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Julie Cendejas, Associate Broker

Where is the 'Treasure Valley' in Idaho?


"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo & Juliet


Well, some people may not think that a name is such a big deal: however, other folks will answer that question with a loud and clear, “EVERYTHING.” So, how did we get our nickname for this little piece of heaven that we call TREASURE VALLEY, IDAHO?

First of all, let me explain where the Treasure Valley is located. The Treasure Valley is the area in Idaho where the Payette, Boise, Weiser, Malhuer, and Burnt rivers drain into the Snake River. Treasure Valley includes all the lowland areas from Vale, Oregon on to Boise, Idaho on the east. Yes, Meridian, Idaho is considered a part of the beautiful Treasure Valley! Along with Boise, Nampa, Kuna, Middleton, Caldwell and Eagle to name a few more cities.

Now let me continue with how we got this name. Believe it or not, it was purely a marketing decision. Idaho is a land of many valleys: Magic, Wood River, and Sun Valley just to name a few. Wouldn’t you agree that these names are pretty descriptive and unique? Before 1950 our area in Meridian/Boise was called the Boise Valley – and seriously, how boring is that? The local Chamber of Commerce was on the same page as I am with this train of thought and a local gentleman, a chamber member, came up with the name, Treasure Valley and it didn’t take long for this nickname to stick!

Here is a quote by our founder of our nickname, Pete Olesen: “This valley is a virtual treasure chest of natural resources, an abundant recreational and cultural opportunities, agricultural diversification, and commercial potentials.”

The nickname worked and yes, it is as sweet as a rose. It didn’t come by anything as dramatic as the story of Romeo and Juliet but it is OUR story. Now we have many local businesses enjoying this beautiful name and area: The Treasure Valley Community College, Treasure Valley Coffee, Treasure Valley Pediatrics, Treasure Valley Voices ... Please feel free to comment below with another Treasure Valley names – thanks!

www.homesinboiseidaho.com

Julie Cendejas, Associate Broker/REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty ~ 1065 S. Allante Pl ~ Boise, ID 83709

Listen ~ Respect ~ Respond

Search for Treasure Valley homes here!


Halloween in Boise, Idaho ~ 2011

Halloween is almost here. I see load of candy at the grocery store, costumes in almost every parent’s cart at the Halloween Store, people outside their homes hanging up ghosts and goblins in their front yards, and children running around asking other kids “what are you going to be for Halloween?” Halloween is in the air!

What are you going to do? There is one week left and still a lot of great activities for all ages. Do you want scary? Do you want something fun with plenty of photo opps for your young ones? Well, in Boise Idaho and surrounding areas (Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna, Star) there are lots to do still!

(Please see my recent post on one of our local corn mazes)

Meridian, Idaho Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Fun for the whole family!

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Halloween Spooktacular

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra: www.meridiansymphony.org

On Friday October 28th at the Jewett Auditorium or Saturday, October 29th, at The Centennial Performing Arts Center enjoy an evening of orchestra music for the whole family to enjoy in a family friendly setting.

2. The Scarecrow Stroll

The Idaho Botanical Gardens: www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

From October 1-31, scarecrows can be found peeping out around the trees and shrubs welcoming guests to the Garden this fall for the Fourth Annual Scarecrow Stroll! Members and guests of all ages can join in on the fun by voting on their favorite.

3. 3RD Annual Frightened Felons

At the Old Idaho Penitentiary: more information on Facebook

Friday, October 28th from 7pm to 11pm

Frightened Felons” features live music, The Fool Squad, actors portraying inmates of the past, games, exhibits, lectures, snacks & beverages for sale, a special performance of the “Thriller” dance, and a creepy, fun venue at night!

4. Haunted World

Now here is scary fun: www.hauntedworld.org

“The dead have risen again to bring a new nightmare of freakish fun...fun for the whole family or for you and that special ghoulish creature you hang with. This year we have a new awesome lightshow, more spine-tingling movies, nerve-shattering scares and spine-wrenching scenes to satisfy your hunger for the dimension of the dead and decaying.”

5. Boo At The Zoo

Probably not so scary but a huge amount of fun at the Boise Zoo: www.zooboise.org

On Saturday, October 29th from 10 to 5 come with your kids or not and enjoy the Halloween Theme at the Zoo. Complete with costumes, candy, games, photos, face painting, and of course the awesome exhibits.

Enjoy your Halloween week and please contact me if you have any other suggestions or if you need any information about our great area – Meridian, Idaho!

www.homesinboiseidaho.com

Julie Cendejas, Associate Broker/REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty ~ 1065 S. Allante Pl ~ Boise, ID 83709

Listen ~ Respect ~ Respond

Search for Treasure Valley homes here!

Meridian, Idaho Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Fun for the whole family!

Corn MazeOne of my favorite local events in Meridian, Idaho AND can’t wait for every year besides football… is the Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival. If it were up to me it would called Awesome Family Fun – mazes, pumpkin patch, pony rides, pig racing, hay rides, photo opportunity, good food + so much more!

Ok, seriously, this is a great family destination and something we all look forward to every year. “Kids” of all ages come and if you really liked to be scared make sure you come when you can do the Field of Screams! (Open at dark on Fri & Saturdays)

For most folks this is a family tradition and one I wouldn’t miss year after year. There is such a warm and friendly sense of community when you arrive. It is a whole lot of fun.

Be sure to check out the Donut Shack - they have the BEST donuts of the season here and always have some fun flavor of the day! Maple mini's with bacon bits anyone?

Some fun facts about this corn maize:

* 18 acres of corn

* It takes the average person 45 min- one hour to make their way thru the maize. (But there is a short path too for the little ones)

* The corn is harvested after the season for cattle feed.

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Here is some basic information and a link to the website for everything else you might need:

THE FARMSTEAD Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival

1020 South Rackham Way

Meridian, Idaho 83642

208-922-LOST (5678)

maize@farmsteadfestival.com

Mailing Address: PO Box 445, Meridian, ID 83680

Driving Directions:

Take I-84 to Eagle Road Exit #46.

Turn South on Eagle Road.

Turn LEFT on Overland Road and immediately turn LEFT again on Rackham Way.

Drive past the Park & Ride.

Rackham Way leads directly to The Farmstead.

Hours

Opening Date: September 23rd 2011

Closing Date: October 31st 2011

Hours of Operation

Mon-Thurs - 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Friday - 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday - 10:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday - CLOSED

Tickets will be sold up to 1/2 hour before closing.

www.farmsteadfestival.com

Pumpkin

Boise Idaho on HGTV! Show House ~ Show Down!

HGTV was recently in the Boise area and filmed a episode of their 'Showhouse, Showdown' here! The took two identical homes built by Tahoe Homes - gave two professional designers the identical budget and had a competition to see who could create the best interior decor.

The public could view them over the weekend and the Real Estate community was invited this week to view them also.

Wow - what a neat thing to see. Both homes are beautiful, both have some interesting design concepts to them also. I definitely have a favorite - as did many of the agents that I saw there and overheard as we were walking back and forth to see them. These partiuliar homes were both patio type homes, with rear alley garages. Spacious homes, small patio/yards and all the storage of a 3 car garage even!

Both homes are in Harris Ranch - a wonderful section of SE Boise that sits right up against the foothills and is close to the greenbelt, Lucky Peak Resevoir and right down the road from Idaho Shakesphere outdoor theatre! Amazing location - you can bike, hike and explore with all the beautiful paths through out the area.

Shakesphere Theatre

Idaho's Botantical Garden is also right down the road. An amazing place to see a concert or in the winter wander the garden that is lite up with thousands of tiny lights for the Garden a Glow.

So much to do in beautiful Boise - no wonder HGTV chose to film an episode here! Be sure to watch for it coming up in their fall line up!

www.homesinboiseidaho.com


Julie Cendejas, Associate Broker/REALTOR

Prudential Idaho Realty ~ 9628 W. State St ~ Star, ID 83669

Listen ~ Respect ~ Respond

Search for Treasure Valley homes here!

Art in the Park in Boise this weekend!

My FAVORITE time of year - it's Art in the Park weekend! It's going to be a nice weekend too - sunny and warm! There are over 50 NEW artists this year!

Art in the Park September 9th -11th Fri&Sat 10-8 Sun 10-5 in Julia Davis Park

For more info you can go to the Boise Art Museum website. So enjoy the weekend, get out and walk around, people watch, buy some really groovy crafts, eat some wonderful food and enjoy the beautiful Boise Life!

www.homesinboiseidaho.com

Julie Cendejas, Associate Broker/REALTOR

Prudential Idaho Realty ~ 9628 W. State St ~ Star, ID 83669

Listen ~ Respect ~ Respond

Search for Treasure Valley homes here!