Local Business & Recreation in a Thriving Community
Story by Erika Heeren
Like much of the Treasure Valley, Garden City has seen substantial growth and change in recent years. The community that runs along the Boise River and only takes up 4.2 square miles is undergoing an evolution of sorts, and it’s something to see. From unique dining and recreation to arts and local shopping options – there’s something for everyone in Garden City.
Push & Pour
Start your day with a great cup of coffee and a delightful breakfast! Located on 34th Street, Push & Pour offers quality coffee and breakfast food items from 7 am to 6 pm on Monday through Friday and 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Guests can enjoy their coffee to go, or stay for bright, fun décor and chill vibes that set the scene for conversation among friends. Visit www.pushandpour.com for more information.
Esther Simplot Park
After your breakfast, enjoy a stroll through Esther Simplot Park. The park, located in the heart of Garden City, provides access to the beautiful Greenbelt area and features a variety of recreation opportunities for families, kayakers, and surfers. Enjoy a scenic stroll or bike ride along the Boise River, or reserve a pavilion for your special event. For more information about Esther Simplot Park, visit https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/esther-simplot-park/.
Greenbelt Market
After your explorations in the park, pop into Greenbelt Market for lunch! Greenbelt Market features a selection of local goods, sandwiches, and cold beverages for those out enjoying the Boise River area. The mezzanine is also home to Idaho Media, and other businesses. For more information about Greenbelt Market, visit www.greenbeltmarket.com.
Boise Whitewater Park
After lunch, why not try a little surfing? It’s no secret that Idaho is a whitewater recreation epicenter, and the local parks in Garden City are no different. The Idaho Surf Association, in conjunction with the City of Boise, Friends of the Park, the JAK Albertson Foundation, and private donors, have brought whitewater surfing and kayaking opportunities right in our backyard.
If you’ve ever wanted to try river surfing, you can head down to the Greenbelt and give it a shot! Visit www.idahosurfassociation.org and www.boisewhitewaterpark.com for details, closures, and more.
Yardarm
Have you worked up an appetite with all of that surfing? Head right off the river to The Yardarm. The Yardarm is truly a unique feature for the Treasure Valley. Drawing inspiration from the beach bar surfer vibes that you would expect in Mexico or Costa Rica. Established next to Corridor Surf Shop, the open-concept bar was created out of an upcycled shipping container and features a wide selection of beer, wine, and a food truck with the best tacos in Boise – if you ask the owner, Guy Midnight.
Perfect for summer, The Yardarm is open from 4 pm to 9 pm. You can find more information on The Yardarm Facebook page.
34th Street Market
On the right day, you can round out your day shopping, and experiencing local arts at the 34th Street Market is a unique fixture in the Garden City community. Every week features new events and opportunities to explore a new facet of Idaho life. From concerts, the Capital City Public Market, events, and local art features – there’s always something new to experience at the 34th Street Market. The market is open on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 9 pm, and you can find the latest updates on the 34th Street Market Facebook page.
Love for Garden City Is Strong in Local Business Community
At each of these places, you’ll find the owners and organizers on-site working with the customers. You’ll have an opportunity to get to know them and their stories, a testament to genuine Treasure Valley hospitality. You’ll find a common theme among all of the entrepreneurs – a love and passion for growth in the community around them.
“Garden City community is really a great neighborhood. People here are very nice – they look out for each other. Anything you need, you can find here,” Guy Midnight of The Yardarm explained.
“It has been amazing to see the increase in interest in river surfing [in Garden City] and beyond. It can be easy to try, and wave riders have a strong connection with the river, the waves, and their community,” noted Loren Kaehn of the Idaho Surf Association.
“We’re still in the surreal phase of being part of such a chill and gorgeous location. The residents and neighborhood businesses have embraced us with such kindness and gratitude. I love it. It’s a tipping point for my family,” says Tia Markland-Crabtree, owner of The Greenbelt Market.
For the best of summer in the Treasure Valley, you need to experience everything Garden City offers. For more information about local businesses and activities in Garden City, follow Greenbelt Magazine on Facebook
