Refreshing air, Refreshed Mind

While out running errands today I was astounded by the pallet of colors painted all around our city. After a long annoying day in and out of the car I was eager to get everything settled after the fact, and get out on my feet for a nice fall stroll.

  Living just blocks from Hyde Park I set out with a cup of hot tea and my camera. Dressed from head to toe in cozy outerwear, I just love this season for allowing me to dress in layers and assorted colors.

I didn't leave the house with any particular destination in mind, I just wanted to take in the crisp air and elaborate scenery. As I approached the the Hyde Park district I realized I wasn't the only one enticed by the wonderful season.

I saw several people out walking, some with there dogs, some with their children all bundled up in their strollers or along side their parents hand in hand, and some couples making memories side by side in this quaint little heart of their neighborhood in the north end.

13th Street Pub and Grill http://www.13pubandgrill.com/ was packed with families sitting in the warm and cozy enclosed patio choppin it up enjoying their loved ones. I was almost surprised that more of them weren't outside considering the patio was lined with heating sources after all it wasn't that cold out.

Oh and I mustn't forget ...displayed on the sidewalk I noticed  a clue to passerby's stating that they have began to incorporate more seasonal dishes into their delicious menu.
Anything that includes pumpkin flavor is a dead give away right? I think it might even be safe to say that the hot-buttered rum might have made its debut back.




                                                                                                 


I was pleased with my walk and all its beauty. Fall is most definitely an unforgettable and inspiring time of year here in the city of trees.

From the leaves painted along the sidewalks, streets and grass to the bold colors yelling at you from above.

I promise you will lose yourself and all your troubles strolling down and around the streets of the Hyde Park District.

So grab your loved ones, bundle up to your liking and get your self some peace and inspiration.

An inspiring path to take often.

I have to start out to say I was excited to be able to get away from my household chores/other responsibilities, for a couple of hours today with my dog Rivers up to the trails near Camels Back Park just near Hyde park.
 Rivers is a very rambunctious little dog always wanting to get out to run and play so today was especially a treat for her.  Rivers Breed you ask? Well, she is quite the mixture which includes Lab, Heeler, Yorkie and Maltese.  Rivers is about the size of a large Maltese, but has the personality of a Labrador for sure(speaking of.. she is literally telling me to take her out right now) I'm sure you dog lovers out there completely understand.

Luckily she was was quick seeing how the wind outside is quite chilling at night this time of year, which was the total opposite this afternoon on our outing today. The weather was perfect for a walk on the trails, I was able to get away with wearing a short sleeve shirt and some comfy Capri pants. Most of the many bikers and hikers seemed to agree.

The trails we embarked upon were clean and flat you can tell everyone that uses the many trails shares a mutual respect for the land of which we are all so lucky to be given for our recreational use.

Although I do have to say one of the trails we were on briefly smelt like stale water which I suppose makes sense for this time of year being that the water in the shallow creeks that runs alongside some of the trails becomes less and less quick flowing. Yet, have no worries because there were plenty of vertical trails to hike up away from the stagnant waters. Which let me tell you showcased a peaceful and beautiful view of our pleasant little towns skyline.

Besides the great views and peaceful hike, I within moments of spending time wondering up, down and around the trails became inspired!

Inspired by none other than the zooming mountain bikers tearing through the trails past Rivers and I, of course only on the permitted trails in which were shared with runners and hikers through out. I myself was surprised by the inspiration that flooded my brain, who would ever think that such a thrilling sport even cross my mind, not me until this day of course where I was able to see first hand that some of the trails were not as terrifying as I remembered.

 There were actually some pretty subtle trails through out our little excursion that looked safe yet extremely fun, especially for beginners like myself. So, what did I do the second we got to the bottom of the the trail-head entryway?  I called my boyfriend who works at Idaho Mountain Touring www.idahomountaintouring.com/‎, a very popular biking/ outdoor retail store here in downtown Boise, and asked him if he could rent me a mountain bike this weekend to do a trial run with me to see just how easy or thrilling it seemed to look, at the time I spent in the foothills above and outside of Hyde Parks historic District. He said he would take a look at the rental schedule. So until then I will stick to my mellow hikes and my leisure time in the restaurants among good company. Of course I will let you know if I get my chance at the trails on a mountain bike.

Where the Heart is

 

Living close by, just at what I would like to call the entry way of the Northend in Boise ID, I like to think of Hyde Park as the heart of the neighborhood given that it is such a hot spot for popular activities like mountain biking and mountain touring thanks to the spectacular trails the foothills just beyond Hyde Park. The cultured and welcoming environment deems irresistible to such enthusiast when riding or walking back through after a long ride or hike from the foothills of Boise. Often I see bikers (riding gear and all ) pull off to one of the 4 local eatery's and or pubs for a bite to eat, a cold beer or a cocktail, my personal preference is a fresh squeezed grey hound from Sun Ray on a hot summers day or I have yet to yearn for the famous cocktail during  the colder times of the year,

  however I will never pass up a Hot Buttered Rum made from scratch locally out of 13th street Pub and Grill. I think us locals are all eagerly awaiting the famous homemade hot buttered rum; not only is it served in house but it is also for sale seasonally for customers to enjoy at home. I am certain the season is more near than far, of course I will share when exactly it makes its debut in house. As for now 13th street is great place to sit and converse with friends for lunch and dinner with quite a large selection of local brews and creative cocktails to choose from in a cozy, beautiful atmosphere with a great staff willing to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Oh! I must not forget, on all game days 13th street offers a shuttle to and from the Boise State Games for free! That's pretty rad if you ask me.

As the fall season approaches us gently yet quickly I am eager to begin watching the leaves change colors lighting up and illuminating the beautiful Hyde Park Historic District, followed by ever changing seasonal activities and of course food and drink changes to better suit the season for the locals, hopefully you and I to gather around to share and enjoy.