Boulder

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Getting There

A Weekend in Boulder, CO and Vicinity

A September 2004 trip to Boulder by fallschirmhosen Best of IgoUgo

Flattop Mountain TrailMore Photos

Labor Day weekend in Boulder, Colorado. No, I didn't go for the CU-CSU football game. And, no, I didn't go for Taste of Colorado in Denver. But, what I did go for was great food, amazing sights, and a lot less oxygen than what I'm used to.

  • 14 reviews
  • 48 photos

Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse"

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
When looking at the name of this place, and looking at the restaurant from the outside, it's hard to exactly determine what to expect at The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Located on 13th Street, right next to the bi-weekly Boulder County Farmer's Market, the unique blue structure is both a teahouse (with over 80 teas) and restaurant with a large variety of ethnic foods.

According to documentation available in the restaurant, The Teahouse was presented to Boulder by the mayor of Dushanbe, which is the capital of Tajikistan. For over three years, more than 40 artists from Tajikistan created all of the decorative elements of the restaurant, which include the hand-carved columns, tables, stools, ceiling, and more. When you step inside, it feels like you're entering a museum, not a restaurant. It is easy to be distracted by the ceiling, or by one of the tables in which patrons must kneel in front of to eat.

Although the restaurant is from Tajikistan, the menu is comprised of ethnic dishes from around the world. With quality ingredients and fresh produce, the menu items are as varied as the unique painted ceiling. On my visit, I had a Mediterranean Pizza. With any meal, one should choose a tea from their menu of over 80 teas.

Despite the fancy decorations and unique menu, the prices are very, very reasonable. Brunch prices are always cheaper, though.

For more information, please visit www.boulderteahouse.com
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
1770 13th Street Boulder, Colorado 80302
(303) 442-4993

Noodles and CompanyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Noodles and Company
If you're having a tough time deciding what kind of food you want to eat, yet you know you want a noodle of some kind, then check out Noodles and Company. A small local chain with three locations in Boulder, and one in Longmont, Noodles offers quality food at cheap prices to satisfy whatever kind of noodle-based food you're craving.

Upon entering Noodles, you'll find an oversized menu on the wall. Like many cheap eats, pick out what you want, grab a drink from the fridge, and then place your order. After you order, take a seat and then waitress will bring you your order soon after sitting down.

The menu is predominantly noodle-based dishes, but does also include several noodle-less dishes, as well as salads. The noodle dishes vary greatly, and include everything from "Wisconsin Mac & Cheese" to "Indonesian Peanut Saute." If you're craving Japanese, try the "Japanese Pan Noodles." If you want Thai, try "Thai Curry Soup." I had the "Penne Rosa," which has noted as being spicy, and by-golly it was.

The prices for all of their dishes are under $6, except three. Despite the cheap price, you can expect really fresh food, quality ingredients, and very decent portions.

In Boulder, visit Noodles and Company at 2770 Pearl Street, 1245 Alpine at Broadway, or 2850 Baseline east of U.S. 36. In Longmont, find them at 1087 South Hover.

For more information, check out their website at: www.noodles.com.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Noodles and Company
28th Street and 2770 Pearl Boulder, Colorado 80302
(303) 444-5533

Illegal Pete'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Illegal Pete's
Located on the popular Pearl Street Mall, Illegal Pete's has the biggest burritos I have ever seen. A small local chain with two locations in Boulder, and one in Denver, Illegal Pete's offers quality Mexican food at a very reasonable price.

The menu's main offerings are burritos, ranging from a simple "Chicken Burrito," to a "Green Chile Burrito," several vegetarian burritos, fish burritos, beef burritos, burritos served in bowls, and burritos smothered with green chili. Of course, being a Mexican place, tacos, taquitos, quesadillas, and nachos can also be found on the menu.

Considering the size of the burritos, the prices are very reasonable. Nearly everything is under $6. The only things on the menu over $10 are the t-shirts they sell. Yes, it may be more expensive than Taco Bell. But, Illegal Pete's uses real vegetables and meat, and it won't make you run to The John 20 minutes after eating.

Walking inside, you immediately move to the left and get on line. There is a large menu on the wall, where you pick out what you want. Similar to a high school cafeteria, you tell the cook what you want, and they prepare it right in front of you as you stand. For orders with fish, they usually need about five minutes to prepare the food, then they bring it out to you at your seat.

After ordering and getting your food (unless they need more time to cook), you can then sit down and enjoy...either inside or outside. I ordered "The Big Fish", which required an extra five minutes to cook. When done, the cook came out from the back, yelled my name, and handed me the giant loaf-of-bread-sized burrito. Being such a large burrito, and having such a small mouth, it took me a while to eat it. Unfortunately, I took too long and the wrap got soggy and the burrito broke. But, with the provided forks, I was still able to eat everything I paid for.

Their locations in Boulder are at 1447 Pearl Street and 1320 College Avenue. In Denver, go to 1530 16th Street.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Illegal Pete's
1320 College Ave Boulder, Colorado 80302
+1 303 444 3055

The Republic of BoulderBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Republic of Boulder
Rather new to Boulder, The Republic of Boulder is a two-level bar/restaurant located on the corner of 11th Street and Canyon. The first thing you'll notice are the giant fans swinging back and forth from the ceiling. I'm not really sure they actually keep the place cool, but they look cool. On the first level you'll find a huge bar dwarfed by a gigantic TV screen, several dining tables, several bar stools/tables, and outdoor seating. Upstairs is an expanded dining area and loads of entertainment. Dining tables line the balcony overlooking the lower level. Facing the windows to the street are several swinging chairs that hang from the ceiling for you to relax in. If you have a lot of energy, two pool tables, video games, a dartboard, and foosball are all upstairs for you to play with. And, billiard games are only 75 cents each!

The service was quick and excellent. Since we were all playing games, the waitress came up to each of us to take our order. Several appetizers were available, and so we opted for the $3 nachos. Basically, this plate of nachos was HUGE, and all five of us eating were not able to finish it. Entrees are of a typical bar...burgers, wraps, fries, etc. I ordered The Colorado Wrap, which had slices of turkey and bacon wrapped together with lettuce and cheese. The bacon was cooked perfectly.

If you're in the mood for a drink, or wish to have a decent meal, I highly recommend The Republic of Boulder.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

The Republic of Boulder
Corner of 11th Street and Canyon Boulder, Colorado
(303) 443-1460

Boulder Canyon Trail - Eben G. Fine ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Boulder Canyon Trail
Just west of downtown, at Eben G. Fine Park, is the Boulder Canyon Trail. Although it is only 2-3 miles long (5-6 miles out-and-back), the trail proves to be an excellent place to run, ride your bike, go climbing, or swing on a rope over the Boulder Creek. To get there, just walk down Pearl Street towards the mountains. You'll pass through a residential area, and then find yourself at Settlers Park. Go through Settlers Park, then through the walking path tunnel to Eben G. Fine Park, and then bear right onto the Boulder Canyon Trail.

Soon after getting on the trail, you might find a rope swing on your left. To have a little fun, take a few swings over the creek. Otherwise, continue on the path.

The trail begins as asphalt, but then turns to gravel. As it twists and turns along Boulder Creek, you'll pass several rock climbing cliffs. If you're a climber, this is a good place to climb...not too high, not too low. I've never climbed them, but I am sure you can get a great view from the top.

As you move further and further away from town, you will also be going uphill. For people used to living at sea level (like me), this gradual incline will prove to be tiresome. You can hardly tell that you're going uphill, but it is enough to tire you out.

Eventually, after 2+ miles on the trail, you'll reach the end. Here, you have the option of turning around and going down the trail back to Boulder, or getting on Highway 119 and following the trail back that way. If you're riding a bike, you'll probably only need to pedal once or twice. The downhill decline is steep enough to pull you down to Boulder with little or no effort.

When you reach the bottom, you can then continue on the Boulder Creek Trail (see my other entry for information on that).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Boulder Canyon Trail - Eben G. Fine Park
along Boulder Creek at the mouth of Boulder Canyon Boulder, Colorado

Boulder Creek PathBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Boulder Creek Trail"

Boulder Creek Trail
Unlike most places I have been, Boulder has a network of walking/biking paths throughout the city. Most are paved, although a few are soft surface. One such trail is the Boulder Creek Trail, which cuts through the middle of Boulder and links downtown with the Colorado University area.

The main six trails are together known as the Boulder Greenway. Besides providing a place for foot and bike traffic to exist without vehicle traffic, they also provide habitat protection, water quality enhancement, and storm drainage.

For more information, visit www.ci.boulder.co.us/publicworks
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Boulder Creek Path
Parallels Arapahoe Ave Boulder, Colorado 80302
+1 303 413 7200 (Par

University BicyclesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "University Bikes - Bike Rental"

University Bikes
If you want to see a lot of Boulder and the immediate area, the easiest way is probably by bike. If you're from out-of-town and do not have a bike with you, I highly recommend going to University Bikes and renting a bike for a few hours, the entire day, or multiple days.

U-Bikes is conveniently located on Pearl Street, just west of the Pearl Street Mall. Rates are as low as $12 for 4 hours. If you're going to be in town for a few days, or checking out a lot of the surrounding area, weekly bike rentals are as low as $60.

All their bikes are high quality and in great shape. We rented out Specialized Rock Hoppers for just $15 per bike. These were perfect for hitting the Boulder Canyon Trail and Boulder Creek Trail.

Also, be sure to pick up a copy of the Boulder Greenways map, which highlights all of the designated greenway paths in the area.

For more information, check out their website at: www.ubikes.com.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

University Bicycles
839 Pearl St Boulder, Colorado 80203
+1 303 444 4196

Boulder Creek Stream ObservatoryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Boulder Creek Stream Observatory
If you got the time, have kids, or are bored, you might want to check out the Boulder Creek Stream Observatory. Located along the Boulder Creek Trail (for walking, running, biking, etc.), and near the Colorado University football stadium, the fish observatory is a clever little place to see the underwater life in Boulder Creek.

Walking down several steps, you soon find yourself below water level, yet completely dry. Several circular windows are cut out of the creek retaining wall, which enable you to peer into the underwater world of Boulder Creek. If you're lucky, you'll see some fish and other underwater life. Or, if you have the luck I had, you'll see a nice algae scum buildup on the windows of the observatory. Then again, I did not stay long enough to possibly see any fish.

One note: this place is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Boulder Creek Stream Observatory
Along the Boulder Creek Path Boulder, Colorado

Flat Top Mountain TrailBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Flattop Mountain Trail - Rocky Mountain Ntl. Park"

Flattop Mountain Trail
Since my trip to Boulder was my first trip to Colorado and The Rockies, I felt that I had to climb a mountain. So, an hour away outside the town of Estes Park lies Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 350 miles of trails, I was sure I'd find a trail suitable for me.

To get into the park, a $15 fee is required per vehicle. Once through the gate, there are a few options on where to go. We chose Bear Lake, and wanted to try the toughest climb there...Flattop Mountain (elevation 12,324').

Starting at Bear Lake (elevation 9475'), the trail ascends rather quickly. Being a weak-lunged east coast person, I could already feel my breath being taken away, and the hike was already a struggle. I honestly did not think I'd get anywhere near the peak feeling like this. But, we pushed on and kept going. We took short 1-minute breaks about every 20 minutes, where we drank some water and snacked on Kudos bars.

Eventually, as the air gets thinner, temperature gets colder, and hike gets harder, you reach the point where the treeline ends. Once above the treeline, the views are spectacular. Also, you begin to meet climbers coming down. They gave us all one look and said we'd never make it to the peak. Apparently there was 2 or 3 feet of snow on the ground there, and almost no visibility. I guess my hoodie and sneakers were not good enough for that.

There are no markers indicating how close to the summit you are, so we never had any idea how far we had hiked. The trail is 4.4 miles each way, though. Eventually, we got to the point where we could not go any further. There were a few inches of snow on the ground with us, some thick snow clouds moving in fast, and the winds were horrendous. We had no winter hats nor gloves, and our sweat was beginning to cool. So, we turned our backs to the wind and started back down. We figure we were pretty close to the peak, though.

The hike down is much faster. We made it down nearly 30 minutes quicker than it took to go up. Only when we left the park did we realize that had we made it to the peak we would have reached The Continental Divide. Next time I'll hike to The Divide, guaranteed.

I highly recommend that you bring extra water and food and dress appropriately for this climb. Had we been wearing more than regular pants, shoes, and a shirt, we probably would have gotten much closer to the peak. Also, I firmly believe that you must be in decent shape to complete this hike, especially if you're not from the area. There is much less oxygen up there, and the ascent is steep at points.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Flat Top Mountain Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park Boulder, Colorado

Red Rocks Loop - Settlers ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Red Rocks Loop
One of the most interesting hikes on my weekend trip to Boulder was found at the extreme western edge of town. If you follow Pearl Street past 1st Street towards the foothills of the Rockies, you'll eventually stumble upon Settlers Park, and the fascinating Red Rocks (on your right). Settlers Park is named after a group of gold seekers who came here in the mid-1800s. Their camp was set up near the Red Rocks, and remnants of their stay are still visible. They came to discover gold, which they did just 12 miles west of Settlers Park.

Within this small park is a short hiking loop...the Red Rocks Loop. It's less than one mile long, but the steepness of the climb is what exhausts you, especially if you're a New Yorker who is used to living at sea level. The loop encircles the Red Rocks, which you are free to climb onto for even better views.

Follow the small trail markers that say "Red Rocks Loop," and you'll slowly climb your way to the rocks. Once at the rocks, be prepared for some spectacular views of Boulder. Of course, the height of these rocks are nothing when compared to the real Rocky Mountains. But, with a little energy and time, you can find yourself looking down on Boulder. Be sure to bring a camera, and wear decent footwear...some of the rocks can be loose.

This park also marks the beginning of the Boulder Canyon Trail. Please see my other entry for more information on this trail.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Red Rocks Loop - Settlers Park
Settlers Park Boulder, Colorado

Fairview High School (Best view of the Flatirons)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Fairview High School - BEST View of the Flatirons"

The Flatirons
Of all the places you can see the Flatirons and foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder (and there are A LOT of places to view the mountains), the view from Fairview High School is by far the best. Located in a residential neighborhood in the southern part of Boulder, Fairview High School is situation on a small hill facing west.

When driving to the high school, it is best to come when school is not in session. It's hard to describe the view, so just check out my pictures below.

For a map to Fairview High School, click here.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Fairview High School (Best view of the Flatirons)
1515 Greenbriar Blvd Boulder, Colorado 80305

Pearl Street MallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Pearl Street Mall
In the heart of downtown Boulder lies the Pearl Street Mall. Basically, to sum it up, the city closed 4 city blocks and filled in the road with trees, sidewalks, and boulders (of all things) so people can freely walk and shop without the hassles of traffic. In these four city blocks you can find nearly any type of store you can imagine. There is even one store completely dedicated to kites.

Besides shopping, keep an eye out for musicians and performers. During one of my strolls through the mall, there was a man who could twist and bend his body to fit in a small plastic box. Then, there was a trio of children violin players.

Of course, as like any mall (indoors or outdoors), there is plenty to eat. The Pearl Street Mall is lined with a variety of places to eat, from small cafes and Starbucks to Illegal Pete's and other ethnic food places.

If you like to shop and amble, the Pearl Street Mall is for you.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Pearl Street Mall
Pearl St Boulder, Colorado 80302
+1 303 442 1044 (Cha

The Osage MercadoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Osage Mercado - Denver's Cultural Market"

The Osage Mercado
The Osage Mercado is a cultural market held one Sunday per month from May to October in the La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood of Denver. On my visit to the area, I was fortunate enough to be in town when this occurred.

Each month a different culture is highlighted. The market brings fresh food, arts, crafts, musicians, books, and personal services related from that culture to this market for the neighborhood and city of Denver to experience.

On September 5, 2004, the theme for the market was Latin America. Fresh foods, crafts, and entertainment, all Latin American in flavor, came together at the market. One of the vendors there came from the small town of Juli in Peru. The vendor, Ay Mar, sold authentic imports direct from The Andes.

If you don't explore the many sides of Denver, you'll never find this.

Getting to the market is easy. It's only a few minutes from downtown by car, or take a "C" or "D" RTD regional light rail train to the 10th/Osage station. The market is literally feet from the station. To find out if it will be held during your visit to Denver, call Manie Grewal at The Piton Foundation (303/825-6246 x328).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

The Osage Mercado
10th Avenue and Osage Street Boulder, Colorado

Boulder County Farmers' MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Boulder County Farmer's Market"

Boulder County Farmer's Market
If you happen to be strolling down the Pearl Street Mall or riding your bike on the Boulder Creek Trail on a Wednesday evening or Saturday morning, be sure to stop by the Boulder County Farmer's Market. Located on 13th Street, south of Pearl Street, the market brings many of the local farmers together to sell fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, local arts and crafts people sell their creations.

During a visit on a Saturday, the market was extremely packed with people of all ages. If you have kids, and the thought of buying produce does not excite them, don't worry. The market has face painters, as well as local wildlife experts showing off animal skins and animals for the kids to touch. And, for everyone, music is usually being played live by one of the many local musicians.

The market runs two days each week...Wednesday and Sunday. Wednesday it runs from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday it runs from 8am to 2pm.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fallschirmhosen on September 7, 2004

Boulder County Farmers' Market
13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon Boulder, Colorado 80302
+1 303 910 2236

About the Writer

fallschirmhosen
fallschirmhosen
New York, New York

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