
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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8 Reasons to Visit AT&T Park
I didn’t grow up in a state with a professional baseball team…sad, I know. But, when I moved to San…
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Minneapolis Highlights
Minneapolis Highlights My Minneapolis highlights include: Juicy Lucy The most amazing cheese-filled burger you’ll ever have. You can get them…
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Festival Recap: The Gilroy Garlic Fest
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten as much garlic as I did this weekend at the Gilroy Garlic Fest. It…
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London, I Love You
6 years ago, I was studying abroad in London and loving my little sophomore in college life. I’d been dreaming…
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My Favorite Place to Go in Idaho
Do you have that one place that you always wish you could be transported to? Maybe when you’re feeling…
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A Day at the Russian River
Don’t you just love the days when you make a plan and your plan turns into something even better than you planned?…
