When asked where they live, residents of satellite cities and suburbs typically name their metro area’s largest city rather than the community they call home. This is not the case with Boulder, a city of 100,000 just a little over a half hour from Denver. Boulder residents tend to be proud of their city, which is very much on the map for a place of its size. If you’re heading to the “Berkeley of the Rockies” in the near future, here are some tips for enjoying your time in Boulder and nearby Broomfield.
Orient yourself
When you first arrive in Boulder, take a walk around the downtown area to get your bearings. The quaint area, known for its beloved Walnut Street and Pearl Street Mall, is more than Boulder’s commercial, dining, and retail center. Street performers entertain nearly every day of the year. Jugglers, contortionists, dancers, and musicians almost guaranteed to make your walk interesting. If you’re downtown on a Saturday morning or Wednesday evening, be sure to hit up the esteemed Boulder County Farmers Market.
Sample the campus life
After familiarizing yourself with downtown Boulder, take an hour or two to explore the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus. The north end of campus is just a five-minute walk from Pearl Street Mall. Nationally renowned for several of its programs and its aesthetic, CU-Boulder was built in the Tuscan Vernacular Revival style. The campus consists of beautiful red brick, sandstone, and Indiana limestone buildings. Several of the oldest structures resemble the Collegiate Gothic style found at universities in New England and the U.K. Ample green space and stunning views of the Flatirons give the campus a nice natural aesthetic as well.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Boulder consistently ranks among the most active cities in America. Hiking opportunities abound. The city’s network of bicycle-pedestrian paths totals well over 100 miles and connecting it to nearby Broomfield. Many hiking trails in the area are accessible year-round. Varying considerably in degree of difficulty, there’s a hike for just about everyone.
Taste Boulder and Broomfield
After working up an appetite on a hike, bike ride, or run, return downtown to dine at one of Boulder’s critically acclaimed restaurants. Pearl Street, Walnut Street, and 13 Street constitute the city’s culinary center. Resident favorites include Black Cat, The Mediterranean Restaurant, and Centro Mexican Kitchen. Try OAK at Fourteenth for farm-to-table cuisine and The Sink for pizza.
Nearby Broomfield also has several highly-rated restaurants. Meritage serves New American cuisine in an upscale setting. Azitra Restaurant and Zaika Indian Cuisine are both known for their flavorful South Asian food.
Dive into the microbrewery scene
As of January 2016, Colorado was home to more than 140 microbreweries. At the heart of the microbrewery revival since the 1980s, Boulder today is home to 20 breweries. Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, West Flanders Brewing Co., and Walnut Brewery are popular places to enjoy a draft and a meal downtown.
If you leave Boulder feeling strongly that you’d like to call it home, you’re in good company. When the time comes for you to search for a place to live, consider nearby Broomfield apartments. Filled with active, friendly people, Boulder is a place where it’s easy to Live Life + Love Life.
Do you live in Boulder or Broomfield? Write about your favorite ways to spend free time in the comments.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst