%cr%bBoise's Basque Population and other Boise, ID General Tips

Favorite Thing: Don't be surprised to find a Basque restaurant or two in town (Gernika on Capitol Boulevard comes to mind), as well as chorizo stands on the streets here (I mainly remember this as a late-night snack possibility after bar hopping!). Boise has the largest population of Basques outside of the Basque region in Spain. They started immigrating here in the late 1800's. Many went into the sheepherding business, not because that's what they used to do in Spain, but simply because sheepherders were in demand around Boise at the time. There's a Basque Market and a Basque Museum and Cultural Center on Grove Street where Basque language classes are offered. Basques meet here to practice dances (which they perform at various festivals) and just to socialize. You can even minor in Basque Studies at Boise State University. It's impressive to me how these people have kept up their culture throughout the decades.

Picture courtesy of my sister Stephanie.


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Favorite Thing: Idaho is a very conservative state politically – possibly the most conservative state in the nation. Nearly all elected officials are Republicans. What little political debate there is here seems to be between the moderate and right-wing sections of the Republican Party, rather than between different political parties. Boise isn’t as right-wing as the smaller towns and rural areas of the state, but still, it’s more right-wing than many other places.

The high percentage of Mormons living here is one source of this conservativeness – about 1/3 of Idahoans are Mormon (less in Boise), and the church of Latter Day Saints (i.e. the Mormon church) is very influential both politically and socially.


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Favorite Thing: The Flicks is Boise’s only art house theatre, and is your best bet for seeing foreign films and alternative/independent movies. My favorite thing about this place is that they serve beer and wine and let you take it into the theatre with you – how refreshing! They have a video rental area, featuring films other than the typical Hollywood schlock. Rick’s Café American is also part of the theatre, and offers a limited menu of sandwiches, salads, and desserts, along with espresso, beer, and wine.

Picture by my sister, Stephanie.

646 Fulton Street
(208) 342-4222
http://www.theflicksboise.com/


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Favorite Thing: You'll probably first notice Table Rock because it has a huge cross on it that overlooks the city and is lit up at night. Table Rock is a butte on the northeast side of town. People come here to practice rappelling, and also for the nice views across the town and Treasure Valley. It used to be much more isolated than it is now, but subdivisions have slowly been developed almost all the way up to here. You can also hike up here on a trail from below - it's a nice short hike if you don't have time for something bigger.


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