Is Denver really that great? I gotta say, I’ve been to 30 countries and some were pretty sketchy, but the only place I’ve been attacked in broad daylight is the ‘Mile High City’.
While this is quite unlikely to happen to you, as Denver is generally considered safe, it begs the question of whether the city is all it’s cracked up to be.
Well, turns out I’m not the only one who thinks Denver is a bit overhyped. The folks over at Thrillist are hyping up another mountainous Colorado city nearby.
Going as far to say it’s Colorado’s ‘Best City’, Boulder is ready to welcome anyone and everyone in this lively, free-spirited town roughly half an hour away.
More Than A College Town
First and foremost, Boulder’s claim to fame is the University of Colorado, even more so as Hall of Fame NFL player Deion Sanders has recently taken the helm as Head Coach.
The town is buzzing about its football team, but to be honest, it’s buzzing all the time simply because it’s a fun place to visit.
While, yes, you will see your fair share of college students out and about, it’s not the type of place where you’ll be side-eyed at the bar as if other patrons are telepathically telling you “you’re too old!”.
Boulder is known for its free spirit and welcoming community hence becoming a booming arts hub sparked by the town’s creative minds.
Aside from galleries and museums, downtown is also where you’ll find most of the action, including Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-only promenade similar to Denver’s 16th Street Mall, but smaller of course.
Tip: No need to Uber around town with Boulder’s cheap HOP bus covering the most popular areas for just $3 per ride.
A Thriving Food And Beer Scene
Leave the sugar-coating to Boulder’s tasty bakeries, but there’s no need to hide Boulder’s hippie vibes; they embrace it!
Expect to find a healthy dose of farm-to-table offerings throughout town, from busy farmers markets to top-rated restaurants such as Bramble & Hare.
Boulder has something for every palate, not just the health conscious. Just keep in mind when hunger pangs strike that Boulder is lovely to enjoy outside, which is why many opt for a food truck for a quick bite.
But, where Denver has the fiercest competition is its bustling beer scene, with over a dozen breweries in close reach.
You may be tempted to grab the can where the mountains turn blue, but Boulder’s local brews are the way to go (apologies to Sam Elliott).
There’s just something about mountains and beer that go hand in hand and Boulder is just the place!
Tip: One of the most beloved breweries in town is The Sanitas Brewing Company, located on the outskirts of town with great mountain views and wide selection of craft brewskies.
A Gateway To Astounding Natural Sites
Boulder’s wondrous nature never seems to end, but that’s all the more reason to keep coming back, and that’s exactly what many visitors do.
It’s not just the CU alum coming back to sports games each season; it’s your run-of-the-mill travelers too.
Boulder’s town center is undeniably fun to visit, but outside the small cityscape is where the town shines brightest, sort of like how many prefer to go to Golden to look down on Denver rather than be in the hustle and bustle.
Here, however, there’s no need to escape. Boulder’s seemingly boundless nature is a world on its own, but super easy to access.
Equipped with ample hiking trails, with many favoring Royal Arch Trail, Mount Sanitas, and Flagstaff Loop the most, this region is an outdoor lover’s dream.
The famous Rocky Mountains appear a stone’s throw away, and many tourists love exploring Rocky Mountain National Park to get up close and personal with America’s most iconic mountain range.
While summer has come to a close, mark your calendars for next summer as one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy Boulder’s outdoorsy atmosphere is to float Boulder Creek.
Tip: For less crowds without sacrificing beauty, visit lesser-known Eldorado Canyon State Park nearby over Rocky Mountain National Park.
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