Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is bisected by the eponymous river, a slender waterway lined with an impressive grove of thick trees. An eastern mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, Boise was a sleepy small town for the most part, before East Coast's modernity crept up hilly landscapes and settled into the city's heart. Today, Idaho's capital and largest city inches away from the parochial ethos of its neighboring cities, and moves toward a more urbane trend that is both surprising and enlightening. Apart from its labyrinthine maze of wooded areas and parks, and a small smattering of historic landmarks, Boise has a largely diversified dining, drinking and shopping scene that is commendable for a city of its size. Its recreational realm is also expanded in part due to its proximity to the Rockies, letting outdoor enthusiasts explore the stunning network of riverside and hiking trails that radiate across the city. Not to mention that Boise is home to the Green Belt, a 15-mile (24-kilometer) long paved bikeway that is one of the most optimal ways to get around the city.
