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 Travel & Tourism
Welcome Home
Boulder is primarily known for its beautiful mountain vistas and outdoor activities, but these are actually only a few attractions for tourists who want to visit colorful Colorado.
Our city is at the epicenter of culture and nature in the state. There are outdoor adventure activities aplenty, upscale shopping establishments, cuisines from across the globe, art and music festivals, and a wide variety of family-friendly events that entertain and educate. Boulder is home to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, one of the premiere theatrical programs in the world featuring everyone’s favorite British bard, and our local dance theaters have received international praise. We have one of the best bluegrass music scenes north of the Mason-Dixon line and more aging hippies than a Grateful Dead concert. We are host to reggae festivals, aerial dance extravaganzas, international film festivals, a world-renowned fringe festival, several jamband festivals, more art galleries than you can shake a beret at.
The University of Colorado is the state’s flagship university, and it contains acclaimed academic, artistic and athletic programs. Naropa is the only Buddhist-inspired university in the United States, and you can’t throw a copy of Siddhartha in town without hitting a yoga studio. It’s rumored that Alan Ginsberg used to hang out here in town with Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs, and these luminaries had a dramatic influence on the local literary scene. Boulder is home to numerous writers, of both the published and unpublished variety, and one of the longest-running open mic poetry events in the world takes place at our very own Laughing Goat coffeehouse.
The infamous cannibal Alferd Packer used to hang around these parts. Don’t know why you’d want to know that, but it’s true. His story eventually inspired Cannibal! The Musical by South Park co-creator Trey Parker while he was attending the University of Colorado.
The Front Range has also become the center of certain outdoor recreational activities in North America, such as fly-fishing, white water rafting, mountain climbing, skiing and snow boarding. And if you like prairie dogs… boy, oh, boy, have you come to the right place!
While you’re here, you can choose to stay in accommodations that range from luxury to rustic to just plain weird. In 45 minutes, you can drive to a camp sight or to the zoo or to a fine art museum. The possibilities are endless. The most difficult part of vacationing in Boulder is realizing that you eventually have to leave.
While you are in Boulder, please help us keep our beautiful landscape clean and protected. Our golden rule is, “Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.” Also, take proper safety precautions when hiking in the mountains. Do not bring more than you can carry. Be aware that the air is thin in high altitudes, and it’s easy to get dehydrated. Take breaks often, and drink a lot of water. Also, beware of sudden changes in the weather. It’s not unusual to wake up to warm temps and sunshine, only to have to walk back to your hotel in snow wearing sandals. Hey, been there, done that.
In the meantime, please enjoy our special city!
TOURIST SITES
Boulder Falls
A tourist destination since the late 19th century, Boulder Falls is located on the north side of Boulder Canyon Drive, about 11 miles west of the city of Boulder. The falls, which have been called the “Yosemite of Boulder Canyon,” form where North Boulder Creek tumbles roughly 70 feet to enter Middle Boulder Creek.
Boulder History Museum
1206 Euclid Ave. / 303-449-3464
www.boulderhistorymuseum.org
Founded in 1944, this private, nonprofit museum brings the history of Boulder alive with its collection of more than 35,000 objects donated by Boulder families and a variety of programs and community events.
Chautauqua Park
900 Baseline Rd. / 303-442-3282
www.chautauqua.com
Opened in 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua, one of three operational Chautauquas left in the U.S., is a hub of community and cultural events in Boulder. The Chautauqua Auditorium hosts everything from a silent film series to live concerts, and food is available at the Dining Hall. Also, Chautauqua Park is the gateway to many of the best trails in Boulder Mountain Parks.
Colorado History Museum
1300 Broadway, Denver / 303-866-3682
www.coloradohistory.org/hist_sites/CHM/Colorado_History_Museum
Constructed in 1977, the Colorado History Museum preserves the story of Colorado with its collection of historic and prehistoric artifacts and documents.
 Crested Butte Arts Festival
Elk Avenue, Crested Butte / 970-349-1184
www.crestedbutteartfestival.com
The Crested Butte Arts Festival, Aug. 1-2, celebrates its 37th year in 2009. What began as an informal gathering of mostly local crafters has evolved into one of the top five fine arts and crafts shows in Colorado.
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver / 720-865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org
A piece of architectural art all by itself, the Denver Art Museum offers a host of activities, including lectures, classes and all-day camps for kids, as well as its enormous collection of permanent and temporary displays for visitors to enjoy at their own pace.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver / 303-322-7009
www.dmns.org
With an IMAX theater and hundreds of exhibitions, programs, lectures and activities, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is the place for people of all ages to learn about the past, present and future of the world around them. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of only 750 of the nation’s 16,000 museums to be officially accredited by the American Association of Museums. And check out the T-Rex!
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St., Denver / 303-376-4800
www.denverzoo.org
As fun for adults as it is for the little ones, Denver Zoo is home to nearly 4,000 animals representing 700 species from around the world. Visitors may plan events, such as birthday parties at the zoo, or merely partake in a tour or one of many activities.
University of Colorado Natural History Museum
UCB 218, CU campus / 303-492-6892
cumuseum.colorado.edu
The University of Colorado Natural History Museum offers a wide range of special events, including guided tours, educational programs and family days, and its exhibition galleries are open to the public seven days a week, free of charge.
University of Colorado Heritage Center
UCB 459 / 303-492-6329
www.cualum.org/heritage/index.html
Located on the third floor of the University of Colorado’s (CU) Old Main, the CU Heritage Center features exhibits exploring the history of the university. Attractions include the President’s Room, Distinguished Alumni Gallery and the Athletics room, which showcases trophies from CU’s many victories.
Walker Ranch
Boulder County Parks and Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont / 303-678-6200
www.bouldercounty.org/openspace
Located off of Flagstaff Rd. about 7.5 miles west of Boulder, Walker Ranch offers visitors a plethora of outdoor opportunities, including fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Purchased by James and Phoebe Walker in 1882, Walker Ranch is home to the restored homestead of the Walker family. While the homestead is closed to the public most of the year, visitors are welcome to tour the site during special events and watch costumed volunteers demonstrate the daily life of a pioneer ranch. For information, contact Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
BED & BREAKFAST, INNS
Alps Boulder Canyon Inn
38619 Boulder Canyon Dr. / 303-444-5445
www.alpsinn.com
Providing award-winning accommodation in scenic Boulder Canyon, Alps Boulder Canyon Inn is the perfect place for travelers and honeymooners, or adventurers in need of a base camp for their outdoor escapades. The inn’s 12 distinctive rooms feature authentic Mission furnishings, working fireplaces, king- or queen-sized pillow-top beds and all of the modern conveniences. Private bathrooms are standard with each room, and all rooms open onto private balconies or furnished mountainside patios. Each gourmet breakfast includes a varied selection of entrées and seasonal specialties, and vegetarian and vegan meals are available on request.
The Bradley Inn
2040 16th St. / 303-545-5200
www.thebradleyboulder.com
Located only a few blocks from Pearl Street, the Bradley Inn allows visitors to enjoy everything Boulder has to offer while living in style. Each of the 12 distinctly furnished rooms at the Bradley boast fireplaces, private bathrooms with jetted tubs, balconies with mountain views and all the modern equipment one could desire. The all-inclusive rate pays for onsite parking, health-club privileges, use of the Bradley’s business center and a delicious breakfast every morning.
Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast
2151 Arapahoe Ave. / 303-442-3007
www.briarrosebb.com
A beautiful and friendly place to stay, the Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast is the only bed and breakfast in the area to offer full-service, organic breakfasts and ecologically minded accommodations. The Briar Rose features nine unique rooms with delightful art and furnishings, high-speed Internet access, air conditioning, comfortable beds, natural bath products and free local phone service. A stunning garden, meditation room, unlimited tea service and kind, laid-back staff ensures that each guest at the Briar Rose will feel right at home.
HOTELS AND MOTELS
Best Western Boulder Inn
770 28th St. / 303-449-3800
www.boulderinn.com
Best Western Golden Buff Lodge
1725 28th St. / 303-442-7450
www.goldenbufflodge.com
Boulder Broker Inn
555 30th St. / 303-444-3330
www.boulderbrokerinn.com
The official hotel of the Colorado Crush, Boulder Broker Inn’s Victorian styling and excellent restaurant are ideal for any visitor’s needs. Free parking and hourly shuttles to and from Denver International Airport makes Boulder Broker convenient for business and pleasure travelers alike.
Boulder International Youth Hostel
1107 12th St. / 303-442-0522
www.boulderhostel.com
Providing low-cost, simple accommodations, Boulder International Youth Hostel is a haven for the budget-minded traveler. The hostel hosts guests from around the world and is designed to allow for visitors to meet and interact with each other in a vibrant, multi-cultural environment.
Boulder Marriott
2660 Canyon Blvd. / 303-440-8877
www.marriott.com
Boulder Mountain Lodge
91 Four Mile Canyon Dr. / 303-444-0882
www.bouldermountainlodge.com
Only five minutes from downtown, Boulder Mountain Lodge is family-owned and operated. Comfortable rooms with telephones, televisions and hot tubs are well priced. Visitors enjoy amazing scenery and access to numerous outdoor opportunities, such as hiking trails, a seasonal pool and a kid’s fishing pond.
Boulder Outlook Hotel and Suites
800 28th St. / 303-443-3322
www.boulderoutlook.com
Originally built in 1963 as a Holiday Inn, the Boulder Outlook Hotel was purchased in 2002 by two Boulderites and renovated to become a colorful and energetic celebration of Boulder. Affordable pricing, along with such features as indoor bouldering rocks, a heated pool and a zero-waste policy, make Boulder Outlook Hotel a unique place to stay.
Boulder Twin Lakes Inn
6485 Twin Lakes Rd. / 303-530-2939
www.twinlakesinnboulder.com
Boulder Twin Lakes Inn offers 33 spacious suites featuring private bathrooms and telephones, free wireless Internet, fully equipped mini-kitchens and room coffee service. The inn is contiguous to a park with a pond, playground equipment and plenty of open space for kids and adults to enjoy. A complimentary athletic club, continental buffet breakfast and newspaper are available daily.
Boulder University Inn
1632 Broadway / 303-417-1700
www.boulderuniversityinn.com
Each room at the Boulder University Inn comes with complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite television service and free local phone service. From May to September, visitors may enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel offers free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Courtyard by Marriott
4710 Pearl E. Circle / 303-440-4700
www.marriott.com
Days Inn
5397 S. Boulder Rd. / 303-499-4422
www.daysinn.com
Foot of the Mountain Motel
200 W. Arapahoe Ave. / 303-442-5688
www.footofthemountainmotel.com
Established in 1936, the Foot of the Mountain Motel is the oldest operating motel in Boulder. The motel offers 18 rooms and two suites, each with cable television, wireless Internet access, free local and long-distance telephone service, in-room refrigerators and a complimentary continental breakfast. Foot of the Mountain is pet-friendly, in close proximity to the Pearl Street Mall, and across the street from Eben Fine Park and Boulder Creek.
Holiday Inn Express
4777 N. Broadway / 303-442-6600
www.ichotelsgroup.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton-Boulder
4950 Baseline Rd. / 303-499-9922
homewoodsuites1.hilton.com
Hotel Boulderado
2115 13th St. / 303-442-4344
www.boulderado.com
In operation since 1909, the Hotel Boulderado is a National Register landmark and a member of the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America. The Victorian elegance of the hotel is ideal for a luxurious vacation, wedding, special event or business meeting. Each of the Boulderado’s 160 guest rooms is individually decorated and comes with luxurious amenities and appointments, easily making the Boulderado the premier luxury hotel in town.
Lookout Inn GuestHouse and Suites
6901 Lookout Rd. / 303-530-1513
bouldercoloradovacation.com
The Lookout Inn GuestHouse and Suites caters to the business traveler by offering upscale accommodations and amenities at reasonable prices. The staff at Lookout Inn are eager to help guests conduct their businesses or simply enjoy a much-needed rest.
Millennium Harvest House
1345 28th St. / 303-443-3850
www.millenniumhotels.com
With more than 260 guestrooms and suites and more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space, the Millennium Harvest house is ideal for hosting business and social events in style. The hotel provides weekly live music throughout the summer in their outdoor garden, a gourmet restaurant, an interactive sports bar, 15 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and a Budget Car Rental office for maximum convenience.
New West Inns
970 28th St. / 303-443-7800
www.newwestinnsboulder.com
Close to the University of Colorado’s campus, New West Inns is one of the most inexpensive motels in town. This independently owned and operated motel treats visitors to rooms with kitchenettes, air-conditioning, balconies, free wireless Internet, cable television and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning.
Quality Inn and Suites
2020 Arapahoe Ave. / 303-449-7550
www.qualityinn.com
St. Julien Hotel and Spa
900 Walnut St. / 720-406-9696
www.stjulien.com
With Pearl Street at its doorstep, the St. Julian Hotel offers stylish accommodations in the form of more than 200 rooms, 12 suites and three hospitality suites. Visitors may enjoy the hotel’s 10,000-sq.-ft. spa with 12 treatment rooms, complimentary fitness center and signature restaurant with outdoor terrace. The hotel, with its 650-space public parking garage, often hosts community and business events, making it one of downtown Boulder’s most important locations.
Silver Saddle Motel
90 W. Arapahoe Ave. / 303-442-8022
www.silversaddlemotel.com
The Silver Saddle Motel, at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, provides easy access both to downtown Boulder and to the numerous trails and adventures of Boulder Mountain Parks. Rooms at the Silver Saddle come with queen-size beds, kitchenettes, color television, free local phone service and carports, and the motel offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking and inner tubing. Bridal suites are available for honeymooners or romantic getaways.
AIRPORT
Boulder Municipal Airport
3300 Airport Rd., Box K, Bldg. G / 303-441-3108
ci.boulder.co.us
FAA Identifier: BDU. Owned and operated by the City of Boulder, the airport is a place for recreational flying, glider-soaring and parachuting, as well as business-related, fire and rescue, medical support and law enforcement flights.
AUTO RENTAL AGENCIES
Avis Rent-A-Car
4800 Baseline Rd., Ste. D109A / 303-499-1136
www.avis.com
Budget Car Rental
Millennium Hotel
1345 28th St. / 303-444-9054
6389 Arapahoe Rd. / 303-245-6097
www.budget.com
D-C Auto Sales and Parts
6095 Valmont Rd. / 303-447-8872
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
5472 Arapahoe Rd. / 303-449-9466
2745 Mapleton Ave. / 303-448-9979
4850 Valmont Rd. / 303-448-9974
www.enterprise.com
Hertz
2515 49th St. / 303-443-9122
www.hertz.com
Smart Motorcars
2170 30th St. / 303-449-2082
TRAVEL AGENCIES
AAA Travel
1933 28th St., Ste. 200 / 303-753-8800
www.aaa.com
Africa Centre
1405 Arapahoe Ave. / 303-442-2637
africacentre.org
Aloha World Travel
325 Canyon Blvd. / 303-444-9800
1525 Bradley Dr. / 303-444-9800
2850 Iris Ave. / 303-449-1818
Boulder Travel Agency
1655 Folsom St. / 303-443-0380
www.bouldertravel.com
Cain Travel Group
3004 Arapahoe Ave. / 303-443-2246
www.caintravel.com
Carefree Travel
3000 Center Green Dr. / 303-499-9400
Costa Rican Connection
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. 100 / 303-530-1669
www.costaricanconnection.net
The Cruise Shoppe
2900 Valmont Rd., Ste. F2 / 303-440-6888
Deeper Africa
4450 Arapahoe Ave., #100 / 303-415-2574
Destination Travel
4800 Baseline Rd. / 303-499-2242
www.destinationtravel.com
James Travelpoints
1750 14th St. / 303-442-2340
www.travelpoints.com
Natural Habitat Adventures
P.O. Box 3065 / 303-449-3711
www.nathab.com
Negril Jamaica Reservations
1735 15th St. / 303-442-3016
negriljamaica.com
Ocean First Divers
3015 Bluff St. / 303-444-7234
oceanfirstdivers.com
Savvy Travel
1320 Pearl St., Ste. #105 / 303-447-0123
www.savvytravel.com
Tomato Travel
3000 Center Green Dr., Ste. #220 / 303-444-4236
Weaver’s Dive and Travel
637 S. Broadway, Ste. V / 303-499-8500
www.weaversdive.com
The World Outdoors
2840 Wilderness Pl. / 303-413-0938
www.theworldoutdoors.com
WST Travel
3965 Carlock Dr. / 303-442-2424
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