Top 10: Boulder on a Budget

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.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hiking the Flatirons is the quintessential Boulder experience.

Description:

If you fly into Denver airport, the famous foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Flatirons, are undoubtedly the first things you'll notice. The Flatirons provide exceptional hiking, bouldering, and climbing, with rock grades ranging from easy to world-class. Different angles of these iconic mountains can be seen from various spots around the town, and of course an incredible view of the town can be seen by hiking or climbing up the Flatirons. Their red sandstone slabs provide a dramatic background for the town and images of the Flatirons are a ubiquitous symbol of the town of 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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.