Eat
Start mornings by picking up exceptional bagels and coffee from one of the Moe’s Broadway Bagel locations. Corrida offers upscale tapas and dinner with mountain views from their rooftop terrace. Or look to River and Woods. Set in a cottage, the restaurant is charming and serves locally sourced fare. The Kitchen, owned by Elon Musk’s younger brother, Kimbal Musk, is also a hot spot for lunch or dinner. If drinks are more of a priority, stop into Avery Brewery, which has been in business for 25 years and is an ideal introduction to Boulder’s lauded craft beer scene.
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Pearl Street, which runs through downtown Boulder, is lined with shops. Cedar & Hyde Mercantile and Haven are modern clothing boutiques where shoppers are sure to find something stylish. Island Farm is filled with clothing, jewelry, home goods, and baby items that exude Colorado’s chic and effortless style. An expected gem beloved by locals is McGuckin Hardware—the shop has everything.
One can’t go to Boulder without partaking in the city’s endless outdoor activities. South Boulder Creek Trail offers a long scenic flat walk or bike ride, suitable for the whole family. Set to the backdrop of the mountains, the path is lined with wildflowers and prairie dogs. The trail also offers the opportunity to stop and wade in a creek that runs alongside it. The Anne U. White Trail is great for hikers of all skill levels, and the path around Mud Lake is an easygoing scenic stroll. The most scenic and popular trails are Chautauqua Trail, Royal Arch Trail, and Rattlesnake Gulch.
For the adventurous, Rocky Mountain Paddleboard offers rentals and classes on the Boulder Reservoir. Tubing in the Boulder Creek, using Eben G. Fine Park as a starting point, is another relaxing activity for adults and children alike, but be sure to read up on safety guidelines that could be needed at certain times of the year or areas along the water. Fly-fishing is another water-related activity with ample spots available around the city. Go with a guided group from Rocky Mountain Anglers, or stop in their shop.
If in need of any last-minute outdoor gear, head to Neptune Mountaineering, which also offers the option to rent an array of outdoor equipment. (There is even a museum within the store that displays one of the country’s largest collections of mountaineering history.)
Stay
The historic Hotel Boulderado is located in the heart of downtown Boulder. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, stop by to check out the renowned lobby, which includes a hand-operated Otis elevator. The storied hotel offers self-guided or historian-guided tours to learn about its more than 100 years of history. Basecamp Boulder is an affordable newer quirky boutique hotel with a camping theme throughout its rooms. For those in need of some pampering and luxurious rooms, stay at St. Julian Hotel & Spa. And arguably one of Boulder’s most unique places to stay, Foot of the Mountain Motel is a retreat that sits on Boulder Creek. The dog-friendly stay has been around for more than 85 years but has been updated without losing its rustic charm.
