COME TO LIFE / Go Local GO LOCAL: A DAY IN BOULDER 7 WINTER FUN While not a traditional ski town, Boulder was named a “Top Winter Town” by Na-tional Geographic Traveler for its proximity to skiing and downtown vibe. The magazine cites the ability to ski nearby Eldora Mountain Resort in the morning and head back down to town for a hike or bike ride in the afternoon. Non-downhill skiers love Eldora’s Nordic Center, which offers lessons and trails designed specifi-cally for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. And back in town, winter hikes abound in the city’s foothills. COLORADO Playfully referred to as the People’s Republic of Boulder, this foothills city is known for progressive attitudes stemming from its hippie heyday. Today it’s characterized by scientific research centers, the University of Colorado, artsy folk and hyper-athletic citizens. 1 MORNING The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall (1) is the city’s hub. Fuel up at any of a dozen coffee shops alongside students and freelancers clicking away on their laptops. Then, spend time strolling along Pearl Street, lined with historic buildings that now house boutiques and longtime-favorite shops. Try to stop yourself from watching the mall’s buskers and talented open-air performers. For more shopping, head to Twenty Ninth Street , an outdoor mall headlined by H&M, The North Face and Apple. Or hook up with Boulder Walking Tours to see Boulder through its neighborhoods, historic areas and open spaces. Saturdays and Wednesdays April–October, stroll Boulder Farmers’ Market (2) , 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 during dinner. If you dig the market, you might also appreciate the The Boulder County Farm Trail — 20 farms and other places where you can pick berries, pet animals, take a tour, check out a farm stand, picnic in a barn or take a class. 2 AFTERNOON Head next door to the Dushanbe Teahouse (3) to admire the intricate paintings and carvings adorning this building, shipped piece by @randomcs 3 QUICK TIP 160 / In springtime, the flowerbeds all along Pearl Street Mall bloom with more than 15,000 tulips. It’s tough to predict when the buds will bloom at their peak, but it usually happens around mid to late April — and it is a sight to see! COLORADO.COM CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: PEARL STREET MALL, DOWNTOWN BOULDER; BOULDER FARMERS’ MARKET, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA; DUSHANBE TEA HOUSE, @RANDOMCS; ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 160
