happy place

People Watching

Uncover the wonder of the great outdoors on hikes or bikes. Then, wander up and down the Pearl Street Mall (and adjacent streets) to find everything from amazing restaurants and specialty shops to fun community events and talented street performers. There’s always a special memory waiting to be made in downtown Boulder. This year, find your happy place in the heart of a one-of-a-kind town! VisitDowntownBoulder.com

Storage Facility Guardian Storage

4900 Broadway, Boulder, 720-606-5967

Silver: Arapahoe Self Storage

Bronze: Life Storage

Your belongings mean everything to you. Sometimes, you simply don’t have enough space at home, so turning to a storage facility is the next best option. But don’t you want your things to be cared for? Enter Guardian Storage. It’s in the name — Guardian’s team of storage professionals make guarding your stuff their number one priority, whether you’re between apartments, leaving for an extended trip, or just don’t have room. Guardian Storage has you covered.

TATTOO/PIERCING PARLOR

RISING TIDE TATTOO EMPORIUM & GALLERY

3193 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-500-5046

Silver: Bolder Ink

Bronze: Tribal Rites

Write-in: Love You Tattoo

A tattoo is a big and often meaningful decision. It stays with you forever, after all. When Phil Bartell founded Rising Tide Tattoo in 2005, he wanted to facilitate that special moment, and in the years since, Rising Tide Tattoo has grown into an inspired staple in Boulder County’s tattoo scene. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted, and the results never disappoint.

Tire Shop Discount Tire

3215 28th St., Boulder, 303-440-6811

Silver: Barnsley Tire Co.

Bronze: Big O Tires

Cars need wheels: fact. Wheels are expensive: fact. Discount Tire wants to eliminate the financial stress of purchasing tires through affordable pricing and a knowledge staff who want to take the hassle out of buying new tires: fact. Our readers know the facts. Go to Discount Tire.

TOBACCO/PIPE SHOP THE FITTER

1121 13th St., Boulder, 303-442-4200

Silver: Smoker Friendly

Bronze: Little Dog Pipe & Tobacco

This year, Boulder’s famous boutique on University Hill celebrates 50 years in business. Need a new pipe or rolling papers? Go to The Fitter Looking for some heady new threads? The Fitter has what you need. It’s a one-stop shop for stu- dents, stoners, locals and out-oftowners. It could be argued that, as far as businesses go, The Fitter is as Boulder as it gets. Owner Bonnie Dahl has kept the doors open through thick and thin for a half-century — here’s to 50 more.

Toy Store

GRANDRABBIT’S TOY SHOPPE

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-443-0780

Silver: Into the Wind Bronze: GameStop

Grandrabbit Toy Shoppe’s website sports the feature phrase, “growing young minds, bodies and hearts since 1977.” Founder Lynne Milot’s mission has remained unchanged since the moment she first stocked her shelves. She and her staff have provided an assortment of playthings that aid a child’s learning and development, while being committed to social change and community involvement. And it’s worked — Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe is a cherished business in the community, with three locations in Boulder, Westminster and Broomfield. Take your child into Grandrabbit’s: There’s magic behind the door.