A City Grown from Gardens

Nestled along the Boise River, just a stone’s throw from the State Capitol, Garden City has always been a place of reinvention—first by soil, then by spirit. What began in the late 19th century as farmland leased to Chinese immigrants became a patchwork of produce gardens, hog farms, and eventually a haven for artists, winemakers, and creatives. Named for the “Chinese Gardens” that once flourished here, Garden City’s roots run deep beneath the now-bustling Chinden Boulevard—a name itself born from the blend of China and garden. In 1949, after Boise banned gambling, the city incorporated to allow it, attracting new business and energy along its main corridor. And though the gardens are long gone, the sense of cultivation—of people, ideas, and connection—remains vibrantly alive.

“With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row.”

In this urban garden, new and magical things are breaking ground all over the place. What was once “The Chinese Gardens” is now a hot bed of talent, great food, delightful spirits, and river recreation that must not be missed.

The adventure begins at OldSpeak Book Beer Bar on Chinden meeting with Jodi Eichelberger, also known as the unofficial mayor of Garden City. We pour cups from individual press pots of delicious coffee and settle in for our talk. The book store theme of this drinks-only haven is library meets libations in speak-easy comfort. I buy a Hemingway novel for later and turn my focus to Jodi.

I ask him about his neighborhood, “I love living here — I walk to work and just about everywhere. There are so many fun things to experience.” What should I do first, I ask? “I’d start at Heron Park off of Reed St. There are three special ‘Garden Sity’ (that is a pun, not a typo) art benches there to check out along with the beauty of the park. More benches are dotted along the green belt, all of them created by local artists. You’ll love the walk.”

Apparently, Garden City is full of art treasures and pleasures, so I lean in. Jodi is the Director of Programming for Surel’s Place; an artist-in-residence program that brings artists from all over the world to teach and exhibit in Boise. He elaborates, “The area between 37th Street and The Riverside Hotel is called the Surel Mitchell Live/Work/Create district. This area includes the Visual Arts Collective, LED dance company and music project, Surel’s Place, The Common Well, and The Water’s Edge Gallery in the Riverside Hotel, plus Create Gallery as the newest arts venue in the district.”

Wow, now I’m really curious. I ask, is it easy to walk around and see all these places? Jodi smiles, “Glad you asked that question. We have something here called green belt signs at the foot of each road where they end at the river. Yellow is the create sign and will tell you what arts place is close. Red tells you where the wineries and food are in that immediate area, and the green signs show where to go to play—like parks and water adventures that are close by. I’m guessing you will love surfing at Whitewater Park at the end of 35th Street or maybe a mini river float.” Yes, indeed — how wonderful!

My Garden City guide has to move on to his next adventure, and I’m ready for a quick lunch before I walk the green belt. Jodi suggests Black Moon across the street for great salads and pizza like the Hunter Moon (pomodoro, goat cheese, kale, caramelized onions, Calabrian chiles, and spicy Italian sausage). I thank him profusely, not least of all for his pizza suggestion, and we part for now.

After a delightful lunch and deeply refreshing river walk, I decide to stop by Create Gallery to see what kind of art is currently on display. Invited to look around at my leisure by the owners Joan and Leo — “Let us know if you have any questions” — I feel comfortable and content to take my time. The gallery is huge and impressive, with a fine collection of surrealist-type paintings as the current exhibition. Leo, who is a painter, hands me a pair of 3D glasses to view one of his incredible works of art. “What do you see?” he asks. “The fish have come alive and are swimming off the canvas,” I quip as I move around the painting. These are fun people.

I have walked several miles, and I plan to circle back around to Proletariat Winery on my return journey and sip the 2021 Syrah that I have heard so much about. But before I do, one more art quest before I rest.

As I walk up to the old Culligan Water Factory that is now The Common Well, I feel the heat off of the building walls from the bright sunlight. By contrast, I am immediately soothed by the cool and quiet of the main gallery space as I enter.

Katherine Shaughnessy, co-founder and curator, greets me and I ask her a few questions about this unique Boise arts collective. “We like to show challenging art — cutting edge contemporary works such as installations and conceptual exhibitions of a high caliber — but the most meaningful aspect of The Common Well is the relationships and connections that are being forged among artists here. I was thrilled to realize that beyond our original plan for artist studios and shared workspaces, even beyond our residencies for emerging artists or our shows, a synergy of purpose bonds people who otherwise may not have connected.”

Looking around, I can see and feel that purpose. The artwork is profound in its creativity and scope. I feel embraced by a dual spirit of exploration and sanctuary. I find it hard to leave this place that nurtures the soul of me — but my Syrah is calling. I make a vow: I will return to you, Garden City. I have just begun.

The Tile House
thetilehouse.com | (208) 314-7505

Create Gallery and Frames
creategalleryandframes.com | (510) 516-5260

The Riverside Hotel

riversideboise.com | (208) 343-1871

Linen + Loot
linenandloot.com | (208) 350-6010

Flourish Bakery
flourishbakeryboise.com | (208) 912-3536

Caffe Luciano's
caffelucianos.com | (208) 577-6010

Grindz Coffee Shop
grindzcoffeeshop.com | (208) 297-3302

Proletariat Wine Company
proletariatwines.com | (208) 344-1350

Chicken In A Barrel
chickeninabarrel.com | (208) 872-1184

North End Organic Nursery
northendnursery.com | (208) 389-4769

Surel's Place
surelsplace.org | (208) 901-8498