JUNE-JULY 2019
Skills & Thrills Axe-Throwing in Boise Plus
How Hot is Too Hot? Cool Summer Salads Idaho Gardening Tips
Photo courtesy of Base Camp Pong and Axe
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The official beginning of summer is upon us—and it looks like the temperatures may have received the memo! We hope you'll take a moment to relax and "thumb through" our latest edition of REAL Magazine. Is there a story you'd like to see? Perhaps an activity you'd like us to explore? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com. Our goal is to provide the types of articles YOU want to read!
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We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us." ~ Jenny Uglow
CONTENTS Features
4
Skills and Thrills
6
Too Hot for Fido
8
Fresh Summer Salads
10
Bring out your inner Medieval knight and test your skill at one of Boise's axe-throwing venues.
Every year, hundreds of innocent pups die painful deaths from being left in hot cars. Protect your pooch by leaving him home.
Why heat up the kitchen when you can put together a wonderful feast of fresh fruit and greens?
Idaho Gardening This time of year, the weather can be all over the place. But hot weather is coming, and you'll want your flowers to stay healthy.
In Every Issue
12 14 16 18
Market Stats Are summer home prices still on the rise?
Ada County Homes Some great homes are for sale in Ada County.
Canyon County Homes Explore the beautiful homes on the market in Canyon County.
Things to Do Perfect weather. Perfect activities to enjoy.
JUNE-JULY, 2019
Skills and Thrills
An Axe-hilerating Experience
Take date night to a whole new level! Spend some time at one of Boise's axethrowing venues for an adventure like no other. Brody Bunn Contributing Writer
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his month I did something I never thought I’d do: I went axe throwing. While at first it seemed like nothing more than a fun thing to be able to say you've done, it turned into much more than that. Boise has a few establishments that feature axethrowing, and I went to two of them for comparison. A co-worker of mine who had done it told me beforehand that it’s “a great way to get out some aggression,” which I think we all need every once in a while. He also told me, “it kills your arm if you do it too much, but it’s so much fun.” I set out to see. My first experience was at Section 37 Axe Room on the corner of Five Mile and Overland. Honestly, I had no clue what to expect when I walked in. I was immediately greeted by two kind gentlemen who were professional, eager to help, and very knowledgeable about their business. At 20 bucks for your first hour and a discount for additional time, I found it to be
quite affordable for the enjoyment I got out of it. The best part of Section 37 was the amount of freedom I was given. After we went over their safety regulations and some ways to throw the axes, they stepped back and let me do my own thing. You are even allowed to bring your own alcohol to consume, responsibly, on the lane. If you have questions, need help with your technique, or anything else, all you need to do is ask, and they are quick to respond. According to some regular axe throwers I spoke with, Section 37 is unique in that the targets are all thick log cross-sections. If your blade hits anywhere in those stumps, the axe will stick, and you’ll be left feeling amazing. The second axe range I checked out was Base Camp Pong & Axe in downtown Boise. When I heard that there was a place where I
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could throw axes, play ping pong, and be served food and alcohol at a nice, modern bar, I knew I was in for a treat. Upon entrance, a pleasant young lady asked what we were there to do, and when we told her we’d be throwing, she charged us $37 per person. At first, I thought that was a bit high, but I soon found out we would receive a guided axe throwing experience that was worth every penny. We were introduced to our Axe Guide, Nathan, who was very knowledgeable and patient. He started by showing us some normal throwing techniques and let us have a couple of practice throws. After the warmup, the rest of the hour was spent in a “leaguestyle” competition among those in my party. The food, too, was fantastic. I had the pleasure of trying their fried mac n’ cheese and their teriyaki
PAGE 5 meatballs, both of which were wonderful. We could order drinks and food directly from the range, although they won’t serve you hard alcohol while throwing. Nathan was patient with our occasional snack breaks and was in no rush. His focus was on helping us have a good time. Once we were finished with the axe range, Nathan passed us to our server, who walked us to the bar. Lindsey, our bartender, was happy to answer every question I had. After ordering drinks, we made our way to the ping pong area. Each table is supplied with two full buckets of balls, which is nice while you’re in the zone and don’t want to spend time chasing a ball. While we were there, we received service directly to our table and had a great time. At the end of the night, I asked if there was a manager around to get a quote for this article, and the owner, Keith Phillips, took the time
to speak with me. Like the rest of the employees I met, Keith was knowledgeable and kind. When asked about the company's goals, he told me that they try to make sure each of the three sections has its own dedicated employees to ensure that every customer has a wonderful night. “We want to create an experience for every customer,” he said. An experience is exactly what we got.
families. Base Camp limits visitors to 21 and older during certain hours Thursday through Saturday, so check their website first. Though both locations allow walk-ins, your best bet is to book in advance. Regardless of the venue you choose, you are sure to have an axe-hilerating time!
Overall, I don’t think either venue was better than the other. Although they have the axe throwing in common, the two businesses have different goals in mind. For axe-throwing only, head on over to Section 37, as it's their specialty. If you’re looking for a broader experience, hit up Base Camp Pong & Axe. Either way, you are in for some fun. Both venues are able to accommodate business and corporate groups, as well as cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
How long does it take for a car to get hot? OUTSIDE TEMP
TEMP IN CAR
TIME IT TAKES
75
100
10 minutes
75
120
30 minutes
85
90
5 minutes
85
100
7-10 minutes
85
120
30 minutes
100
140
15 minutes
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PAGE 7
Too Hot for Fido
Our Annual Reminder
As much as we'd love to take our pups everywhere, sometimes, the safer, smarter thing to do is just leave them home. Jessica Ewing Meridian Canine Rescue
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ummer is a great time of the year for dogs. Want to play fetch? Go for a hike? A swim? How about some ice cream? Many dogs even know that words like “car” and “ride” mean good things are about to happen. As temperatures climb, it’s important to conduct summer outings in the best possible way for all family members, and that means staying safe. Staff and volunteers at Meridian Canine Rescue are often asked about safety issues concerning dogs. One “hot” topic is dogs in cars: when is it OK to leave your dog alone in the car and when is it simply too hot? As with most safety scenarios, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether or not you’d be comfortable doing the exact thing you’re expecting
your dog (who wears a full-time fur coat and is unable to sweat the same way we do) to do. Would you want to sit in the car in a fur coat when it’s hot outside? Would you want to walk barefoot on the hot pavement? If it’s too hot for you, then it’s WAY too hot for your dog. According to the Humane Society of the United States, if it’s 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car can reach 99 degrees within 10 minutes. And that’s way too hot for Fido. It takes very little time for temperatures to become dangerously hot, and rolling down the windows has little effect. When you need to run an errand and it’s hot outside, please just leave your pooch at home. If you see a dog trapped in a car, your best option is to call for help. If you’re at a store, contact employees right away so that they can make an announcement. You should also contact the nonemergency number of your local
police department, as well as the animal control office in your area. For Ada County residents, call (208) 343-3166 to reach Idaho Humane Society Animal Care and Control. Provide the dispatcher with a description of the car and the license plate number, and stick around to direct law enforcement or animal control officers to the scene. Remember: dogs die in hot cars every year! Don’t put your pet in this position, and don’t hesitate to intervene. You’re not overreacting if you call for help – but you might be saving a life. With more and more dogs finding their forever families, the staff and volunteers at Meridian Canine Rescue feel it’s important to make sure that everyone – dogs and humans – stay safe this summer. Please be mindful of the high temperatures, and keep your family cool and hydrated while you enjoy the next few months. cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
Fresh Summer Salads
Keep the Kitchen Cool!
Whip up one of these deliciously cool salads that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! Fresh and appealing, perfect for a meal or a yummy side dish.
PASTA & TUNA SALAD 1 pkg. (8-oz.) small pasta shells or salad pasta 1 can/pkg. white albacore tuna 1-2 stalks of celery, chopped 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 c. frozen peas 2-3 radishes, sliced (optional) 1 c. mayo Salt & pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain & cool completely. In large bowl, toss together all other ingredients until well mixed. Add pasta & mix gently. For a lighter & tangy dish, use half mayo & half plain Greek yogurt.
FRESH BERRY & SPINACH SALAD 8-10 c. fresh baby spinach 1/2 c. fresh blueberries 1/2 c. fresh strawberries, thinly sliced 1/2 c. fresh raspberries 1/4 c. red onion, finely chopped 1/2 c. feta, crumbled 1/3 c. sliced toasted almonds or chopped pecans
Dressing: 1/2 c. fresh raspberries 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tsp. sugar 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil Crush raspberries with a fork & whisk in remaining ingredients until well blended.
THREE BEAN SALAD 1 15-oz. can each green, kidney, & garbanzo beans 1/2 small sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced. 2/3 c. white wine vinegar 1/3 c. apple cider vinegar 1/3 c. granulated sugar 1/4 c. canola oil COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Drain & rinse beans, place in bowl with onion. Whisk together remaining ingredients & pour over beans & onion. Toss. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
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SWEET POTATO SALAD 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed 3 medium apples, any kind, chopped 6 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled 1/4 cup chopped red onion 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 2/3 c. olive oil 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Cook sweet potatoes until just tender. Drain & cool to room temperature. Add everything but the oil & vinegar & toss. Immediately before serving, whisk together the oil & vinegar & pour over salad. Toss & serve.
CLASSIC POTATO SALAD 12 lg. russet potatoes, cubed & boiled until tender 10 hard-boiled eggs, cooled & cubed 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 med. Walla Walla Sweet onion, diced 1 15-oz. can whole olives 3 c. mayo ½ c. yellow mustard
½ small jar sweet pickle relish (or more to taste) 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. paprika ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper Place all ingredients in a large bowl, mix together. Cool & serve.
ORZO SALAD WITH LEMON & DILL 1 c. orzo 1 15-oz. can chickpeas 1 c. chopped cucumber ½ c. feta ¼ c. dill ¼ c. diced red onion
Dressing: 3 Tbsp. olive oil 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 garlic clove Salt & pepper to taste
FRESH AVOCADO SALAD Chop into bite-sized pieces: Avocado Roma tomato Cucumber Mix together with chopped cilantro, & lightly toss with raspberry vinaigrette. Top with sesame seeds. Serve chilled. cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
PAGE 11
Idaho Gardening
Protecting Plants from the Heat
In the Treasure Valley, summer comes on quickly. As evidenced recently, we can have snow flurries in the mountains followed by the high 80s a few days later. Amy Freeman Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
T
hough the hot weather can wreak havoc on our recently planted flowers and gardens, there are a few things we can do to protect our hard work from the brutal summer heat that will be here in no time. Optimize Watering Once you’ve placed the right plants in your garden, you want to make sure you’re making the most of watering. If it’s not raining on a regular basis, you’ll want to water a few times a week, or even daily, if you’re growing in containers. Maintaining a consistent moisture level will keep plants from wilting or dropping their flowers in the summer heat. When watering your garden, aim the hose or watering can at the soil level, not at the leaves.
Heat and humidity, combined with wet leaves, creates an ideal environment for diseases to thrive, and you want to keep your plants as healthy as possible. A layer of mulch is a good idea in the hot summer months, as it can keep the soil from overheating or drying out too quickly. Spread a layer of mulch that’s about 2 or 3 inches thick on the soil around your plants to shield the soil and keep the roots from baking. An organic material, such as straw, pine bark, or even dried leaves, provides a good amount of protection and can help feed the soil as it disintegrates. Protect Your Plants When you’re outdoors and the sun is beating down on you, ducking under a shade umbrella or awning
can help keep you cool. The same is true for your plants. When the temperatures climb and your garden is in direct sunlight for much of the day, draping a shade cover over the plants can give them some protection. You can purchase a commercial shade cloth, which screens out some sunlight and heat, or use an old, woven cotton bed sheet. Drape the cloth over the plants so that it’s not actually touching them and so that the side facing east is open, so the amount of sun your plants receive is a bit more controlled. The summer heat can be difficult to take for everyone. Keep in mind, though, this is Idaho, and that means we could be back to snow flurries before you know it! cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
Monthly Market Report
Supply and Demand Dynamics Continue to Drive Up Home Prices Ada County home prices continued to rise in May Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®
T
he median sales price of existing/resale homes in Ada County reached a new high of $329,000 in May 2019, up 14.7% from May 2018. As noted in previous market reports, local home prices are being driven by the persistently low inventory of existing homes compared to demand.
homes below the $300,000 price point. Homeowners may have more equity than ever as home prices have risen, and those who have considered a move should to contact a REALTOR® to understand their options for selling and buying.
For those looking to purchase a home in Ada County, don’t lose hope. We’re still at the beginning of the summer selling season so there will be more homes coming online soon.
Get your financing in order and work with your REALTOR® to write Because there are fewer homes a competitive offer so that you’re available at the lower price points, ready when you find your next the share of home sales above home. $300,000 continued to rise—at Get in touch if you'd like to know 61.3% of all existing homes sales how all of this information affects in May 2019. As a result, as more your situation! existing homes sell at higher price points, it further drives up the median price for the segment, as well as the market overall.
One of the metrics used to determine supply vs. demand is Months Supply of Inventory (or MSI). A balanced market—not favoring buyers or sellers—is typically between 4-6 months of supply. In May 2019, the Months Supply of Inventory metric for Ada County was at just 1.5 months for all price points combined, and To that point, the median sales for existing homes priced below price in Ada County, for existing $300,000 MSI was at one month. and new homes combined, reached a new record of $342,990 Our market needs additional in May 2019, up 12.5% year-overinventory, especially existing year. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
PAGE 13
By the Numbers 1,161 HOMES SOLD MAY 2019*
32
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Ada County
$342,990 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
1,533
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS® Single arrow denotes change of less than 10%; double arrows denote 10%+.
498
HOMES SOLD MAY 2019*
41
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Canyon County
$243,103 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
704
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
Ada County
Featured Homes
866 E. Giant Saguaro St. NE Meridian Wow! Custom 3 bed, 2 bath home with 2,429 sq.ft. & a 3-car garage. Tile floors, hardwood, floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace, hand-textured walls, camera system, Sonos surround sound, beautiful cabinetry, slab granite, & more! Beautiful master with extensive tile, dual showerheads, soaker tub, dual vanity, & access to private patio. Back yard built for entertaining.
1033 E. Kaibab Trail NE Meridian Experience the difference 3,200 sq.ft. can make in a home's livability! Chef's kitchen with custom rustic cherry cabinets, slab granite, 6' island with eating bar, 3' dual fuel professional range with 6 burners & convection oven, high volume hood, cast iron sink, & full travertine back splash. Huge pantry & computer desk. Covered patio, water feature.
2179 W. Trestle Dr. NW Meridian Olive Grove section in Bridgetower. 2 bedrooms & full bath on the main level. Office & flex room provide the extra space. Great room has back yard views & towering windows with shutters to provide privacy. Arched doorways & the unique sky bridge to the master suite make this a standout! Mature landscaping, covered patio, & tandem 3-car garage.
247 S. Thornwood SE Meridian Terrific 4 bed, 3 bath tri-level with 2,584 sq.ft. on .91-acre lot. Convenient location with easy access to I-84, shopping, schools, & medical. Huge wrap-around back deck with access from open island kitchen. Breakfast bar, loads of cabinets, and lots of light. Living & family rooms with space for everyone. RV pad with water & electrical, oversized garage.
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PAGE 15
Ada County
Featured Homes
2120 S. Chipper Way Eagle Beautiful home in the Banbury Meadows golf course community! Spacious main-level master retreat with trey ceiling, lots of windows, spa tub, walk-in shower, & custom cabinets in closet. Perfect chef's kitchen open to huge family room & dining, ideal for entertaining. Walk-in pantry, granite counters, 5-burner commercial gas range.
11050 W. Vega Ln. Star RV parking! Privacy & space in a 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with 2 master suites. Located at end of quiet cul-de-sac on a half acre. Cozy up to the fireplace in the den or relax in large living room with plenty of light. Oversized 3-car garage. North-facing back yard with large covered patio & beautiful, mature trees. Large shed with power + addl. concrete pad.
11435 W. Mountain Iris Star This impressive 4 bed, 2.5 bath home boasts 2,644 sq.ft., high ceilings, & a wonderful kitchen with quartz counters, gas range, SS appliances, ample storage, & a breakfast bar. Spacious master with soaker tub & tile shower. Office with French doors. Upstairs are 3 sizable bedrooms & an open loft/bonus area. Fully fenced back yard, extra-deep garage.
9249 S. Macadan Way Kuna This gorgeous home has upgrades galore, a fantastic floor plan & tons of storage. Gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances, double ovens, gas range, large Kohler farm sink, & butler's pantry. Perfect for entertaining with space for everyone - great room, open kitchen, formal dining room, & den. Custom fireplace, gorgeous floors, upgraded cabinets. cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
Canyon County
Featured Homes
18328 Buckeye Pl. NE Nampa Not a cookie cutter house! Wonderful, 2,118sq.ft. floor plan features large living, kitchen, & eating areas downstairs, flowing to a covered patio & evening shady yard for summer enjoyment. 4-car garage! Upstairs you will find a spacious bonus room, private master suite & 3 additional bedrooms. Laundry is upstairs for convenience as well.
6015 E. Carson Ct. NE Nampa Custom one-owner home on one acre. Animals okay. Private road, home is in cul-de-sac. Soaring ceiling & abundant windows highlight the living space in this beautiful home! Gas fireplace, eating space & formal dining. True entryway as you step in. Bonus room upstairs, master downstairs, living space abounds in this home. Terrific view of Boise front.
823 W. Odessa Loop S Nampa Charming, move-in ready home loaded with amenities. New laminate flooring, interior paint, & landscaping. Upgraded cabinetry, tile backsplash, single basin sink, & gas range in kitchen. Large master with walk-in closet & grand, fully tiled shower. Easy to entertain in the spacious great room, yet enjoy the privacy of a split bedroom plan. Utility with sink.
1915 E. Lewis Ln. S Nampa Two amazing parcels being sold as a 13.3-acre piece of heaven. Enjoy your tastefully updated kitchen with rich custom cabinetry, enormous slab granite island, & views from every window. Mature landscaping around home & an immense back patio with views & the most stunning sunsets ever! State-of-the-art horse property you simply must see
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PAGE 17
Canyon County
Featured Homes
705 Spruce Creek S Nampa Beautiful move-in ready, split-bedroom home with spacious living & eating areas. Plush carpeting & lovely laminate flooring are almost new. Many updates throughout the home will catch your eye as soon as you enter. Walkin closet & full bath in master suite. Large windows, covered front porch, nice back patio, large fenced yard.
3708 S. Banberry Ct. S Nampa Beautiful home located in the sought-after, 55+ gated community of Greenbriar Estates. Home was just completed in 2018; everything is nearly new & you don't have to wait 6-9 months to build a home! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has an oversized garage & open concept plan with vaulted ceilings in living room, kitchen, & dining areas.
1100 Burnett Dr. NW Caldwell Wonderful 1,560-sq.ft. home with 3 beds, 2 baths, & a 3-car garage. Open kitchen with nice flow to dining & great room. Walk-in shower in master bath. New roof & HVAC in the last year. 3rd car bay is climate controlled with wall separation for a great workshop area. Porch has been enclosed for extra storage and multiple uses.
1836 Prairie View Way Middleton So much to enjoy as you entertain in this wonderful open floor plan offering an inviting great room with stacked stone fireplace & a large covered patio. The upgraded kitchen boasts granite counters, walk in pantry & stainless steel appliances with a gas range & refrigerator. Built-in desk in the office/study nook & a bonus room upstairs. cbboise.com
JUNE-JULY, 2019
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 1500 Shoreline Dr., Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Each Saturday 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle cityofeagle.org
Meridian Main Street Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. 33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian meridianmainstreetmarket.com
Nampa Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com
Kuna Farmer's Market Each Saturday COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
9:00a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket
PAGE 19
Things to Do It's time to get out and play! Father's Day Classic Car Show Sunday, June 16, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Dirty Dog Trail Marathon & Half Marathon Saturday, June 29, 5:30 a.m.
8th, Idaho, & Bannock Streets, Boise downtownboise.org
Military Reserve, 750 N. Mtn Cove Rd, Boise Information
Boise Film Foundation Summer Series Each Wednesday through Aug. 21, 8:00 p.m.
Liberty Day Parade Thursday, July 4, 11:00 a.m.
Payette Brewing Co., 733 S. Pioneer St., Boise boisefilmfoundation.org
Downtown Boise Parade Route
Meridian Dairy Days June 19-22, times vary
City of Boise Independence Day Fireworks Thursday, July 4, activities begin at 6:00 p.m.
Main Street, Meridian dairydays.org
World Village Fest
June 21-23, times vary Cecil D. Andrus Park 601 W. Jefferson St., Boise boiseevents.net
Ann Morrison Park 1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise cityofboise.org
Eagle Fun Days July 5-6, times vary
Downtown Eagle cityofeagle.org
Boise Music Festival Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Gorongosa Exhibit Grand Opening Wednesday, July 17, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood, Boise boisemusicfestival.com
ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org
Hwy. 21 Flea Market June 28-30, 9:00 a.m.
Canyon County Fair July 25-28, times vary
3889 Hwy. 21, Idaho City Information
22nd & Blaine St, Caldwell canyoncountyfair.org cbboise.com
DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.