Pearl Street (Mall)
That is the center and heart of downtown. It’s not really a mall in a classic sense, it’s more an European-style pedestrian zone with many little boutiques, galleries, bookstores, cafes and restaurants, which have mostly open-air seating.
It’s a colorful environment and especially the summer time brings street artists, among them jugglers and musicians into town, performing here in Pearl Street.
One can enjoy a beautiful view of the near Rocky Mountains while sitting relaxed in one of the cafes or bars or while having dinner.
29th Street Mall
An open-air, modern street mall with shops from Apple Store to Macy’s, Trader’s Joe, Victoria Secret and many specialty stores.
Located ca. at 28th Street and Canyon Blvd (to the east). You can’t miss it.
Dushanbe Teahouse
In 1987, Dushanbe, Tajikistan presented Boulder with a handcrafted Persian teahouse to celebrate their sister city union. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is an architectural work of art adorned with vibrant colors and intricate details, and is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.The teahouse was meticulously handcrafted by over 40 artisans in several Tajikistan cities from 1987 to 1990, shipped to Boulder where it remained in storage until 1997 and opened with a gala celebration on May 15, 1998.The focal point of the Teahouse is a magnificent fountain depicting seven young women cast in bronze, based on the 12th century poem, “The Seven Beauties” by Nizami Ganjavi.
Website: https://www.boulderteahouse.com/
Mapleton Hill Historic District
Mapleton Hill Historic District It’s easy to explore the Mapleton Hill Historic District by walking through the streets. Guided tours are also available.
The neighborhood was established in 1882 and features an architectural mix of east coast architecture influenced by styles of the West.
Some juwels among the homes: Inn at Mapleton Hill (1899), Fonda House (1900), Lewis-Cobb House (1903), Four-Square House (1911), Orchard House (1939)
Tour Tip:Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour – This tour puts everyone in the holiday spirit December 1-2 by guiding visitors through a historic Boulder neighborhood (which changes every year) where residents have adorned their houses with spectacular displays of decorations and lights. Call above number for more information
Chautauqua Park Historic District
Over 100 years ago, a group of schoolteachers wanting to bring arts and education to the West founded Chautauqua Park.
“Chautauquas,” dating back to the 1870’s, offer outdoor lectures, concerts, plays and other performances as a means of popular education.Chautauqua Park in Boulder sits on 26 acres and is one of three remaining Chautauquas in the nation, whose purpose is providing self-improvement to visitors and residents alike. Since 1898, artists, musicians, teachers and scientists have discovered Chautauqua’s endless educational, cultural and recreational potential.Chautauqua Auditorium is host to an eclectic array of concerts, music festivals, dance and theater performances as well as local community celebrations.
Some trail heads are located here and lead on gorgeous trails through the Flagstaff Mountains.
Celestial Seasonings Tea factory
This tea manufacturer is a genuine Boulder original.Once a small and tiny tea producer is it today the largest herb tea manufacturer in the U.S., producing only 100% natural teas.
TourA free 45-min tour is offered which gives an insight into the 8-million tea bags per day production of this successful company. The visitor will see the production, the storage rooms and the impressive packaging.
Tea sampling is of course possible at the tour start lobby – so be early.
Tour Information: http://www.celestialseasonings.com/
Boulder Falls
The Boulder Falls (20 m / 66 ft high) are situated 11 mi west of Boulder, on the north side of Boulder Canyon Drive (SR 119). Canyon Drive connects Boulder with the City of Nederland.
The waterfall lies on former approx. 20.000 square meters mines area which once was owned by a man named Charles G. Buckingham, the president of the former Buckingham Brothers bank. Buckingham possessed the land since 1881 and donated it in 1914 to the city, so that the beauty of the area could survive and the public could be given access. Boulder Falls area is ideal for a short walk when you’re, e.g., on the way to Nederland. Rock climbing is quite popular here but at the Boulder Falls occurred also the majority of all deadly incidents.
Boulder Falls is open from dawn to dusk. Parking is on the south side of Canyon drive (means left when coming from Boulder).You have to cross the street to get to the falls which can be kind of dangerous when a lot traffic is floating along the Canyon Drive. No overnight camping is permitted, and there are no public facilities.
Boulder Outdoor Activities
With regard to sport possibilities Boulder has only little competition in the USA. Numerous top sportsmen have selected Boulder as their permanent domicile and training place.The ‘ Outside magazine ‘ chose Boulder ” #1 Sports Town in America ” and the Runner’s World magazine has chosen Boulder the number 1 among the “10 Best Running Cities”. 200 miles (321 km) of trails for hiking, biking and running, mostly starting right in the city, let Boulder indeed appear as the perfect environment.
An average of 300 days of sunshine make training loops even more comfotable. Newbie’s have to be aware of the elevation of 1.655 m (5.430 ft). It takes a while, let’s say two to 4 weeks until you are adapted to the ‘thin’ air.
Trails maps are available in sport shops in Boulder, even in downtown.Close by the city, there are four golf courses and three city owned and operated state-of-the-art recreation centers, including more than 40 tennis courts. For more serious adventurers, there’s rappelling and rock climbing in the neighboring mountains and state parks.
Within easy driving distance from Boulder, world renowned ski resorts, national parks and attractions abound.
Only 30 miles away is Rocky Mountain National Park and Eldora Mountain Ski Area and Nordic Center. Under 100 km, there’s a variety of dude and guest ranches, historic gambling towns, such as Black Hawk and Central City, and Winter Park Ski Resort.Under 150 km, there’s the ski resort communities of Summit County and Vail, as well as factory outlet stores for discounted name brand shopping. Transportation is easily accessible through local transportation and car rental companies.Some activities for which Boulder is the perfect place:
Boulder Running
Very popular among runners, joggers and in-line skaters is the paved BCP (Boulder Creek Path) which winds through the middle of the city and leads then towards the mountains. Once you run out of city limits you’ll pass the freeclimbing training rocks and later the Boulder Falls.
An outstanding alternative form North Boulder’s trails:The Hogsback Mountain is an ideal distance for newcomer runners: coming from the city drive either Broadway or US 36 north and turn left into Lee Hill Rd. Shortly before you enter the foothills you’ll find parking possibilities at the trail head of “Wonderland Lake”. From this parking lot run north and follow the trail. After a couple of hundred meters you can choose the small path winding in western direction up to Hogsback. It gets real steep so be prepared for the thin air.
Not far away is Boulder Valley Ranch: Here you can run in a more or less flat environment but in higher elevation than Boulder City. It’s a perfect training area for long distance runs, because you can run from about 5 km (3 mi) up to marathon distance when you combine the ranch’s loop trail with a trail that connect to the loop at half way (above the small pond) in eastern direction. Another trail connect on the western side of the loop to wards the foothills. Boulder Valley Ranch is especially nice because you’re often in company of horses and cattle.Also professionals use Boulder Valley Ranch for training purposes because the entire area including Boulder Reservoir are apart of the triathlon course.On most trails you’ll probably get the right motivation when you take a look at the fantastic mountain scenery.
Bolder Boulder 10k Race
Read our article: Bolder Boulder 10k Race Information
