Idaho Botanical Garden — Attraction in Boise

Here's the revised version of the complaint article with the additional detail included:

Cashless Payments: Inconveniences for Tourists at the Botanical Garden

Recently, I visited a botanical garden on a hot day and encountered an issue that significantly marred my experience in this beautiful place. The scorching weather and extensive walking encouraged many visitors, including myself, to cool down with something refreshing. I decided to buy ice cream for myself and my wife at a boutique located right on the garden's grounds. However, to my surprise and disappointment, I found out that they do not accept cash payments.

This wasn’t the only issue we faced. We had already experienced difficulty getting into the botanical garden in the first place because they only accepted card payments at the entrance. As tourists, we were unprepared for this, as we had expected to use cash, which is usually a common method for such transactions.

For a tourist who plans their trip and relies on cash to make necessary purchases, this turned out to be a major problem. At that moment, I didn’t have my bank card with me, which meant I had to forgo the simple pleasure of enjoying ice cream on a hot day. This small inconvenience ruined my mood and clouded the overall experience of visiting the garden.

It's important to note that not all tourists have the opportunity or desire to use bank cards or electronic payment systems, especially for small purchases. Refusing to accept cash not only creates inconveniences but also limits the freedom of choice for the garden's guests. In my case, the inability to buy ice cream and the difficulty entering the garden weren’t just minor inconveniences but significant sources of disappointment.

I would like to suggest that the management of the botanical garden reconsider its payment policy and take into account the interests of all visitors, including those who prefer to pay with cash. After all, the goal of such places is to create pleasant experiences and leave positive emotions, not to cause frustration.

Think twice before heading there if you rely on cash, as you might find yourself facing similar difficulties. I hope that in the future, the situation will improve and such moments will be addressed for the convenience of all guests, regardless of their payment...

As a first-time visitor, I was not super impressed when I first walked in - but the gardens really don't get going until you get past the open concert field and up to the hillside. Then it's wonder on wonder in a series of small gardens, like a walled English garden, a kid's play garden, desert plants, native plants, all sorts. The woman who sold me my ticket recommended a way to go and she was right - once you get to the main part, with the bathrooms and gift shop on your right and the English garden to your left, sort of head to the right up the hill, make your way to the top, and walk down a small "back way" trail to the firewise garden. To do this, make sure you find the Lewis & Clark trail, which zig zags all the way up the hill. Once you finally reach the top (it's long!) there's a Sacagawea statue - walk up some stone step behind that to access the trail. But any way you visit, it's going to take some wandering around to see everything.

I ended up buying a combo ticket for the Botanical Garden and the Penitentiary, which are side-by-side, for $15, which I think saved $5 (garden=$12, old pen=$8). They're very much intertwined - the botanical gardens are in the old yards for the penitentiary, so there items of interest in the garden relating to the prison - like a cemetery, foundations, and out buildings. And in the Old Pen, there are beautiful roses and other flowers throughout.

There is lots of free parking in front of the gardens that's good for...

The Idaho Botanical Garden holds a special place in our family's heart, and for good reason. Every visit is a fun adventure!

Throughout the year, the Garden offers a plethora of activities that cater to all ages and interests, making it a favorite destination for our family. Our absolute highlight is the Fall Festival. It's a well-planned celebration that seamlessly blends the magic of the season with the beauty of nature.

Picture this: live music, artsy stuff to make, yummy local food stalls... it's a party, alright! And it's all happening right there amidst the beautiful greenery.

What truly sets the Idaho Botanical Garden apart is its ability to inspire a love for nature in young minds. Our toddlers are always ecstatic to roam the gardens, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world. It's a hands-on learning experience that sparks their curiosity and fosters a deep appreciation for the environment.

Whether it's strolling through the vibrant gardens in spring, enjoying the pumpkin-filled festivities in fall, or partaking in the myriad of activities year-round, the Idaho Botanical Garden never fails to delight and inspire. It's a gem of a destination that offers something truly magical for everyone...