Meridian, Idaho could sit simply outdoors Boise, however make no mistake; it’s a metropolis with a persona all its personal. With open-air markets, domestically beloved eating places, and simply the best dose of journey, Meridian delivers a extra relaxed tackle life within the Treasure Valley. Image sipping your morning espresso earlier than hitting a scenic path, or spending the afternoon exploring boutiques and ending the day with sundown views from a neighborhood park.
Whether or not you’re planning to buy a residence in Meridian, looking for an residence to lease, or have your eyes on a rental residence within the metropolis, this Meridian bucket listing is your information to town’s most iconic experiences. From the tried-and-true actions to some pleasant surprises, these are the stops that seize the essence of Meridian and hold you coming again. Let’s dive in.
1. Spend a day at The Village at Meridian
No Meridian bucket listing is full with no go to to The Village at Meridian, town’s stylish purchasing and life-style vacation spot. Right here, you’ll discover all the pieces from indie outlets to nationwide favorites, however what makes the expertise shine is its sense of group. “I extremely advocate this mall for many who are new to town. With lovely outlets, eating places, and extra, it’s a really welcoming place to spend a day,” says Brenda from the Idaho-based skincare firm, Larkspur Lane.
It’s additionally the place locals collect with a rotating calendar of occasions that brings the area to life. “The Village is just not solely recognized for its superb purchasing of native and large model shops,” shares Kristen Schafer, proprietor of Elle M Boutique, “however in addition they have so many enjoyable occasions. From native bands taking part in on summer season Friday nights to superb eating places, espresso outlets, farmers markets, automotive reveals, and a lot extra.”
“It’s an excellent place to assemble and have a chew to eat, store, have a glass of wine/espresso, seize an ice cream, go bowling or soak up a brand new film on the cinema. There are lots of totally different locations to take a seat in consolation, chill out, and watch the fountain water present. Additionally they have a playground for little ones to take pleasure in too. Make certain to go to our boutique once you store.” – Crew at 1st Miracle Boutique
“With twinkle lights, dancing fountains, and comfortable hearth pits, it’s the place folks come collectively for dinner, purchasing, or a film beneath the celebs. It captures that excellent mix of small-town heat and fashionable comfort that makes Meridian really feel like residence.” – Iridessa, Boise Aerial & Health
“The Village is a good place to go to with many outlets and eating places, a movie show, and a good looking park and playground space for everybody to take pleasure in.” – Amy Merrill, Impressed Dance
2. Discover Discovery Park
To expertise Meridian like a neighborhood, begin with Discovery Park. This 64-acre regional park blends Idaho’s pure magnificence with infinite leisure actions, from playgrounds and bike trails to shaded picnic spots.
“Among the best methods to take in that Meridian life-style? Discovery Park,” shares Kaysi of TatorJo Idaho Attire. “It’s a complete win for all ages: 64 acres of enjoyable with large playgrounds, ziplines, bike and skate zones, sand and water play, and open area for teenagers to be children. You’ll be able to simply spend the entire day right here, and belief me, you’ll wish to.”
3. Have fun metropolis satisfaction at Dairy Days
There’s no higher option to embrace the spirit of Meridian than at Dairy Days, a week-long celebration full of hometown satisfaction. From the vigorous carnival and Meridian Speedway races to considered one of Idaho’s greatest parades, 4H reveals, and the all-new scorching air balloon glow, Dairy Days brings your entire group collectively. That is additionally a practice that offers again; elevating cash for native 4H and FFA scholarships, and supporting the subsequent technology of agricultural leaders.
4. Go on a treasure hunt with Classic Highway Trippin’
“Considered one of my favourite occasions within the Meridian space is Classic Highway Trippin’,” shares the group at Blue Fringe Boutique. “It’s a semi-annual purchasing occasion that takes contributors to 18 small companies in meridian and surrounding cities. Some companies host pop-up distributors, whereas others provide in-store specials. And for those who go to all 18 stops, you’re even entered to win a grand prize.” Held every April and September, this occasion permits buyers to spend three days visiting boutiques throughout the Treasure Valley space.
5. Spend the day at Meridian Speedway
Craving a dose of adrenaline in Meridian? Add Meridian Speedway to your bucket listing. This native favourite turns a quiet night into a significant occasion, the place the grandstands fill with cheering followers. “That is an absolute must-do,” says Andy, proprietor of Meridian BNB. “It’s loud, thrilling, and severely enjoyable. You’ve gotta see the boat races, the place they chain outdated boats to automobiles and vehicles, and watch them crash across the observe.”
From rocket automotive exhibitions to actual NASCAR occasions, the Speedway brings an sudden edge to Meridian’s family-friendly status. “It’s excellent for anybody new to Meridian or anybody searching for one thing distinctive and entertaining (simply don’t neglect your ear safety),” Andy provides.
6. Take a leisurely stroll at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
For these moments once you simply wish to wander someplace beautiful, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is a spot that may win your coronary heart. As soon as a working farm, this park was generously donated by its namesake as a present to the group.
At this time, guests can recognize its peaceable out of doors magnificence with a stroll alongside its trails, a visit to the playgrounds, or whereas attending considered one of its group occasions. When you’re weighing the execs and cons of dwelling in Idaho, this spot would possibly simply tip the size in favor of calling Meridian residence.
7. Tee off at Lakeview Golf Membership
For individuals who like their leisure with a facet of surroundings, Lakeview Golf Membership presents the sort of laid-back luxurious that defines Meridian’s life-style. Right here, you possibly can hold a peaceable tempo of play, and simply sufficient problem to maintain issues attention-grabbing.
“Whether or not you’re a longtime native or new to Meridian, hitting the inexperienced is a favourite option to unwind,” says Cara Hipwell of Idaho Maven. “Lakeview Golf Membership is a group gem with scenic fairways and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. We love internet hosting friends at our short-term rental on the sixteenth gap, but it surely’s additionally a go-to spot for neighbors and golf lovers.” And for those who’re new to the sport? “Cease by Scheels or head to Topgolf. Golf equipment are included, making it simple for anybody to affix within the enjoyable.”
8. Discover the wonders of the Youngsters’s Museum of Idaho
If have children, the Youngsters’s Museum of Idaho might be your new go-to spot. This museum is all concerning the pleasure of studying by play. Your little ones can store at their mini Dealer Joe’s, seek for gold in a mine, create a play-pizza at Idaho Pizza Firm, turn out to be a information reporter at KTVB, and a lot extra. Their hands-on reveals spark creativeness and curiosity in kids of all ages whereas offering a enjoyable area for households to attach with the group.
“As a Meridian dad or mum, I like taking my 3 children to the Youngsters’s Museum of Idaho the place we have now annual passes. It’s a kind of uncommon locations the place they’ll study and have enjoyable on the similar time” says Bruce Burton, proprietor of Superior Arcades. “From piloting a faux jet to exploring the kid-sized grocery retailer, each exhibit sparks their creativeness. For our household, it seems like an ideal snapshot of what it means to lift our youngsters in a group like Meridian.”
9. Make recollections at Wahooz Household Enjoyable Zone
In case your thought of enjoyable features a little pleasant competitors and infinite laughter, Wahooz Household Enjoyable Zone is the final word playground for all ages. This action-packed leisure heart has so many actions to select from: go-karts, laser tag, climbing partitions, mini golf, bumper boats, and a full indoor arcade.
“Wahooz is our go-to weekend journey spot. My 7-year-old lights up the second we pull into the lot,” shares Tyler Smith of GOSKATE Meridian. “As a dad, I like that it’s clear, protected, and enjoyable for the entire household. It’s a kind of locations that makes elevating a child right here really feel fairly particular.”
10. Bounce into health and enjoyable
Bounce Time is a uncommon gem the place enjoyable meets health. This trampoline park has delighted the Treasure Valley for over a decade with wall-to-wall actions that deliver the group collectively. It’s a spot the place children can burn power, mother and father can chill out, and neighbors can join.
With a Funfull membership, you possibly can soar for 90 minutes each single day at Bounce Timeplus, and revel in free every day check-ins to Wahooz Household Enjoyable Zone, Meridian Bowling Lanes, and dozens of different native spots within the Treasure Valley.
11. Unleash your creativity
Generally, the perfect nights out are those the place you roll up your sleeves and get just a little messy. Meridian’s DIY scene is stuffed with inspiration and simply sufficient paint splatter to really feel like a masterpiece within the making.
DIY Workshops
On the lookout for a cause to bust out your artful facet? Hammer & Stain in Meridian has you lined with walk-in DIY tasks, customized indicators, and hands-on enjoyable that modifications each week. Planning a ladies’ night time, a birthday bash, or simply want a break from adulting? Proprietor Kate Spear and her crew will be sure to go away with one thing lovely, plus a paint smudge or two.
Paint your individual pottery
For one thing equally hands-on, head to The Sizzling Spot, considered one of Meridian’s most colourful hidden gems. They’ve tasks for everything-birthdays, ladies’ night time, hanging with mates or household, and even wet weekend plans. You’ll be able to BYOB and settle in on the patio or studio. Then, select from seven artistic tasks like portray pottery, making a scrub or candle, slime, mosaics, and extra.
12. Discover the native flavors of Meridian
Meridian’s eating scene is a revelation to get enthusiastic about. To completely expertise town’s character, make sure that to take a look at every of those locally-loved spots.
Dusty Rose Reserve
Dusty Rose Reserve brings a contemporary spin to the basic American pub. This neighborhood favourite options 54 rotating craft beers, a formidable wine choice, and a meals menu with all the pieces from savory starters to flavorful entrees. Owned by locals Dusty and Rosie, this restaurant is the proper place to get a real really feel for town.
Crimson Fort Delicacies
Life in Meridian is about group, heat, and celebrating tradition; and that’s precisely what you’ll discover once you step into Crimson Fort Delicacies of India. Surrounded by hand-painted murals that seize the soul of India and flavors which have frequently earned state-wide awards, Crimson Fort presents a second of escape to India proper within the coronary heart of Idaho.
Tea Gained Boba and PC Cafe
Half boba store, half console lounge, Tea Gained Boba & PC Cafe brings a playful, fashionable edge to Meridian’s meals scene. Opening quickly, that is the proper place for teams to hang around and spend time with each other.
13. Cool off at Roaring Springs Water Park
Roaring Springs Water Park is Meridian’s final summertime escape, and simply one of many prime waterparks within the Northwest. With greater than 20 sights, it’s a Meridian bucket listing important for thrill seekers and even those that choose to chill out.
With heart-pounding slides to the mild sway of the lazy river, Roaring Springs delivers enjoyable for each temper. Latest additions just like the Class 5 Canyon whitewater raft journey and the whimsical Camp IdaH2O deliver contemporary power to the park. Desire to sit back out? Personal cabanas and shaded loungers provide a breezy escape from the summer season solar.
Checking off your Meridian bucket listing
Meridian is full of the attraction, heat, and wide-open chance that Idaho is understood for. Whether or not you’re looking native boutiques, catching thrills on the speedway, or watching your kids gentle up on the Youngsters’s Museum, town’s idyllic life-style is your invitation to settle in and savor each second.
From summertime enjoyable to memory-filled weekends, this Meridian bucket listing captures the on a regular basis magic that locals love and newcomers rapidly fall for. So, for those who’re planning on transferring to Idaho, begin discovering your new favorites, share them with mates, and let Meridian shock you in all the best methods.