5 Summer Days in Boulder

Our Local Expert Says:

See the local flair and fare at the Boulder County Farmers’ Market and check out the website to find dates for the Farmers’ Market Arts & Crafts Fair.

Description:

A local treasure, this is one of the best farmers' markets around. Almost everything can be found here, from freshly roasted green chilies, to gourmet cheeses and wines, to flowers and plants. Much of the food is organic, and all of it is grown by the people selling it. The Farmers' Market also has a food court with delicious prepared foods, picnic tables, and music. Grab some breakfast or lunch and take it over to Central Park to sit in the grass and watch the people. The Market hosts thousands of Boulderites and visitors every week, some who are there to see the sights and take in the smells, and others who are just there to do their weekly grocery shopping.

Description:

Located in the heart of downtown, Central Park is the place to relax, have a picnic, and get in some good people-watching. Kids can marvel at the park's old-time Denver & Rio Grande locomotive coach car, which has been a part of the park since 1952, and can enjoy the small waterfalls of the Boulder Creek. The grassy square is home to numerous festivals during the summer, and is next to the infamous Boulder Farmers' Market. A half-dome at one corner of the park known as the Bandshell hosts concerts in the summertime.

Our Local Expert Says:

The museum hosts a monthly "NightLite" event in which visitors can enter the museum from 8-11 p.m., view the museum's collection, and enjoy various forms of live entertainment.

Description:

This multidisciplinary art museum, created in 1972 to exhibit the work of contemporary artists, has evolved into an exciting venue where one can expect to see almost anything art-related, from the lighthearted to the elegant, political to religious, by regional and international contemporary artists. There are special programs for young children and a variety of other events throughout the year. Performing arts -- from poetry and dance to music and drama -- are occasionally presented in the museum's "black box" performance venue. There are free tours during Farmer's Market (summer Saturdays) at 11am and kid's programs. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

In addition, a separate organization puts on Saturday evening movie screenings in the adjacent parking lot in summer; classic movies such as Citizen Kane and cult classics are shown outside ($5 suggested donation per person; visit www.boulderoutdoorcinema.com for information). Take a lawn chair or blanket.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not only does the Pearl Street Mall have the best shopping in Boulder, but you could spend all day there listening to musicians, watching street performers, and having drinks and people-watching on an outdoor patio.

Description:

This four-block pedestrian mall is a unique and essential part of Boulder. With a wide selection of shops and restaurants, this mall is sure to keep you entertained as you stroll in and out of art galleries, listen to musicians playing free live music, enjoy the shows of buskers (such as the famous Derek Derek), and have a bite to eat on one of Pearl Street's many outdoor patios. It's also a great place for kids, with water spouts that come out of the bricks by 14th street, street performers making balloon art, and big animal statues on which to climb on the east side of the walking mall. In the summer, Pearl Street is host to many events such as Band on the Bricks and the Downtown Boulder Art Fair. The stores also extend both east and west of the walking portion of the Pearl Street Mall, so be sure to continue on to find more interesting stores and restaurants.

Our Local Expert Says:

With one of the best happy hours in town and one of the best patios on the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder Café is a must-try.

Description:

One of the most noticeable landmarks on the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder Café occupies a beautifully refurbished Victorian building. While the bar and dining room exude a stylish air, the ambiance is casual. The outdoor patio is perfect for people watching. Fondue is the house specialty, but the fresh shrimp, crab legs, and oysters are also excellent. The weekend brunch is popular and includes a tasty Eggs Benedict.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great happy hour deals on appetizers and its dark, tavern atmosphere make The West End an ideal restaurant for almost any occasion.

Description:

Be sure to request a table upstairs and get a seat facing the magnificent view of the Flatirons! The West End Tavern even has misting pipes to cool you in the summer as you sit alfresco and soak in the beauty of the mountains. Feel free to ask for recommendations when trying to decide on a bourbon choice--their bourbon menu alone is quite overwhelming.

Description:

This pleasant contemporary eatery, eclectically decorated with murals, rotating local art, and a flagstone floor, touts its menu as healthy and environmentally-friendly. The ingredients include certified organic produce, fresh seafood, and free-range, hormone-free poultry and game. The kitchen takes a multicultural approach: Sunflower features a diverse selection of dinner entrees, including sesame-crusted ahi tuna served with coconut-scallion basmati; buffalo sirloin tenderloin with gorgonzola crust; and tempeh korma with spinach, potatoes, raisins, and cashews. Lunch includes fresh variations on sandwiches -- such as a blackened salmon burger -- as well as specialties like pad Thai and vegetarian Malay fried rice. An all-you-can-eat organic salad buffet is served daily until 4pm, organic juices and wines are available, and there's a popular weekend brunch.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their "Tapas Hour" everyday from 3:00 to 6:30 is one of the best happy hours in town.

Description:

This lively restaurant has all of the charm of a tiny European coastal café. Sunny paintings and brilliant colors bedeck the walls of "The Med". Lush foliage grows everywhere, and an imported Italian wood burning stove glows in the background. Known for its flavorful tapas, the menu celebrates the succulent entrees of Italy, Spain, Greece and France. The wood-oven-baked pizzas are popular, as is the Eggplant Parmigiana. For dinner, the family style Paella de Mariso is divine. Order a dessert if just to observe the masterful designs created by the pastry chef.

Description:

Located in one of Boulder's beautiful historic buildings in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, The Kitchen brings a fresh perspective on ingredients, preparation & guest comfort. Enjoy the relaxing neighborhood atmosphere complimented by superior food & exceptional service.

Our Local Expert Says:

This theater is one of the best in town because it offers both ample seating and ample dancing room, making it an ideal venue for everyone.

Description:

This posh venue has graced downtown Boulder since 1906. Originally opened as an opera house, the historic building underwent a massive renovation in the 1980s. Located just off the Pearl Street Mall, the complex hosts nightly concerts, film screenings and other community events. National Public Radio hosts the popular weekly environmental and musical radio show E-Town here. While it remains a popular venue for local entertainers, the theater's cabaret-style seating, preserved art deco ornamentation and state-of-the art sound and lighting system attract national and international artists. Call for a schedule, or check the Web site to order tickets online.

Our Local Expert Says:

Help to preserve the annual Bike Shorts short film festival simply by attending! If the edgy films inspire a need for critical discussion, herd your friends into the neighboring Dushanbe Teahouse for some maté and movie criticism.

Description:

The Boulder Outdoor Cinema redefines going to the movies. Once a week during summer months, viewers set up lawn chairs and blankets on the green behind the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and prepare to make noise. Yes, moviegoers are encouraged to sing along and call out lines from the film. The Applause-O-meter and contests like "Best Film Related Costume" promote audience participation and a lot of fun. A different classic or cult favorite runs each week. Past features have included The Wizard of Oz, War of the Worlds, and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. All shows are suitable for family entertainment.

Our Local Expert Says:

The hotel's best kept secret is Salsa Night, with the best salsa group this side of the rockies---Quemando!. A $10 cover charge gets you a free lesson and one free cocktail-just enough to relax without losing coordination!

Description:

Named for the combination of Boulder and Colorado, this exquisite Victorian hotel, built in 1909, treats guests to a lavish stay. Historic rooms bedecked in a posh style provide business and leisure travelers the ultimate in refined luxury and comfort. Mammoth VIP rooms come complete with separate living areas and extra Victorian elegance. For a true visual awe-treat definitely check out the stained glass ceiling in the mezzanine. The hotel is usually booked nightly, especially in the summer, so reservations should be made well in advance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Living up to their slogan, “The Cure for the Common Hotel,” The Boulder Outlook provides English classes for their non-English speaking staff, donates 2% of their profits to non-profits and charities, and is a pet-friendly hotel.

Description:

The Boulder Outlook is located across the street from the University of Colorado campus and a half-mile from Boulder Creek. The hotel's indoor recreation area brings a little bit of Boulder and the Foothills indoors with its 11-foot bouldering rock (with a smaller one for adventuresome youngsters), its chlorine-free indoor pool with a waterfall, and its flagstone spa tub. They also offer a fitness facility and dry saunas.

Located within the hotel is Blues & Greens, which is not your common hotel restaurant. Blues & Greens serves locally produced food that is sure to satisfy businesspeople to families traveling on a budget to those requiring special diet, including many vegetarian and vegan options.

Our Local Expert Says:

Dine-in as often as possible and never feel guilty! The home-cooked delicacies contain organic ingredients purchased from local markets, food wastes are composted on-site and even the washing machines are energy-efficient. The Briar rose exemplifies eco-responsible luxury.

Description:

Find your sanctuary in the heart of Boulder at the foot of the Flatiron mountains. Discover the brilliant subtlety of sencha green tea as our innkeepers enrich your stay with quiet attention and lively conversation. Green hotel. Private baths. WIFI internet. Welcome home to the Briar Rose.

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Description:

The St. Julien Hotel is located just one block from the Pearl Street Mall, and its terrace has one of the best views in Boulder, overlooking the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Julien's spa and fitness center features an indoor lap pool and restorative treatments. This hotel has 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space that can prove for business meetings or celebrations. The guestrooms feature minibars, safes, large soaking tubs in the bathrooms, complimentary weekday newspapers, and high-speed Internet access. Jill's Restaurant, located inside the hotel, serves light fare using regional organic products.

Our Local Expert Says:

With its charming ambiance and its delicious Louisiana Creole-inspired breakfasts, its no wonder that Lucile's wins the Boulder Weekly's Best Breakfast award time and time again.

Description:

Lucile's is a quaint restaurant near the Pearl Street Mall is nestled in a Victorian house complete with a large porch and deck. The staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Make sure to get here early on weekends, as the place is always packed. Children are welcome. The chef creates delicious Louisiana-style cuisine. Breakfast selections include fresh baked biscuits, waffles, and Eggs Sardou-a Creole specialty. Fresh fruit and cereal is also available. The lunch menu offers salads, Creole and Po'Boy sandwiches. No alcohol is served, but there are plenty of coffee drinks.

Description:

The Greenbriar Inn has received numerous fine dining awards during the past 36 years. This restaurant is a Mobil Three Star Rated Restaurant. In 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 was awarded the Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" for Wine List, and "Rated Excellent" and "The Best Sunday Brunch Deal" by the Zagat Survey. The staff is happy to provide those special touches to make your dinner or event a personal and memorable occasion.

Our Local Expert Says:

Chautauqua Park is the best place to get a stunning view of the Flatirons. Take a picnic and enjoy the park, or explore the Chautauqua Community; eat at the community dining hall and catch a concert at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium.

Description:

This picturesque park located at the base of the Flatirons has many trailheads that are the gateways to the Rocky Mountains. The park is a wonderful place for walking, picnicking, and people-watching. The park is part of the Chautauqua community, an idea built from the Chautauqua movement popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that was based around adult education that attempted to provide entertainment and culture for the whole community. The Boulder Chautauqua community opened in 1898 and contains a public dining hall, lodging, a community house for local events, and the beautiful Chautauqua Auditorium, which houses the esteemed Colorado Music Festival in the summer, as well as other concerts throughout the year.

Our Local Expert Says:

Trident hosts a variety of music acts during the summer in their backyard, The Sandbox Theater, and also offers frequent open mic nights.

Description:

Take a journey into Boulder's unusual mix of cultures in this gourmet coffee shop, the oldest in the city. Choose a book from the antiquarian selection and join the green-haired hipsters, university professors, yuppies and business people reading at tables indoors and out. Enjoy tasty beverages and baked goods. The dark and somewhat dingy atmosphere stirs personal reflection and intriguing conversations. Trident offers an alternative to today's modern coffee shops. The cluttered bookstore carries a varied selection of used titles and offers an international book search for rare editions.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best place to walk, jog, or bike in Boulder, the Boulder Creek path is always busy with active Boulderites.

Description:

The Boulder Creek Path runs from east Boulder up Boulder Canyon Dr. as it winds itself through the foothills. The path is paved as it meanders through town and then becomes gravel and dirt as it heads up into the mountains. The Boulder Creek Path is popular with joggers and cyclists because of its beautiful scenery; so enjoy the sights but you'll have to head further out of town if you're seeking solitude. There are many places along the way to stop and enjoy the sounds of the Boulder Creek, or to stop at a table or bench and have a picnic. In the summer time, head to Eben G. Fine park along the path just west of downtown where there is a playground for kids, picnic tables and grills, and a great area for tubing down the creek (there are some small cascades, so if the kids want to go, put a helmet on them and stick them in your lap).

Description:

Located along the Boulder Creek Trail, the Underwater Fish Observatory is a good diversion to check out if you have the kids with you. They can feed the fish and, if they are lucky, see carp, rainbow trout, and maybe even a cutthroat trout, swimming in the creek. Glass partitions allow you to explore the shallow depths of the Boulder Creek. Unfortunately, the water tends to sometimes be a bit murky. But the kids never seem to mind.

Description:

Opened in the Spring of 2005, Jill's is a modern bistro located in the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder, Colorado. The cuisine is eclectic and draws its inspiration from the Western Mediterranean Region. The kitchen is run by award-winning chef Jason Rogers, whose culinary pedigree has lead him to work with such notables as Todd English and The James Beard Foundation. The restaurant is lofty yet warm with rich wood tones and large glass panels studded with the leaves of Colorado. The terrace boasts a stunning view of the Flatirons and is home to many of the region's best bands. The T-Zero Lounge is cozy and serves as a sophisticated backdrop for relaxation and camaraderie among locals and guests alike. Jill's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and manages to maintain a quality that attracts food-savvy locals as well as the most discriminating business and vacationing traveler.

Description:

This funky but elegant converted house has set the pace for the Boulder dining scene for nearly 30 years. The emphasis here is squarely on the food. Owners and siblings Chef Corey Buck and Ashley Maxwell (who bought the place from founder John Bizzarro in 2003) start with the classic cuisine of southern Europe, but Buck adds his own creative signature spin to each dish; compared to Bizzarro, Buck prepares bigger plates and is more fond of game dishes. For starters, apple Stilton pecan salad and ricotta-and-spinach gnocchi verde set the stage for the continually changing main-course offerings. Menu mainstays include filet mignon with Stilton ale sauce, surrounded by grilled Bermuda onions; phyllo-wrapped pork tenderloin with garlic whipped potatoes; and a variety of fresh seafood dishes. The menu also includes a few vegetarian items, and near-transcendent homemade desserts.

Our Local Expert Says:

“Picture Rock” is located just at the start of the pathway to Boulder Falls, and is named because the naturally eroded hole in this rock has framed countless visitors’ faces.

Description:

Boulder Falls is located 11 miles west of Boulder on the north side of Boulder Canyon Drive. In the past, carryalls would bring visitors up for a visit and a picnic, especially after the narrow gauge railroad washed out in the great flood of 1894 and made the area more accessible to pedestrians. Boulder Falls today is still quite lovely, and merits a stop as you head west up the canyon toward Nederland. The torrent of icy cold water occurs where North Boulder Creek plunges 70 feet to enter Middle Boulder Creek. To get to Boulder Falls, follow Canyon Blvd. west into the mountains until you see signs for it. The Falls will be to your right and there is plenty of parking, but take care when crossing Boulder Canyon Drive, as people drive quickly around the mountain turns.

Description:

Indian Peaks is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the U.S. To encounter less people, hike and camp on weekdays and use less popular travel zones. The region contains vast areas of alpine tundra, numerous cirque basins, remnant alpine glaciers and nearly 50 lakes, in the shadow of the Continental Divide.

Popular activities in the Indian Peaks Wilderness include backpacking, backcountry camping, day hiking, horse packing, fishing and hunting. The wilderness is broken into 18 travel zones with varying regulations regarding the activities allowed. Permits are required for anyone camping overnight from June 1 through September 15.

You may obtain a permit by mail or in person. Reservation fee required for all dates. Please allow two weeks to receive reservations by mail. Permits may be obtained in advance or on the day of your trip. Day-of-trip permits are not available for heavily used travel zones. Without advanced reservations, your preferred zones and dates may not be available. Contact one of the Ranger District offices, the Indian Peaks Ace Hardware in Nederland or stop in the Monarch and Junco Lake Wilderness Stations (day of trip permits only), for permit applications....

Description:

Inspired by the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, I. M. Pei designed this striking pink-sandstone building, which overlooks Boulder from high atop Table Mesa in the southwestern foothills. (You might recognize the center from Woody Allen's Sleeper; scenes were shot here.) Scientists study such phenomena as the greenhouse effect, wind shear, and ozone depletion to gain a better understanding of the earth's atmosphere. Among the technological tools on display are satellites, weather balloons, interactive computer monitors, robots, and supercomputers that can simulate the world's climate. There are also hands-on, weather-oriented exhibits and a theater. The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail outside the building's west doors takes visitors on a .4-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop along a path with interpretive signs describing various aspects of weather and climate plus the plants and animals of the area. The center also houses a changing art exhibit and a science-oriented gift shop. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

Undoubtedly the best part of the Celestial Seasonings Tour is the infamous “peppermint room,” which is sure to clear even the most stubborn sinuses.

Description:

Visit the Celestial Seasonings tea company's headquarters and enjoy free samples of all of their tea flavors. Even if you don't consider yourself a tea enthusiast, you'll likely appreciate the knowledge you'll gain about tea and you'll definitely enjoy the free samples and the Tea Shop gift store at the end. On weekdays, enjoy breakfast or lunch in the Celestial Café before taking your tour.

Description:

The famous maker of herb and traditional teas, Celestial Seasonings, also has a Café that offers breakfast and lunch. Lunch items include soups, a salad bar, burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and of course, a large selection of tea. The Celestial Seasonings complex is roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown Boulder, so go on out and have some lunch after touring the factory.

Description:

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival, one of the country's most renowned, presents the best of classical theatre each summer from mid-June to mid-August.

Our Local Expert Says:

Like the historically found Frascas found throughout Friuli, Italy, this restaurant is full of local farm cuisine, wine, and warm hospitality.

Description:

Winning raves since its 2004 opening, Frasca is the critical darling in Boulder for its upscale atmosphere, impeccable service, and peerless cuisine, drawn exclusively from the culinary traditions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a subalpine region in northeastern Italy. Using fresh ingredients, with a special emphasis on terrific seafood, cheese, and wine, the masterful kitchen delivers some of the best fare in the West. The menu changes daily, but always includes a vast selection of small plates leading up to pasta, seafood, pork loin, and other specialties of the region. Every year the staff takes a trip to Italy for a refresher course in Italian culinary appreciation, and it shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

Foolish Craig’s is said to have the best Bloody Marys in town. We think you will agree.

Description:

This adorable café, bedecked in a menagerie of colors, sits one block east of the Pearl Street Mall. Its lively atmosphere and cluttered tables promote conversation. Most of the menu items come with creative names, such as the Altitude Adjustment crepe and the It was Sam Andreas Fault omelet. Vegetarian dishes are plentiful. A full espresso bar offers a multitude of caffeine fixations, and a range of beers and wines. Live music plays Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boulder's summer nights are one of the best things about this town, and Bands on the Brick is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Description:

Listen to a great concert as you watch the sun dip behind the Rocky Mountains at the Bands on the Brick concert. The best of Colorado's local bands play on the County Courthouse steps at this weekly summer event. Bring your lawn chair and relax, or get up and dance. Enjoy a variety of talented performers, from the bluesy sounds of Hazel Miller to the eclectic rhythms of Freddi Henchi. Catch dinner before or after the show from one of surrounding Pearl Street Mall restaurants. Admission is free.