Budget Boulder

Description:

For those who want to be in the center of everything-shopping, restaurants, movie theaters and the University of Colorado-and pay moderate prices, this is the perfect hotel for a business or leisure stay. Located close to Crossroads Mall, each of the comfortable rooms feature in-room coffee and cable television. The popular Buff restaurant serves up healthy fare on site, and a news stand neighbors the inn.

Description:

University Inn is located just 3 blocks from CU Boulder and from the Pearl Street Mall. Offering an outdoor pool and a business center, this motel also provides complimentary continental breakfast.

Description:

While most bed-and-breakfasts occupy old or historic structures, the Greenwood resides in a residential neighborhood in a relatively new suburban home. Despite its contemporary setting this inn is a traditional European bed-and-breakfast (meaning a shared bathroom) with two rooms decorated in a southwestern motif. One room offers a queen-size bed and the other has twin beds. Both have excellent views of the Flatirons and mountains.

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.

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:

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:

A drive up Flagstaff Mountain is the easiest way to get an aerial view of Boulder and to have a secluded mountain picnic.

Description:

Just west of downtown, the winding road up the mountain provides stunning panoramic views of Boulder, Denver, and the eastern plains after a beautiful drive or a strenuous bike ride. There are many picnic tables just off the road where you can park and walk for a few minutes and find yourself in a relatively quiet and secluded area. Flagstaff Mountain also has mountain bike trails and popular climbing routes, as well as the Summit Nature Center (open weekends in the summer) and an outdoor amphitheater. The Flagstaff House, one of Boulder's most upscale restaurants, is also situated on Flagstaff Mountain, which affords it incredible views and quite a romantic atmosphere.

Description:

Just off the Pearl Street Mall, Sherpa's Adventurers is, at first glance, just a house. However, inside the house are a bar, an authentic Tandoor clay oven, and a Traveler's Library and Lounge, where you can peruse Sherpa history and photos. Another unique aspect of Sherpa's is that you can book Himalayan treks and volunteer opportunities. With its delicious, well-priced food, its interesting atmosphere, its outdoor seating area, and its proximity to the Pearl Street Mall, Sherpa's is a real Boulder gem.

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:

With all the karaoke events going on in Boulder, Sushi Zanmai's Saturday night Karaoke is one of the most popular.

Description:

A lively sushi bar and Japanese restaurant next to the Hotel Boulderado, Sushi Zanmai is one of Boulder's most popular dining destinations. The wild and largely incomprehensible commentary shouted by the sushi chefs as they prepare their delicate specialties makes sitting at the bar an adventure. And no one knows just when the owner will burst into song or pull out the saxophone. The bamboo furniture and Japanese decor provide a classy yet comfortable dining experience. Weekly karaoke and nightly sushi Happy Hours are popular events.

Description:

If you have got a hankering for a big burrito, stop by this restaurant on the Hill for one of Illegal Pete's tasty creations. The burritos come lathered in fresh, homemade salsa and include steak and chicken options. The Fish Taco is the house specialty. Other menu items include enchiladas, taquitos, salads and quesadillas. Happy Hour from 5pm-8pm features discounted margaritas and other drink specials. Live music is sometimes featured on weekends. This happening-place is popular with the college crowd. Illegal Pete's also has another location on the Pearl Street mall at 1447 Pearl Street.

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.

Description:

Snarfs is one of the few restaurants in Boulder that is almost zero waste: nearly everything is recyclable or compostable (except the chip bags). So, while you can feel good about eating there, you'll also feel good about eating their delicious toasted subs. Sit outside at a mosaic table and enjoy your meal in the sunshine! Snarfs is a six block walk from the Pearl Street Mall, but there are plenty of other stores to check out on the way that are often missed because they lie outside of the walking section of Pearl Street. They also serve ice cream and milkshakes! Stop by their other location on the University Hill if you're by the CU Campus.

Our Local Expert Says:

This winery is not old, but it has some very popular wines that are served in local restaurants.

Description:

From its modern laboratory to its traditional oak barrels, Boulder Creek Winery blends new world technology with old world artistry in handcrafting a line of class-style wines that include traditional varietals such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, as well as a Private Reserve blend of premium red varieties.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located just off the walking section of the Pearl Street Mall, the Mountain Sun is a real local gem.

Description:

This quintessential Boulder restaurant is almost always bustling with Boulderites who love to frequent this brewery/restaurant and enjoy their variety of beers brewed on site. The walls are painted with suns and moons and are covered in tapestries - and if you look up, you can see a Jerry Garcia doll sitting in a hammock. The Mountain Sun is a pub, but it doesn't have any TVs because the owners want to encourage people to meet each other and "discuss the world in which we live". If that sounds a bit too heavy, you can always grab ones of their board games and lose yourself in a nice game of Scrabble!

Description:

This small nook of a restaurant, which serves nothing but breakfast, is a throwback to the Eisenhower administration in both look and price. All that is missing is the Everly Brothers on the radio. Booths and classic chrome counter stools give the room its time machine look. The all-breakfast menu offers the usual morning staples of pancakes, eggs, French toast, hash browns and biscuits all at great prices. Keeping with the mood of Boulder it serves organic coffee.

Their other location is located on the University Hill at 1333 Broadway St.

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:

Ed Trumble, founder and owner of Leanin' Tree Company, started selling greeting cards with a distinctive western flair to local ranchers over 50 years ago. As his business evolved, he began collecting original works from the artists that adorned the cards. In 1974, he opened a museum to display the works, and today it is one of the largest collections of Western art in the nation. Featuring 93 artists and an array of paintings and bronze sculptures, the museum has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors since its conception. The museum's gift shop offers an assortment of Western souvenirs including the famous Leanin' Tree greeting cards. Free admission.

Description:

This funky pizza joint on University Hill serves the best pizza in town. There is a long-standing rumor that Robert Redford worked as a janitor here during his short stint at CU. The pizzeria stays open late, making it popular with the college crowd. Pizza comes in three crust choices based on density. Saving the crust and then dipping it in honey at the end of the meal is a tradition here. Burgers and Mexican fare round out the menu. The restaurant closes at 10p, but the bar is open until 2a.

Description:

Khow Thai Café has been voted Best Thai Restaurant in Boulder Weekly's Best of Boulder County since 2003, so if the locals like it, you know it must be good. This relatively small, low-key café has an unassuming atmosphere but serves excellent thai food (nearly all of which can be prepared vegetarian). Each meal is served with a cup of soup and a spring roll, and the meals are served quickly and in sizeable portions. Located on Broadway - one of Boulder's main thoroughfares - Khow Thai is just a few blocks walk from the Pearl Street Mall and from the CU Campus.

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.

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).

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:

Do not let the hole-in-the-wall facade and dilapidated interior of this restaurant fool you-Juanita's is one of Boulder's best-kept secrets. The overflowing portions of Mexican and New Mexican regulars, blue corn tortillas, steaming enchiladas, pinto beans and green chile satisfy the stomach, while an array of specialty margaritas quench the thirst. Every meal begins with seriously deep fried chips and homemade spicy salsa. The restaurant's comfortable booths are good for resting tired feet and antsy kids.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pool tables, intimate lighting, and exposed-brick walls make this hangout feel less like a hotel joint, and more like a local favorite. Enjoy live jazz and blues on selected days, but be warned-this is a favorite hangout for college students on most weekends.

Description:

Hidden beneath the historic Hotel Boulderado, this cavernous maze of low-lit rooms serves as a Mecca for local and regional blues and rock acts. The classy, yet renegade-like atmosphere draws a range of people, from seasoned music veterans, to yuppies and bohemians. But whatever the flavor, the bar promises an authentic taste of Boulder and an entertaining evening.

Our Local Expert Says:

Harpo's is the quintessential local's bar. It's close enough to everything to be popular but far enough from The Hill and Pearl Street that it's not populated with tourists or college students.

Description:

Harpo's Sports Grill has 30 Television Sets with the state of the art satellite system so that you can watch your favorite game while you eat. The satellite system features all major sports packages. The building is steeped in Boulder's history. The rooftop dining has a wonderful view. Each night is dedicated to a different drink special. For entertainment, you can take part in trivia quiz held every night, or play the game room, where you can choose from cards or arcade games.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their house specialty is pie, so be sure to save room.

Description:

The Walnut Café is a local favorite that serves both healthy breakfasts such as the Tofu Scramble and traditional breakfasts such as omelets, pancakes, and waffles. They also have another location in South Boulder called the South Side Walnut Café (673 S. Broadway).

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.

Description:

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse was given to us by our sister city of Dushanbe. Built between 1987 and 1990, more than 40 artisans from cities across Tajikistan created the elaborate, creative elements of the Teahouse, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceilings, columns, and ceramic panels. The Teahouse is in central Boulder, just next to Central Park and the Boulder Farmers' Market, making it a perfect place to stop for a midday tea. Choose between sitting indoors and marveling at its ornate decorations, or sit outside under the trellis and enjoy the sounds of the Boulder Creek trickling by.

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:

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:

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.

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:

On Saturdays, from November through April, you can even combine a mead tasting with some free live music in the meadery from 2-5 p.m.

Description:

Legend has it that the word honeymoon is derived from an ancient tradition of sending a newly married couple off to seclusion for a month with mead, designed to ensure their best chance to start a family quickly; mead has been, and still is, considered the drink of love. Boulder's Redstone Meadery, one of the country's largest mead producers, creates this honey wine in a variety of flavors such as black raspberry, boysenberry, and apricot. Stop in to their tasting room for some samples, and catch a tour of the meadery (M-F 1 and 3 p.m., Sa 12:30 p.m.).

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:

Blues & Greens serves up locally-produced ingredients in tasty dishes including vegetarian cuisine. This restaurant, located in the Boulder Outlook Hotel, creates every dish using fresh, organic vegetables and grains. True to their name, Blues & Greens offers live music featuring many local bands as well as national performers, mostly with a blues flavor. Their menu and atmosphere create a positively enjoyable dining experience and a great place to go for some exciting nightlife.

Our Local Expert Says:

Turley's is a fabulous choice for the organic-food-loving, health conscious diner. With only 100% 'clean' meat and poultry available (this means no growth hormones, steroids or antibiotics were given to the animal), and bread, coffee, honey and cheese coming from organic, local companies, Turely's is good food you can actually feel good about eating.

Description:

The mood at this split level restaurant is casual and friendly, and the service comes with a smile. Spacious tables and comfortable booths make for great perches to dine and read the newspaper. Turley's breakfast menu serves the usual fare of omelets, pancakes and waffles. Lunch options feature burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. For dinner try the Spit Roasted Natural Chicken or many of the tofu dishes. Coffees, lattes, smoothies and spiced teas dominate the drink list. Located just near the 29th Street Mall, Turley's serves Nest Fresh eggs (cage-free, vegetarian-fed), local Haystack Mountain Goat Cheese, local Great Harvest Bread, natural meats, and locally-owned Silver Canyon Coffee.

Description:

An activity laden water Mecca, the Boulder Reservoir is a popular destination for residents during the lazy days of summer. Swimming, sail boarding and fishing are the main activities. For those new to water, instructors offer lessons in water-skiing and boating. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite from the snack bar. The white sandy beach is popular with locals for tanning purposes. Leave the dog at home for pets are not allowed on the beach. There is an entrance admission, but free for those fishing or boating: adults $6, kids (ages 3-12) $3, teens (ages 13-18) $4, seniors (60+) $4.

Our Local Expert Says:

V.G. Burgers will open your eyes to the culinary delights of vegan food. The food is served up fast and there is outdoor seating available; you can also take your food to-go and walk 20 yards to sit by the Boulder Creek.

Description:

The food is all organic and is even vegan -- although based on your preconceptions of vegan food, you might not believe it after having tasted this delicious food! In addition to being quick and healthy, it's zero waste and wind powered. The quintessential Boulder restaurant.

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.

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.

Description:

Proprietors describe the cuisine here as representative of fare from "the Great Mogul Court of 16th Century India." This second-story restaurant gives patrons a stunning view of the Flatirons. The open atmosphere and friendly staff of The Taj complement the fresh, MSG-free cuisine. The lunch buffet and neighborhood restaurant ambiance is perfect for a business lunch or a relaxed dinner. A selection of vegetarian dishes rounds out the menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pack your own picnic for an instant dinner theater on the green, or purchase "Falstaff's Fare" in advance—check online for details. Literature and theater buffs will love the talkback discussions, held after most shows, with the director and crew. Take a free tour of Shakespeare Gardens, which grow herbs mentioned in the plays.

Description:

Considered one of the top three Shakespearean festivals in the United States, this 2-month annual event attracts more than 40,000 theatergoers between late June and late August. Held since 1958 in the University of Colorado's Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, and indoors at the University Theatre Main Stage, it offers more than a dozen performances of each of four plays. Actors, directors, designers, and everyone associated with the productions are fully schooled Shakespearean professionals. Tickets run from $7 to $54 for single performances, with series packages also available.