October is America’s most-loved month of the year. The weather starts to cool down slowly in most parts of the country, and colorful fall foliage bursts into full brilliance! With the wind-down of summer in September, people are usually ready for more exciting things to do once October rolls around. If you live in the Treasure Valley, we’ve put together a list of 6 great things to do in October!
Here are six things to do in October in Boise, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley area:
- Boogie at a Broncos football game
- Bike to Three Horse Ranch Vineyards
- Go apple and plum picking
- Take a fermentation class
- Wander Through the Farmstead
- Visit Edward’s Greenhouse Autumn Festival
Whether you like sports, cooking, family fun, or drinking a glass of wine, October in the Treasure Valley has something for everyone. Let’s see what’s happening!
1. Boogie at a Broncos Football Game
Image usable under the Creative Commons license. Photo taken by Angie H.
Americans know that fall = football, and October is the peak of the Boise State Bronco’s football season. Bundling up and going to a BSU football game is one of the best ways to enjoy the changing seasons in Boise! Fans flock from all over to the stadium and the blue field. The football season spans from September through the end of November. You can purchase tickets online here for the 2022 season.
2. Bike to Three Horse Ranch Vineyards
If you’ve done most of the classic Treasure Valley fall activities, biking to Three Horse Ranch Vineyards is a unique way to enjoy the fall season. The loop can range from 3-4 miles, depending on where you park. To bike to the vineyard, drive North on North Eagle Road until it turns into Willow Creek Road. From there, keep driving on the gravel road until you reach the small dirt/gravel parking area. Alternatively, you can park at Three Horse Ranch Vineyard, bike the loop, and finish there. You can see the two parking areas (orange dots) on the map and the bike route below.
If you’re starting from the parking spot on N Eagle Road/Willow Creek Road, you’ll park and bike north until you hit the intersection of Chaparral Road and Willow Creek Road. You’ll keep right and keep heading towards Pearl Road. Once you’re at the top of the hill, you’ll be able to see the vineyard on your left (it’s a beautiful view that will make you feel like you’re on the Rhone)! Bike down Willow Creek Road until you get to the turnoff on Pearl Road/West Chaparral Road, and take a left. Arrive at the vineyard shortly after.
You can enjoy a variety of wines, appetizers, and live music at the Three Horse Ranch Vineyards with a beautiful view of grapevine fields and horse pastures. After you’ve had your fill, complete the loop by biking southwest on W Chapparal Road, taking a left turn onto Chapparal Road, and then making your way back to your car!
Don’t forget to make a reservation before you go! You can make one on their website.
3. Go Apple and Plum Picking
Apple and plum picking are great ways to get outside with the family in the fall! A sweet tradition is going apple picking in the morning and spending the rest of the day making apple pies. There are so many different u-pick farms and orchards to choose from in the Treasure Valley. Here are a few well-loved orchards in the Treasure Valley:
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Address: 2087 W King Rd, Kuna, ID 83634
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 am-5 pm, Wednesday-Sunday 7 am-8 pm
Address: 993 Hermosa St, Emmett, ID 83617
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Address: 2455 W South Slope Rd, Emmett, ID 83617
- The Berry Ranch (No apples or plums, but excellent produce and berries!)
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-3:30 pm, Saturday 10 am- 1:30 pm
Address: 7998 US-20, Nampa, ID 83687
4. Take A Fermentation Class
Have apples that are starting to shrivel from your trip to the orchard? If you haven’t made them all into pies, consider experimenting with fermentation. At-home fermentation is making a comeback because of its health benefits and shiny price tag in health food stores. With the arrival of fall and the anticipation of winter, it’s nice to find things to do inside. Fermenting foods inside during winter is a great way to pass the time.
Here are popular fermented foods you can make at home:
- Kombucha
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
- Beer
Check Eventbrite for fermentation classes in the Boise area. Occasionally the Boise Coop will offer fermentation classes for beginners!
5. Wander Through the Farmstead
Media photo courtesy of the Lowe Family Farmstead
The Lowe Family Farmstead has become one of the most popular fall destinations in the Treasure Valley. It’s jam-packed with fall fun like their corn maze, hayrides, ropes course, cow trains, pig races, pumpkin picking, and more- oh my! Because of its explosion in popularity and visitors, The Farmstead gives suggestions for beating the crowds and planning your trip accordingly. Visit their website to purchase tickets and see their fall calendar. Admission is $19.99 and includes access to most of what they offer.
6. Visit Edward’s Greenhouse Autumn Festival
There’s no better way to kick off October 1st than at Edward’s Greenhouse Autumn Festival! It’s a day filled with autumn crafts and festivities. So grab your favorite fall drink, pack the kids, and enjoy free admission to the most festive fall celebration in town. You can find Edwards Greenhouse at the base of old Hill Road at 4106 Sand Creek Street in Boise.
Get your craft on with the kids by creating “scary fairy gardens,” lavender play dough, gourd necklaces, and pumpkin paintings. Kids’ crafts cost a small fee, and you can purchase them before or during the event. See their prices here. Adults can enjoy coffee and food trucks, live music, and shopping for fall mums and pumpkins. The cut flower garden is also open to the public. After you enjoy the fall festivities, feel free to walk around the large greenhouse to see what fall and winter plant varieties they have.
Don’t miss out on enjoying the Treasure Valley’s fall festivities! Idaho is a beautiful and wonderful place to spend America’s most-loved month of the year.