The Best Late Summer Activities for Day and Night

Play Outside

Day Temperatures may still be up the last few days of August and into September, but now is the time to get out there and do the fun things you swore you would.

Many folks would agree: now is the most enjoyable time of the year to play outside. Yes, temperatures still frequent to toasty highs throughout August and into early September, but many are beginning to feel the loom of Labor Day – the unofficial end of summer, and realize their last chance to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities are rapidly coming to an end. This category – soaking up as much outdoor time as possible – is definitely the most broad, but arguably the most important. Idaho is an outdoor mecca no matter what time of year it is, but now is the time to really bust out the swim trunks and goggles, kayaks and inner tubes, and the hiking boots and fitted caps. It's time to stomp around the Boise foothills, float the Boise river, or head up to Lucky Peak.

Visit Farmers' Markets

If you've managed to let the entire summer slip by without visiting one of the local farmer's markets, now is the time to take advantage while the weather is still warm. The Treasure Valley is full of options no matter which corner of the valley you call home. Peruse what's available and stock the kitchen with some edible delights from the area's local farmers. Here are a few to get you started.

Capital City Public Market is held on Saturdays in downtown Boise, and is one of Boise's most frequented and popular. It's on 8th Street from Bannock Street south to the Grove, open 9:30 to 1:30 through December. They offer a wide variety of goods from local producers who grow, make, and create their own products – including wine. This year you can join the crowd at the Harvest Moon Dinner on September 14th to enjoy a 5 course dinner and auction beneath the stars.

Nampa Farmers' Market is held every Saturday through October 26th from 9:00 to 1:00. It's located in historic downtown Nampa at Lloyd's Square on Front Street and 14th Avenue south. 2013 is their 25th year of doing business, and if you haven't checked it out yet, now is the time. Enjoy live music as you shop the wide variety of vendors.

Join the Eagle Saturday Market through October in downtown Eagle at Heritage Park. This is one serious Saturday event – complete with a plethora of vendors and local growers proud of their wares of fine art, crafts, flowers, local produce, gift items, jewelry, herbs, and more – including live music.

Golf

Many say that thisis the best time of year to get out there and do some golfing. The Treasure Valley boasts the perfect weather for golf during this time of the year, and those aching to tee it up can choose from a large variety of affordable golf options – hilly, flat, professionally designed, or wide open. Late summer and fall golfing is splendid, and there are quality courses dotted throughout Caldwell, Eagle, Nampa, Meridian, and Boise. Some options include: Shadow Valley in Boise, Lakeview in Meridian, Falcon Crest in Kuna, Banbury (the ultimate!) in Eagle, Ridgecrest in Nampa, and Purple Sage in Caldwell.

Night

Is there anything better than a late summer evening or night? There's the calm quiet, the cool breeze, and the occasional sweet smelling thunderstorm. It's also a great season to hit Boise's bustling nightlife.

Camping

With Labor Day approaching, this list could not be complete without the inclusion of camping. Camping during slightly cooler weather can be very enjoyable as you and the gang gather around the fire after a long day of being on the water or hiking. Plus, Labor Day also marks the end of the season for many campground sites, including those found in the beautiful Boise National Forest. Check out:

Swinging Bridge Campground is the ideal spot for those looking for a lush, riparian canyon to set up tent. This is the place to go if you're looking to get some Kayaking in, but take note, kayaking along the river is rated as Class V, and expert skills are required to navigate.

Yellowpine is one of the more quaint campgrounds to hit this season. This is the place to camp to view ocean going salmon and steelhead as they return to the waterways of the Boise National Forest. This is a more rustic campsite perfect for those with just the car and a tent.

Camping near Anderson Ranch Dam is popular among those toting an RV or a motorhome. Elks Flat and Dog Creek are two little campgrounds that offer quick access to a boat ramp on the shores of the Anderson Ranch Reservoir. It's here where the flow of the South Fork of the Boise River is held back by the Dam forming the Anderson Ranch Reservoir's 4,740 acre lake.

Watch the Sunset

Often it's the simple things that make life so enjoyable. Sit down after a rewarding hike up to Tablerock and watch the sunset – you'll be in for a treat. Tablerock offers one of the best urban hiking experiences anywhere. With a 3,652 foot peak, the views are breathtaking no matter what time of day – but if you're at the top when the sun is on its downward slope, you'll be in for a memorable treat.

Movies in the Garden

This is a public event held at the Idaho Botanical Garden every other Friday from July through September. They suggest packing a picnic and bringing a few blankets to top off this unique late summer evening outing. Watch the following movies on their giant outdoor big screen:

August 23rd– League of Their Own

September 6th – Ghostbusters

September 20th – The Princess Bride

The Treasure Valley is absolutely gorgeous during the autumn months, but before the leaves change color and fall, before the mornings bring a biting chill, and before daylight gradually begins to shrink – soak up the last of the warm summer rays and spend plenty of evenings out on the porch as the sun goes down.

Hughes Real Estate Group assists both buyers and sellers throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Star. Call us anytime at (208) 571-7145 for more information.