Wanderlust Series: Boulder
Feb 27,2019
Boulder is known as the happiest city in the US, and it’s not hard to see why. The snow-capped peaks of the Flatiron Mountains and crystal clear Boulder Creek complement a bustling downtown filled with shopping and dining. From outdoor recreation to indoor entertainment, Boulder offers countless activities to residents and visitors alike, many of them unique opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
Grab a bite to eat at Rayback Collective, the city’s food truck park housed in an old plumbing supply store. Take a peek at the locally constructed miniature Stonehenge. Dine at a restaurant named after a real-life cannibal — really!
Boulder is a city that lives to connect with the outdoors whenever possible. Open-air Pearl Street Mall in the heart of the city’s historic downtown center features four blocks of pedestrian-only roads with street performers, artisan shops, and nearly 120 restaurants to choose from — an unsurprising number since Boulder is known as “America’s Foodiest Town.”
An impressive 85% of Boulder’s businesses are locally owned. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Boulder — explore them during your next visit!
Woodgrain serves Montreal-style bagels, which are boiled in honey water and baked in a wood-fire oven. The result is a sweeter taste and crispier crust than the New York-style bagels you might be more familiar with. Top yours with classic cream cheese or try something new; some of their other flavors include smoked maple, fire-roasted veggie, poblano cheese, and non-dairy.
Complete your meal with locally-roasted Boxcar Coffee. Go for a classic drip or something a little more adventurous, like their campfire mocha with graham cracker rim and toasted marshmallow.
This intimate speakeasy features local brews and live music most nights. Sandwiched between Dot’s Diner and Cosmo’s Pizza, you’ll find the entrance through a large, unmarked wooden door beneath a set of outdoor stairs.
No lights. No sign. No website. No name — a true Boulder hidden gem.
Inside you’ll find just three booths and a handful of tables. Happy hour features a $6 draft beer and a slice of pizza from Cosmo’s next door. Yum!
A symbol of friendship and cultural exploration, this beautiful and intricate tea house was presented to the city of Boulder by the mayor of their sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan in 1987. Featuring carved cedar columns and colorful ceramic panels, the tea house was built in Tajikistan entirely by hand without the use of power tools. It was then disassembled and shipped across the world to be reassembled in Boulder. A city staple for locals and a popular attraction for visitors, the tea house is a steadfast reminder of the value of friendship across borders and cultures.
Tea houses in central Asia have traditionally served as gathering places for friends, and the Dushanbe Tea house is no different. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer brunch and a traditional afternoon tea featuring the classic three-tiered tray of sweet and savory delights.
For over twenty years they have hand-brewed small batches of their now famous chai tea using malty black tea, ground spices, organic sugar, and filtered water.
Which Boulder gem tops your list?