
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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55 Fun Facts About Idaho
Idaho is a state that is famous for a lot of things, including potatoes! Since I’m a 6th-generation Idahoan, I…
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18 Winter Car Camping Essentials
Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the outdoors, even in the middle of winter. While camping during the winter with…
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18 Best National Parks To Visit In Winter
If you’re looking for some National Parks to visit in the winter, you’ve come to the right place. After all,…
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Best Things to Do in Boise, Idaho By Season From a Local
Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Boise, Idaho? You are in the right place. As a local…
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What to Know Before Hiking Box Canyon Springs Trail
This is a guest post brought to you by Heather, owner of The Editors Touch and Boise, Idaho local. Heather…
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The 18 Best Restaurants in McCall, Idaho 2026
McCall, Idaho, is a small mountain resort town just 2 hours north of Boise, Idaho, and is one of my…
