It may lie just 25 miles northwest of downtown Denver, but Boulder, Colo. is hardly overshadowed by its larger neighbor to the south. Known for its world-class university, dynamic economy, and idyllic setting in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a popular destination. Contributing to the famously high quality of life the city’s residents enjoy is a wealth of local shops and restaurants, many of which are located on or near historic Pearl Street. If you are planning a day trip or want to get out of your apartment for a day of fun on the town, stop at some of the following shops and restaurants.
Grab Breakfast or Brunch
Start your day off right on Pearl Street by visiting one of the numerous restaurants and cafes that serve tasty, filling meals. Nutritious and not so nutritious options can be found at places like The Kitchen, The Parkway Cafe, and Snooze Eatery. No matter what your tastes are, you can count on having your champion meal cravings satiated.
Browse Books and Boutiques
Once satisfied with breakfast or brunch, allow the energy you’ve consumed to fuel you through a day of retail therapy. Art galleries, spice shops, book stores, furniture shops, and clothing boutiques are among the many vendors found on Boulder’s Pearl Street, 85 percent of which are locally based and operated, so it’s safe to stay there’s a little something for everyone.
Break for Lunch
When you’re ready for a break from your retail therapy, grab a booth or a table and get the tasty food and great service for which most of Pearl Street’s restaurants are known. Eateries at which you can hardly go wrong include Dish Gourmet for new American food and Illegal Pete’s for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. If you want a beer, try one of the local breweries such as Mountain Sun Brewery & Pub and West Flanders Brewing Company.
Seek Entertainment in the Streets
After lunch, head back out to Pearl Street and walk the mall in search of free entertainment. If the weather is anything resembling nice, chances are street performers will be juggling balls, contorting their bodies in seemingly impossible ways, or making music for the enjoyment of passersby. If no street performers are out and about, stake out a place to sit and amuse yourself by watching others. According to Denver A-List, people agree Pearl Street Mall is the best place to people watch in the Denver area.
Make Happy Hour Yours
If you have a designated driver or no need to drive following your day on Pearl Street, step into one of the street’s many bars for a happy hour drink. Follow it up with dinner at another excellent restaurant. Alternatively, you can cook up a meal with fresh, local ingredients picked up at the Boulder County Farmers’ Market, located on 13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon, just a few blocks from Pearl Street.
One of the best parts about spending a day on Pearl Street is the walk-ability of the area. There is never a dull moment on Pearl Street, and it is always nice to return.
Do you have a favorite Pearl Street haunt? Share them in the comments. East and West Pearl count as well, so don’t restrict yourself to Boulder’s historic Pearl Street Mall!
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst