Between Two Rivers Is Idaho's 'Orchard Country' City With Rural Charm And Natural Beauty

The Idaho city of Fruitland is about as pretty as a peach. Actually, make that apples and plums. Swaths of the juicy, sweet crops were planted across the rural region when it was settled back in the late 1800s — hence the fruity moniker. Orchards have blanketed the area since then, landing Fruitland the nickname of the "Big Apple of Idaho." But don't expect to find any mile-high skyscrapers in this nook of the nation.

The small city of about 7,000 people hugs the Idaho-Oregon border, right across from the fellow farming community of Ontario, Oregon, an outdoorsy Oregon town beloved for its mouthwatering Tater Tots Festival. The fertile lands of Fruitland are flanked by the waters of the Snake and Payette Rivers, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the already stunning natural greenery. To put it simply, the city is the undeniable gem of southwest Idaho's Treasure Valley. "Fruitland is a great little town," one local penned on Niche, adding: "It's small but not too small. You get to know every one but can still meet new people!"

Ready to soak up Fruitland's rural charm? The city's only about an hour's drive away from the underrated foodie destination of Boise, where the Boise Airport (BOI) offers nonstop flights across the country. If you want to stay the night, the pickings are pretty slim. If you want to stay in town, you can opt for an Airbnb or hunker down at the local Neat Retreat RV Park, which could rival any of the best lesser-known RV destinations in America, according to its largely 5-star reviews. If you prefer roomier abodes, a variety of hotels, motels, and inns can also be found in the neighboring city of Ontario.

Scenic sights are easy to come by in Fruitland. Take in a breath of fresh Idaho air at any one of the city's handful of parks. Standing on the east side of town, Mesa Park is a recreation haven, especially if you love sports. Crestview Park, which lies to the south, and the downtown district's Fruitland Community Park both have a splash pad and playground, making them great options if you have kiddos in tow. 

The latter is also steeped in history. More than 100 years ago, the grounds of Fruitland Community Park served as the location of the city's first elementary school. If you want to take a step back in time, be sure to take a gander at the octagonal structure at the park's entrance; it's fashioned after the old school's bell tower.

For more splashing fun, go boating or kayaking along the winding waters of the Snake River. Pop by the Snake River View Welcome Center — located on the east bank just south of Fruitland — to learn more about the waterway. More thrills can be had with a whitewater rafting excursion on the Payette River. While you're in the area, visit the Payette River Wildlife Management Area. Covering just over 1,000 acres, it's the perfect place to do a bit of wildlife viewing and stretch your legs.

It goes without saying that a trip to Fruitland just wouldn't be complete without perusing the local farms and orchards. Red Barn Produce, located on the outskirts of town, is the perfect place to start. Snag a few fresh fruits and veggies or order a pick-me-up or scrumptious bite to eat from the on-site deli and coffee shop. Caffeinated drinks and yummy treats also line the menus of Bordertown Coffee and Bake Shop and the Jack Henry Coffee House, the latter of which is a small chain that also features locations in Ontario, Oregon, and Caldwell, Idaho.

For heartier plates, tuck into the savory fare at Black Cow Eats & Drinks. Formerly known as the Black Cow Cafe and Mercantile, this place is another popular local haunt, especially when it comes to the macaroni and cheese, which one reviewer described as "the Best" on Yelp. Another patron added: "The service is wonderful and the food is excellent. It has a laid back relaxing vibe that makes you feel right at home."

For juicy burgers, loaded salads, milkshakes, and other comfort staples, head over to the Hitchcock Station. Fun fact: The restaurant is housed in a repurposed 1920s-era building that originally served as a service station. The Rustic Pig BBQ also comes top-rated online. "I stopped in for lunch and thought it was odd that it was connected to a gas station. It didn't matter because the food was outstanding," reads one positive review on Tripadvisor.