Gem County sits where the Payette River leaves the mountains and reaches the plains. Emmett is the county’s main community and is well known for its cherry orchards. The fruit is such a big deal that locals celebrate it with a festival every June.

Folks around here like to joke that there are more tractors than cars on some roads. Potatoes are grown here too, but Gem County is about more than just spuds. Agriculture remains an important part of the local way of life.

Squaw Butte dominates the skyline, so it’s pretty hard to miss. Nearby forests offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing. It’s quiet, rural living with Boise still close enough for an occasional trip into the city.