6 Best Shopping in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

Boulder County Farmers Market

Fodor's choice

This bustling farmers' market brings a hive of activity to 13th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon from early May to early October, and on Saturday, from April through mid-November. This growers-only market, which has been named the number one farmers' market in the country, features produce, baked goods, flowers, wines and spirits, cheeses, meats, and more straight from the local producers (cherries and peaches are prime in late summer).

Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys

The shopkeepers here enjoy playing with the toys as much as their young customers do. This independent shop carries books, imported toys, games, and classics like marbles, dolls, and stuffed animals, as well as adorable clothing.

Grandrabbit's Toy Shoppe

A Boulder institution since 1977, Grandrabbit's is every kid's dream come true, with shelves stocked from floor to ceiling. The independently owned specialty toy store has grown to three Colorado locations and is known as the place to go to find toys that contribute to learning and development. It's not uncommon to find adults wandering the aisles, sans children, enjoying the offerings.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Into the Wind

In addition to carrying traditional and out-of-the-ordinary kites, this shop carries an imaginative selection of unique toys and quirky gifts.

Nature's Own

You can browse an extensive collection of rocks, fossils, educational games, gifts, and beautiful onyx bowls here. There are also branches in Boulder, Nederland, and Breckenridge.

Nuance Chocolate

Family-run, this bean-to-bar chocolate shop claims to have the world’s biggest selection of single-origin chocolate, meaning the beans come from one region in the world and aren’t blended. Beans are ground nearby in Old Town to produce more than 20 single-origin bars. Nuance also makes indulgent truffles with local ingredients. You can sit inside or outside at a few tables to sample a flight of chocolate or sip rich hot chocolate.