Highway to Hoeftland

Boulder, just twenty-eight miles northwest of Denver, Colorado, started appearing on our radar after we noticed the remarkable amount of accolades the city receives year after year. After we began researching Boulder online we got so excited about what we were learning that we started dreaming of moving there. Could Boulder really be that special, we wondered?

Before getting too far ahead of ourselves and putting the for sale sign up in the front yard, Mike and I decided to first spend a weekend exploring Boulder, to see if all the positive chatter is true, and if we could see ourselves living in this attractive town.

At the end of January, we purchased our plane tickets and headed out, our eyes wide, our hearts eager, and our minds filled with curiosity to investigate the area.

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Why People Like Boulder – A little Background Information

We’re not the only ones that seem to be falling in love with Boulder. The small, but dense city at the edge of the mountains continues to grow every year in popularity and population. As of 2013, the City of Boulder had about 101,808 residents. It’s also unique for its elevation, as it sits higher than most American cities at 5,430 feet.

Weather wise, Boulder receives tons of sunshine throughout the year, but they also experience short bursts of ‘winter wonderland’ days as well. The climate in Boulder varies enough that you’ll never be bored with the seasons.

One of Boulder’s greatest attributes is its beautifully preserved, classically renovated, and charming buildings. Architecture full of character dominates the style of most of the streets because they care for and keep up the old brick buildings that you will see all over downtown.

The high level of educational attainment of its residents is also impressive —due to Boulder being a college town that features the University of Colorado Boulder.

What’s most impressive about the city is the outstanding data on the overall greater well-being and healthiness of people who call this area home. Because of these attributes and more, Boulder definitely materializes as an idyllic place.

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Our Trip to Boulder and Our Decision About the Move

We spent a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday experiencing what Boulder has to offer. We had a joyful and enlightening trip!

However, did we decide to move there, you might be wondering.

Well, we were seriously considering a move there, but after visiting the region, it just didn’t feel like a long-term “home” for us. It might have been because it felt a bit geographically isolated, away from all of our family members and almost all of our friends.

Additionally, it did not help that the places we’d be interested in moving to were extremely expensive, as the housing market is quite steep in Boulder.

Alas, we truly enjoyed our short stay in Boulder and we still feel that the scores of accolades are well deserved; it’s a lovely place. We will definitely be back for a visit (hopefully soon).

Below are the places we enjoyed the most during our trip.

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Where We Stayed

The Bradley Boulder Inn is the ideal place to stay in Boulder because it’s very walkable to downtown and next to the impressive pedestrian Pearl Street Mall. Everything that you want is at your fingertips. According to walkscore.com, the Inn is located in a “walker’s paradise.”

Moreover, the Inn is charming, cozy, clean, and comfortable, with excellent customer service. Our hotel room—number ten—had a Juliette balcony, a gas fireplace that you can conveniently turn on or off with a flip of a switch, and a large and relaxing Jacuzzi tub to soak in each night.

The Bradley Boulder Inn

2040 16th Street, Boulder, CO 80302

http://www.thebradleyboulder.com/

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A Delicious Eatery And a Coffee Shop

Mike and I were ecstatic about the food in Boulder. There are plentiful amounts of excellent restaurants and coffee shops to try; if you’re a foodie, you will not be disappointed. For those looking for high quality, mouth-watering meals, in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, below are a couple of options that we personally loved.

The West End Tavern

926 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

http://www.thewestendtavern.com/

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The Laughing Goat

1709 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

http://thelaughinggoat.com/

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What to Do For Fun in Boulder

Depending on your unique interests, you can find all sorts of varied activities to enjoy while in Boulder.

We spent a lot of our time checking out the many locally operated shops lining the prominent Pearl Street Mall, including a marvelous three-story independently owned bookstore that’s been in business since the 70’s.

In many cities and towns across the United States, charming old stores have given way to modern strip malls and large warehouse looking buildings that lack any character or romanticism. This is not the case in Boulder, and especially not at their beloved Boulder Bookstore. The Boulder Bookstore is worth checking out, and if you get the opportunity, they also hold writers’ workshops and local novelists’ meets and greets at this store.

Boulder Bookstore

1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

http://www.boulderbookstore.net/

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Another Fun Activity in Boulder 

Another great activity to enjoy while in Boulder is the Boulder Creek Path, a paved and easy trail, about 5.5 miles that goes through the town.

Since Boulder is an especially bike friendly town, we rented bikes for $20.00 per day from University Bikes, and rode along a beautiful creek. Our route was a car-free path that took us over quaint bridges, with views of mountains, trees, and wildlife—all while staying near the downtown. There were many diverse people utilizing the path. It appears to be a local favorite. We even saw musicians sitting on a bench, playing the harmonica, creek-side. By riding along the Boulder Creek path, you get lots of exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a unique experience.

Boulder Creek Path

Between Boulder Canyon and Stazio Ball Fields
Boulder, CO

https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/boulder-creek-path

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What We Appreciate About Boulder Overall

We admire Boulder for its charm and character. We also appreciate the community efforts around preserving nature and proactively increasing and maintaining the health of its people. Boulder strives to help bicyclists and walkers in the city feel valued and safe—something that is clearly seen all over town. We are impressed with the large array of high quality, local food in the area. We respect Boulder’s ability to enter the modern age with a focus on quality over quantity, while still maintaining its economic vitality. The community has accomplished so much, and all of it with a nod to the beauty of the architecture of the past.

The citizens of Boulder sure are lucky. So too are the people who get to visit and explore it.

Who knows, maybe someday we’ll move there; never say never!