Meridian, Idaho could sit simply outdoors Boise, however make no mistake; it’s a metropolis with a character all its personal. With open-air markets, regionally liked eating places, and simply the precise 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 house in Meridian, looking for an condo to lease, or have your eyes on a rental house within the metropolis, this Meridian bucket checklist 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 maintain you coming again. Let’s dive in.
1. Spend a day at The Village at Meridian
No Meridian bucket checklist is full with out a go to to The Village at Meridian, town’s stylish purchasing and life-style vacation spot. Right here, you’ll discover all the things from indie outlets to nationwide favorites, however what makes the expertise shine is its sense of neighborhood. “I highly recommend this mall for those who are new to the city. With beautiful shops, restaurants, and more, it’s a very welcoming place to spend an afternoon,” 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 house to life. “The Village is not only known for its amazing shopping of local and big brand stores,” shares Kristen Schafer, proprietor of Elle M Boutique, “but they also have so many fun events. From local bands playing on summer Friday nights to amazing restaurants, coffee shops, farmers markets, car shows, and so much more.”
“It’s a great place to gather and have a bite to eat, shop, have a glass of wine/coffee, grab an ice cream, go bowling or take in a new movie at the cinema. There are many different places to sit in comfort, relax, and watch the fountain water show. They also have a playground for little ones to enjoy too. Make sure to visit our boutique when you shop.” – Workforce at 1st Miracle Boutique
“With twinkle lights, dancing fountains, and cozy fire pits, it’s where people come together for dinner, shopping, or a movie under the stars. It captures that perfect blend of small-town warmth and modern convenience that makes Meridian feel like home.” – Iridessa, Boise Aerial and Health
“The Village is a great place to visit with many shops and restaurants, a movie theater, and a beautiful park and playground area for everyone to enjoy.” – 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 methods to play from playgrounds and bike trails to shaded picnic spots.
“One of the best ways to soak up that Meridian lifestyle? Discovery Park,” shares Kaysi of TatorJo Idaho Attire. “It’s a total win for all ages: 64 acres of fun with giant playgrounds, ziplines, bike and skate zones, sand and water play, and open space for kids to be kids. You can easily spend the whole day here, and trust me, you’ll want to.”
3. Rejoice metropolis satisfaction at Dairy Days
There’s no higher method to embrace the spirit of Meridian than at Dairy Days, a week-long celebration filled with hometown satisfaction. From the full of life carnival and Meridian Speedway races to certainly one of Idaho’s largest parades, 4H reveals, and the all-new scorching air balloon glow, Dairy Days brings your complete neighborhood collectively. That is additionally a convention that offers again; elevating cash for native 4H and FFA scholarships, and supporting the subsequent era of agricultural leaders.
4. Go on a treasure hunt with Classic Street Trippin’
“One of my favorite events in the Meridian area is Vintage Road Trippin’,” shares the crew at Blue Fringe Boutique. “It’s a semi-annual shopping event that takes participants to 18 small businesses in meridian and surrounding towns. Some businesses host pop-up vendors, while others offer in-store specials. And if you visit 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 checklist. This native favourite turns a quiet night into a significant occasion, the place the grandstands fill with cheering followers. “This is an absolute must-do,” says Andy, proprietor of Meridian BNB. “It’s loud, exciting, and seriously fun. You’ve gotta see the boat races, where they chain old boats to cars and trucks, and watch them crash around the track.”
From rocket automotive exhibitions to actual NASCAR occasions, the Speedway brings an sudden edge to Meridian’s family-friendly popularity. “It’s perfect for anyone new to Meridian or anyone looking for something unique and entertaining (just don’t forget your ear protection),” 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 can win your coronary heart. As soon as a working farm, this park was generously donated by its namesake as a present to the neighborhood.
At this time, guests can admire its peaceable out of doors magnificence with a stroll alongside its trails, a visit to the playgrounds, or whereas attending certainly one of its neighborhood occasions. When you’re weighing the professionals and cons of dwelling in Idaho, this spot would possibly simply tip the size in favor of calling Meridian house.
7. Tee off at Lakeview Golf Membership
For many who like their leisure with a facet of surroundings, Lakeview Golf Membership affords the sort of laid-back luxurious that defines Meridian’s life-style. Right here, you’ll be able to maintain a peaceable tempo of play, and simply sufficient problem to maintain issues fascinating.
“Whether you’re a longtime local or new to Meridian, hitting the green is a favorite way to unwind,” says Cara Hipwell of Idaho Maven. “Lakeview Golf Club is a community gem with scenic fairways and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. We love hosting guests at our short-term rental on the 16th hole, but it’s also a go-to spot for neighbors and golf lovers.” And for those who’re new to the sport? “Stop by Scheels or head to Topgolf. Clubs are included, making it easy for anyone to join in the fun.”
8. Discover the wonders of the Youngsters’s Museum of Idaho
“As a Meridian parent, I love taking my 3 kids to the Children’s Museum of Idaho where we have annual passes. It’s one of those rare places where they can learn and have fun at the same time” says Bruce Burton, proprietor of Superior Arcades. “From piloting a pretend jet to exploring the kid-sized grocery store, every exhibit sparks their imagination. For our family, it feels like a perfect snapshot of what it means to raise our kids in a community 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 last word playground for all ages. This action-packed leisure middle 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 adventure spot. My 7-year-old lights up the second we pull into the lot,” shares Tyler Smith of Go Skate Meridian. “As a dad, I love that it’s clean, safe, and fun for the whole family. It’s one of those places that makes raising a kid here feel pretty special.”
10. Leap into health and enjoyable
Leap 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 convey the neighborhood collectively. It’s a spot the place children can burn power, dad and mom can chill out, and neighbors can join.
With a Funfull membership, you’ll be able to leap for 90 minutes each single day at Leap Timeplus, and revel in free day by 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 very best nights out are those the place you roll up your sleeves and get a bit of 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
Searching for a purpose to bust out your artful facet? Hammer & Stain in Meridian has you lined with walk-in DIY initiatives, customized indicators, and hands-on enjoyable that adjustments each week. Planning a ladies’ evening, a birthday bash, or simply want a break from adulting? Proprietor Kate Spear and her crew will ensure you depart with one thing stunning, plus a paint smudge or two.
Paint your individual pottery
For one thing equally hands-on, head to The Sizzling Spot, certainly one of Meridian’s most colourful hidden gems. They’ve initiatives for everything-birthdays, ladies’ evening, hanging with buddies or household, and even wet weekend plans. You possibly can BYOB and settle in on the patio or studio. Then, select from seven artistic initiatives 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 totally expertise town’s character, ensure to take a look at every of those locally-loved spots.
Dusty Rose Reserve
Dusty Rose Reserve brings a recent 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 things from savory starters to flavorful entrees. Owned by locals Dusty and Rosie, this restaurant is the right place to get a real really feel for town.
Crimson Fort Delicacies
Life in Meridian is about neighborhood, 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 affords a second of escape to India proper within the coronary heart of Idaho.
Tea Received Boba and PC Cafe
Half boba store, half console lounge, Tea Received Boba & PC Cafe brings a playful, fashionable edge to Meridian’s meals scene. Opening quickly, that is the right 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 high waterparks within the Northwest. With greater than 20 sights, it’s a Meridian bucket checklist 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 trip and the whimsical Camp IdaH2O convey recent power to the park. Favor to relax out? Non-public cabanas and shaded loungers provide a breezy escape from the summer season solar.
Checking off your Meridian bucket checklist
Meridian is crammed with the attraction, heat, and wide-open risk that Idaho is thought for. Whether or not you’re shopping native boutiques, catching thrills on the speedway, or watching your youngsters mild 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 checklist captures the on a regular basis magic that locals love and newcomers rapidly fall for. So, for those who’re planning on shifting to Idaho, begin discovering your new favorites, share them with buddies, and let Meridian shock you in all the precise methods.
