Boise is a spread-out sorta place. Nevermind downtown - visit the Wild Bird Sanctuary, walk near the river to catch the eagles, drive out to Lucky Peak, take a Bogus Creek outfitters wagon tour or just knock around town in a rental. There's lots of cool hole-in-the-wall mom and pop shops and the Record Exchange has some really REALLY good old stuff too. And if you're just wanting to rest, take an hour and go for a crystal healing / chakra balancing treatment and/or a psychic reading/channeling session from those Waxing Moon folks near State Street (they operate out of their house till their store is built and don't advertise - word of mouth keeps them busy enough!). Merritts for breakfast scones; Guido's strombolis for lunch and for dinner - the Dutch Goose for the best prime rib in town, great beer on tap and fresh hot chips.

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Liz

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like ... where men were free."

The bird sanctuary is really, really neat.  They have some amazingly beautiful birds there!

The Dutch Goose, huh?  I'll have to find it when I'm there (the plan is me driving down early on Saturday and doing some shopping, since I live 80 miles from the closest chain stores!) for food.  Yeppers.

Do you have any recommendations for a decent inexpensive hotel?  I know there's a bunch at the Vista Ave exit, but if there's anything that's closer to the theater or something I'd love to know.
 

The Dutch Goose is on State Street, between 33rd and Veteran's Parkway. As for hotels - check out the Red Lion Downtowner(which is right on Main about 1-1/2 miles from the Egyptian). If you want charming the JJ Shaw House B&B's number is 344-8899 - they're also within walking distance to downtown. Idaho Heritage B&B is at $70 per night (342-8066). If you're not picky, the Safari Inn has rooms starting at $79 per night (per Priceline) and is about 4 blocks from the Egyptian. Doubletree Club has $66 rooms, but they're a cab ride to the theater -- not sure if they have a downtown shuttle.

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Liz

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like ... where men were free."

All good choices for places to stay in downtown Boise. The Hampton Inn is brand new and the Grove Hotel is 5 star and close to the Egyptian Theater. Downtown Boise has so many great places to eat,Goldy's on Capitol Blvd. just down the street from the venue is super, the Ha'Penny and Bonefish and PF Changs in BODO near the venue all great! Our river, parks,mountains,people, all reasons we like it here so much. My family moved here in October 15 years ago and found Boise the most beautiful city in the fall. Can't wait for October 11th!

Thanks for the recommendations!  I will definitely check them out.  I'm on a budget, but I am so there.

I haven't started counting days, but I'm not far from it.  October 11th can't get here fast enough!