For many of us who call the mid-sized metro, Boise, Idaho home, it can be difficult to imagine the broad and barren expanse of space that lies to the east. But once you look out over this sweeping, flat plain, it becomes clear why it has been used for nuclear reactor experimentation and development.

This is the site of the Idaho National laboratory. The Idaho National Laboratory is a huge complex located in the high desert just east of a couple of tiny towns named Arco and Atomic City, and employs more than 4,000 people. The laboratory was established back in 1949, and today they do research in nuclear energy, national security, energy and the environment.

What many people may not know about Idaho or the Idaho National Laboratory, is that in the

You'll find that Idaho's winters are as celebrated as its summers, and it arguably begins with the skiing. Idaho is home to over 20,000 ski-able acres, the heart and soul of what makes our state so fantastic during the cold weather months. The following are just some of Idaho's top skiing areas.

Be on the Slopes Within an Hour

Under an hour's drive outside of Boise is Bogus Basin Ski Resort, the area's favorite wintertime destination. A fabulous local amenity, this mountain is incredibly close to town and friendly. With over 2,600 acres of mixed runs, bowls and glades in the Boise National Forest, this area gem caters to locals and visitors of all athletic abilities. Bogus is a buzz of activity with 35km of groomed Nordic day trails; 7km of

Have you been thinking of starting up a small business? Not all states are created equal, and Idaho comes out on top as one of only four states to receive a score of A+ for small business.

If you're looking to propel your business into success, you may do well to consider Idaho.

Thanks to a survey performed by Thumbtack.com and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we have a better idea of which states are easier to start business and which aren't. According to the survey, Idaho ranks first in the nation for overall small business friendliness, these results taken from over 6,000 small business owners themselves, nationwide.

The Business Climate in Idaho

Of the businessman interviewed, they were asked questions that focused around the

Boise, Idaho is splendid no matter what time of year it is, but during the holidays the heart of the city lights up with both beautiful and spectacular Christmas displays and events. Every year beginning in November, Boise captures the essence of the season with a series of activities that are sure to keep you busy throughout the entire season.

Boise Holiday Parade

One of the favorite holiday traditions celebrated each year in the Treasure Valley is the Boise Holiday Parade. The streets downtown fill with vibrant and colorful Christmas themed performers, musicians and mixed talents to celebrate the season.

Christmas Window Galleries

For the duration of December, downtown Boise, Idaho hosts a series of spectacular window art displays

Today when I got off work, I whistled my way down the stairs. I skipped across the parking lot towards my car. I was already pumped and ready to go as I turned the key in the ignition, dressed to outperform the other Boise Idahoans who would inevitably be taking advantage of the vast network of open space, just as I. After a five minute drive, I arrived from my downtown Boise office to the Boise River and Greenbelt system, the world's most convenient, and enviable place to do any number of things, from floating, kayaking, fishing to jogging, biking and walking. Just yesterday I went on a half hour jog during my lunch break, a breathtaking escape along the pristine river, the office in eyesight most the way. Today though, I was geared up for a

Boise, Idaho proves to be one of the healthiest markets in our nation with a top performing and speedy housing recovery.

CoreLogic is one of the nation's leading companies that provides consumer, financial and property information, including analytics and business services. The company announced some very good news for the real estate scene in Boise Idaho, naming our capital city as the country's most-improving real estate market. Due to the largest year-over-year gain in the Real Estate Strength Index (RESi), it's easy to see why Boise Idaho made the rankings once again. According to CoreLogic, "Boise, Idaho, is the most improved market with a RESi score of 49, the highest level for this market since July 2008 and improvements across all three

At Livability.com, Boise has made it onto the "Top 10 Downtown" list for 2012. Livability.com is a national website that highlights more than 500 of America's top places to visit and live.

The Top 10 Downtowns list focuses on the 500 most livable cities in the nation, and narrows down those that are set apart from "merely good downtowns" to those that are exceptional. Drawing upon the expertise of Christopher Leinberger, the director of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at George Washington University, the Top 10 List was compiled using the models of "knowledge economy" as well as "experience economy." The best downtowns are those with outstanding businesses and services in addition to a great overall atmosphere and aesthetic value, a