Top 10: Hidden Gems of Boulder

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:

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.

Description:

In the summer, Eben G. Fine is the place to be. There's plenty of big trees providing shade for lounging, there's a shelter with grills and picnic tables (that's available to rent), there's a playground for the kids, and perhaps best of all, there's the Boulder Creek. This is the prime spot for tubers in the summer, although the water can get quite rough, especially from snowmelt early in the summer. This beautiful park is right along the Boulder Creek Path and is the last stop before the Path heads up Canyon Blvd. into the mountains.

Our Local Expert Says:

Leaf has some of the best food Boulder has to offer, so don't be scared by some of its unusual ingredients. Who knows, you might discover an entirely new food you love!

Description:

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant creates delicious meals that vegetarians and omnivores alike will enjoy, although omnivores may not recognize everything on the menu. Leaf uses organic, seasonal ingredients and provides an international cuisine with menu items such as Oaxacan Mole, Jamaican Jerk Tempeh, and Matar Panir. One of Boulder's best health-conscious dining options, Leaf also provides a full bar highlighted by an environmentally-friendly wine list and Boulder's own organic Vodka 14 martinis.

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:

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.

Description:

Founded in 1948 as a forum on international affairs, the Conference on World Affairs (CWA) has expanded to encompass nearly every other aspect of life, including the arts, media, science, technology, environment, spirituality, politics, business, etc . Over the years, the Conference on World Affairs has been graced by such personalities as Roger Ebert, Patch Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ralph Nadar, and Henry Kissinger. Attendees can attend free panels, plenaries, and performances on these nearly limitless topics over the course of the week of the CWA.

Description:

Macky Auditorium Concert Hall is one of Colorado's premier concert halls. Built in 1912, it is also one of the oldest musical institutions in the city. The hall's play list features classical and dance performances as well as screenings of films. It is home to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra as well as CU Boulder University band and choir, who are very talented and will keep you duly entertained.

Our Local Expert Says:

If the rolling hills aren't enough, kid's fishing pond and video games will keep youngsters well pleased. Large meeting rooms are available for business retreats. Those who wish for true rustic escape may reserve a separate cabin.

Description:

This charming, family-owned mountain hideaway, five minutes north of downtown Boulder, occupies a scenic spot along a quiet canyon and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The location between Boulder and Eldora Ski Resort makes it ideal for a business traveler on an extended stay, or a leisure traveler searching for panoramic accommodations. There are several types of lodging available on the property including motel rooms, kitchenettes, suites and camping at the adjacent campground. Campsite rentals include use of showers, streamside hot tubs, and the seasonal pool. Space is available for both tents and RVs.

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:

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.

As seen on