to still maintain a 6 feet distance from your neighbor. Parks are now open and as well as popular water spots. Lucky Peak, Quinn’s Pond and the Whitewater Park in Boise, and Lake Lowell and city swimming pools in Nampa are open while the Boise pools are still closed.
Fishing, swimming, boating, relaxing by the water are yours for the taking!
Local History
Melba Valley Museum is officially open. It will remain open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until October. The “Estereoskopiko” is a brand new traveling exhibit courtesy of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center in Boise.
Every year the family exhibit features a Melba family and this year will feature photos, farming tools and other artifacts of the Swarthout family. They have been named an “Idaho Century Ranch” by the Idaho State Historical Society and Idaho Department of Agriculture.
Learn more at Melba Historical Society’s Facebook page and at melbahistoricalsociety.com.
Beautiful Blooms
Idaho Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday with new visiting protocols in place to accommodate the coronavirus. One-way pathway signs will lead you through the garden. They ask the visitors to wear a mask, practice social distancing, visit with only your immediate household members and steer clear of the closed gardens.
Admissions are available online. Adults: $8; Seniors 65 and over: $6; Ages 4-12: $5; Ages 3 and under and members get in free. The Garden Store is closed until further notice.
The annual fundraising event in the garden is Saturday, June 20, featuring local artists, food, live music, drinks, and a DIY activity option! Guests will choose between a brunch (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or happy hour (4-7 p.m.) and select which food, drink, and DIY activities they wish to “add-on” to their experience. Learn more, purchase tickets or reserve your spot at the fundraiser at idahobotanicalgarden.org.
Vintage Finds
Pickin’ Boise 2020 is described as Idaho’s biggest and best upscale vintage and artisan market. Returning for its 11th year on June 19 and 20 at Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St. Admission is $7 and is good for both days. Pickin’ Boise is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 19 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Follow the Facebook event page for more information.
Support Local
The Market at Linder Farms is open every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features local artisans and merchants. Linder Farms owners said they intend to take every precaution to make this a safe and enjoyable community event. Check out Linder Farms Facebook page for more information.
K-Town Flea Market opens Saturday and is located at the Farm Estates Park in Kuna. Flea market organizers are requesting all participants follow safety guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at K-Town Flea Market Facebook page.
Nostalgic Views
Parma Motor-Vu Drive-In is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a traditional drive-in movie experience, complete with concessions. Movies change weekly. Visit the Facebook page for the movies they are showing.
Splashes and Rides
Roaring Springs Waterpark is open for the season featuring the new Snake River Run. Snag your tickets at roaringsprings.com and enjoy the refreshing and fun of the water park.
Living Room Live
Alive After Five concert series, hosted by the Downtown Boise Association, started online streaming June 3. The series will be streamed on the Downtown Boise Association’s Facebook page, Alive After Five Facebook page and YouTube channel. The Boise tradition will carry on every Wednesday, view the details at downtownboise.org.
Get out there and enjoy and remember, if you run into any plumbing issues this summer, call Master Plumbing. We’ll take care of everything for you so you can get back to enjoying all the Treasure Valley has to offer this summer!
