More Must-See Boulder

Most enjoy the young, happening vibe that reigns supreme in Boulder. In addition to this old mining town being a bastion for young professionals, it’s also greatly populated year-round with students.

The University of Colorado’s main campus was established here in 1875. It officially opened in 1877 and for many years CU Boulder has been considered one of the top universities in the United States. Take a look at your Discovery Map to locate The Hill, the area where most of the university buildings are located. Visitors can take in a number of events here including a CU Boulder football game, some of the biggest doings of the fall. Home games are held at Folsom Stadium, also known as Folsom Field, which often transforms into a big music venue. When up on The Hill, grab a bite at The Sink, Boulder’s oldest restaurant, established in 1923.

You can clear out your mind just north of there at Naropa University where mindfulness and meditation have always been at the core of their programs. It’s an American private liberal arts school founded by a Buddhist monk in 1974. They promote contemplative education and transformation on many levels. Let your spirit guide you as to what aspects of their curriculum and which events might be best for you.

Not far from there, enjoy a meal at Thrive, a restaurant specializing in raw and vegan food. You’ll find a cornucopia of healthy food choices both to eat in and take out in Boulder. Remember this is a progressive town on every level. It’s even easy to find Oat Milk for your morning coffee.

Have you ever heard of Chautauqua? It was an adult education movement that became popular toward the end of the nineteenth century and spread throughout rural America up through the early part of the twentieth century. First organized in New York by a Methodist minister, Chautauqua promoted entertainment and culture in a variety of forms. Colorado Chautauqua was founded in 1898 in Boulder when the town was just a shadow of what it is today. It has grown right along with this beautiful city and now ranks high on the list of must-see/must-do places year-round. Situated south of CU Boulder, this impressive organization and beautiful property received the distinction of National Historic Landmark in 2006. Go there to take in the beautiful nature within their park and/or to attend lectures, films, some terrific concerts or other interesting events. Nestled practically within the Flatirons, you can also reserve lodging here and/or head out for a hike. Their historic Dining Hall ranks as a Boulder institution. If possible, try to line up a table on their wraparound porch in order to take in the panoramic views. Make sure you check out their General Store as well, which is oh-so cute. No wonder there’s nothing like it west of the Mississippi.

The music scene in Colorado stands out as one of the best in the country. There are lots of great Colorado bands and superlative venues, both indoor and out. Whether you’re checking out a singer songwriter from Colorado or some top pickers from Nashville, some of the best music can be found at eTown Hall in downtown Boulder. That’s where the nationally syndicated radio show, eTown, is taped. It’s a weekly affair, so see if you can work it into your visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Lovers of art, architecture and tea, must go to Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, a magnificent creation inside and out that features the artistry of Tajikistan. Go here for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner Monday through Friday or brunch, tea and dinner on the weekends. Breathe, sip tea and take it all in. It’s truly exceptional.

There’s something to be said for a town that emphasizes tea so much. (Don’t worry coffee drinkers–there are plenty of baristas to take care of your needs as well.) Celestial Seasonings is one of the biggest names in tea in the United States and many are happy to learn that they are headquartered on Sleepytime Drive right in Boulder, Colorado. Find out how their tea is made in their free half-hour tour. They also have a Celestial Café where they serve breakfast and lunch and a Tea Shop to satisfy every tea shopper’s whim. What a heavenly way to complete a stay in this very spiritually-oriented city.