Celebrate The Basque Community At Basque Block, A Unique Day Trip Destination In Idaho
By Courtnie Erickson|Published December 21, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Boise, Idaho is home to all types of people. There are many cultures to celebrate in this capital city and many fascinating neighborhoods to visit. Basque Block, located in Boise’s historic downtown area, is one of these incredible communities. This neighborhood is where you will find history, tasty food, and unforgettable entertainment. Basque Block is a unique day trip destination in Idaho that is worth every minute.
Did you know that Boise is home to the largest Basque community in the entire country?
The Basque homeland is Euskal Herria, which is a small region between France and Spain. In the 1800s, many Basque people immigrated to Idaho to work as sheepherders.
In the heart of Boise’s historic downtown area, you will find Basque Block. In this tiny area of the city, there are many ways to learn about and celebrate this remarkable culture.
This museum will take you back in time. Through various displays, videos, and activities, you will learn more about the history of the Basque people and their culture. This is a wonderful family-friendly attraction in Idaho and is educational for individuals of all ages.
Make sure you stop by the Cyrus Jacobs Home while visiting the museum. This is a restored boarding house that gives you a glimpse into what true boarding houses looked like in the early 1900s.
The Cyrus Jacobs House is the oldest surviving brick house in Boise. It was built in 1910 as a private home for Cyrus Jacobs and his family. However, the home was eventually converted into a Basque boarding house for immigrants who needed a temporary place to stay when they came to Idaho. This restored boarding house is one of the highlights of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. You can learn more about the Cyrus Jacobs House and the museum here.
During your visit to Basque Block in Boise, head to Leku Ona, a tasty Basque restaurant. This is the place you'll want to be when hunger strikes on your day trip in Idaho.
This restaurant was opened in 2005 by Jose Mari Artiach, who was born in Basque Country but moved to America to become a sheepherder. At Leku Ona, there are a handful of delicious Basque menu items that range from octopus to a lamb burger. During the summer months, make sure you sit out on the restaurant's gorgeous patio.
If you want to spend the night on Basque Block, book a stay at the Leku Ona Hotel.
This boutique hotel in Idaho is adjoined to the restaurant and is a charming place to stay. There are several room options including those with two queen beds or one queen bed and one twin bed.
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Basque Block is also home to the Basque Market. This is one of the best places in Idaho to find unique and rare Basque food items and other goods.
Basque Market also hosts various events throughout the year such as cooking classes and wine tastings. You can learn more about the Basque Market here.
Have you ever visited Basque Block? What did you do and where did you go? We’d love to hear all about your unique day trip in Idaho.
Meridian is home to another charming place to eat that serves traditional Basque food: Epi’s Basque Restaurant. Check out our article to learn more about this restaurant in Idaho.
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