COME TO LIFE / Only in Boulder ONLY IN BOULDER T WINTER FUN While not a traditional ski town, Boulder’s proximity to skiing at nearby Eldora Mountain Resort, affordable winter lodging prices and hip downtown vibe makes it a primo cold-season destination. Downhillers can schuss down Eldora’s slopes in the morning and head back down to town for a hike or bike ride in the afternoon — and dinner and local brews in the evening, naturally. Non-downhill skiers love Eldora’s Nordic Center, which offers lessons and trails designed spe-cifically for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. COLORADO Playfully referred to as the People’s Republic of Boulder, this foothills city was recently 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 scientific research centers, the University of Colorado, artsy folks 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 the thoroughfare, lined with historic buildings that now house boutiques and longtime-favorite shops and populated by talented open-air performers. For more shopping, head to Twenty Ninth Street , an outdoor mall headlined by H&M, The North Face and Apple that also has a new outdoor beer garden called The Barrel. Or hook up with Boulder Walking Tours to see Boulder through its neighborhoods, historic areas and open spaces. Saturdays and Wednesdays April–mid-November, 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 Boulder County Farm Trail (3) — 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 3 QUICK TIP 162 / Hikers can ride the free Park-to-Park shuttle to designated areas in and around the Chautauqua Park area. The dog-friendly bus runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day; just park your car downtown or at a free lot on the University of Colorado campus and hitch a ride. 1-800-COLORADO CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: PEARL STREET MALL, DOWNTOWN BOULDER; BOULDER COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET; BOULDER COUNTY FARM TRAIL, BOULDER CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU; ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 162
