When Ken and Allison were ready to make a move in 2011, they Googled “happiest, sunniest cities.” Boulder, Colorado, came up as No. 1—and that’s just where they ended up heading. In addition to sunshine, Boulder is surrounded by 45,000 acres of protected open space, has 150 miles of trails, boasts 300 miles of bikeways, is one of the country’s top food cities, and is full of friendly folks and an air of entrepreneurship. Boulder’s famous, slanting, red sandstone Flatirons mountains and downtown’s historic Pearl Street, with its shops, eateries, and street performers mean there’s always something to explore. The University of Colorado is in the heart of the city, and some of the top national laboratories are based here, making Boulder a forward-thinking city that’s worked hard to protect its natural resources and elevate its way of life.
Oak at 14th | Small, intimate, and every dish is cooked to perfection, with divine cocktails, too.
Next Door Street Bar | An approachable side-kick to sister restaurant The Kitchen next door, with gourmet burgers, sandos and hearty salads.
Avanti F&B | Go for the seriously jaw-dropping views, stay for the seven delectable mini-restaurants in this downtown food hall.
Snooze | Pineapple-upsidedown pancakes. Need we say more?
Lion’s Lair | A shady, winding, and moderately difficult trail that ends with a view of Boulder below.
South Fork Shanahan Ridge | South Boulder has some of the town’s best trails, including this meandering beauty that’s lesser traveled than some and filled with wildflowers in summer.
Join Allison for a Run As the founder of the Boulder Women's Running Club, Allison welcomes runners of all levels to join her, and a jovial group of women, for a Friday morning run, leaving from the friendly neighborhood hangout January Coffee. It's a great way to meet locals, ask questions about the area, and make connections. Run with us!
Boulder was named one of "America's Most Artistic Towns" by Expedia, and you’ll encounter art in every corner of town.
Dairy Arts Center | With four art galleries, several performance venues, and a 60-seat art-house cinema, this is Boulder’s largest multi-disciplinary arts center.
Boulder Theater | The neon marquee alone is legendary. And seeing a rock or alt show in this 1906 art deco theater is a must.
First Fridays | North Boulder is an up-and-upcoming artists' enclave you can explore on the first Friday of each month.
Boulder Creek Festival | A good old-fashioned festival with live music, artisan booths, dancing, and a beer festival, all along the banks of the creek on Memorial Day weekend.
BolderBoulder | A spectacle of runners dressed in costume, stopping along the route for keg stands, hopscotch, live music, and more each Memorial Day.
Boulder International Film Festival | Top films come to Boulder each March, along with parties, dining events, red carpet experiences, and a celebrity each year.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival | See Shakespeare under the stars on the stunning University of Colorado campus each June-August.
“Soon into my 45-minute drive to Boulder, the skyscrapers of downtown Denver are overshadowed by the craggy peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Around here, there’s clearly no need to choose between urban living and outdoor activities.” —Hemispheres magazine
“Wreathed by the Rocky Mountains on one side and roughly 45,000 acres of open space on the other, among more than 300 miles of hiking and trails, you’re never far from an outdoor adventure in Boulder, Colorado.” —Afar
104,930 people live in Boulder, where the median age is 28.9 and the average individual income is $52,057. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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