Why Traveling Close to Home Can Be the Best!

Dive Bar Travels Around Idaho and Washington – Summer Fun!

Not every great adventure needs a passport.
This summer, we swapped international flights for road-trip playlists, patio hangs, and hometown vibes across the Pacific Northwest—and it was exactly the reset we didn’t know we needed.

Boise, Idaho – How to Vacation in Your Own Town!

Before we even left town, Boise reminded us why it’s one of the West’s best-kept secrets. This high-desert city hugs the Boise River and boasts a lively downtown filled with craft breweries, bike-friendly greenbelt paths, and an ever-growing food scene. We spent evenings at outdoor concerts at Green Acres Food Truck Park along the river, time along the Basque Block during Jaialdi, and enjoyed dinner at Bar Gernika and the Basque drink “Kalimotxo” at the Basque Center….IYKYK! .

Don’t miss: the Idaho State Capitol and Freak Alley Gallery—a block-long outdoor mural collection that’s pure color therapy.

McCall, Idaho – First Stop – Heading to the Mountains!

Two hours north, McCall is a postcard-perfect mountain town on the shores of Payette Lake. Known for skiing Brundage in winter and boating or paddleboarding in summer, it’s also home to some seriously good eats.

We stayed with friends and spent evenings at Mile High Marina Bar, watching the comedy of boat trailers backing into the lake. Don’t miss Ponderosa State Park for easy hikes and big-sky sunsets.

Juliaetta, Idaho – Next Stop – Idaho’s Hidden Wine Country

Tucked into the lush Clearwater River Valley, Juliaetta is a blink-and-you-miss-it village with a big wine reputation. Rivaura Estate Vineyard steals the show with sweeping river views and standout wines—Rosé, Viognier, and the bold Insomniac blend.

History buffs can swing through nearby Lewiston & Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.

Moscow, Idaho – You don’t want to miss this Cool College Town

Home to the University of Idaho (my alma mater), Moscow mixes youthful energy with small-town charm. Farmers’ markets, quirky art galleries, and leafy streets make it easy to linger.

We bar-hopped to Garden Lounge (recently remodeled but still wonderfully unpretentious), Persephone Wine & Cider Bar for a cozy sip, and the legendary Corner Club. This true college dive is proud of the Idaho Vandals. Daytime? Explore the Prichard Art Gallery or stroll through the Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

Wallace, Idaho – Music and Mining – Historic Idaho

This historic silver-mining town feels like stepping into an Old West movie—complete with wooden boardwalks and century-old brick buildings. Every building downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take the Sierra Silver Mine Tour or hop on the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail for jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

We lucked into a surprise music festival and capped the night at 1313 Club (Ask the bartender (who is also the owner) how it got its name) and Cogs Gastropub, both brimming with character and craft brews. And don’t miss The Fainting Goat Restaurant.

Sandpoint, Idaho – Gorgeous Lake Getaway

Perched on the shores of massive Lake Pend Oreille and ringed by the Selkirk Mountains, Sandpoint is as pretty as they come.

Outdoor lovers flock here for hiking on Schweitzer Mountain, kayaking the lake, or stroll the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market.

We enjoyed a waterfront dinner at Barrel 33, then dove into local nightlife at the legendary 219 Lounge, where strong pours and a ’90s playlist kept us laughing.

Spokane, Washington – Urban Oasis with Riverside Charm

Eastern Washington’s biggest city blends vibrant downtown life with riverside beauty. The Spokane River slices through the heart of town, creating the dramatic Spokane Falls and a network of parks and trails.

We took a quieter approach: A Skyride to see the Spokane Falls, a night in our charming Airbnb (the Blue Bungalow), and a bottle (or two) of Maryhill Winery wine. If you have more time, check out the historic Davenport Hotel lobby or the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

Walla Walla, Washington – Cheers to this Unpretentious Wine Region

Walla Walla sits in the rolling hills of southeastern Washington and is home to more than 150 wineries—meaning you can sip for days.

We focused on up-and-comers like Saviah Cellars, Patterson Cellars, Dunham Cellars, and Rotie Cellars. Beyond the vineyards, downtown charms with its boutiques and galleries.

Dinner at TMACS followed by a nightcap at The Green Lantern gave us the perfect mix of classy and divey.

Back to Boise – Full Hearts & Fuller Wine Racks

We returned with a truckload of memories, a few new No Bar Too Far contenders, and a wine rack begging for reinforcements.

The best part?

“You don’t have to cross oceans to find adventure—sometimes it’s just a good playlist and the next bar around the bend.”

Jana

Want our full itinerary—where we stayed, what we ate, every scenic detour?

Drop us a note and we’ll send the grab-and-go plan straight to your inbox.

Cheers to road trips, bold reds, and perfect dive bars,
Jana & Steve

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