A visit to this beautiful, historical town of Boulder is an adventure in itself…located in the foothills of the picturesque Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, featuring many destinations for all ages seeking fun, adventure and sightseeing. The Flatirons, which are Boulder’s most iconic landmark, is more than 45,000 acres of rocky towers, plenty of hiking trails and the site of the historic sandstone quarry. These trails travel through the ponderosa pine forest with wide open fields.
If you want a “Blast from the Past”, then staying at the BOULDERADO HOTEL is the place to be in the heart of town, within walking distance of historic Pearl Street. This 1906 hotel is the towns landmark, with a combination of Italian Renaissance style and Spanish revival features. Countless stories have been documented about supernatural sightings, which I actually experienced walking into my hotel room. I heard something loud drop in front of me, but there was nothing there! A ghost perhaps giving me a grand greeting?
Guests are encouraged take guided history tours, as they walk through the halls and discover stories behind the 113 year old property. The iconic Grand Staircase has hosted numerous weddings throughout the years and has become a long-standing tradition for holiday celebrations. The hotel has had many transformations throughout the years, although their motto is “every guest may expect the best and get it.” The décor in the rooms have a Victorian theme with private sitting room, luxurious bedroom and bathroom, with vintage antiques.
Fine dining on-property at SPRUCE FARM & FISH, “showcasing familiar classics along with exceptional service.” Also inside the hotel is THE CORNER BAR, with an outside patio that both locals and guests enjoy for happy hour and late night dining. My favorite was LICENSE NO. 1, an eclectic speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with “a step back into the elegant charm of the early 20th century.” It is named for holding one of the first liquor license post-prohibition in Boulder County, which was dry until 1969!
Within walking distance is OAK AT FOURTEENTH, a casual, yet elegant dining establishment with an eclectic menu, full bar menu, signature cocktails & outstanding wines by the glass. I especially enjoyed their delicious Crispy Rice dish.
Downtown Boulder offers an abundance of shops, restaurants, galleries & vintage shops that appeal to an eclectic & diversified community. Pearl Street is the main street where people gather to enjoy the healthy atmosphere, visiting with family & friends while supporting the local shops. At the MARY WILLIAMS FINE ART GALLERY, I was impressed with “Impressionist” Katherine Galbraith’s “Morning at the Beach.”
As you can imagine, there are year-round activities to experience in Boulder. During the summer, just hop in a lake or river, fed from Colorado’s cold mountain water to enjoy tubing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or simply swimming at the Aurora Reservoir or Cache la Poudre River. Whitewater rafting is one of the best experiences for the entire family. In the fall & winter months, people from all over the world come to visit the Rocky Mountains for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. ELDORA SKI RESORT is the closest ski resort to Boulder, including a high-speed, six-person chairlift and group lessons for children and adults.
For more information visit www.travelboulder.com
Boulder is also known as a college town. I visited NAROPA UNIVERSITY which is considered a one-of-a kind creative university. Their innovative degree programs blend academics, the arts, mindfulness and community engagement into an educational experience for their students. My daughter Rachael is a new student, immersed with the performing arts.
There are many local breweries, wineries and even a Kambucha brand ROWDY MERMAID which launched as a functional wellness beverage, inspired by Jamba Dunn to make a beverage his daughter could drink from the botanicals and herbs in their home garden. Also, try these tastings rooms for some outstanding wines: BOOKCLIFF VINEYARDS, SETTEMBRE CELLARS, SILVER VINES & AUGUSTINA’S WINERY. These are Colorado-grown grapes from Eastern Plains and Boulder Country.
Many famous musicians have lived in Boulder. My dear friend Jock Bartley, original band member & lead guitarist of FIREFALL founded the band and still performs, enjoying a career that spans more than forty years since the mid-70’s with 2 Platinum albums and 11 chart-topping singles. The band’s biggest hit “You are the Woman” has played more than 7 million times.
The best part of being in Boulder is the beauty that surrounds us in Mother Nature, reminding us that we are all a part of this breathtaking, natural landscape to enjoy!
