There’s something magical about a garden tucked away in a city. Gardens are places of contemplation and beauty, places that feel slightly apart from time and yet when you’re there you feel connected. I’ve always loved beautiful gardens, so when I found the Idaho Botanical Garden on my birthday, it became one of my favorite places in Boise.

The garden sits on the grounds of the Old State Penitentiary, so scattered around the garden are placards talking about the history of specific buildings that used to stand there. I found this to be thoroughly fascinating, and I’m looking forward to going on a tour of the prison itself to learn more.

Separated into different sections, each with their own theme (rose garden, herb garden, English garden, Lewis & Clark garden and so on) there is plenty to discover and learn (there were some children there on a field trip), and I learned quite a bit about Lewis & Clark’s expedition, which was an unexpected bonus.

Throughout the year, they hold special events, like concerts, in the garden. It’s also one of the most popular spots in Boise to get married, and you can definitely see why.

If you’re in the area, you really must visit. It’s $7 to get into the garden, but it’s worth every penny. Beyond being beautiful, it’s the perfect spot to read or write and think, with benches around every corner and the sweet smell of roses in the air.