I’ve Written 1,194 Articles About Boise – Here’s What I’ve Learned

If you've ever had to compose any pieces of writing in your career, you understand exactly just how much you find out about the subject you're researching.

In my case, that subject is Boise, Idaho.

1,194 times have I poured some coffee, cozied up to my keyboard, and began the dialy process of finding out what's going on in and around Boise. New businesses opening. Concert announcements. Crime. Festivals and local events. Political drama. This list truly could go on forever, but you get the point.

Most days, the subject matter is something positive:

• We love to see it! Gas prices drop in Boise again
• Local Idaho builders save deer's life on ice
• Idaho State Police is hiring and offering a BIG salary

Sometimes, they're sad:

• Who's to blame for this grocery price doubling in Boise?
• High-profile politician arrested for DUI in Idaho
• Is banning drag performances in Boise against the First Amendment?

I'll be honest. Most of the things that end up in my articles are pretty stupid:

• Joke writer thinks Idaho is all hillbillies and trailer parks
• This is what the internet thinks Idaho smells like
• Is "Boise Man" becoming a bigger joke than "Florida Man?"

Here's what I've learned.

Despite a few angry people on social media screaming about the old days, Boise is an absolutely incredible place. Other than my birthplace, it's the one place that's truly been a "home away from home" for me.

Boise's people are kind, considerate, resourceful, and so incredibly talented. Walk down Freak Alley. Go see a show at the Egyptian. Check out a local street performer.

The views are simply breathtaking. I grew up in Metro Detroit. Things like elevation, foothills, mountains, these are foreign concepts to most midwesteners. If Boise is the only place you live, you'll never know how truly gorgeous she is until you travel.

The energy is tangible. New businesses are opening all the time. People from all over the country are relocating to Boise to bring their individual flavors and influences to our already diverse population.

Boise holds a very dear place in my heart. It's where I met my wife, where we have family, and a place I'm always dying to brag about to my tribe. Yes, we do occasionally talk some sh*t in these articles and joke around, but please know it truly does come from a place of love and admiration.

Thanks for taking the time to read this in its entirety. Cheers.

- Chris Cruise

P.S.-- about those Californians, could they really be making things better?