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Feelin’ Groovy in Boise
PHOTO BY KAREN DAY
BY SOPHIA ROEMER AND HEATHER HAMILTON-POST
Georgie Girl is gregarious, genuine, and well, groovy—the kind of gal that might stop you in your tracks. If you spotted her in the wild, you’d probably point her out to a friend—her bright, peacock blue exterior gleaming. She’d play you a tune. You’d see the city together, and by night’s end, you might even be Instagram official, or at least coupled up for a killer photograph. I know I was.
Michelle Keener, Georgie’s keeper and owner/operator of Feelin’ Groovy Tours, is all for it. She describes her restored 1976 VW Type 2 Transporter as “coy yet winsome.” She’s also perfectly retro, bright blue, and covered in decals. But she’s got a head for business—17 feet long, cushy, comfortable, and roomy.
Keener, who started the tour business while she was living in Sandpoint, Idaho, said that she wanted to give people something unique to do. For her, moving south to Boise was a simple decision, and one I could relate to. I recently relocated to Boise, but prior to moving here, had never seen the city. I’m a college kid looking to experience the big city way of life, and I’d been itching to get out and explore this vibrant and historically rich community.
As a newcomer, I am one type of audience, but Keener wants people to know that this particular tour isn’t just for tourists. Built for longtime residents too, Keener hopes to reach audiences that are often overlooked by local tourism businesses. Whether you’re looking for history, rural wineries, or even an Urban Wine Adventure, Keener promises to bring excitement to every outing.
Keener brings a lot of love to what she does, which in this case was a historic tour called “So Happy Together,” which promised to point out historical points of interest around Boise, including the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, Boise’s famous Freak Alley art gallery, and much more.
Onboard the Feelin’ Groovy tour bus, Keener’s radiant personality put guests at ease. Beginning along the Boise River
Greenbelt, we stopped at a new-to-me favorite for local kayakers, learned how the Greenbelt got started, and even spotted a few stationary surfers out on the white-capped waves.
One of my favorite stops was at e Riverside Hotel, which housed the iconic Clint Eastwood during the filming of Bronco Billy in the 1980s. The film, which was shot at a variety of locations across the Treasure Valley, features local favorites like the Boise Depot, Ranch Club, Big Pine, Hungry Onion, and old Ada County courthouse. The actual room, now called the Eastwood Suite, is located in the heart of Garden City and is available for you to stay in.
Keener creates an immersive and personal experience for her tour groups, which expertly tell some of the stories that Garden City, Boise, and Meridian have to offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time soaking up Boise’s raucous and wild-west history.
“Michelle is the ultimate most groovy tour guide,” said a fellow passenger. I had to agree.
