
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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Where to Stay in Boise, Idaho: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels (Local Guide)
Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the blog below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links…
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Best Hikes Near Boise, Idaho: Local Favorites for Every Season
Most people know there are a lot of great hikes near Boise, but it took me a while to find…
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Best Pumpkin Patches Near Boise, Idaho (2026 Local Guide)
Fall in Idaho is literally my favorite season everrrr! The crisp mornings, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (!!), and weekends…

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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Hot Spring Etiquette Guide: Know Before You Go
Looking to learn some proper hot spring etiquette before you have soak? If so, you’re in the right place! There’s…
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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…
