
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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The 20 Best Things To Do In Tupelo, MS
Tupelo, Mississippi, is commonly known as the birthplace of the famous Elvis Presley, but there’s so much more to this…
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20 Epic Things to Do in Lebanon
Are you seeking breathtaking beaches, a resilient population, lively nightlife, and a rich history? Then look no further, Lebanon has…
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A Guide to Kayaking to Shoshone Falls in Idaho
Shoshone Falls, reputably known as the “Niagara of the West”, is located in my hometown of Twin Falls, Idaho. Standing…
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22 Best Breweries in Idaho
Did you know that Idaho is the biggest barley producer in the United States and the second-largest hops grower? That…
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What to Do in Lake Chelan, Washington
Dreaming about exploring the scenic outdoors of the West Coast? Look no further than Chelan, a city in Washington state…
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8 Best Hikes Near McCall Idaho
Home to beautiful Payette Lake, the picturesque town of McCall, Idaho, is a place where the outdoors is always ready…
