Boulder, Colorado, a once hippie-town based in the 1960's has now transformed into an affluent yet outdoorsy community that still has it's earthly roots. From organic sandwiches to Louis Vuitton handbag shops, Boulder is an eclectic mix between minimalism and materialism.
Settled in 1858 as Boulder City, Boulder has come a long way since its pioneer days. Now the modern day settlers enjoy used book stores, tea houses and of course, organic food at one of many establishments in the Pearl Mall.
Located halfway between Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder is a perfect place to spend an afternoon and see some historic sites.
Settled in 1858 as Boulder City, Boulder has come a long way since its pioneer days. Now the modern day settlers enjoy used book stores, tea houses and of course, organic food at one of many establishments in the Pearl Mall.
Located halfway between Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder is a perfect place to spend an afternoon and see some historic sites.
Pearl Street Mall
One of the most popular destinations for travelers and residents alike is to wander the car-free Pearl Street Mall. Located between eighth and twentieth street in downtown Boulder, this is the "People's Republic of Boulder" paradise. From art shops to cafes to bookstores, this is the place to find all things made local and also designer label goods.
This is the area where visitors spend most of their time. It is fun to meander around and admire the old Victorian brick buildings and pop into random shops.
Book lovers be sure to visit Red Letter Second Hand Books or Beat Book Shop for used and rare books. It can take hours to explore Pearl Street and visit one of the many shops, boutiques and eateries.
No visit to Boulder is complete without purchasing a souvenir or a locally handmade piece of art. On Pearl Street check out the Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery, which is an artist run shop that features a variety of art and artifacts from prints to sculptures, and jewelry to ceramics.
Most people can easily spend hours on Pearl Street checking out all of the shops.
One of the most popular destinations for travelers and residents alike is to wander the car-free Pearl Street Mall. Located between eighth and twentieth street in downtown Boulder, this is the "People's Republic of Boulder" paradise. From art shops to cafes to bookstores, this is the place to find all things made local and also designer label goods.
This is the area where visitors spend most of their time. It is fun to meander around and admire the old Victorian brick buildings and pop into random shops.
Book lovers be sure to visit Red Letter Second Hand Books or Beat Book Shop for used and rare books. It can take hours to explore Pearl Street and visit one of the many shops, boutiques and eateries.
No visit to Boulder is complete without purchasing a souvenir or a locally handmade piece of art. On Pearl Street check out the Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery, which is an artist run shop that features a variety of art and artifacts from prints to sculptures, and jewelry to ceramics.
Most people can easily spend hours on Pearl Street checking out all of the shops.
While meandering Pearl Street, be sure to stop at one of the many restaurants or cafes for lunch. I recommend the Organic Sandwich Company to experience the true and authentic Boulder granola-munching hippie vibe. Local and sustainable ingredients are used to create a variety of meat and plant-based sandwiches smoothed inside two pieces of carbohydrate masterpieces. I recommend the chickpea sandwich as an excellent plant-based option to experience how something simple as a bean transforms a sandwich!
After lunch if searching for a coffee, be sure to visit Pearl Street's Trident's Booksellers, Boulder's longest standing coffee shop. It originated as a Buddhist bookshop in 1972, and later added the cafe in 1982. In 2011, the shop expanded into publishing and now owns their own publishing house, Trident. Book readings and beer and wine sales occur on special weeknights.
One major transformation for Trident was that during COVID-19, eight longterm employees signed their names on the bottom line, making this an employee-owned bookstore in its forty year history
After lunch if searching for a coffee, be sure to visit Pearl Street's Trident's Booksellers, Boulder's longest standing coffee shop. It originated as a Buddhist bookshop in 1972, and later added the cafe in 1982. In 2011, the shop expanded into publishing and now owns their own publishing house, Trident. Book readings and beer and wine sales occur on special weeknights.
One major transformation for Trident was that during COVID-19, eight longterm employees signed their names on the bottom line, making this an employee-owned bookstore in its forty year history
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Sitting alongside the Boulder Creek is this vibrant teahouse that symbolizes peace and global friendship. Popular with locals and tourists, some choose to eat lunch here while others come for a cup of hot or iced tea.
Constructed entirely by hand in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this teahouse was a gift to its sister-city of Boulder.The teahouse was dismantled and then shipped and reconstructed. What stands today is a symbol of friendship and cultural exploration that goes beyond just selling tea.
I recommend the iced chai tea as well as one of the many fruit-based green teas.
Sitting alongside the Boulder Creek is this vibrant teahouse that symbolizes peace and global friendship. Popular with locals and tourists, some choose to eat lunch here while others come for a cup of hot or iced tea.
Constructed entirely by hand in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this teahouse was a gift to its sister-city of Boulder.The teahouse was dismantled and then shipped and reconstructed. What stands today is a symbol of friendship and cultural exploration that goes beyond just selling tea.
I recommend the iced chai tea as well as one of the many fruit-based green teas.
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Boulder Creek Path
Nearby the teahouse and Pearl Street is Boulder Creek Path. The paved pathway extends for miles alongside the trickling Boulder Creek and walks through some beautiful old forest groves and extends to some beautiful sites of Boulder. Although many use the path for exercise or for biker's with their daily commute, the pathway is a great way to view local life, but is also the gateway to much of the city's nearby outdoor recreation.
Keep an eye on the city's website to see the opening and closing status. The trail has been closed from Eben G. Fine Park to the western edge of the city of Boulder. The creek path still remains open.
How do you spend a day in Boulder?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Boulder, Colorado.
Nearby the teahouse and Pearl Street is Boulder Creek Path. The paved pathway extends for miles alongside the trickling Boulder Creek and walks through some beautiful old forest groves and extends to some beautiful sites of Boulder. Although many use the path for exercise or for biker's with their daily commute, the pathway is a great way to view local life, but is also the gateway to much of the city's nearby outdoor recreation.
Keep an eye on the city's website to see the opening and closing status. The trail has been closed from Eben G. Fine Park to the western edge of the city of Boulder. The creek path still remains open.
How do you spend a day in Boulder?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Boulder, Colorado.
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