
Welcome!
to the Traveling Spud Blog
I’m Katie, the voice behind The Traveling Spud! Your go-to resource for Boise travel guides, Idaho weekend getaways, family-friendly adventures, and easy escapes from the Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll find curated itineraries, local favorites, unique stays, and practical travel tips to help you plan your next trip with confidence.
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Explore Boise & Idaho Guides
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The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic: Boise’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Celebration
This event is one of my absolute favorites in Boise! If you’ve never seen the sky filled with dozens of…
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Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise: What to Know Before You Visit
If you live in Boise long enough, like me, the Idaho Botanical Garden becomes one of those places you return…
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15 Best Restaurants in Boise (Updated 2026)
I am a big foodie and love finding the newest and hottest restaurants in Boise (the largest city in Idaho)…

Hi, I’m Katie
The face behind the traveling spud
Once a full-time solo traveler and tech professional in San Francisco, I now call Boise, Idaho home — balancing global adventures with building a life and raising my family in the Pacific Northwest.
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries and continue to explore both international destinations and the best weekend getaways across Idaho and the western U.S. From off-the-beaten-path experiences to practical family travel tips, I share real itineraries, honest recommendations, and lessons learned along the way.
My guides have helped thousands of readers plan trips to Boise, Idaho, and destinations around the world.
I’m goofy, not always put together, and fully committed to living big, whether that means crossing off a bucket-list trip or discovering a hidden gem close to home.
Idaho Travel
BOISE / SOUTHERN IDAHO / CENTRAL IDAHO / NORTHERN IDAHO / MOUNTAIN TOWNS
Recent Travels and Adventures!
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12 Spooky Ghost Towns in Idaho
If you’ve read any of my other Idaho posts, you know that there is much more to Idaho than just…
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14 Best Hikes In Sun Valley, Idaho
Are you ready to hike through five of Idaho’s mountain ranges? If yes, get ready to visit Sun Valley, Idaho—one…
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What to Do in Eugene, Oregon: Eat, Play and Stay
Eugene is one of Oregon’s hidden treasures, and I was thrilled to get to go visit this funky little college…
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Where to Stay in Eugene, Oregon: The Gordon Hotel
I’ve been looking forward to visiting Eugene, Oregon for a long time since my dad went to college at the…
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The Perfect Spring Weekend in Astoria and Warrenton Oregon
The Perfect Weekend in Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon If you’re looking for the perfect spring weekend getaway, Astoria and Warrenton…
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How To Spend One Day In Malé, Maldives
Get ready to explore Malé, the capital of the Maldives! Malé is the biggest city in the Maldives and is…
