There is no better way to celebrate the end of summer while simultaneously welcoming in the start of a new school year than by going out for a sweet treat with the family. We are lucky to live in the Treasure Valley for so many reasons, chief among which is the absolute embarrassment of riches we have in the valley when it comes to sweet shops. From the farmland of Caldwell to the busy streets of downtown Boise, we have many ice cream shops and bakeries to choose from that will rival if not outright top what other states have to offer. We Idahoans take our desserts seriously and we?re not one to lose out to neighbors in the Pacific Northwest. Without further ado, here are some fantastic spots you and the family can enjoy while celebrating the end of summer and kicking off the school year on a strong note. The STIL | Boise It doesn?t get more top shelf than this. When it comes to creating hand-crafted delicacies using natural, high quality ingredients, The STIL is second to none. This is truly a four quadrant sweet shop: there?s something here for everyone! All of their ice cream concoctions are made with the best, local ingredients wherever possible and they have everything from your traditional chocolate and vanilla to more exotic and adventurous twists like brownie batter, berries and lavender, or for those of you seeking truly outrageous and one of a kind ice cream, they have several booze infused creations. Goody?s Soda Fountain | Hyde Park Goody?s really lives up to their name. They are a good place to go to get some traditional old-fashioned ice cream shoppe treats. They have a wide range of ice cream flavors, of course, but their real claim to fame is from their hand made chocolates and their out of this world housemade waffle cones. You will want to get several of each! And the smell of freshly made waffle cone batter is hard to beat. Stella?s Ice Cream | Nampa & Meridian Stella?s may not have an ice cream flavor named ?desire? but they have a ton of treats that will have you screaming from the rooftops! They use locally sourced fresh ingredients and use them in their handcrafted ice cream combinations. Get yourself a scoop or two of their decadent ?all nighter? flavor which combines chocolate and coffee or try their more off the wall flavor ?Blue Moon? which is a little tangy, a little sweet, and totally unforgettable. Lizzy?s Fresh Coffee & Sweet Treats | Eagle Founded by the daughter of an honest to goodness Austrian pastry chef, Lizzy?s combines exceptional coffee roasts and blends with house-made pastries and sweet creations that will have you asking for a baker?s dozen more for the ride home. Beat the summer heat with their wide selection of iced coffees as well! Something there for the whole family. Conclusion We hope that this article about finding the best sweet treat spots around town was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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The first day of school is a tough one for kids, especially if they haven't been to their current school yet, however, as tough as it is on kids, it is probably even tougher (emotionally at least) on parents. Regardless of how tough it is, we still have to do it, so we might as well make the most of it by kicking off this bittersweet time with some great and perhaps out of the ordinary traditions to make everything more fun, memorable, and exciting for kids and parents alike. Special Back-to-School Celebratory Breakfast If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then the first breakfast on the first day of school is the most important meal of the year! You want to start your year off right while also providing a healthy and well-balanced meal for your little ones. Start a tradition of a grand breakfast in order to kick off their first day in style. Plan with them beforehand to see what they would love to have for their first breakfast of the school year. You can go all out with fancy treats, or just give them a more dialed up version of their favorite breakfast dish. Either way, it is a fun, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to help start a new tradition and ring in the school year. First-Day Photos with a Twist This is a pretty common, if not the most common first day of school tradition here in the US, but let?s put a twist on it! Instead of a picture in front of the front door or next to your favorite tree, why not get a little crazy with it and do your photos with a wild or different backdrop? Here are a few suggestions from around the Treasure Valley. The Greenbelt with the water and trees behind them. Freak Alley for a colorful, artsy backdrop. Camel?s Back Park for a natural hillside setting. The Idaho Botanical Garden for a fantastic view of downtown or to have some of their breathtaking garden displays in the background. Zoo Boise for a great way to get one last zoo trip in before school starts but to also have wild animals in the background! Create a ?Night-Before-School? Ritual The start of the school year, by definition, is also the official end of summer. Let your kids have one last hurrah as summer comes to a close by creating a fun and memorable night before school ritual. Do they love going to the movies? Maybe take the whole family out to a film of their choice and grab some ice cream afterwards? Or, how about having a family game night with their favorite dinner? Or you could even spend some time together reading their favorite book or just reading books together in general. Whatever you like to do, you can make it into a fun tradition. Conclusion We hope that this article about creating new back to school traditions for your family was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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One of the best reasons to have a set of beautiful window coverings for your home is to help them accentuate the breathtaking views of the great Idaho outdoors. Well, for today's blog, we're going to help you make the most of the last days and weeks of summer with a handy guide to the best day trips to embark on with friends or family (or solo!) before another great Idaho summer comes to a close. Idaho City. Historic Charm & Hot Springs A city so great they named the whole state after it! Or is it the other way around? Either way, many Idahoans know that making the trek from Boise to Idaho City is well worth the drive. Less than an hour?s drive from Boise, Idaho City puts you in the middle of a gorgeous old growth forest with a cozy and authentic mountain town at the center. There is great shopping, restaurants, and trails that you can explore for hours on end. Don?t forget to stop by Trudy?s Kitchen for dinner! Banks & the Payette River. Whitewater & Rugged Wilderness If you?re feeling more adventurous and seeking the excitement that strolling down the mainstreet of a cozy mountain town brings, then Banks is the perfect place for you. It?s where adrenaline junkies go to score their latest fix! Banks is home to some of the best whitewater rafting launch points in the country. Just don?t forget your life jacket or your GoPro! Bogus Basin. Summer Mountain Fun Many people live and work in Boise and never end up making it up the mountain via the infamous Bogus Basin road to explore all of the great things that the Bogus Basin resort has to offer. The great news is that during the summer, the road is much easier to navigate and the amenities that the Bogus resort has to offer are second to none. Take a whole day and explore the mountain on your mountain bike, or take to the hiking trails via the ski lift which will take you to new heights and some of the best views in all of the state. They even have a disc golf course and a mountain roller coaster. Emmett. Fruit Picking & Small-Town Charm If you haven?t been to Emmett for a while, you are in for a real treat! Emmett has become one of the most beautiful storybook small farm towns that you could find in the entire United States. They have several amazing U-Pick fresh fruit orchards where you can gather peaches, plums, and apples right off the tree. Cool off with a refreshing orchard-made cider and enjoy the sights of this hidden gem. Conclusion We hope that this article about great near to Boise day trips was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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We see our home's window coverings every day, yet we rarely look closely or deeply at how effectively they are doing their job. They are truly the unsung heroes of household appliances because at their peak, they can save you hundreds on heating and cooling bills and they help to give you peace of mind every evening by providing you and your family privacy and security. If nothing else, once you?re finished reading this article, we want you to take a few moments and truly look at your home?s blinds or shades and see if they are getting worn out or are needing sprucing up. You may be tossing valuable money down the drain without realizing it! Here are some of the top signs that you should be looking for in your window coverings to tell if they should be replaced. They?re Discolored Or Faded Do you have a nice yellow set of blinds at the moment that you could have sworn were blue or white when you bought them? Sunlight is a powerful force for change. If it can give The Incredible Hulk his powers, then it can fade your home?s blinds over time. Faded blinds aren?t just a matter of looks. If your blinds have severely discolored and faded, then they may not be protecting you and your family from harmful UV rays. If your blinds are discolored, then it may be time for new ones. They?re Difficult to Open or Close Your blinds and shades should open and close with the touch of a finger, or in some cases like with our motorized shades, automatically. If you are noticing that your window coverings are fighting you at every turn and are hard to open or close, then you are probably due for a replacement. They?re Warped, Bent, or Broken Are your blinds missing pieces or are they bent out of shape? If you notice that your blinds are twisting in the wrong direction or are curving where they shouldn't be, then it?s time to replace! This is especially true with wooden blinds, as they can crack and warp due to exposure to moisture over the years. They?re Outdated or No Longer Fit Your Style If your TV set is from the 2020?s but your blinds are from the 90?s, then you have outdated blinds. Wrack your brain and try and determine when was the last time you updated your home?s interior window covering style. If the year starts with a ?19? then you are absolutely due for a replacement! Conclusion We hope that this article about signs that it's time to replace your old window coverings was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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There's something magical about the 4th of July in the Treasure Valley. The warm Idaho air, the smell of barbecue, kids waving sparklers, and fireworks lighting up the sky-it's a day packed with joy, community, and patriotic pride. And the best part? You don?t have to spend a fortune to make it unforgettable. Whether you're in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or anywhere in between, there are plenty of free events and fireworks shows that make Independence Day one of the best days of the year. The proud team at Blind Appeal is looking forward to the Fourth as much as anyone, and we put together our recommendations of some excellent ways to celebrate here at home. Here?s your guide to making the most of the 4th of July in the Treasure Valley?without spending a dime. What to Do on the 4th during the day, all for Free Patriotic Parades Cities across the Treasure Valley host morning parades that are perfect for all ages. Expect to see marching bands, antique cars, decorated bikes, and a sea of red, white, and blue. Nampa, Middleton, and Caldwell often hold community parades full of charm and neighborly spirit. Parks & Splash Pads Spend your afternoon enjoying Idaho?s natural beauty. Parks like Settlers Park (Meridian), Kleiner Park, and Lakeview Park (Nampa) offer splash pads, shady picnic areas, and space to play. Many host special events or patriotic decor on the 4th. Live Music & Community Festivals Keep your ears open for local bands playing at community events in Eagle, Kuna, or Caldwell. Often, these concerts are free and family-friendly?just bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes. Night Falls and the sky lights up, Best Places to See Fireworks Ann Morrison Park, Boise Boise?s biggest and most iconic fireworks show takes place right in the heart of downtown. Head to Ann Morrison Park early to claim a spot and enjoy a day full of food vendors, lawn games, and music. As night falls, the park fills with families, friends, and anticipation. When the fireworks launch just after 10 p.m., you?ll be treated to a show that lights up the skyline and hearts alike. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and plenty of snacks! Storey Park, Meridian Meridian throws one of the most family-friendly Independence Day parties in the Valley. Storey Park hosts a free celebration featuring live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and a patriotic parade. The event wraps up with a stunning fireworks show that?s perfectly timed and choreographed to music. It?s a favorite among locals and feels like a classic small-town celebration with big-time energy. Ford Idaho Center, Nampa The Ford Idaho Center offers another fantastic fireworks experience. The venue provides a huge open space for families to gather, play games, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The fireworks here are bold, beautiful, and easy to view from nearly any angle. You can even tune into a local radio station to hear the show?s synchronized soundtrack. Celebrate Together, Celebrate Free The 4th of July in the Treasure Valley is more than just fireworks?it?s a celebration of freedom, community, and summer magic. With so many free events, beautiful parks, and spectacular fireworks, there?s no excuse to stay home. Load up the car, grab your picnic basket, and join your neighbors for a day of pride, play, and patriotic wonder. Let the stars and stripes fly?and let your summer spirit soar. Happy Independence Day, Treasure Valley! Conclusion We hope that this article about free 4th of July fun in the Treasure Valley was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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Summer in Idaho's Treasure Valley is a season of sunshine, adventure-and serious heat. With temperatures often soaring into the 90s and beyond, finding smart, fun, and safe ways to cool down becomes a priority for families and individuals alike. Whether you're looking to beat the heat with the kids or you're in need of shelter from dangerously high temperatures, Treasure Valley has plenty of resources to keep everyone cool, safe, and smiling. Our thoughtful team at Blind Appeal put together a list of resources for all to find ways to stay safe and healthy in the heat of summer. Here?s your guide to staying cool this summer in the Treasure Valley?for families, kids, and those experiencing homelessness. Family-Friendly Ways to Stay Cool Visit a Local Splash Pad or Pool Treasure Valley is home to several free splash pads and low-cost community pools that are perfect for a family cool-down: Settlers Park (Meridian): One of the most popular spots with a splash pad, picnic shelters, and lots of shade. Kleiner Park (Meridian) and Indian Creek Plaza (Caldwell): Feature creative splash zones ideal for younger children. Boise Natatorium Pool and Ivywild Pool offer larger water spaces and water slides for a small fee. Bring water shoes, towels, and sunscreen?and maybe a picnic?and you?ve got an all-day family outing without breaking the bank. Float the Boise River Floating the Boise River is a local summer tradition. Start at Barber Park and float down to Ann Morrison Park?a refreshing, relaxing journey through the heart of Boise. Tube and raft rentals are available, and shuttle services make the return trip easy. Explore Indoor Fun When it's too hot even for water play, head inside to enjoy air-conditioned family fun: Boise Public Library branches: Offer story times, craft stations, and free Wi-Fi. Discovery Center of Idaho: Interactive science exhibits keep minds and bodies active. Jump Time Idaho (Meridian) and Wahoos Family Fun Zone (Boise) are great for indoor jumping, bowling, and arcade fun. Resources for the Unhoused: Staying Safe in Extreme Heat High summer temperatures can be life-threatening for those without shelter. Thankfully, Boise and surrounding areas offer resources for cooling and care: Boise Rescue Mission Ministries Boise Rescue Mission operates several shelters, including: River of Life (for men) City Light Home for Women and Children These facilities offer: Air-conditioned spaces Cold water and food Daytime shelter during heat waves Learn more or donate at: BoiseRM.org Cooling Centers & Public Buildings During heat advisories, the City of Boise opens cooling shelters at libraries and community centers. Libraries across the valley also serve as unofficial cooling centers with AC, restrooms, and drinking water. Beat the Heat, Share the Care Whether you?re looking for family fun or ways to help vulnerable neighbors, the Treasure Valley is full of cool options this summer. Splash, float, explore?or lend a hand to someone in need. Staying cool isn?t just about temperature?it?s about community, connection, and compassion. Let?s make this summer safe and joyful for everyone. Conclusion We hope that this article about ways to stay cool in and around Boise was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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Memorial Day in Idaho is more than just the unofficial start to summer. It's a day steeped in reflection, gratitude, and remembrance - a time when communities across the Gem State come together to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. From the rolling hills of the Palouse to the mountains of the Sawtooths, Idahoans celebrate Memorial Day with a spirit of patriotism and deep respect that resonates in small towns and cities alike. The Blind Appeal team put together this blog post to add appreciation, recognition, and celebration for what Memorial day means to us and much of Idaho. A State Steeped in Service Idaho has a proud military heritage. With strong ties to the armed forces and generations of veterans and active service members, the meaning of Memorial Day runs deep here. It?s a time to remember not only those who served, but those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Families gather at cemeteries, volunteers place flags on headstones, and ceremonies large and small remind us of the cost of our freedoms. Places like the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise or the Blackfoot Military Memorial Park become centers of heartfelt remembrance. Here, veterans and civilians alike bow their heads, offer salutes, and listen to the haunting notes of ?Taps? echo across the landscape. For many, it?s a sacred tradition?one passed down from generation to generation. Small Town Tributes with Big Heart In Idaho?s small towns, Memorial Day takes on an especially personal tone. Local parades, pancake breakfasts at the VFW, and flag-raising ceremonies bring people together not only to mourn but to connect and celebrate the spirit of community. In places like Emmett, Jerome, or Sandpoint, families share stories of grandparents who served, uncles who never came home, and neighbors who volunteered in times of conflict. Children wave flags along the sidewalks. Veterans wear their uniforms proudly. There?s a shared understanding, an unspoken gratitude in the air, as entire towns pause to remember. Nature?s Role in Remembrance Idaho?s breathtaking landscape seems made for reflection. On Memorial Day weekend, families often blend remembrance with nature?visiting the graves of loved ones in the morning and spending the afternoon at a peaceful mountain lake or forest campground. It?s not about forgetting. It?s about finding peace, connection, and appreciation for the beauty and freedom that so many have fought to preserve. Many take quiet walks through trails at City of Rocks, Redfish Lake, or Hells Canyon, letting the stillness of nature accompany their thoughts. The land itself feels like a tribute?wide, open, and free. Honoring Through Action Memorial Day in Idaho also means giving back. Whether it?s helping a local veterans? group, donating to a military family in need, or simply taking time to teach younger generations what the day truly means, Idahoans understand that honoring the fallen is an active responsibility. This Memorial Day, whether you attend a ceremony, visit a cemetery, or simply pause for a moment of silence, know that every act of remembrance matters. In Idaho, we don?t just remember?we carry the stories, the sacrifices, and the spirit of service forward. To the fallen heroes: We see you, we thank you, and we will never forget.
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If adventure calls and the open sky is your ceiling of choice, Idaho is your dream destination. Known as the "Gem State" for more than just its stones, Idaho is a camper's paradise packed with alpine lakes, towering peaks, wild rivers, hidden hot springs, and starry skies so clear they'll stop you in your tracks. Whether you're a rugged tent camper, an RV road tripper, or just looking to toast marshmallows with the kids, Idaho offers the ultimate outdoor experience. Here is a guide the Blind Appeal team put together to help you get inspired and prepared to enjoy an Idaho summer. Variety Is the Name of the Game Want high-mountain serenity? Forests full of wildlife? Desert dunes? How about crystal-clear lakes with postcard-perfect views? Idaho has it all. North Idaho stuns with massive lakes like Pend Oreille and Coeur d?Alene, surrounded by thick forests and perfect for boating, fishing, or paddling into the sunset. Central Idaho boasts the legendary Sawtooth Mountains and wild rivers like the Salmon, offering jaw-dropping backdrops for primitive camping, backpacking, and world-class whitewater rafting. Southwest Idaho features high desert, hot springs, and easy-to-access family-friendly campsites like those in Lake Cascade and Bruneau Dunes State Park, where you can sandboard by day and stargaze by night. No matter your camping style, there?s a corner of Idaho waiting to be your next base camp. Choose Your Adventure Style Car Camper: Idaho has you covered with hundreds of scenic and well-maintained campgrounds in state parks and national forests. Sites come with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms?perfect for weekends away. Backpacker: Head to the Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48. Here, it?s just you, your pack, and the silence of the wild. RV Enthusiast: Hook up your home-on-wheels at parks like Farragut State Park, with modern amenities and unbeatable access to lakes and trails. Glamping fan: Idaho?s yurts, cabins, and fire lookouts offer comfort with serious nature vibes. Check out the Hut System in the Boise National Forest or cozy up in a remote Idaho Panhandle yurt. Make the Most of Every Trip Plan ahead. Idaho summers are popular, especially near lakes and rivers. Reserve your campsite early through Idaho State Parks or recreation.gov for federal lands. Pack layers. Hot days turn to mountain nights?and they get chilly, even in July. Leave no trace. Idaho?s wild beauty thrives when we all respect it. Pack out what you pack in, stay on trails, and be fire safe. Hit the Road Camping in Idaho is more than a weekend escape?it?s an adventure that never really ends. From sleepy alpine meadows to rugged canyons and peaceful rivers, every trip unlocks a new side of the state?s wild beauty. So grab your tent, your gear, your family and friends?and get out and enjoy this great state of ours. While you enjoy the outdoors, let us take care of your indoors. Blind Appeal offers a great selection for window finishing that is timeless and will go with any seasonal design. Give us a call today for a free estimate and more information about all things window covering related for your resident or commercial building.
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