What's in Boulder?

Nov. 8

Once in the city Boulder, a perception that changes is the size and sophistication of the city; for all those who have made the vast and flat drive through plains of Colorado to the Front Range, it takes a moment to fully grasp the abrupt change of landscape from the nearly ungrowable front plaints to the

Rocky's and all those small old mining towns on the approach.  And then there is Boulder – vast, green, mountainous and, most interesting, much more like a fully functioning city than the likes of Vail or Aspen...more like a little Denver.  Designated bike paths criss cross along virtually every back road, and small fine restaurants seem to fill the mountain air at every turn.  I had known about

Mountain Sun, one of the old original brewpubs in Boulder, so biked to pay respects and sample the wheat and Blackberry ale.  One burrito the size of a plate later, and back onto the dense shopping district of Pearl Street, lined to either side with more bars, taverns, bistros than anywhere I have yet seen...all leading upward, along the gradually lifting front range of the Flatirons, to Settlers Park

where the original founders had laid down tents to settle at the prospect of finding gold in the red speckled fins of the half-mountains here.  This is a great city trail system, an easy way to get up trail fast and get on rocks where people are cupping hands and squeezing heels into the crevices for better perches.  It is from here that the vast spread of the city is a gift of scenery.  Back down through the

city in the dark (luckily a light on the bike) and all that cold mountain air turns a bit darker than midwesterners are used to, and Pearl Street is lit up, small children still out on the pedestrian street, likely seeking out the next stable for treats.  Back to the hotel, the Boulder Creek path, despite being dark in places, is still run by students and bikes fly around building to building.  Near the hotel, a brand new restaurant called the Depot, build as a historical presentation of the train culture located at

this spot and one that combines pioneer food with an ultra moder twist.  Non GMO beef covered by a marinated mushroom slice the size of the palm of your hand, slathered in a sesame aioli was profound.  Every local brew from Avery to Upslope, from Odell to Post, off tap.  Royal Arches at Chautauqua next up.