Boulder, Colorado
My hometown hold a special place in my heart. And anyone who has ever visit Boulder will likely agree. The dramatic beauty of the Flatirons combined with the quirky charm of the town makes it a haven among the foothills. There are a lot of beautiful places in this country, but for me, Boulder takes the cake. No matter how many times I fly into DIA or drive north up 36 into town - the setting takes my breath away. More than a mile above sea level, the change in altitude will take a few days to adjust to. Drink lots of water! But what the city lacks in oxygen the eclectic mix of locals make up for in hospitality. From world-class athletes training for their next big race to the college students experimenting with recently legalized substances on The Hill, people here live life to the fullest and get outside as much as they can. The active lifestyle is infectious - Boulderites know how to work hard and play hard too.
Stay... Hotel Boulderado for the history and charm. St. Julien to be pampered.
Pack... Casual and workout-ready attire. Jeans are appropriate for every venue. Yoga pants and sneakers will let you transition from the studio to the trails.
{ eat }
The Kitchen - A trip to Boulder without a meal at the Kitchen is incomplete. Quintessential farm-to-table food all sourced locally and thoughtfully. You can grab a more casual bite at sister restaurant next door, aptly named The Kitchen Next Door. Another favorite is their wine bar - The Kitchen Upstairs - for the cozy space, small bites and extensive wine list.
Japango - The best sushi in town, and in fact some of the best sushi I've had anywhere. A good spot for either lunch or dinner - I dare you not to come back more than once.
Pizzeria Locale - My favorite spot for a glass of wine and delicious, authentic Italian pizza.
Brasserie 1010 - Always packed, try snagging a spot at the bar for their awesome happy hour. Delicious mussels and fries that can't be beat.
Blackbelly - A bit newer to the Boulder food scene, Hosea Rosenberg (Top Chef Season Winner) started Blackbelly in 2011 with a successful catering business. That eventually grew to a brick and mortar restaurant that embraces local, seasonable food. The meats and vegetables are sourced from Blackbelly's own farm, meaning the menu is always changing but is consistently one of the best meals you can have in town.
Flagstaff House - For a special occasion, nothing beats the view and the experience here.
{ wander }
Hike Mt Sanitas - The serious climb (about 1,200 vertical feet) pays off with stunning views of Boulder and beyond.
Boulder Theater - Catch a show at the iconic venue.
Boulder Farmer's Market - Stock up on fresh veggies or enjoy a variety of cuisines from the many food vendors selling breakfast and lunch (Saturdays) or dinner (Wednesday evening) while a local band plays in the background.
Pearl Street Mall - Stroll up the pedestrian mall to get a taste of what Boulder is all about. You may have to dodge some tourists while enjoying the street performers, but you can always pop into a shop or restaurant along the way.
Shop - Pick up a new read at locally-owned Boulder Bookstore. Browse the well curated and unique selection at Cedar + Hyde. Weekends stocks a range of both mens and women's premium clothing brands. Patagonia, because you are in Boulder after all.
{ August 2016 }