Enjoy the Holiday Season with These Fun Events

Enjoy the Holiday Season with These Fun Events

The days may be getting shorter and the weather cooler, but there are plenty of fall and holiday activities coming up this November that you don’t want to miss! Here are a few of our favorite upcoming events that are fun to enjoy with friends and family.

And remember, if you fall in love with a new area of town when you are out and about (or if your out-of-state visitors do) make sure you give me a call to tour some homes! It is always an honor to help my clients find their next home.

Christopher May, Exquisite Creatures

All November & December: Exquisite Creatures at Discovery Center

Exquisite Creatures is an artistic experience that unravels humanity’s intimate relationship with the natural world. Artist, naturalist and New York Times bestselling author Christopher Marley reveals the obscure beauty in nature through his three-dimensional work with animal, mineral and plant specimens. The Exquisite Creatures exhibit will be at the Discovery Center of Idaho through February 20th, 2022.

November 16: The Price is Right LIVE!

Head out to the Morrison Center on November 16th for your chance to hear your name called on the Price is Right! Prizes and giveaways will be available to win as you play classic games from the show.

November 19-21: Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland Festival

Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland Festival is a 3 day celebration of the start of the holiday lights at Indian Creek Plaza. Visit Santa, go ice skating, eat your favorite treat, or start your holiday shopping with a variety of vendors. The lights will be on display starting November 19th, with the season running through January 9th.

Canyon County Christmas Show

November 19-21: Canyon County Christmas Show

Get into the holiday spirit at the Canyon County Christmas Show at the Ford Idaho Center. Check out gifts from local vendors and children under 12 are free. Also be sure to travel into Boise for the El Korah Holiday Show going on November 20-21.

November 20 & 21: Dino Stroll Boise

Expo Idaho will be transformed into the Mesozoic Era with prehistoric dinosaurs at Dino Stroll! Guests will stroll through this indoor dinosaur adventure and get up close and personal with almost 75 dinosaurs ranging from babies to life-size dinosaurs. Perfect for the whole family!

November 24 – January 1: Winter Garden aGlow

Immerse yourself in twinkling lights at the Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden for its 25th anniversary year! Create memories with the ones you love and experience over 500,000 lights hung artfully among the landscape. Enjoy snacks and warm drinks from local vendors while you warm up by a fire, stroll through Outlaw Field, and see what wondrous creation Illumicone has in store for you this year!

This must see event begins November 24th through December 31st. Tickets go on sale to the public on November 1st so grab your tickets and enjoy the lights as you make memories with your family and friends. 

November 26 – December 18: Ballet Idaho’s The Nutcracker

Get a little dressed up and celebrate Ballet Idaho’s return to the stage and the joy of the season in glittering fashion. The Nutcracker should not be missed.

November 26 - December 18
Photo by Ballet Idaho


One thing you definitely should check out (if you haven’t already) is a BSU football game! There’s nothing quite like watching the Broncos play in person on the blue turf. There’s two home games left in the regular season and you can purchase tickets here.

November 6: BSU at Fresno State
November 12: BSU VS Wyoming
November 20: BSU VS New Mexico
November BSU at San Diego State

Just a reminder: be sure to double check all these events before heading out. While they are upcoming for now, we all know things can change quickly to accommodate COVID19 concerns.


Gabriel Gutierrez
Featured: Stunning Five Bedroom in Meridian

Featured: Stunning Five Bedroom in Meridian

This home is one you do not want to miss: 1027 N. Stronghold Ave., Meridian, Idaho 83642

Featured in meridian

This stunning Meridian home has been fully remodeled with luxury laminate flooring, new carpet, fresh paint, quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, and so much more! Enter the home and be greeted by the spacious living area and dual sided fireplace. Walk through to the open dining area and kitchen featuring an oversized island and all new appliances. You do not want to miss the large walk-in pantry with sink, wine fridge, and room for a larger secondary fridge!

The main level master features a sliding glass door with access to the backyard, spacious walk-in closet, tile shower, and dual vanities. One of our favorite things about this master suite is the stacked laundry in the ensuite. No walking upstairs to do laundry for those residing on the main level!

Upstairs you’ll be happy to find a large open loft space with plenty of potential to be a playroom, office, theatre area, or all three! Surrounding the loft is four additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and oversized laundry room. All bedrooms feature new carpet and paint. The bathrooms have been tastefully remodeled.

Take a minute to view the 3D Virtual Tour!


The backyard of this home features space for RV parking, garden beds, and a shed. The large patio is perfect for BBQing and relaxing. Enjoy summer nights full of fun and privacy as there are no backyard neighbors! The home backs up to a large neighborhood park and common area space. This neighborhood also has a community pool.


Everything you need will be within a few minutes, as this home is centrally located in Meridian off Cherry Lane between Black Cat and Ten Mile. Only 5 minutes to the nearest grocery store, 5 minutes to the closest medical facility, and 7 minutes to I84 to make commuting a breeze.

1027 stronghold

This listing is offered by Gabriel Gutierrez with Data Driven Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Boise. To schedule a private tour of 1027 N. Stronghold, please reach out to the listing agent directly.This home is listed at $769,900 – MLS# 98823010

Gabriel Gutierrez

Fall 2021 Activities

Fall 2021 Activities

There is nothing quite like the fall season in Boise! The City of Trees changes to an array of red, orange, and yellow against the beautiful mountain backdrop. Whether it is picking pumpkins at one of the local farms, trick-or-treating on Harrison Blvd., or attending a fall event, Boise offers so much to celebrate the fall season.

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Farms

Twin Oaks Farms

Fall pumpkin patch

Twin Oaks Farm has been a fall staple in the Treasure Valley for several years now. Pre-COVID they would change an entry fee and have plenty of food & activities to participate in, including a haunted Halloween section. However, they have since switched things up to accommodate COVID restrictions. Twin Oaks no longer charges an entry fee to the farm and you can enjoy free corn pits, mini mazes, a hay stack tower and slide. The u-pick pumpkins, horse rides, train ride, and animal feed do cost money.

Location: 3650 North Eagle Road, Eagle ID 83616

Hours: Monday through Thursday 10am – Sunset, Friday through Sunday 10am – Sunset (about 6pm)

Lowe Family Farmstead

Celebrating 25 years of fall fun, the Farmstead is open for the season until October 30th. Enjoy one of Idaho’s largest corn mazes, pumpkin patch, hay rides, u-pick flower field, corn boxes, pig races, potato sack slide, pony rides, and much more. There is also plenty of food and drink vendors to make sure you stay full and hydrated while spending the day at the Farmstead. Admission is $16 and includes the hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and more.

Hours: Monday through Thursday 4 – 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 10am – 10pm, Closed Sundays

Location: 2500 South Eagle Road, Kuna ID 83634

Linder Farms

Linder Farms Fall

When Linder Farms changed hands, we weren’t sure if this fall staple would remain open to the public. However, the new owners (Dave & Kristen Morton) are dedicated to bringing plenty of activities and themed days/nights to the Treasure Valley! The Fall Festival opened on September 24th and will run until October 31st. Admission is $8 for single ticket, $30 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children), and $6 for each additional family member. Admission fees are separate from the cost of any attractions, games, food, drinks, or activities.

Activities include bounce houses, fun house, mechanical bull, sunflower field, hay ride, zip line, axe throwing, carnival games, and more. The concession stand will have a variety of drinks along with burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, mini doughnuts, and cotton candy. The General Store will also be open and available to shop for fresh apple cider, local fruit, several local vendors, and even Linder Farms apparel.

Hours: Monday through Thursday 5 – 9pm, Fridays 5 – 10pm, Saturday 11am – 10pm

Location: 7165 South Linder Road, Meridian ID 83642


Haunted Attractions

Haunted World

haunted world

The Haunted World has been open for over 20 years and is one of Idaho’s largest haunted attractions. As the largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction, they have perfected the art of fear! Visitors can expect about 1.5 hours of spooky fun on weekdays and about 2 hours on weekends. Admission is $27 for a base ticket (children 5 and under are free) and $32 for a fast track ticket (recommended on the weekends). Ticket price includes entry to the Haunted World and Skullvania attraction.

Hours: Monday through Friday dusk to 10 PM, Saturdays dusk to Midnight

Location: 20031 Northside Blvd., Caldwell ID 83605

Requiem Haunted House

Requiem is one of the newest haunted attractions in the Treasure Valley. Located in downtown Caldwell, with over 13,000 square feet of indoor terror, you are invited to enter at your own risk! Purchasing tickets online ahead of time is recommended, as they are only offering timed entries to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. Admission is $18 for ages 13 and up, and $13 for 12 and under. Waivers must be signed ahead of time online as well.

Location: 810 Main Street, Caldwell ID 83605


Fall Events

Fall Harvest at the Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden Fall

Head out to the Idaho Botanical Garden every Saturday throughout October for the family-friendly Fall Harvest in the Garden. Each week offers a unique experience featuring Scarecrow Stroll, artisan vendors, food trucks, local beer and cider, and live music. There really is something for everyone! Set aside a few weekends to come and enjoy one of the best times to be in the Garden! Admission is free for members or $9 for adults, $5 for 4-12 years old, and free for kids 3 and under. Check out the full schedule of events here.

Boise Fall Home Show

The Boise Fall Home Show is one of the largest expo events of the year! Head out to Expo Idaho October 22nd – October 24th to find vendors for home updates and upgrades, landscaping, remodeling, new products, design ideas, and more. Tickets are $3 per adult and children 12 and under are free.

Hours: Friday 5 – 9pm, Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 4pm

Location: 5610 Glenwood Street, Boise ID 83714

Brought to you by Data Driven Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Boise

Live the Idaho Dream

Live the Idaho Dream

13788 Hockberger Ranch Road, Caldwell, Idaho 83607

6 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 3 Car Garage | 7,648 Square Feet

Come live the Idaho dream in this stunning 6 bedroom lake house located in Caldwell, Idaho. This contemporary Idaho home is built to last with steel beam construction. Enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the backyard and second story deck with views of Lake Lowell and the Treasure Valley front. The entire home is flooded with natural light. Wide plank wood flooring & shiplap vaulted ceilings compliment this unrivaled style. The generously appointed cooks’ kitchen will inspire you to entertain. There is even an open layout daylight basement with 9’ ceilings – a haven for a family looking to make Idaho their home!

Home is offered at $1,975,000.00

Click here for the MLS Listing and here for the 360 Virtual Tour



Outdoor Amenities Include:

  • ~ 2.40 Acres
  • Well: 308′ deep
  • Propane tanks underground on south side of home
  • Pasture has water rights through HOA
  • Outside electrical outlets for Christmas lights
  • Fence line for securing animals

Interior Amenities Include:

  • LED lighting throughout
  • Dog wash in the garage
  • Kitchen has gas range & double ovens (electric)
  • Kitchen outlets are located under cabinets, not on walls
  • Window seats w/storage
  • Wide plank hardwood flooring
  • Daylight basement with 9′ ceilings
  • Reclaimed wood features: shiplap and cedar from family homestead in living room, master bedroom, and mudroom

Construction Amenities Include:

  • Central Vac
  • Pella windows
  • Steel beam construction
  • AquaKlear water filter system
  • 2 water heaters and 2 HVAC systems
  • Extra insulation added throughout home
  • Unfinished space under garage w/built-in safe (can also be an indoor shooting range or “safe room”)

For more information, or to schedule a tour, please contact Gabriel Gutierrez.

Idaho Realtor Gabriel Gutierrez


This listing is presented by Tracy Sidell at Keller Williams Realty Boise.

7 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Activities

7 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Activities

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations look a little different this year. Several parades and local activities have been cancelled in order to adhere to pandemic mandates. However, that doesn’t mean you, and your family, can’t channel your inner Irish spirit this year! It just takes a little creativity to get things going. And luckily for you, we’ve got you covered with 7 fun activities everyone will enjoy.

1) Head to the Kitchen

st. patrick's day dessert
VESELOVAELENA | GETTY IMAGES

A great St. Patrick’s Day celebration starts with delicious food! Head into the kitchen to bake some festive desserts.

For an easy bake, whip up your favorite cupcakes and decorate them with green frosting. If you’re favorite cake flavor happens to be yellow, white, or funfetti – take a little food coloring and dye it green! Feeling adventurous? Try a classic Irish soda bread.

Need some more baking ideas? Here’s 25 classic Irish dessert recipes to try out.

2) Have a Green Drink

St. Patrick's Day beer
ALEX HAYDEN | GETTY IMAGES

If there’s one St. Patrick’s Day tradition that is worth celebrating, it’s drinking a green beer!

Indulge in a classic Guinness or any of your other favorite pints. For the under 21 members of your group, beer isn’t the only thing that can be green. Smoothies are a great family-friendly green drink that are not only delicious, but are packed with healthy nutrients.

You can also try a green limeade, Kool-Aid, or milk!

3) St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Green hat
TOM BAKER / EYEEM | GETTY IMAGES

Remember the days when you would walk into your classroom at school and the desk would be overturned, glitter was thrown on the floor, and chocolate coins could be found hiding?

Bring that St. Patrick’s Day magic into your home with a St. Paddy’s Day scavenger hunt. After decorating the house, have the kids look for traces of leprechauns!

Gold coins, shamrocks, green dollar store toys, and more make for great scavenger hunt ideas.

4) Watch an Irish Movie

st. patrick's day movie

Settle in with some green popcorn and the tasty treats you baked earlier for an Irish move night! If you’re watching with kids or looking for something the whole family can enjoy try out one of these movies:

The Secret of Kells – Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film against Up and Princess and the Frog, this movie tells the story of Brendan, a young man in medieval Ireland, who befriends a fairy and heads off on a quest to fight evil.
Wolfwalkers – In this animated movie, an apprentice hunter joins her father on a journey to Ireland to hunt a wolf pack. This family movie boasts an incredible 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you’re looking for something a little more adult, try these suggestions:

Wild Mountain Thyme – Set on two Irish farms, this film follows two child neighbors and friends who have to decide what to do with their land as their parents age. Starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan.
The Hole in the Ground – This highest-grossing Irish horror film tells the story of a mother who believes her son has been replaced with an imposter.
Leap Year – One of our favorite romantic comedies, Amy Adams flies to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day.

5) Enjoy a Live Concert

M_A_Y_A | GETTY IMAGES

Popular Irish band, Dropkick Murphys, is ready to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a live stream concert. The lineup will feature some of the most popular and beloved songs along with some new music from their upcoming album. The concert is free to stream, but the band is accepting donations to benefit various charities. If you donate before or during the live stream, your name will be featured on a scrolling banner during the concert.

The concert starts at 4:00 PM Central Time and can be streamed here.

6) Make St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

crafts
ANNA BIZON | GETTY IMAGES

Wearing green is a must on St. Patrick’s Day and some creative crafts can take your outfit, and your decor, to the next level!

Entertain the kids by making leprechaun hats, cutting out shamrocks, or trying out one of these kid-friendly crafts.

You can even have a costume contest!

7) Give Yourself an Irish Blessing

ELISABETH COURSIN | GETTY IMAGES

Obtain some luck of the Irish by reciting an Irish blessing out loud. Then dive into some Irish poetry for some words of wisdom.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of the 11 most beautiful lines in Irish poetry.

Country & Mountain Living: Canyon County and Beyond

Country & Mountain Living: Canyon County and Beyond

If country living is your scene, the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton located in Canyon County are where you want to be. Canyon County is about 30-45 minutes from the Boise metro area. Out here you’ll find plenty of active farmland and local governments dedicated to revamping the image of their towns.

country canyon county
Canyon County, Idaho

NAMPA

Just outside of Meridian is the largest city in Canyon County: Nampa, Idaho. Nampa is home to one of the largest entertainment venues in the state – the Ford Idaho Center. It’s a hub for concerts, WWE shows, horse & rodeo events, local holiday markets, and more. Nampa is also home to a brand new Amazon facility! There are over 24 parks and recreation areas in the city of Nampa which includes the Nampa Rec Center which contains a six-pool aquatic center, gym, racquetball courts, a weight room, climbing wall, and a number of other activities.

CALDWELL

Located around the thriving and fertile Snake River, Caldwell is home to several local wineries. Enjoy a day of wine tasting surrounding by sprawling mountain and field views in every direction. The more urban areas of Caldwell have a small town atmosphere with modern amenities and a government dedicated to improving the city and quality of life of its citizens. Caldwell is also home to the College of Western Idaho and the College of Idaho. And since it’s still growing and changing, home prices in Caldwell remain extremely affordable.

MIDDLETON

Middleton is as small town living as small town gets in the Treasure Valley. Its placed along the rolling countryside with plenty of large open spaces. Large scale development, such a starter home communities, have just started popping up in Middleton. There’s a little downtown area with a few shops, a grocery store, restaurants, and a park/splash pad for the kids. Beyond that, however, you’ll be driving east towards Star, southeast towards Meridian, or south towards Nampa to do the majority of your shopping.


If the mountains are calling your name, Idaho mountain ranges are so close to the Boise area that if you spin a circle while standing anywhere in the Treasure Valley, you’ll see mountains all around you. In fact, it is a short 45 minute drive from the Boise area to prime winter skiing and summer hiking at Bogus Basin. Head north on highway 55, and you’ll find the beautiful lakeside towns of McCall, Tamarack, and Donnelly.

outside the country
Mountain Skiing: Bogus Basin

GARDEN VALLEY

White water rafting calling your name? Head up to Garden Valley – the white water capital of the world. It is the gateway to rugged and scenic beauty. You can adventure in the 5,000 miles of mountain trails, or raft the class 4 rapids of the Payette River. Plus, there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy and it’s only an hour outside of Boise!

MCCALL

Known as Lake Tahoe’s little cousin, McCall is mountain living at its finest. McCall is a resort town nestled two hours outside of Boise in mountains and along the shores of Payette Lake. In the summer, visitors and locals enjoying boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in the lake. There’s miles of beautiful hiking trails, a golf course, and disc golf course to enjoy as well. But McCall really shines in the winter. There’s an annual winter carnival which draws thousands to the tiny town to marvel at gigantic snow sculptures and ski at nearby Brundage Mountain. McCall is a must-see for anyone looking to move to Idaho – or any local looking for a bit of an escape!

DONNELLY

Oh Donnelly, how we love you and your Huckleberry festival. Donnelly is about 89 miles north of Boise and about 20 minutes outside of McCall. Despite being located so closely to the fame of McCall, Donnelly has made a name for itself with their new ski resort: Tamarack. This resort has become a top destination worldwide for avid skiers and snowboarders. There’s a local lodge with a small market and restaurant, plenty of rental condos, cabins, and extravagant homes. Donnelly is known as the crossroads of recreation and is surrounded by mountains, meadows, hundreds of alpine lakes, and local hot springs.

CASCADE

Cascade is a beautiful mountain playground and rural town about 70 miles north of Boise. It has a friendly hometown vibe with a handful of local restaurants, shops, and flea markets. Skiing and snowshoeing will keep you busy during the winter, while swimming and water sports are abound in the summer. Cascade is the ultimate outdoor lover’s paradise.


If Canyon County doesn’t sound like home, check out our Ada County neighborhood guide.


When you’re ready to relocate to Idaho, or purchase your mountain escape, contact Data Driven Real Estate. Gabriel Gutierrez, REALTORĀ® and owner, has over six years of experience selling and buying real estate in the Treasure Valley. He is a top producer and has a proven track record of delivering 5-star customer service to all of his clients.