Pearl Street, ski areas, outdoor activities offer plenty of fun
Entertaining visitors in Boulder can sometimes be stressful and perplexing.
No need to panic. There are plenty of things to do in Boulder. Activities range from hiking up the Flatirons to shopping on the Pearl Street Mall. During any season, there is always something happening in Boulder.
During the winter, skiing is one of the most popular activities. Eldora ski area is only 35 minutes away from Boulder. Although it is about an hour and 45 minutes away, Keystone is another ski area offering night skiing until 9 p.m.
Getting around Boulder is simple. The Regional Transportation District’s bus system is what many Boulderites use to travel. RTD is the easiest way to get to the Pearl Street Mall. The walking mall is peppered with gardens, artwork and quirky shops along a beaten brick path. But leave Fido at home – pets aren’t allowed on the mall.
You can also treat yourself and guests to a stay at the Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St. The hotel is well-known for its bar, The Catacombs, which offers live music, pool tables and no cover charge.
There are a variety of restaurants on the Pearl Street Mall. These bistros serve everything from Italian to Mexican to organic cuisines. Japango is a favorite among students and locals alike for its tasty sushi.
Stephanie Guild, a junior architecture major, said she enjoys taking her out-of-town friends to the Pearl Street Mall. During the day, Guild and her visitors shop at the many boutiques. At night, they go to one of the bars that line the Pearl Street Mall.
“Nightlife on Pearl is the best aspect of Boulder,” Guild said.
There is no better way to get involved with CU than attending a football game. CU offers family fun zone packages for the football games, which include a ticket, a hot dog and a soft drink.
Boulderites spend much of their leisure time outdoors. According to the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are 200 miles of biking and hiking trails.
The bureau lists Chautauqua Meadow, located at 9th Street and Baseline, as having the best hiking trails. You and your guests can hike on the trails for a few hours and see the wildlife and impressive mountain vistas.
The convention and visitors bureau Web site, www.bouldercoloradousa.com, can aid in finding activities to do in Boulder.
