I wake up to the peaks of the Flatirons, less than a mile west, complementing the Rocky Mountains in the background. I go on runs every day around the beautiful CU Boulder campus. I live in a city with 300 days of sunshine, 146 miles of preserved hiking trails, and over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways. Why would I ever want to be anywhere else?
Before I get into the landscape and countless activities to take advantage of, I’d like to start with the people. One of the first things I noticed when moving to Boulder was the genuine friendliness of the people. Being surrounded by a friendly community is a surefire way to secure the Best Place to be Today.
On to the outdoor activities! Hiking has been one of my favorite things to do so far in Boulder. With hundreds of miles of trails in Boulder, and hundreds more in the surrounding areas, there is always a new trail to explore or a new view to see. One of my favorites is Chautauqua Trailhead. It’s a hike that can be completed in about 3 hours round trip, and the views overlooking the city are spectacular!
The seemingly never ending bike paths also secure Boulder in as the Best Place to be Today. I haven’t even begun to explore all of them, but nice long bike rides in the beautiful fall Boulder weather is an amazing way to spend a day. I’ve stuck to the road biking so far, but there are plenty of mountain biking paths all around the area as well!
I have this thing for cobblestone streets filled with cute little shops and delicious restaurants. This is exactly Pearl Street in the heart of downtown Boulder. It is a quaint area of town that radiates an old historical charm. I love just walking around, stopping to watch a street performer, taking a peak in a bookstore or boutique, or grabbing a bite to eat while people watching. Most months of the year, the Boulder’s Farmer’s Market is held downtown, and it is rich with fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade goodies. Great Saturday morning activity!
Colorado is said to be the “Napa Valley of Beer,” with Boulder County being home more than 30 craft breweries. This makes Boulder the perfect place for beer lovers like myself. Boulder hosted the first annual craft beer festival last month, and I am so glad I was around to check it out! 40 beers on tap from local breweries and unlimited samples all day makes for a festival you won’t want to miss!
Hiking, biking, and beer all in one day… and views that will make you stop right in your tracks (or trip on the big rock in front of you on your hike), I’d say Boulder is hands down the Best Place to be Today.
Note: Although I love Boulder, I am more than willing to spending some time away from my #bestplacetobetoday to be a featured #Blogmanay blogger in attendance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, Lonely Planet’s Best Place to be Today. Did I mention Edinburgh is #1 on my list of places I’m craving to return to? 🙂
26 Comments
Bailey K.
October 11, 2014 at 7:33 pmI love how much you love your town. That’s how I feel about mine! (Austin.) I’ve never visited Boulder, but I’ve always wanted to, and I know I will soon.
Marissa Sutera
October 12, 2014 at 8:43 amHi Bailey- I think we need to switch cities for a few days! After all, we are sister cities 🙂 I hope to visit Austin soon as well, but if you are ever in Boulder feel free to reach out, I would love to meet up!
Steven Moore
October 7, 2014 at 4:25 amHey.
Great post and a lovely site.
I will be back.
Cheers,
Steve.
Marissa Sutera
October 7, 2014 at 7:15 amThanks Steve, glad you stopped by!
Tim
October 6, 2014 at 9:58 amIt was just a few years ago when I was trying to figure out where I wanted to base myself that I decided Boulder would be the place for me. I have a bunch of friends there and agree with everything you said above about the friendliness, the scenery, the trails, the markets etc. Unfortunately it didn’t work out but am still trying to figure out how I can make that town home. Great post and loved to see Pearl Street again.
Marissa Sutera
October 6, 2014 at 10:53 amSad to hear you couldn’t stick around, but at least you had the opportunity to experience Boulder! Thanks for reading Tim!
Sarah Fazendin
October 6, 2014 at 5:36 amYES YES YES! It really doesn’t get any better than this. We live in Denver, transplants from the Midwest, and are never leaving. With a great summer behind us and ski season ahead of us, I’d certainly say its the #bestplacetobetoday!
Marissa Sutera
October 6, 2014 at 7:51 amTotally agree! I cannot wait to hit the slopes this winter! Colorado is certainly a nice change from the midwest 🙂
Tamara Gruber
October 5, 2014 at 8:35 pmMy nephew has a job opportunity in Boulder and I’ve been encouraging him to make the move and give it a try. This is more reason why Boulder would be a cool place to live.
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 8:49 pmKeep up the encouragement! It would be a great place to work (and you get to visit him)! I think some of my family was more excited about me moving just so they could come visit 🙂
Mandie @ RamblingMandie
October 5, 2014 at 6:41 pmSo really, my only question is…when can I come visit? Haha. I LOVE Boulder, actually more than Denver even. I love everything about Colorado except the cost of living. But it’s totally worth it. I have every intention of living there someday. 🙂
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 8:32 pmMandie, you are welcome any time! You are spot on, the cost of living is the worst part, but it’s worth every penny! I feel the same way about Denver.. the first time I visited I was like, okay this is cool, but can we go back to Boulder now? But seriously, if you’re planning any upcoming domestic trips I hope you can make it out to Boulder!
Anda
October 5, 2014 at 4:10 pmI didn’t realize Boulder has such a great wether. I thought Colorado is a four-season state, with harsh winters and hot summers. We are also blessed with perfect weather, here in California. But I envy you for the green scenery that you have there. I’ve been in Aspen and Denver and I know how beautiful the Rocky Mountains are.
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 8:23 pmThe weather sure is a perk! This summer we got more rain than usual, but it’s typically only for a short period of time and then it gets bright and sunny again like nothing ever happened. The scenery is definitely tough to beat, the mountains have so much to offer!
Amy @ Amy and the Great World
October 5, 2014 at 11:10 amAww you’re making me miss Colorado! It’s a great state.
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 1:24 pmIt really is! It will be hard if I ever have to leave here!
Vlad
October 5, 2014 at 3:44 amWell I guess I need to move! Seriously, it all sounds so good, I wish I lived there too! 🙂
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 7:45 amIf you’re looking for a change of scenery, I’d say Bolder is the way to go! Thanks for reading!
Esther
October 5, 2014 at 2:22 amLooks like a really lovely place to visit 🙂
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 7:44 amIt sure is! There is so much to explore and there are so many new activities to try, it’s definitely a destination I would recommend!
Eric @ Poplar Travels
October 5, 2014 at 12:24 amYesss! I am so jealous of you right now. I lived in Boulder for 8 years and is is still my favorite city in the US. I’d recommend hiking, all the Flagstaff Mountain trails and the Mt Sanitas trail. Boulder is truly 25 square miles surrounded by reality. Enjoy and keep up the good posts!
Marissa Sutera
October 5, 2014 at 7:43 amThanks Eric! There are so many hikes (and other activities) to take advantage of in Boulder and I love it! I’ll move these trails to the top of my list 🙂 Thanks for the suggestions!
Anne Klien ( Meanne)
October 4, 2014 at 2:57 amLovely post ….. never been to a beer festival but hopefully in munich next year 🙂
Marissa Sutera
October 4, 2014 at 9:06 amThey’re a lot of fun! And it’s a great way to experiment to try new beers and maybe discover you like something that you never knew about before!
Sammi Wanderlustin'
October 4, 2014 at 1:58 amWell it sure seems like I am living in the wrong place 😉
Marissa Sutera
October 4, 2014 at 9:05 amBoulder is definitely up there on the list! Worth it for at least a visit 🙂