Make the Most of your Weekend in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado won us over not even 5 minutes into our stay. From the small town, college vibes, to the outdoor activities, to the shops and restaurants – this place has it all. The city may be “smaller” but it packs a lively punch and we didn’t leave well rested, we left full bellied, exhausted, and wanting more!

Day 1 in Boulder:

We arrived in Boulder around 3pm after about an hour’s drive from Fort Collins where we were visiting some friends. First, We checked out the scenery and the neighborhoods by taking a little detour to explore the outskirts of the city. After driving through some neighborhoods and local streets, we checked in to our hotel, the Hotel Boulderado.

A Boulder staple of lodging, this hotel was built in 1908 and was the first luxury hotel in Boulder. The hotel offers an antique and old feel to it. Artifacts litter the hotel with information and historical contacts on it all. The grand stairwell in the center of the main lobby is as cool and old as it sounds. The hotel offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an underground bar accessible from the outside entrance.

Dushanbe Tea House and some Boulder exploring!

From our hotel, we do what we always do when we arrive in a new city, we walk. Boulder offers a very scenic and pretty downtown. In particular Pearl St. The street is filled with art, shops and local stores, and restaurants. For dinner we went to Dushanbe Teahouse, and let me tell you this gem did not disappoint. Built and designed in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, a sister city of Boulder, this piece of architectural beauty was gifted to the city, shipped and assembled in Boulder as a sign of peace and friendship. From the wide variety of delicious tea, scrumptious middle eastern food, and drinks, this place is a must when visiting Boulder. 

Day 2 in Boulder: 

Waking up from out first night we were very excited to taken more of the city with more time on our second day. We walked to Boxcar Coffee Roasters on the south end of Pearl Street. The tiny hole in the wall establishment has a variety of homemade pastries and drinks, as well as a side bar of wines, cured meats and cheeses.

Emerald Lake Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

After breakfast we took a trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park. An hour drive north (route 36) from the city to the Estes Park entrance to NP was very scenic, including wildlife, mountains and scenic over looks. The entrance to the park is located at Estes Park. Estes Park is a small scenic tourist town right at the base of the park. Known for their world famous Bison Burgers, they are a must try and will not disappoint. Also known for the Stanley Hotel, an impressive hotel located outside of town. This hotel was featured as the main attraction in the movie “The Shining”.

A Picturesque Hike

We took in the sites at the park, stopping to take the scenery and the wildlife. We did Emeralds Lake hike. This hike is relatively easy for all to do, with some hard sections of mild climbing. We packed some lunch to have once we arrived at the lake. The hike was wet and snowy as to be expected from the time of year we went (early November). Let me tell you if you have the chance to visit the park, the emeralds Lake hike is a must. Grab some food to go, pack it up and set up a spot to eat at the base of lake once you arrive.

Some of Boulder’s best Food and some drinks

When we arrived back in Boulder, as you can imagine we were in need of some food. Once we washed up in our room we were off to find some dinner. Now, from our time living in San Diego, we always try to find some good Mexican food, and boy did we.

Bartaco was our choice for the evening. From the fresh tacos and sauces, to the delicious Margaritas, and Palomas, this place hit the spot. It helped our bartender was a pretty cool dude too. You could find some other local hole in the wall Mexican joints if that is what you like, but if you’re looking for a nice family outing, this is the place.  

From dinner we took in the local sites on Pearl Street and wound up at the Rosetta Hall. This Boulder staple is an open food court style (much nicer and more luxurious than your traditional food court)  establishment. We grabbed a seat at bar and enjoyed some local drinks. Rosetta Hall has a variety of local eateries that you could order from and have delivered to wherever you choose to sit.

Day 3 in Boulder: 

After waking up and taking in the sunrise through our window, we packed up and checked out of the hotel. Mildly sad because the Hotel Boulderado was as advertised, Great!!

We walked on Pearl street, a little past the main portion of the street and settled on Snooze, an AM eatery. This breakfast joint is your typical breakfast establishment with just about everything you could possibly want for breakfast. I will say that we have eaten at a Snooze in San Diego and that is why we ended up choosing here. Delicious. 

Flatirons Hike in Boulder, CO

From breakfast we grabbed some to go coffees from boxcar and headed to the foot of the mountains outside of town to do the Flatirons hike. The flatirons hike is another staple of outdoor life that Boulder has to offer. The Flatirons are an amazing site. These 300 million year old reddish-brown sandstone formations are as sharp and slanted as I have seen.

The Hike

The hike starts at the Chautauqua Trailhead off baseline road, located in one of Boulders 45,000 acres of open space and Mountain protected areas. There is a ranger station at the trailhead if you would like to pick up a trail map. The hike features an upward path from the base to the more rocky area. The hike is a 2.6 mile round trip hike with a 1400 foot elevation gain, and takes you to the top of the 1st Flatiron with view of Boulder and the surrounding areas, as well as a great view of the other 2 Flatirons. 

If you are a rock climber, than this is also a great place for you. The surface of the flatirons are accessible via the hike and many people climb and walk up the side to the top. 

As we made our way down we had to say goodbye to Boulder as we were off to Denver. Boulder we will return!

GETTING THERE:

• 1 hour drive south from Rocky Mountain Park on US-36. 
• 30-40 minute drive north from Denver on I-25 to US-36

WHERE TO STAY:

• Hotel Boulderado: 
  • This Boutique Hotel was Boulders first luxury hotel built in 1908. The hotel offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, as well as being surrounded by western and boulder history. 
• Basecamp Boulder:
  • This outdoor themed Boutique hotel is geared for the outdoorsmen. The establishment is pet friendly (huge bonus) and offers a rock climbing wall, fire pits, local drink happy hour and ping pong in the main lobby. 
• The Bradley Boulder Inn:
  • this cozy and romantic inn is located steps from Pearl St and the heart of downtown boulder. It offers 12 cozy rooms, complimentary breakfast with great reviews and rustic lounge to unwind from you day. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Breakfast/Brunch:

• Boxcar Coffee Roasters: 
  • This hole in the wall coffee joint located on Pearl Streets south offer delicious drinks, pastries and breakfast foods, as well as a wine, cured meats and cheese side bar. 
• Snooze, an AM Eatery:
  • This traditional breakfast diner is great for anything you may need to energize yourself for a busy Boulder day.
• The Buff: 
  • This Boulder classic has been serving it’s guests for over 25 years, and is a town favorite. 
• Walnut Cafe: 
  • Another Boulder classic is a can’t go wrong with place when choosing where to start your day. 

Lunch/Dinner/Drinks:

• Dushanbe Teahouse:
  • Mentioned above the Middle Eastern work of art was designed and shipped to Boulder from Dushanbe Tajikistan, a sister city of Boulder. Great drinks, delicious teas, and to die for food. Along with an ambiance that makes you think you are located in ancient Babylon. 
• Bartaco: 
  • Traditional Mexican eats with fresh tacos, scrumptious drinks, and a really chill vibe. 
• Rosetta Hall: 
  • This open food court style eatery is a must stop when visiting Boulder. A multitude of local eats and drinks and open seating. Pick a spot, drinking eat away. 

WHAT TO DO: 

• Walk Pearl Street
• Bike the Boulder Creek Path: Boulder offers miles of foot and bike paths that go through the heart of the city. Follow the creek and you will not be disappointed. 
• Hike/Climb the Flatirons
• Check out the University 
• Tube in Boulder Creek: park near the Boulder Public Library or walk the 5.5 mile trail to the creek. Plenty of options for renting tubes: Foot of the Mountain Motel ($30 per tube, $10 back if returned not damaged). McGuckin Hardware: $26 for single, $56 for double, $18 for traditional inter tubes and $13 for youth.

A Weekend Well Spent

Boulder is filled with plenty of foods, restaurants, and breakfast joints to satisfy whatever your craving is, so finding a good place to eat won’t be hard for you and you won’t go wrong. Activities are abundant for the outdoor enthusiast

Until next time Boulder,

Brick