If you are lucky enough to be in Boulder on a Saturday in the summer, an absolute must is starting your day at the Boulder’s Farmer’s Market. (Insider’s tip: the public garage across the street at the bus station offers free parking.) Set in Central Park, next to the Boulder Creek, this lively outdoor market is a hub of activity. The market is located between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, and runs from April through November on Saturdays (8am-2pm) and Wednesdays (4pm-8pm). It is a feast for the senses. Taste samples of locally produced cheeses, ripe tomatoes, Colorado peaches and gluten-free baked goods. Everything you will find is grown and produced in Colorado. Enjoy the sights of colorful flowers and colorful characters. Listen to the sounds of acoustic blues and the nearby Boulder Creek. Plan to eat breakfast at one of the many food vendors. A local’s favorite is dumplings from the Sister’s Pantry, or the Amazing Corn Tamales. If you prefer a sit down meal, opt for Saturday Brunch at the Boulder Dashanbe Teahouse located next to the food stalls. This unique teahouse was delivered as a gift from Boulder’s sister city of Tajikistan. At the very least, peek your head in the door and admire the hand-crafted sculptures, tiles, and wood carvings throughout. Consider coming back later in the afternoon for a cup of fresh tea or chai. Before leaving the market, check out the often overlooked Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. After you leave the market, cross over Canyon Boulevard, and walk two blocks north, to the historic Pearl Street Mall. Plan to spend a few hours exploring this pedestrian mall filled with interesting boutiques, sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and various street performers. A local celebrity is the “Zip Code Guy”, who is surprisingly entertaining. Pearl Street is also the restaurant district of Boulder. For lunch options, consider a cheese fondue while people watching from the outdoor patio of the Boulder Cafe, or have a burger with mountain views from the rooftop deck of the West End Tavern. When you are ready for dinner, consider the Sunflower Restaurant (17th and Pearl), which offers an all organic menu (very Boulder), or the great ambiance and food of The Mediterranean (10th and Walnut). Boulder, as a university town, supports a lively night life scene. Recently, more upscale trendy bars started opening up on the west end of Pearl Street. The Kitchen (9th and Pearl) is a great new restaurant, but few tourists ever find their way upstairs to the wine bar on the second floor. If music is more your style, then check out what great band may be playing at the art-deco Boulder Theater. This is one of best live venues in town. Another option is to return to the busy parking lot behind the site of the Farmer's Market, which is transformed into an outdoor movie theater on Saturday nights in the summer. Sit back in your lawn chair and enjoy campy movies like "Greese" or "The Princess Bride" under the stars. WHERE TO STAY IN BOULDER: There are all the usual national chain lodging options in and around Boulder. However, if you are seeking a more memorable experience, here are four suggestions: •The Hotel Boulderado is an old historic Victorian landmark plus it is in easy walking distance of all the downtown attractions. The lobby is like walking back into the early 1900s, and is a reminder that they do not build places like this anymore. •Even though the St. Julian Hotel and Spa is the newest hotel in town, it has made its mark as a regular hot spot. The views of the Foothills, the popular Friday afternoon happy hour, and the healthily zen-like atmosphere, surly make the locals jealous of anyone who stays here. •The Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast is that great genuine find that all of us seek when traveling. It sounds cliché to say this is a home-away-from-home, but most of us wish our home could be as charming. •Finally, consider staying at the Boulder Outlook Hotel and Suites. The independent management pride themselves in being in-touch with the outdoor vibe. It has the look of an old Holiday Inn, but they have done some cool renovations, including putting a rock climbing wall in their lobby, and taking extra steps to be environmentally friendly. This may be one of the more affordable options. The one drawback is that the hotel is not in walking distance of downtown, but nothing a mountain bike ride can’t fix.

There is great debate about who serves the best lazy Sunday brunch, Lucile’s (2124 14th St.)hearty New Orleans style breakfast, or The Greenbriar Inn’s (8735 N. Foothills Hwy) Champagne Buffet Brunch . An off the beaten path option is going up to the student area know as “The Hill”. The Burnt Toast (1235 Pennsylvania Ave), is a locals favorite. If you can get there before 11 am, the wait is significantly shorter as hung over students do not venture out so early. This family run restaurant has random furniture, home cooking, and an interesting menu. Where ever you eat breakfast, spend the afternoon up in Chautauqua Park. This is quintessential way to spend a Sunday in Boulder. The park is at the base of the Flatiron Foothills and offers a variety of short hiking trails. The classic hike is to walk up the Mesa trail and spend the day in with nature. The more avid hiker should make their way up to the Royal Arch and see the views of town. Others just opt for bringing a picnic lunch and eating on the lawn in front of the 110 year old historical Dinning Hall. Consider this a day at the beach, Boulder style. During the summer Chautauqua sponsors a variety of music ranging from classical, world and folk, in the beautiful restored barn-like concert hall. This would be the perfect setting to end your weekend. It is the best blend of nature, recreation, and the arts which has inspired so many to renting the small cottages during the summer season.