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Attractions General: If you haven't been to Colorado, you are in for a treat. The genereal theme is outdoors. If you are looking for cultural stuff (art, theater, museums, etc.) they are limited and will mostly be in Denver. Boulder is home to one of the highest concentrations of climbers (rock & alpine) in the world and is often rated #1 for most fit people in the country. Boulder is a college town and the summers are mellow without all the undergrads. Big stuff in July is walking, hiking, biking, climbing and site seeing. Downtown has a great outdoor walking mall, a wonderful path along Boulder creek, and often markets and festivals on the weekends. If you are here over the 4th of July, there are fireworks (drought-permitting), but they don't compare to east coast fireworks. General Info Link: Boulder
Visitors Bureau To Do: IN BOULDER Pearl St. Mall is a must for the visitor to Boulder. It is a walking mall in the heart of Boulder. Transformed in 1978 it is now symbolizes much of Boulder. If you want to walk, shop, enjoy street performers, or people watch while eating Ben & Jerry's, than this is the place to go. For fresh fruit, great pastries, fun crafts and an overall good time, I recommend the Saturday morning Farmer's Market on 13th and Canyon (near Pearl Street). You should stop by and view the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse while you are at it (viewing open to public, not just patrons) Tours of NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) are offered on a regular basis. In addition to scientific tours, NCAR is the trailhead of some of Boulder's most beautiful hikes (including our favorite: Bear Peak). CU (University of Colorado) is a great stop for any Boulder vistor (make sure to stay on the West side of campus, as you stray towards the engineering side the campus aesthetics deteriorate somewhat). In addition to being a nice place to walk around, there will be a variety of activities to engage in during your stay. There are always shows at the planitarium, check the link to find out what is showing when you are here. If you would like something a bit more musical, the HMS Pinafore will be playing. There may be some free shows as well -- check the link above to see what will be playing. If you are a Shakespeare fan (who isn't?) than you'll enjoy the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Anyone who hasn't watched a Shakespeare production under the stars is missing out (and Romeo and Juliet will be performed the night of our wedding!) McGuckin Hardware (NE corner of Folsom and Arapahoe) You may wonder why a hardware store is on the list of "to do in Boulder" but it is an amazing experience. This store is a bit like Noah's ark -- there's 2 of about anything you could possibly want. There were few trips outside of Boulder that Otto Buhler didn't mention this store at least once. Its a bit over-priced, but its still an experience. One of Boulder's biggest and most loved features is its large amount of open space. There are many, many trails -- too many to mention. We will list a few of the best places, but you might also want to check out some the Boulder Parks and Open Space website or stop by the ranger cottage at Chautauqua. Big thing to remember are (1) WATER (high altitude and dry climate mean you have to drink more water) (2) SUNSCREEN (we have less ozone in Boulder than the East Coast, sunburns and skin cancer are common) (3) lightning (be aware of weather coming in and turn around if things look bad) and (4) if for some reason you decide to get hurt, it helps to have a cell phone. The Rocky Mtn Rescue Group will come to your rescue with excellent service and skill, but Steve will probably not be with them on July 10th. Flatrions & Chautauqua - This is quintessential Boulder - perfect for hanging in the park, a short stroll, a rigorous hike, or a classic Flatiron climb. If you are in Boulder, this is must visit. Eldorado Canyon State Park (southern edge of Boulder near the wedding site)- this is home to some of the largest big wall climbs in the country and famous around the world). Definitely worth a visit to see the nature, have a picnic (far end of the canyon), watch the climbers from the road, or climb. $5 entry fee per car. Best Easy Hikes - Settlers Park/Red Rocks (just North of Canyon Blvd.), Mesa Trail or Blue Bell trail at Chautauqua Best Moderate Hikes: Trail between 1st & 2nd Flatiron, Royal Arch, Mallory Cave, Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon, Mt. Sanitas Best Big Hikes - Bear Peak via Fern Canyon or Shadow Canyon (our favorite big hike in Boulder). Green Mountain. Mountain Biking - There is some excellent mountain biking in the area. Some good close ones are the Boulder Creek Path up Boulder Canyon (easy) the Betasso Loop (moderate), Heil Ranch and Hall Ranch (difficult). The Boulder Bikesmith (SE of Folsom and Araphaoe) has bike rentals and everything you will need. Open M,W,R,F,Sat. (9am - 6pm). Reservations accepted, but not required. One site with a few links. And another. Boulder Creek Path - a wonderful creek that runs out of Boulder Canyon and across Boulder with and excellent walking/bike path. Eben G. Fine Park at the mouth of the canyon is a great park for picnics, frisbee, tubing in the creek, etc. Golf - Boulder is not known for its golf courses, but we do have a decent one: Flatrions Golf Course (57th & Arapahoe) (303)442-7851. There are other courses in the area. More info can be found at golfcolorado.com Mini Golf, Batting Cages, Go Kart - Gateway Park is in north Boulder just east of the intersection of North 28th and Broadway. The mini golf is pretty good. STUFF BEYOND BOULDER (is there such a thing?) Rocky Mountain National Park is a must for any visitor to Colorado (and only a 45 minute drive from Boulder) After countless visits to the park, I am still overwhelmed by its beauty each and every visit. Be sure to pack warm clothes. It is not unusual for the weather to be in the 90's in Boulder and snowing at the top of Trailridge (even in July). Also, be sure to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, be aware of lightning, and don't push yourself too much while hiking (high altitude sickness isn't fun!) Brainard Lake and its access to the Indian Peaks Wildnerness is another great destination. The drive up is beautiful, its a great picnic spots, and the hikes fantastic. There are a number of nice small valley hikes with beautiful lakes and streams. If you want something more strenuous, Mt Audobon is a favorite 13,000+ ft. hike. Although the above activites may not indicate it, buildings do exist in Colorado and there are indoor activities to be enjoyed. The Butterfly Pavilion is a great stop for kids and non-kids alike. Only a 20 minute drive from Boulder, this venue allows you to walk in a room full of butterflies. It is a beautiful and magical experience. If you are looking for something a bit more cerebral, I would recommend the Denver Science Museuem (includes IMAX and planitarium) or the Denver Art Museum. Karyn's (and perhaps Otto's) favorite Denver destination is be the Tattered Cover. An amazing locally-owned bookstore. Fantastic selection and great atmosphere -- a true Denver jewel. KID FRIENDLY STUFF Many of these items are mentioned above, but here is a compiled list:
Restaurants $ (quick eats) Illegal Petes - (NW corner of 14th & Pearl and on "The Hill" 13th & College) best buritto joint in town and best value for the $. Highly recommend the Primavera Buritto. Noodles - (S side of Pearl, between Folsom & 28th, and S side of Baseline between 28th & 30th). Hands down the best noodle place. We eat there all the time and its yummy! Our most frequent choice is the Japanese Pan Noodles. Mac & Cheese is pretty killer too. Salvaggios - (N side of Pearl, between Folsom & 28th is the best, also located on "The Hill" and on Pearl between 13th & 14th) - Best sub place we've ever been to. For the veggie crowd, reccommend the "fresh mozerella & red bell pepper" or the more traditional 3 cheese. $+ Chez Thuy (28th street near Valmont) this is the Buhler's all time favorite restaurant in the whole world. Vietnamese food and oh-so-amazing.... words are failing me.... Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse (south of 13th and Canyon) Boulder's sister city of Dushanbe gave Boulder a tea house. It sat in boxes for 7 years awaiting space and the funds to put it together. The wait was well worth it. The traditional tea house is beautiful. If you don't want to eat here, you should stop by and take a 5-minute look around (viewing open to all, not just patrons) Moutain Sun (between 15th & 16th on Pearl) & Southern Sun (SW corner of Table Mesa & Broadway by Neptune Mountaineering) - our favorite brew pubs owned by the same owner. Great beer, american food, and atmosphere. Himalayas (NE of 14th & Pearl on 14th in basement level) - great Himalayan food Walnut Cafe - (NE corner of 30th & Walnut, on the other side of the "mall") - hands down, in our humble opinion, as the best breakfast place in Boulder for the money. Great OJ. Solid amount of food for a decent price. If we were eating out, we'd probably go here every day. Great place for lunch too. Lucile's - (NE Pine & 14th) A very popular breakfast spot with southern style food (Creole & Cajun). Can be up to an hour wait on weekends, so check ahead (303)442-4743. Lunch served too. Chautauqua Dining Hall (Chautauqua) - a very classic Boulder spot overlooking the Flatrions & Boulder. Great for breakfast and probably all meals. A little more expensive, but just good atmosphere, fantastic views, and you're on vacation, so treat yourself! Ras Kaasas - (West side of 30th, just South of Pearl) - Fantastic ethiopian food. Actually, I haven't eaten at that many Ethiopian restaurants, but I really like this one! The mushroom dish was the catalyst for my love of fungus. Walnut Brewery - (W of Broadway on Walnut) - Brew pub with a great atmosphere. Only a few veggie items, but all the food is quality and good bear. The beer bread is fantastic. Kathmandu Restaurant, Nederland. A little bit more of a drive (25 minutes west of Boulder) but the drive is beautiful, Nederland is an experience (many of the Boulder hippes have moved here, there's a many who has his grandfather frozen in his back yard) and the food is fantastic. We recommend the lunch buffet. The Mediterranean - (SW of 10th & Walnut) - Also known as "the med". Great food and atmosphere. Conor O'Neills (SE of 13th &Pearl on 13th) - a great, very authentic irish pub with good food (slightly higher priced), music on some nights, and cider on tap! Red Robin (SW corner of 28th & Arapahoe) - This is a chain, but the burgers (especially the meatless patty and banzai burger), unlimited steak fries, and chocolate shakes are hard to beat, especially after a nice active day. Also, the location Steve chose to celebrate his 30th birthday. The Dark Horse (SW of 30th & Baseline on Baseline) - This is a true bar with none of the yupee action. Complete with license plates, wagon wheels and a giant plastic cow. OK food and beer. This is Boulder, so they do include gardenburgers on their menu. It's tucked back from Baseline behind the Noodles. $$ Boulder Cork (between Pearl & Valmont on west side of 30th). Higher end American food with a good wine selection. $$$ Flagstaff House (Flagstaff Road overlooking Boulder) - This is as good as it gets in Boulder (4 star). Amazing view over Boulder, fabulous service, and splendid food. Of course, you'll pay for it. Total meal cost starts at about $80. Coffee & Dessert Buchanan's (on the Hill, Pleasant & Broadway) - great coffee shop with a great atmosphere. Karyn loves the "turtle" coffee drink Trident (just SE of 9th and Pearl on Pearl) - another great coffee shop with attached used book store. This is traditional Boulder and much-loved by Karyn & Steve alike. PennyLane (18th and Pearl) This coffee shop has been in Boulder 20+ years (a rarity). In addition to lots of old-school Boulder sightings, there are open-mike poetry nights and other such fun. Jet's Espressoria another locally run coffee place. (Pearl and 20th or 21st) There are a number of ice cream places on Pearl Street. Steve recommends Cold Stone Creamery (SE of 13th & Pearl on 13th), Karyn prefers Ben & Jerry's or Hagaan Daaz (both on Broadway and Pearl) Supermarkets If you want to go local and organic, you'll need to go to the Boulder Food COOP on Pearl between (18th & 19th), the selection is limited though. We also have a Whole Foods (also known as "whole pay check", located on N side of Pearl, between 28th & 30th) with a huge selection of organic food and just straight up really good food. It is a little pricey, but worth checking out if you haven't been to one. We'd shop here all the time if we weren't out of cash. Wild Oats (SW of Broadway & Arapahoe) is another organic mecca with good food, more limted selection, at a slightly higher price. King Soopers (SW of Table Mesa & Broadway or NE of Arapahoe & 30th) is our usual spot with the best trade off between price and quality. Safeway (SW of 28th & Arapahoe) is a decent store, but not quite as good as King Soopers. Shopping & Other Boulder has probably the best set of climbing/outdoor stores in the country. Best local shops are Neptune Mountaineering (only a few blocks from Karyn & Steve's house) and Mountain Sports. Other places are Montbell, REI, EMS, and Outdoor Divas (women only). Fox Theater (on "The Hill") - often have some very good bands show up Movie Theaters - Boulder has a selection of movie theaters, none of them fantastic though. If you want the killer theaters, you'll need to go to the Flatrions Mall AMC theater in Broomfield just off Route 36, about 12 minutes out of Boulder. Local Crafts - The Boulder Arts Coop on Pearl (between 14th & 15th) and Art Mart on Pearl (between Broadway and 13th) are about the only stores with lots of local artists goods. However, you may find other events going on in town on Boulder Creek with other local artists. |
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