Why Garden City Stole Our Hearts (And Our Gallery)
Why Garden City Stole Our Hearts (And Our Gallery)
When we first imagined opening our gallery, we pictured a place where creativity meets community, where inspiration flows as freely as conversation, and where visitors could make a day of exploring art, food, and nature. It didn’t take long for Garden City, Idaho to steal our hearts...and ultimately, our gallery.
Tucked alongside the scenic Boise River Greenbelt, Garden City blends natural beauty, a thriving arts community, and an unmistakable local spirit. Here’s why we chose to plant our creative roots in this vibrant, up-and-coming neighborhood. Whether you’re a local or just discovering Garden City for the first time, we’d love for our gallery to be part of your adventure. Stop by, say hello, and experience art surrounded by everything that makes this place special.
🌿 By the River: Nature Meets Neighborhood
One of the biggest draws was the Boise River Greenbelt, a lush pathway that winds for miles, perfect for biking, strolling, or walking your dog. The riverside path makes it easy to turn a day on the Greenbelt into a creative detour- just follow the path and you’ll find our gallery ready to welcome you in; Pair a gallery visit with a scenic riverside outing.
A few blocks down, you’ll find Simple Platt Waterpark, where locals surf the big wave or kayak before grabbing a bite at the café. Further along the Greenbelt, Telaya Wine Co. offers beautiful riverside tastings- a favorite spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a day of exploring.
For those visiting from out of town, the Riverside Hotel is a must. Book a river-facing room and enjoy live music at The Sandbar Patio & Grill during the summer. Bonus: they even have a small art gallery inside- Water's Edge Gallery.
This easy access to the outdoors gives Garden City a rare combination of serenity and energy- something we knew would perfectly complement our gallery’s atmosphere.
🎨 A Hub of Creativity: Garden City’s Thriving Art Scene
Garden City has quickly become the creative heartbeat of the Treasure Valley. The Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District has transformed former industrial spaces into artist studios, galleries, and creative hubs. First Fridays bring the community together to explore open studios, exhibitions, and performances- creating an authentic, grassroots art stroll unlike anywhere else in the region.
Landmarks like the Visual Arts Collective (VAC) anchor the local art ecosystem, while public installations, murals, and artisan pathways make art part of the everyday landscape. From city benches to large-scale murals, creativity is woven into Garden City’s streets.
As gallery owners, we wanted to be part of a place where art isn’t hidden away- it’s alive, accessible, and celebrated. Garden City checked every box. Our gallery is proud to be part of this thriving art district. When you visit for First Friday or any day in between, we invite you to step inside, explore our exhibitions, and see how Garden City’s creative energy comes alive within our walls.
🏔 Adventure, Mountains & Easy Access
Another reason Garden City stood out is its unbeatable location. The mountains and Bogus Basin are just a short drive away... perfect for skiing in winter, mountain biking and rope courses in summer, and live music all year round.
Right here in Garden City, the lifestyle goes beyond recreation- it’s about wellness and community, too. Ananda Yoga Space, located just minutes from the gallery, offers a serene place to unwind with yoga classes, sound baths, and workshops that bring locals together. It’s one of the many spaces that make Garden City feel both vibrant and restorative.
Meanwhile, Downtown Boise is only minutes away, offering vibrant nightlife, dining on 8th Street, theatrical performances, the famous Freak Alley mural corridor, ballet, the Steelheads hockey team, and the Capitol Building. Boise State University is close too, bringing a lively student and faculty community into the mix.
And soon, Garden City will welcome a new professional soccer stadium for Athletic Club Boise, right in the heart of town. The buzz is only growing.
🍷 Eat, Sip & Stroll: Garden City’s Food Scene
Good art deserves good food and Garden City delivers. Some of our favorite local spots are just around the corner, making it easy to turn a gallery visit into a full afternoon or evening out.
Cobby’s Sandwich Shop- A longtime local favorite known for its fresh sandwiches, soups, and nostalgic Boise charm. It’s the perfect casual lunch spot before or after exploring the gallery.
The Ranch Club- A classic neighborhood bar and grill that embodies Garden City’s laid-back spirit. Whether you’re stopping in for a burger, a drink with friends, or to catch a game, it’s a welcoming local hangout.
Coiled Wine- Nestled right along the Greenbelt, Coiled Wine is a local gem offering beautifully crafted Idaho wines in a relaxed riverside setting. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of art and exploration.
New eateries and breweries continue to pop up, including The Boardwalk development along the river, which will bring sushi, cocktails, and more to the neighborhood. Whether you’re grabbing a latte, enjoying wine by the water, or meeting friends for dinner, Garden City’s food and drink scene enhances every visit.
🖼 Why Garden City Resonates With Our Vision
For us, Garden City isn’t just a location- it’s a living canvas.
We were drawn to the foot traffic from the Greenbelt, the creative community surrounding us, and the natural beauty that inspires artists and collectors alike. We wanted to build a space that felt both elevated and approachable, where art and community could meet. Garden City offered the perfect backdrop for that vision.
Every day, we see visitors stumble upon the gallery during a walk, stop in after a bike ride, or make us part of their First Friday circuit. That seamless blend of art, nature, and neighborhood is exactly what we hoped to find. We didn’t just choose Garden City- we chose to be part of a community that values art, connection, and authenticity. We’d love to share that with you. Come visit us, explore the gallery, and see firsthand why this place inspires us every day.
✨ Come Experience Garden City for Yourself
Whether you’re local or visiting for the first time, Garden City has a way of welcoming you in. We invite you to stroll the Greenbelt, grab a bite, sip some wine, and explore the thriving local art scene-including a visit to our gallery.
You’ll see exactly why this place stole our hearts.
We can't wait to welcome you in: Visit us at Create Gallery and Frames.
Create Gallery and Frames
3520 W. Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID. 83714
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-6PM
Follow us on our socials (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, Pinterest) @creategalleryandframes for artist news, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.
