A few of our favorite spots...
Downtown walking and shopping:
- Boulder Arts and Crafts Cooperative -- Full of work by local artists. Our go-to spot for gifts and home goods.
- Peppercorn -- The best place to find gourmet treats and kitchen goods.
- McGuckin Hardware -- "Boulder's everything store," where you can always find something you need.
- The Boulder Farmer's Market -- If you're looking for something to do on Saturday morning, take a stroll and taste our local purveyors all in one spot!
- Boulder Book Store -- A local favorite.
Enjoying the great outdoors:
- Chautauqua Trails are among our favorite in the area. It's a quick jaunt from downtown Boulder to the trailhead and the Flatirons are simply spectacular. Hiking and walking trails for all ability levels.
- NCAR, a stunning building on its own, also has a trailhead that leads to several easy-to-moderate hiking trails around the foothills.
A trail near NCAR, with a view of the Flatirons
The Flatirons! Taken from one of the Chautauqua trailheads.
Places to eat (in downtown Boulder):
- Lucile's -- A lovely little "Creole Café" for breakfast and brunch. Be sure to try the beignets and strawberry-rhubarb jam! (and get there early since it's always packed).
- Frasca -- Lauded for its incredible wine selections and fine dining experience, Frasca is excellent if you're in the mood for a formal treat.
- Illegal Pete's -- A local hangout for quick, casual, and delicious burritos and tacos
- Japango -- Our favorite place for sushi and uncommon whiskey and bourbon
- Pasta Jay's -- A family favorite for casual Italian dining
- West End Tavern -- Burgers, barbecue, and a great selection of local brews. Excellent rooftop seating when the weather is nice.
- The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse -- This entire tea house was built by hand in Dushanbe, before being shipped to Boulder. It is quite spectacular inside, and the food is great, too!
Local Breweries:
- Avery Brewing -- A truly great selection of local brews in brand new digs
- Under the Sun -- Fun selections of pizza and burgers, and of course, home-brewed beer. For even more options, head upstairs to their parent restaurant, Mountain Sun.
- West Flanders Brewing Co. -- Belgian-inspired local beer and American dinner fare
- FATE Brewing Company -- Quite delicious if BBQ is your thing. Innovative brews, and you can play lawn games while you're waiting.
... if you'd like more suggestions, just ask!
(There are plenty of other fun things to do in and around Boulder,
and we are happy to share tips for those of you looking to drive and see more of Colorado)