Boise, ID (BOI)

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Boise beckons visitors to explore nature. The Boise River winds throughout the city with riverfront paths for running, walking and biking. The Boise foothills are perfect for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Excellent skiing is available 20 miles north of Boise, and outstanding whitewater rafting is only 45 miles away. While in Boise, be sure to visit the Basque Cultural Center, which examines the heritage of Idaho's Basque immigrants. The World Center for Birds of Prey offers close-up views of its rare inhabitants; the center has already released 6,000 endangered Peregrine falcons into the wild. The Old Idaho Penitentiary, now a museum, examines the gritty history of the prison since pioneer days.