wtm, I agree with you about the TC move from Cherry Creek. The building is still empty. The Colfax location is ok, an old theater with some history, but the East students take up the too few seats in the coffee bar most days. Unfortunately, an armed man stole a high end lap top from a user there awhile ago. That stretch of Colfax still has a way to go before it's cleaned up.

We have tried the Cafe Star and liked its small plates menu and its atmosphere. I've heard mixed reviews about it, though, maybe starting up pains.
>-

FYI for summertime travel to Trail Ridge Road - -factor in extra time - -they will be Re-Paving, so there will be delays!

And the Butterfly Pavilion is located in Westminster off Hwy 36 - easy access, and adjacent to a large bowling facility and a Dave and Busters for fun and a meal.

Maureen, thanks for your opinion on the new TC location and Cafe Star.

wtm and OP, if you like small plates menus, there's a place called Forest Room 5 that I have only been to once, but really liked. Great menu, good wine list, helpful service, outdoor patio with open fire pit. Small and very nice contemporary atmosphere. It's on 15th, west of Platte Street, going into the Highlands neighborhood.
>-

Or comparable to Forest Room #5 is Trios Enoteca on Wynkoop in LoDo, across from Union Station. They also have live jazz.

Sue

Hi There,

I live in Boulder so have a few recommendations.

1. Breakfast at Lucille's - http://www.luciles.com/flash/ - it is consistently rated the best breakfast in Boulder. It's in a lovely little house downtown and on a sunny day, sitting out on the porch, nibbling on a biscuit with homemade orange marmalade waiting for your meal to arrive you'll experience the reason so many people come to Boulder and never leave. Bliss!

Pearl Street Mall - lots of great funky shops, cafes, restaurants etc. There are often art fairs on the weekends in summer. (http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/calendar/index.cfm_

Colorado Shakespeare Festival - www.coloradoshakes.com - if there's something in the outdoor amphitheater it's magic. Oh, and have a chat with Will Shakespeare while you're waiting (maybe enjoying a glass of wine and a lovely picnic while sitting on the grass in the commons of the lovely CU campus)

Boulder Theater - http://www.bouldertheater.com/ - the radio show E-town is recorded here on Sunday nights and is always excellent. Anything here that strikes your fancy is good though - it's a cool old art deco building.

Boulder Creek Path - the path runs 7 miles and right through Boulder and up into the canyon. It's flat and paved so an easy walk. If it's warm enough when you're here you might even consider grabbing an inner tube and floating down the river.

Denver - definitly worth a day trip. The new Denver Art Museum (http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home) is fantastic!

Banjo Billy's bus tours - www.banjobilly.com - this is a fun, quirky tour of Boulder - on a school bus with couches & easy chairs you'll get a good overview of Boulder and some interesting trivia too.

Boulder Farmers Markets - on Saturday Mornings and Wednesday Afternoons in downtown Boulder - plan to pick something up and picnic by the creek. www.boulderfarmers.org

That's it for now as I've gotta run.

Hope you have a great time in Boulder - we do

Hez

Jumping in here:
Hez-- since you know Boulder well, can you give me a reading please on whether you think the Marriott is a good place to stay? Main thing we're looking for is quiet (stayed at Boulderado once and heard a lot of traffic). Marriott is a good deal less costly than Boulderado and looked like it might be quite pleasant. Yes? No?
Also: Do you know Estes Park well? I keep wishing someone would lean me towards either Boulder Brook or Solitude cabins for 3 nights in August. Again-- main thing for us is quiet. And of course we'd like the accommodations to be as pleasant as possible as well.
Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Hi Poss,

Not sure on the Marriot. It's on 28th street which is the main street into Boulder, but is set back and is on the creek/path. You're much farther away from Pearl Street there as well. Have a look at http://www.thebradleyboulder.com/default.asp or, if you're thinking more budget conscience - http://www.qualityinnboulder.com/ - it's in a great location, the breakfast is meant to be really good (my relatives stayed there earlier this year) and the rooms are really nice. It is a "motel" style - just so you know, but if that's not a problem for you I'd check it out.

I'm pretty familiar with Estes Park itself - but not the accommodation there as we always just go up for the day or camp in the park.

Hez

Tea House in Boulder!!!!!! Immediately in front of, next to, behind, and around is the farmers market!! Lovely to see.

Avoid Estes Park. It will drain your wallet. Although there is nice hiking there.

Boulder is a very cool city. You'll enjoy the atmosphere. Concerts in the same area as teahouse.

You really shouldn't have to leave Boulder, with 50+ women, I am sure you will find plenty to do!!