How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Boulder, Colorado

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:SpendPerfectWeekendBoulderColorado

Story Highlights

Introduction While only 35 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder seems a world away from urban life

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Introduction

While only 35 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder seems a world away from urban life with its natural splendors and diverse outdoor attractions. There's more to Boulder than Mother Nature, however, as the small city also boasts unique shopping, dining and cultural activities for all tastes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

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Step One

Enjoy Boulder's great outdoors. Whether you're an extreme sports type (Boulder is a rock-climber's paradise) or just a casual hiker (the town offers over 200 miles of hiking trails) you'll find more than enough choices to get a workout amidst the incredible Rocky Mountain foothills.
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Step Two

Explore the University of Colorado campus that has theaters, shopping and Tuscan-style architecture. The campus is heralded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing in America.
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Step Three

Take in the Pearl Street Mall in historic downtown Boulder. Sidewalk cafes, street performers, and a wealth of boutiques and galleries make this a charming and vibrant highlight of any Boulder visit.
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Step Four

Consider visiting Boulder for one of its many popular festivals. These include the Boulder Creek Festival (annually on Memorial Day weekend), the Boulder County Fair (every summer), and the Boulder Fall Festival. For lovers of drama, the annual Shakespeare Festival runs throughout the summer.
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Step Five

Be amused and informed at some of Boulder's many museums. Exhibitions on the region's captivating background, culture and geography can be found at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMCA), the Boulder Museum of History, and the CU Heritage Center, among other choices.
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Step Six

Paint the town red at Boulder's profundity of bars, nightclubs and saloons. This is truly a city where you'll find a nightspot for all styles, from chic wine bars to breweries to Irish pubs.
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Step Seven

Be sure to see Chautauqua! This stunning park at the base of the picturesque Flatiron Mountains has trails aplenty, dining options, and the gorgeous old Chautauqua Auditoriuma??home to many events, especially during the Colorado Music Festival every summer.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Plan well in advance for visits to Boulder between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the little city receives a huge influx of visitors.
  • Exercise buffs and casual hikers will want to keep in mind that Boulder's elevation, at over 5,000 feet, will make extensive outdoor activity more challenging than usual.
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