2021-12-03 09:24:57
Playfully referred to as the People’s Republic of Boulder, this city was named “Happiest City in the U.S.” by National Geographic and is known for progressive attitudes stemming from its hippie heyday. Today it’s characterized by research centers, the University of Colorado (CU), artsy folks, world-class restaurants and hyper-athletic citizens. Morning The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall is the city’s hub, lined with historical buildings that now house longtime-favorite shops and restaurants. For a quintessential experience, drop into The Tune Up, a place to rent or shop for bikes, get coffee and hear live music. Or hook up with JD’s Joyrides to view Boulder’s vibrant Mural Trail from an ebike. At The Ice Coop, the nation’s only indoor ice-climbing gym, try — or even watch — this show-stopping sport. Saturdays and Wednesdays, April– mid-November, stroll Boulder Farmers Market, with a strict sell-what-you-grow policy and a lovely setting next to Boulder Creek. Chefs are often spotted shopping here, so you may taste market veggies at dinner. You might also appreciate the Boulder County Farm Trail — 20-plus farms and other places where you can pick berries, pet animals, picnic in a barn or take a class. Afternoon Discover the hiking trails in National Historic Landmark Chautauqua Park, with options to suit every level of hiker and up-close views of the Flatirons — the slanting slabs of red sandstone that are Boulder’s most recognizable landmark. Pro tip: On summer weekends, a free shuttle will take you to Chautauqua or Eldorado Canyon State Park from the CU campus. There’s also the Museum of Boulder, which hosts traveling exhibitions from nationally recognized museums. Or check out Wonder Wonder, an immersive digital-art experience with 18 rooms of light displays, technological contraptions and art encounters. Evening Dinner at one of the city’s restaurants is a must, given that it’s often on top lists for its divine foodiness. Wander Pearl Street for an array of delectable options, including Provençal-inspired Mateo, Ash’Kara’s contemporary Israeli cuisine, or The Kitchen, an eco-friendly bistro that pairs food with decadent brews. The new Avanti F&B is drawing big acclaim with international flavors, from Venezuelan-inspired arepas to modern Taiwanese fare. Rayback Collective is a food-truck park/ beer garden/live-music venue drawing those in the know east of downtown. For more secret places to eat and explore, visit bouldercoloradousa.com. After, visit a brewery to taste the local suds — there are more than 20 now (not to mention two cideries, four distilleries, four wineries one meadery and Ska Street Brewstillery — a brewery-distillery hybrid). In fact, Boulder has more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. Pick up a Boulder Beer Trail brochure at area visitor centers or catch a ride on the Colorado Brewery Bus. Sidetrips Boulder is close to Rocky Mountain National Park (1 hour), Eldorado Canyon State Park (15 minutes) and Golden Gate Canyon State Park (45 minutes). You will confidently claim that Nederland, just a half hour outside of Boulder, will be unlike any other town in your vacation repertoire. Case in point: Each March, Frozen Dead Guy Days celebrates the remains of a man who died of a heart attack in 1989. His family keeps his body preserved in dry ice in the hopes that future science can revive him. Celebrate Ned’s zany culture with craft brews, art and live music, and soak in the ambiance browsing around local shops and restaurants. WINTER FUN WHILE NOT A TRADITIONAL SKI TOWN, BOULDER’S PROXIMITY TO SKIING AT NEARBY ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT, plus affordable winter lodging and downtown vibe make it a primo cold-season destination. Downhillers can schuss Eldora’s slopes in the morning and head back to town for a hike or bike ride in the afternoon — and dinner and local brews in the evening. Boulder is also becoming a favorite destination for winter fat biking. Non-downhill skiers love Eldora’s Nordic Center, which offers lessons and trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. SIP A FRAGRANT CUP OF TEA AT THE DUSHANBE TEA HOUSE, WHERE YOU CAN ADMIRE THE INTRICATE PAINTINGS AND CARVINGS ADORNING THE STORIED BUILDING. AT CORRIDA, RELISH SPANISH-INSPIRED TAPAS AND DISHES LIKE BRAISED LAMB WITH PIQUILLO PEPPERS OR WAYGU RIBEYES, WHICH PAIR WITH A ROBUST WINE LIST AND VIEWS OF THE FLATIRONS. Stay & Play Options Boulder (page 179), Eldorado Springs, Louisville, Lyons (page 185), Superior, Westminster
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