"Boulder is a city of 100,000, elevation 5,400 feet (1650 meters), located thirty miles northwest of Denver. It's just under an hour's drive from Denver International Airport, known here as DIA, though its official airport code is DEN. It's also an hour's drive to Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder is surrounded by a wonderful greenbelt with 120 miles of trails. The front range of the Rocky Mountains rises on the west side of town. The entire region is a paradise for hiking, cycling, rock climbing and almost every kind of outdoor activity except surfing." -- Norman Koren's web site, Visiting Boulder, Colorado (This web site contains links and information to just about everything Boulder.
Getting around town
Boulder Creek Path: a 5.5 mile (8.8 km) walking and biking path that runs along Boulder Creek from the foothills, through downtown (including underneath the public library), and out to the east campus of the University where INSTAAR and NSIDC are located. The path connects to a network of bike and walking trails that can take you to most of the interesting places in Boulder – if you have good walking shoes.
Bus routes: a fleet of buses criss-cross Boulder; buses arrive at stops every 10 minutes or so. One way fare is $2.25 per person ($1.10 for people over 65 – you may have to show i.d. if asked by the driver). http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?Itemid=2975&id=8939&option=com_content&task=view
Pearl Street: a downtown street converted to a pedestrian outdoor mall, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Nice weather brings out everyone in town to window shop, admire the tulip beds, see and be seen, or sit in an outdoor café for happy hour snacks.
The City of Boulder provides numerous maps to help you find your way around town. The maps on this site will take you to some great restaurants, fun shopping, and various services, including transportation options.
Coffee
Kay's Cafe, operated by local coffee company Vic's, adjoins the lobby of the ATLAS building on campus.
Brewing Market is in the shopping center on the corner of Broadway and Baseline--on the way to the conference venue.
Amante Coffee is on Walnut Street, a block south of Pearl Street between 10th and 11th. If soccer is on somewhere, it is on the screen here.
Trident is the unofficial clubhouse of Boulder's old-timers, on Pearl Street a few blocks west (toward the mountains) of Broadway.
Restaurants
There are more restaurants in Boulder than you can shake a stick at. Go ahead, pick up a stick and try; it’s exhausting. A few favorites from your hosts:
Agave: Mexican food with a twist. 2845 28th St. 303.444.2922
Brasserie Ten Ten: This French-style bistro always has a good cassoulet, local trout, and risotto on the menu, along with creative and satisfying salads. 1011 Walnut Street.
Carelli’s: Pasta, veal, and salads served in a lounge-like environment--think firepit, martini glasses, and high booths with swooping backs. A very short walk from the conference hotel. 645 30th Street.
Dark Horse: A den of iniquity/sports bar near the conference hotel, with walls collaged over decades. Juicy burgers are cooked to order. 2922 Baseline Road.
Dushanbe Tea House: A gift from our sister city in Tajikistan, this cypress-and-ceramic tile-sheathed local landmark features a variety of eastern and western inspired dishes. You’ll be tempted to sit outside by the creek, but don’t miss a trip inside for the carved and painted wood ceiling. 1770 13th Street.
The Med: Tapas, pizza, paella, salads, and grilled meats march down the long and delicious menu at this crowded, loud, and convivial Boulder landmark. 1002 Walnut Street.
Modmarket: Fresh, made to order salads, pizza, and sandwiches make for a tasty, healthful, and affordable light dinner. 1600 28th St #1212 (in 29th Street Mall) 720.440.0476
The Rio: Famous for their strong margaritas, this Mexican-style joint makes decent burritos as well. 1101 Walnut Street 303.444.3690
Happy hours
The best of Boulder happy hours combine a nice drink, local atmosphere, and tasty snacks for bargain prices. Perfect for diners on a budget.
Boulder Café: 3:00 to close if you sit in the bar area. Half-priced appetizers – share the alpine fondue with a friend. 1247 Pearl Street.
Brasserie Ten Ten: 3:00-6:30 pm. Snacks like fried green beans, small crepes, and mussels pair with house wine ($3.75), local beer ($3.25), or a well cocktail ($3.75). 1011 Walnut Street.
The Kitchen [Next Door]: 3:00-6:00, Wed-Sun 9:00-close. A friendly, pub-style offshoot of renowned (and pricey) locavore champion The Kitchen offers $2 local beer or $3 wine with lamb sliders ($2.50) and a number of $1.50 sides and snacks. 1035 Pearl Street.
Q’s: 5:00-7:00 pm. You have to sit in the bar, so you can't bring a crowd--but it's worth it for 40% off one of the best wine lists in Boulder and a selection of gourmet small plates. Q’s is the house restaurant in the Boulderado, a 19th century hotel. Ask to ride the elevator; it’s an old Otis, with an operator. 2115 13th Street.
Breweries
Boulder is hops heaven. If you like your beer with bite, try a few of these local brews:
Avery: Down the road from NSIDC and INSTAAR, Avery used to be a tiny enterprise in a dismal light industrial mall, next to Soldier of Fortune magazine. They are still in the strip mall, but they have recently grown into a large tap room open 11:00-11:00 daily, with food brought in from Savory Catering. White Rascal and Ellie's Brown are local favorites. For something more adventurous, try something out of the Dictator or Demon series. 5763 Arapahoe Avenue.
Boulder Beer Co.: The first microbrewery in Colorado, Boulder Beer is home to Singletrack Copper Ale, Sweaty Betty, Never Summer Ale, and Planet Porter. Use some tenacity finding it in its office park location at 2880 Wilderness Place.
Twisted Pine: Small taproom with foosball table carries a new series, "Artisan Ales," for 2012. 3201 Walnut Street Suite A.
Upslope: The new kids on the block craft just a few classics: Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and Craft Lager. Simple and delicious, poured in their little place on the north edge of town. 1501 Lee Hill Road suite 20.
The best of Boulder happy hours combine a nice drink, local atmosphere, and tasty snacks for bargain prices. Perfect for diners on a budget.
Boulder Café: 3:00 to close if you sit in the bar area. Half-priced appetizers – share the alpine fondue with a friend. 1247 Pearl Street.
Brasserie Ten Ten: 3:00-6:30 pm. Snacks like fried green beans, small crepes, and mussels pair with house wine ($3.75), local beer ($3.25), or a well cocktail ($3.75). 1011 Walnut Street.
The Kitchen [Next Door]: 3:00-6:00, Wed-Sun 9:00-close. A friendly, pub-style offshoot of renowned (and pricey) locavore champion The Kitchen offers $2 local beer or $3 wine with lamb sliders ($2.50) and a number of $1.50 sides and snacks. 1035 Pearl Street.
Q’s: 5:00-7:00 pm. You have to sit in the bar, so you can't bring a crowd--but it's worth it for 40% off one of the best wine lists in Boulder and a selection of gourmet small plates. Q’s is the house restaurant in the Boulderado, a 19th century hotel. Ask to ride the elevator; it’s an old Otis, with an operator. 2115 13th Street.
Breweries
Boulder is hops heaven. If you like your beer with bite, try a few of these local brews:
Avery: Down the road from NSIDC and INSTAAR, Avery used to be a tiny enterprise in a dismal light industrial mall, next to Soldier of Fortune magazine. They are still in the strip mall, but they have recently grown into a large tap room open 11:00-11:00 daily, with food brought in from Savory Catering. White Rascal and Ellie's Brown are local favorites. For something more adventurous, try something out of the Dictator or Demon series. 5763 Arapahoe Avenue.
Boulder Beer Co.: The first microbrewery in Colorado, Boulder Beer is home to Singletrack Copper Ale, Sweaty Betty, Never Summer Ale, and Planet Porter. Use some tenacity finding it in its office park location at 2880 Wilderness Place.
Twisted Pine: Small taproom with foosball table carries a new series, "Artisan Ales," for 2012. 3201 Walnut Street Suite A.
Upslope: The new kids on the block craft just a few classics: Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and Craft Lager. Simple and delicious, poured in their little place on the north edge of town. 1501 Lee Hill Road suite 20.
