Boulder in May
May 12th, 2008, 08:23 AM
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Boulder in May
Attending a wedding in Boulder in a couple of weeks. We'll have some free time while there so I think we'd want to take a drive (we'll have about 4-5 hours) one day, and stay in Boulder and explore Pearl Street, etc the other. Thoughts?
May 12th, 2008, 08:56 AM
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If you are going to be in Boulder on Memorial Day, May 26, be aware that that is the date of the 30th running of the Bolder Boulder--a 10K race through town that has 50,000+ participants. So there will be lots of people everywhere. It is fun to go to Folsom Field, the football stadium on the CU campus, to watch the runners finish.
If that's one of your days in Boulder and watching a race is not your thing--you could take your drive that day--suggest up Boulder Canyon to Nederland and then north to Estes Park--a very scenic drive. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado Dept. of Transportation works very hard to get Trail Ridge Road in the park opened by Memorial Day. Even if Trail Ridg isn't open the whole way, you could drive into the park for some more great scenery.
If that's one of your days in Boulder and watching a race is not your thing--you could take your drive that day--suggest up Boulder Canyon to Nederland and then north to Estes Park--a very scenic drive. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado Dept. of Transportation works very hard to get Trail Ridge Road in the park opened by Memorial Day. Even if Trail Ridg isn't open the whole way, you could drive into the park for some more great scenery.
May 12th, 2008, 04:55 PM
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If you do have the time, I would recommend the drive up Boulder Canyon to Nederland to Estes (the Peak to Peak highway. Our weather has been cooler than usual this spring, and snow in May not uncommon...like tonight and tomorrow! If you are in the mood for something ethnic, i'd recommend the Boulder Dushnabe Tea House. It was a gift from the country of Tajikistan, so its quite authentic. The Med (on the west end of Walnut Street) is very good for its Mediterranean tapas, and if you are there on a weekday, their happy hour is the best in boulder (everything is 1.50 to 2$, and most drinks are 2-3 dollars off!). However, happy hour runs from 3-6, and it is difficult to get seated if you arrive much later than 4:45 or so.
Amante Coffee is also a local staple, with their coffee being some of the most authentically European in Colorado. They too have a fairly good happy hour that begins later (9 oclock I believe). Finally, Hapa serves very good sushi, and they have two locations. One on the heart of the Pearl pedestrian mall, and the other on the hill at 13th and Pennsylvania, try their foreplay or multiple orgasm rolls, they are pretty unique and delicious.
Breakfast is kinda up to you, but if you want something organic, Burnt Toast on the hill (across the street from Hapa) is well regarded. Their orange juice is good most days (but make sure you ask for no pulp otherwise you'll get an entire orange practically). Or if a more american breakfast is something you are after, try the Original Pancake house at 27th and Canyon. Their pancakes, as the name implies, are superb.
Amante Coffee is also a local staple, with their coffee being some of the most authentically European in Colorado. They too have a fairly good happy hour that begins later (9 oclock I believe). Finally, Hapa serves very good sushi, and they have two locations. One on the heart of the Pearl pedestrian mall, and the other on the hill at 13th and Pennsylvania, try their foreplay or multiple orgasm rolls, they are pretty unique and delicious.
Breakfast is kinda up to you, but if you want something organic, Burnt Toast on the hill (across the street from Hapa) is well regarded. Their orange juice is good most days (but make sure you ask for no pulp otherwise you'll get an entire orange practically). Or if a more american breakfast is something you are after, try the Original Pancake house at 27th and Canyon. Their pancakes, as the name implies, are superb.
May 18th, 2008, 08:58 AM
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The Dushanbe (sp?) tea house is great for lunch or dinner. Try to sit outside, near the creek, for a very pleasant and relaxing meal. Food choices are unique, service is good. They won't rush you there.
We liked the restaurant in the Boulderado hotel, too, for a more expensive dinner. I think it's called "Q".
Also, the Mediterranean is a very good place for a less-expensive lunch or dinner, near the Pearl Street mall.
Our all-time favorite for dinner is the Chautauqua Dining Hall. A beautiful historic Inn, with porch seating that overlooks the Flatirons and is lovely at sunset. Take a walk in the park before or after dinner.
Or, drive to the Red Lion Inn. Another historic setting in the canyon.
There's lots to do in Boulder.
We liked the restaurant in the Boulderado hotel, too, for a more expensive dinner. I think it's called "Q".
Also, the Mediterranean is a very good place for a less-expensive lunch or dinner, near the Pearl Street mall.
Our all-time favorite for dinner is the Chautauqua Dining Hall. A beautiful historic Inn, with porch seating that overlooks the Flatirons and is lovely at sunset. Take a walk in the park before or after dinner.
Or, drive to the Red Lion Inn. Another historic setting in the canyon.
There's lots to do in Boulder.
May 26th, 2008, 02:31 PM
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Did you go yet? I ran in the Bolder Boulder today and saw so many people, along with so many raindrops! What a fun time. The tea house is tremendous. Martym has excellent suggestions that I am going to try sometime this spring! (thanks for the ideas!)
May 31st, 2008, 09:44 AM
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Yes. What a tremendous choice for a wedding location!! Here's a quickie review.
Arrived at Boulderado Friday midday and took a drive up Canyon Road. Stopped at picturesque Boulder Canyon for a walk and some photos. Drove ouot to Nederland, then out Route 72 (Peak to Peak) for gorgeous vistas of snow peaked Rockies. Visited the famed Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Steven King's "The Shining." Dinner at fun Walnut Brewery.
Saturday, walked a couple of miles of the Boulder Creek Path before breakfast at Paradise Bakery & Cafe. Later, spent time on Pearl Street and at the Boulder Creek Festival. Dined outdoors at Dushanbe Teahouse.
Sunday hiked Gregory Canyon at Chautauqua prior to the wedding, which was held atop Flagstaff Mountain!!
The Boulder Bolder was run in the rain, but it was quite the spirited event!
Can't wait to return.
Arrived at Boulderado Friday midday and took a drive up Canyon Road. Stopped at picturesque Boulder Canyon for a walk and some photos. Drove ouot to Nederland, then out Route 72 (Peak to Peak) for gorgeous vistas of snow peaked Rockies. Visited the famed Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Steven King's "The Shining." Dinner at fun Walnut Brewery.
Saturday, walked a couple of miles of the Boulder Creek Path before breakfast at Paradise Bakery & Cafe. Later, spent time on Pearl Street and at the Boulder Creek Festival. Dined outdoors at Dushanbe Teahouse.
Sunday hiked Gregory Canyon at Chautauqua prior to the wedding, which was held atop Flagstaff Mountain!!
The Boulder Bolder was run in the rain, but it was quite the spirited event!
Can't wait to return.
