Travel Boulder Summer - Fall 2023

THE SINK

Celebrating 100 Years

ACADEMY

Expanding Its Boulder Footprint

CYCLING IN BOULDER

A World-Class Destination

BEE HUTS

Get the Buzz

OUTDOOR PATIOS

The Best of Boulder County

BOULDER ART ASSOCIATION

Supporting Artists in Boulder

Trunk Show

July 18-19

Sept 30-Oct 1

ALEX SEPKUS

Bottega Veneta

Doffer Boys

Gabriela Artigas

Gabriela Hearst

Isabel Marant

Jaga

Jason Wu

Jil Sander

Jumper 1234

Labo.art

La Fetiche

Laurence Dacade

Lauren Rubinski

Loewe

Loulou Studio R13

Mandkhai

Marie-Hélène de Taillac

Margery Hirschey

Marni Matteau

Mii

Mizana Mother Natalie Martin

Odeeh

Officine Creative

Peter Cohen

Raquel Allegra

Rick Owens

The Elder Statesman

The Row

Talisman Fine Jewelry Tibi

Totême

Bottega Veneta

Sacai

Stand Studio Stella McCartney Stouls

Ulla Johnson

Victoria Beckham

Wren Fine Jewelry

Zero Maria Cornejo

Zeynep Arcay

SPRUCEBOULDERADO.COM

2115 13th St. Boulder, CO

Located Inside Hotel Boulderado 303-442-4880

CORNERBARBOULDERADO.COM

2115 13th St. Boulder, CO

Located Inside Hotel Boulderado 303-442-4880

LICENSE1BOULDERADO.COM

2115 13th St. Boulder, CO

Located Inside Hotel Boulderado 303-442-4560

Opening Summer ‘23

Academy Mapleton Hill Academy University Hill Academy Bella Vista

www.TheAcademyBoulder.com

Mapleton Hill neighborhood.Featuring cuisine from Chef Alberto Sabbadini.

SUMMER/FALL 2023

I love Boulder this time of year—it is so beautiful. Summer and fall can be the most enjoyable seasons of the year. The weather is great, the days are long and the Front Range foothills are green. Travel Boulder is thrilled to bring you our latest summer/fall issue, which offers ideas for experiences, things to do, places to visit and foods to enjoy.

The issue starts off with our bucket list of hidden gems—need I say more? It only gets better with the 100th anniversary of The Sink, serving the best hamburger in town. Meet the maker: We interviewed Gary Berg, founder and owner of Academy, and learned about the offerings and lifestyle at the new Academy Mapleton Hill.

Boulder County is quite unique and this is a great example: Our editor enjoyed a remarkable calming meditation experience with honey bees at Capella Ranch’s “bee huts.”

It’s patio season! Check out the best Boulder County patios. We explored outdoor dining areas that you may like to visit.

The Boulder Arts Association turns 100 years old. This nonprofit organization has helped foster Boulder’s thriving arts scene by supporting visual artists of all kinds, from painters and photographers to sculptors and mixed media artists.

Cycling in the Boulder area is amazing. Our story shares how Boulder became a world-class cycling town and offers suggestions on where to ride. We looked at the ever-popular e-bike movement and, after reading our story, you might discover if one is right for you.

Visit the finest wine stores in Boulder. Stop by on the way home and pick up your favorite bottle of red or white after your daily activities.

We explored what is happening at North American ski areas in the summer. There’s so much to do while being surrounded by beautiful summer vistas.

My son first turned me on to Art Parts. The name says it all: A store with all sorts of recycled art supplies and materials. If you are working on a project or have materials to donate yourself, go visit Art Parts.

For that sweet tooth in everyone, Sweet Scoops is a must-read and a wonderful guide to Boulder’s finest ice cream shops.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Travel Boulder magazine as much as we have enjoyed making it. Twice a year, we get the pleasure to create this beautiful magazine. If you enjoy our publication, visit travelboulder.com for new articles every week.

— John R. Brice

Publisher and Co-Founder of Travel Boulder

PUBLISHER/FOUNDER

JOHN R. BRICE

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/FOUNDER

JILL NAGEL-BRICE

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-COPY MANAGER

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AIMEE HECKEL

SARAH KUTA

JEFF BLUMENFELD

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ALLYSON REEDY

KARYNA BALCH

ART DIRECTOR

DAISY BAUER

ADVERTISING SALES

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DIGITAL TEAM

DEVELOPER

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On the cover: Photo courtesy of Chris F. from Pexels

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IRENE DELKA MCCRAY NOV 17, 2023 - JAN 6, 2024

FUN (and Under the Radar) Things To Do in Colorado

THIS SUMMER

By Brittany Anas

You’ve mastered your summer-in-Boulder bucket list: Visiting the farmers market, watching street performers on Pearl Street, hiking in Chautauqua Park and enjoying happy hour snacks at Corrida (perhaps with a gin and tonic from the roving cart?). All of these Boulder traditions are worthy of a repeat this year. But what other adventures should you embark upon this summer?

Photo courtesy of Longhopes Donkey Shelter

From soaking in a hot spring that will transport you to Iceland to spending the night at a drive-in movie theater and visiting a throwback media museum, here are 10 unique things to do in Colorado this summer.

Sandboard the Great Sand Dunes

The chairlifts have stopped running for the season, but you can still go boarding. Rent a sandboard (or a sand sled) from an outdoor retailer near Great Sand Dunes National Park and shred down the golden slopes of this massive sandbox. Pro tip: Go early, otherwise the sand can scorch your feet. Located near Alamosa, the sand dunes are so out of this world that NASA scientists have tested rovers on the undulating hills. Up the quirk on this trip by taking a slight detour to the UFO Watchtower just north of Hooper (follow the little aliens on Highway 17). One of the best times to go to the Sand Dunes is late May through early June, when the surge flow in Medano Creek creates a beach in our landlocked state. nps.gov/grsa

Spend the Night at a Drive-In Movie Theater

One of Colorado’s most unique overnight stays is at the new Frontier Drive-Inn, a restored mid-century drive-in movie theater that opened last summer in the San Luis Valley. For an epic movie night, book a room at one of the on-site Steelmaster sheds or glamping yurts. The property shows films on a restored movie screen, and the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges in the backdrop provide extra drama. The theater originally opened in May 1955, and it was one of the few places where people could see Spanish-language films in the 1960s and ‘70s. Beyond the Hollywood stars on the screen, you can also spot stars (of the celestial variety) from open-air adobe observatories. frontierdriveinn.com

Soak In an ‘International’ Hot Spring

When describing Colorado’s hot spring scene, superlatives rule. We’re home to the deepest spring (Pagosa Springs) and the largest hot spring pool (Glenwood Hot Springs Resort). Now, add “otherworldly” to our soaking lexicon. Overlooking the Colorado River, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs’ soaking pools vary by size and temperature. The popular “Experience Pool” is a standout because of a rotating formula of minerals that mimic other famous hot springs around the world, like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Kinosaki, Japan. The hot spring plans to open a 21 and up section, with more pools with even more mineral blends from around the world. ironmountainhotsprings.com

Dine Al Fresco on a Boulder County Farm

The hottest Boulder County dinner reservation this summer is … on an idyllic farm. Farow, a restaurant in Niwot that sources 90 percent of ingredients from within a 10-mile radius, will host monthly farm dinners from June to October. The evening starts with a farm tour, then segues into a welcome cocktail and seating at a communal table for a hyperlocal

TOP: Photo courtesy of Frontier Drive Inn; BOTTOM: Twin Lakes; Photo courtesy of Josie Sexton; RIGHT: Dine Al Fresco on Farm; Photo courtesy of Farow

four-course dinner with wine pairings that highlight Boulder County’s bounty. So far, host farms include Buckner Ranch, Speedwell and Modern Farmsteads. farowrestaurant.com

Hunt for Sasquatch

The number of Bigfoot believers is on the rise, with 13 percent of Americans thinking he (or she) is a real creature. Learn all about Bigfoot research and sightings in Colorado at the Sasquatch Outpost in Bailey, which has a museum and retail shop dedicated to the larger-than-life creature. The outpost also hosts events so people can swap stories of Bigfoot encounters. After a visit to this museum southwest of Denver, you’ll never look at tree breaks the same. sasquatchoutpost.com

THINGS TO DO

Sip Cocktails and Shop for Plants

One of the latest trends taking root: Bars that double as plant shops. At The Broken Cage in Denver, you can enjoy summer cocktails like a watermelon basil margarita while shopping for monsteras and pothos plants to take home. The Marigold, located in the heart of Five Points, is Denver’s newest plant-shop-and-bar combo with gin flights and cocktails with clever names, like the bubbly and citrus-forward “Mind Your Elderflowers” drink. thebrokencage.com and marigolddenver.com

See the Crimson Arches in Rattlesnake Canyon

Avoid the crowds at Arches National Park in neighboring Utah and, instead, discover a collection of nearly three dozen natural arches in Rattlesnake Canyon near Grand Junction. The scenic area within Colorado’s Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness has the second-highest concentration of arches in the world. Adrenaline Driven Adventures offers Jeep and RZR tours to the arches, and Grand Junction Adventures has guided day trips that include a 13-mile off-road drive and guided hike. The New York Times put Grand Junction on its list of “52 places to go in 2023,” so we’re not sure how much longer the Grand Valley will fly under the radar. blm.gov/visit/rattlesnakemee-canyons

Visit a Donkey Shelter

Longhopes is a donkey rescue in Bennett that’s been “saving burro buddies” for more than 20 years. In addition to having adoptable donkeys, the shelter offers hour-long

tours a few times a week. The tours take guests through the barns and paddocks, and offers a glimpse of the training obstacle course. You’ll also get a chance to meet, pet and hug the friendly animals, as well as learn their stories. Make sure to book your tour in advance. longhopes.org

Hike to a Ghost Town

Twin Lakes is a small mountain community about 15 minutes outside of Leadville. As the name suggests, the main attractions here are the two glacial lakes, which are the largest in Colorado. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from a local outfitter (or bring your own) and paddle about on the sparkling waters. But this area is also worth exploring on foot: A 4.6-mile out-and-back trail that traces the lake leads to the abandoned Interlaken Historic Resort, a hotel complex that’s frozen in time. Hikers can even wander about in Dexter Cabin, which was once a miner’s vacation home. One of the best views of the lake is from the cabin’s cupola. visittwinlakes.com

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/plan-a-luxurious-historic-escape-at-the-brown-palace/

LEFT: Arches in Rattlesnake Canyon; Photo courtesy of Josie Sexton; TOP: Great Sand Dunes National Park; Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Patrick Myers; BOTTOM: Twin Lakes; Photo courtesy of Josie Sexton

The Sink

– The Sinkstine Chapel (a Sistine Chapel-inspired painting on the ceiling of The Sink)

turns 100

by Aimee

"In the beginning, God created meat and cheese… And on the eighth day, man created the Sink Burger And he saw that it was good."

Heckel

Photo courtesy of Branded Beet

Only here can you eat a pizza named for former President Obama (after he ordered it here) and then have your server hand you a Sharpie, encouraging you to draw on the ceiling.

Or look at colorful caricatures covering the walls, including one of actor Robert Redford, who used to work here as a custodian, while trying the Ugly Crust Pizza you saw on The Travel Channel.

There are so many things that make The Sink a quirky, one-of-a-kind destination in Boulder. But it’s the restaurant’s “sense of place” that co-owner Mark Heinritz thinks is the most important.

You see, The Sink is the oldest restaurant in Boulder. This year, it’s celebrating its big 100th birthday.

“It’s that character in any town that people visit when they want to know what that town’s all about,” Heinritz says. “It’s that sense of place, that sense of origin, especially in a place like Colorado that grows so fast.”

Indeed, a few things have changed since the restaurant first opened in 1923: the official name, the menu. The building was originally a frat house, until it was transformed into a European-style restaurant, Somer’s Sunken Gardens. The nickname—The Sink, after a sunken fountain in the middle of the dining

hall—eventually became official.

After a while, that European fare turned into a deli, but when the restaurant began serving beer, casual burgers and pizza became a better fit. When Heinritz and his brothers took over in 1992, they encouraged more food innovation. That’s what led to the likes of Sink Sauce (house-made hickory BBQ), Ugly Crust Pizza (just what it sounds like: the crust is tasty but it ain’t pretty) and the Buddha Basil Pizza (a pesto-based pizza with tofu and spinach).

But so much more at The Sink has remained true to its roots, even in an ever-evolving city like Boulder.

Although it’s changed ownership many times, the restaurant has always been family-owned.

It still boasts colorful art all over the walls, painted in the late 1950s by beatnik artists Mike Dormier and Llloyd Kavich (“spelled with 3 Ls, just for the ‘L’ of it”). The artwork includes an angel and devil that have become synonymous with the restaurant. They symbolize being sent off to college and being transformed by university life, respectively.

In the 1960s, CU students began signing their names on the ceiling when they graduated and, decades later, you can still see a line of new graduates winding down the street, awaiting their

This restaurant on The Hill is like nowhere else in Boulder — nowhere else on Earth, really.

CENTER: Photos courtesy of The Sink; RIGHT: Photo courtesy of Branded Beet

rite of passage. As you can imagine, it’s also been the site of many fateful romantic meetings.

“We hear constant stories like, ‘I met my wife here 50 years ago,’ or, ‘I have 14 grandkids, and we all meet here for dinner,’” Heinritz says.

One couple met at The Sink in 2007 over a PBR tallboy, were married in 2015 and celebrated their “babymoon” (right before having their first child) with a trip to Boulder to eat at The Sink.

Another couple met when they were both servers at the restaurant. One night, the guy silenced the entire restaurant, hopped on the bar, got down on one knee and asked his girlfriend if he could have another beer. They are still together.

Heinrich considers himself a “curator” of memories more than an owner.

Even if people move away, when they return to Boulder, they know there will always be something they recognize, Heinritz says.

“The emotional attachment is what’s most unique about The Sink,” Heinritz says. “It doesn’t really belong to the Heinritz brothers and Tell Jones. It

TOP LEFT: Photos courtesy of The Sink; RIGHT: Photo courtesy of Branded Beet

1908 l The building, at the corner of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, is built to house the Sigma Nu fraternity.

1923 l The Somer and Simon families buy the building and turn it into a European-style restaurant called Somer’s Sunken Gardens, named after a sunken fountain in the middle of the dining room. It is nicknamed The Sink.

1938 l The LeBaron family buys The Sunken Gardens after Leo Somer dies in a swimming accident in Baseline Reservoir.

1945 l The May family buys the restaurant after the LeBarons move to Idaho.

1949 l The Pudlik family buys the restaurant, officially renames it The Sink and begins selling beer there.

1950

1955 l Robert Redford (yes, the actor) works at the restaurant as a janitor.

1956 l The Pudliks sell the restaurant to Joe Beimford and Floyd Marks. Marks sells his share to Beimford. Then Beimford sells it all back to Marks.

1958 l Marks gives the restaurant to his sister and brother-in-law, who introduce the Sinkburger and Sink Hickory Sauce.

1959 l Beatnik artists Mike Dormier and Llloyd Kavich (“spelled with 3 Ls, just for the ‘L’ of it”) paint the caricatures on the walls, including the angel and devil, symbolizing being sent off to college and being transformed by university life, respectively.

1960s l The Sink is host to live music and shows. University of Colorado students begin the tradition of signing the ceiling when they graduate.

1960

1963 l A kitchen fire leads to a change in the roof’s architecture.

1968 l Chuck Morris starts as general manager and begins booking bigger performers, including the Eagles and Bonnie Raitt.

1974 l The Sink becomes Herbie’s Deli and the art is covered with wood.

The Sink Through the Years

Photo courtesy of Branded Beet

1989 l The Sink returns to its original aesthetic: the boards are removed from the walls, more art is added and The Sink is back, this time with a full bar.

1992 l The Heinritz brothers buy The Sink and introduce Ugly Crust Pizza and the Buddha Basil Pie.

1993 l The Sink begins serving microbrews.

1995 l The Sink gets a major facelift, including adding 18 draft lines. The “Sinkstine Chapel” painting is added.

1998 l Dan Aykroyd visits and spins music on the jukebox. The next morning, Redford pops in.

2000

2006 l The restaurant begins running entirely on wind power and takes other green steps.

2010 l Guy Fieri films an episode of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” at The Sink. Fieri tries the Texas Onion Straw Burger, the Buddha Basil Pie and the Cowboy Reuben (and of course, leaves his mark).

2012 l President Obama visits and orders a Sinkza Pizza, which is renamed the POTUS Pie.

2013 l Chefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripart hold an event at the restaurant and order the Texas Onion Straw Burger, Portabella Burger and Kansas City Barbecue Short Ribs.

2014 l Various celebrities visit the restaurant, including Heisman Trophy-winner Rashaad Salaam; CIA agent Tony Mendez; actors Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.; and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

2015

2016 l Basketball player Deadhead and sportscaster Bill Walton visit.

2018 l The Travel Channel films “Food Paradise” and features the Ugly Crust Pizza.

2022 l The “Man v. Food Tour” stops at The Sink and TV host Casey Webb tries a Sinkburger, Buff Mac and Ugly Crust Pizza.

2023 l The Sink turns 100.

The Sink Through the Years

belongs to everyone in Boulder. We just have the honor of keeping it going.”

For some, it’s a family tradition—where their grandparents ate and then their parents went, says spokeswoman Rachael Caraluzzi.

“It holds some comfort. The energy brought into that space is really genuine, and it becomes the place that people go to,” she says.

The Sink has plenty of claims to fame, too. In addition to President Obama’s visit and Robert Redford’s employment when he was a CU student, The Sink has also fed Food Network’s Guy Fieri; chefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert; Heisman Trophy-winner Rashaad Salaam; CIA agent Tony Mendez; actors Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.; former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; basketball player Deadhead and sportscaster Bill Walton; TV host Casey Webb; and more.

The Birthday Party of the Century

Needless to say, a joint like The Sink knows how to celebrate, and it’s doing it big for its 100th birthday.

It’s gearing up to release a documentary on its history this year at the Boulder Theater. If you miss the showing, you will be able to view the movie at the Museum of Boulder in the fall, as part of the museum’s exhibit on the history of The Sink.

The restaurant is also planning a big Labor Day block party.

The last Friday of every month, at least through the fall, will also be a Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) from 3-5 p.m. featuring different happy hour specials and prizes. This is a nod back to The Sink’s FAC tradition in the 1970s.

Try the special 1923 American pale ale that Avery Brewing made just for The Sink’s birthday—only available at the restaurant or the brewery. Note: If you do have a few pints and need to make a pitstop in the restroom, beware of the fake restroom door painted on the wall that looks a lot like the real door, especially if you’ve had some ale and the lights are dim.

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/new-boulder-county-restaurants-to-check-out/

Photo courtesy of Branded Beet

Get the Buzz

on the New Bee Huts at Lafayette’s Capella Ranch

By Sarah Kuta

Roughly 100,000 bees were gently buzzing a few inches beneath me as I reclined atop a wooden bench inside a “bee hut” in rural Boulder County. I inhaled deeply and relaxed as I smelled the slightly sweet scent of honey mixed with the woodsy aroma of cedar.

For the next 30 or so minutes, it was just me and the bees, safely separated by a metal screen and the hut’s sturdy cedar planks. While I was meditating, the bees were busy flapping their wings to help dry out the newly made honey they’d deposited into the four hives below. When my session ended, I felt calm and rejuvenated.

the north side, there’s a human-sized door for people to enter, take off their shoes and recline on an elevated, built-in bench among comfy pillows. On the south side, there are two horizontal slits about a foot off the ground that allow thousands of bees to enter and exit as they please. Their four hives are tucked directly below the built-in bench, meaning that whoever is resting inside can hear—and, very often, feel—the vibrations of these bustling yellowand-black pollinators.

“It’s a nice guided meditation with nobody there—the bees are there, but you don’t have to have another human,” says Carolyn Peterson.

Why bee huts? The story begins roughly six years ago, when the Petersons first moved to the fiveacre ranch and decided to take up beekeeping. They briefly dabbled in the honey business, but quickly realized how much time and energy that required.

while tending to their hives.

"That evaporation is the vapor you’re breathing in, and there’s a noticeable particle count difference from outside to inside the hut,” says Carolyn Peterson.

That idea really resonated with the Petersons, who decided to dive right in and build two huts. They opened them up for booking for the first time late last summer and, so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Some people go in totally stressed out, wait five to 10 minutes and then they’re sound asleep—one guy came

The bee huts are the brainchild of Carolyn and Charlie Peterson, who own Capella Ranch on the outskirts of Lafayette. Since August 2022, they’ve welcomed visitors to their property for the chance to commune with their bees inside their two, custom-made cedar huts.

The huts are cleverly designed: On

After doing a little research and chatting with fellow bee aficionados, they learned about apitherapy, or the practice of using bees and their honey in an array of health and wellness practices. A subset of apitherapy involves simply breathing in the tiny, aerosolized particles of honey that float through the air as the bees dehydrate their honey from a roughly 70 percent water content down to 20 percent; beekeepers experience this all the time

out saying it was the best two-hour nap he’d ever had and he was only in there for 25 minutes,” says Carolyn Peterson. “Another person said it was like a psychedelic trip, that there was all this energy spiraling around her. Somebody said it was like doing an hour of hot yoga. It’s across the board.”

Try It Yourself

Make a 30-minute or 60-minute reservation online by visiting capellaranch.com/reserve-bee-hut. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April through September, so long as the weather is warm enough for the bees; no walkins allowed. The ranch also has honey available for purchase.

Read More Online: travelboulder.com//where-to-eat-play-and-stay-in-niwot/

Photos courtesy of Simply Cassandra/Capella Ranch

Academy Expands to Mapleton Hill

By Aimee Heckel

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Boulder to live, stretched across 16 acres of land at the base of the Foothills right between the historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood and the Mount Sanitas hiking trails. Thousands of acres of open space right out the back door.

Not to mention a 75-foot-long pool with four swimming lanes. A warm-water therapy pool. A private movie theater, grand ballroom, private hair salon, 3,000-square-foot gym, sprawling porches and multiple on-site, high-quality dining rooms with private chefs. Boulder’s got more than its fair share of luxurious homes, but this one’s hard to top.

This one also happens to be a retirement community.

It’s the newest location for Academy, an elevated retirement establishment that has been a part of Boulder for decades. It’s celebrating its 25th birthday this summer.

Academy at Mapleton Hill has been nine years in the making, and it’s finally scheduled for completion this summer.

“We’re taking what we learned over 25 years and one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado, and we’re

merging those two together,” says Gary Berg, founder and owner of Academy Boulder.

Berg was part of the original group that founded Academy. In the 1990s, he was practicing law in Boulder, and one of his clients was worried about moving away from his aging parents. The client told Berg he would feel much better if he could move them into an amazing retirement community where they’d be excited to live.

A keystone of that: restaurant-worthy food that not only would please the residents, but would also be tasty enough to encourage friends and family to visit frequently. Food that would turn the retirement community into a culinary destination.

“Food is where our community is based. People love to gather around food, and even more so if the food is really good,” Berg says.

That sparked the idea for what would become Academy about a decade later.

Berg enlisted the expertise of Boulder restaurateur Joe Romano (you might recognize his name from Brasserie TenTen, The Med and Via Perla) to oversee the food, instead of hiring an outside caterer or food prep company.

Photos courtesy of Academy

MAKERS SERIES ACADEMY

Academy University Hill

The first location (Academy University Hill) opened in a historic building near Chautauqua Park, in what used to be a private girls’ school. The school, built in 1892, was one of the first buildings in that part of Boulder, built six years before the Chautauqua. Although it was a school, it feels homey, with 53 independent and assisted residences on more than

three acres. The 125-year-old building is very close to Chautauqua Park (and the Colorado Music Festival and all those hiking trails). Academy University Hill also has its own historic chapel hall—a 3,500-squarefoot building glowing with stained glass. A relationship with the University of Colorado College of Music means residents get to attend about 160 musical events at their very own hall every year.

“Especially as they age and have mobility issues, they appreciate a great concert without having to step outside, and music is very beneficial to people as they age,” Berg says.

In addition, Academy University Hill has an outdoor dining space with a fish-filled stream, historic arches and mature landscaping.

“So many retirement communities end up on the outskirts of town, as opposed to in the middle of everything,” Berg says. “But this building and city block were among the first things in Boulder to be developed, and everything was built around it. It’s truly the heart and center of Boulder.”

Academy Bella Vista

Eighteen years ago, Academy opened a second, specialty location just a block off 28th Street and Colorado Avenue. This spot is small, with just 10 suites, and it’s surrounded by a secure fence. The reason: Academy Bella Vista is what’s known as a memory-care home, for people with memory or cognitive challenges who are at risk of fleeing and could be in danger if they exited the property.

Berg’s own mother-in-law inspired this property, after she left Academy in the middle of the night.

“We knew she wasn’t safe anymore, and we needed something smaller and home-like. We created this to fill that need,” he says.

Because some people with dementia need to walk a lot, Bella Vista has walking paths and gardens on its ¾-acre plot. Yet these paths are all safe and secure, with

no risk of a resident getting out and getting lost.

Bella Vista feels like home because it is one: It’s a large ranch.

“That helps people feel more content and at peace,” Berg says.

Academy Mapleton Hill

The newest location used to be a hospital site (the Boulder Sanitarium, the Boulder Memorial Hospital and then the Boulder Community Hospital). But a massive renovation has transformed the former hospital into a home.

Beyond the amenities and the prime location, what makes Mapleton Hill stand out is its variety of residential options. It houses 91 independent residents, but with 45 different floor plans ranging from 1,200 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet.

“People are excited to move in, as opposed to regretting the need to move in,” Berg says.

Mapleton Hill also has assisted living, secure memory care suites and, for the first time, skilled nursing, the highest level of care, with nurses available 24/7. This allows people to stay at Mapleton as they age and as their needs change, and it also allows couples, friends and family members to all live together on the same 16 acres, even if they need different levels of care.

Indeed, more than the pool, hiking trails and movie theater, Berg says the most important feature of all the locations is the people living and working there.

“We have an amazing group of people who have lived extraordinary lives. That’s why I do what I do,” he says. “It’s a unique opportunity to rub elbows with people who have led amazing lives.”

Like one attorney. Berg says when they first tried to open Academy, the neighborhood filed a lawsuit to stop the development. The case went all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court, and the attorney who essentially saved Academy is now getting ready to move into the Mapleton Hill residences with her husband.

“There would be no Mapleton Hill if it weren’t for her helping us secure the original location in the courts,” Berg says. “So many people moving in were great contributors to the city.

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/boulders-best-hotel-lobbies/

It’s finally patio season, that magical time of year when every meal should be taken al fresco and every drink should be sipped under the sun. Luckily, Boulder County has loads of spots in which to soak up the glorious summer weather Colorado is known for. Here, some of the best patios and rooftops for all that outdoor eating and drinking.

Boulder County

Best patios

By Allyson Reedy

Photo courtesy of Avanti

Rayback Collective

With its twinkling fairy lights, near-constant entertainment and stellar food truck line-up, the Rayback Collective is an enchanting place. Whether you go for the music, the food truck park, the beer, the live trivia or just to meet up with friends, it’s the community’s backyard gathering spot. Go forth and gather. 2775 Valmont Rd., Boulder therayback.com

Avanti Boulder

Overlooking Pearl Street, this food hall is one of our favorite spots for eating and drinking outside. The wraparound rooftop patio has so many nooks and crannies to relax in, not to mention a plethora of great food options. (New York pizza! Taiwanese buns! Costa Rican chicken!) The 20 draft beers, affordable wine list and tasty cocktails and mocktails make relaxing on the patio even more enjoyable. 1401 Pearl St., Boulder; boulder.avantifandb.com

Corrida

If your al fresco wish list includes a. incredible views of the Flatirons, b. top-notch dining and c. a roving gin-tonic cart, then boy do we have the spot for you! Corrida serves upscale Spanish cuisine out of a jaw-dropping setting atop the Pearl West building in downtown Boulder. Whether you opt for a seat inside twhe glassed-in fourth-floor dining room or go full-on open-air on the expansive patio, there’s not a bad seat to be had. 1023 Walnut St., Boulder; corridaboulder.com

Southern Sun Pub & Brewery

Like the beloved Mountain Sun only bigger, this south Boulder taproom boasts a 10-barrel brewery, books and board games aplenty and a substantial patio upon which to enjoy said beer and board games. Order a burger and a Colorado Kind Ale for the quintessential Sun experience. Also check out the spacious patio of sister restaurant Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse in

downtown Longmont. 627 S. Broadway, Boulder; mountainsunpub.com/location/southern-sunpub-brewery/

Acreage by Stem Ciders

This isn’t just the best patio in Lafayette, this might be the best patio in all of Boulder County. The crew at Acreage by Stem Ciders picked its 12-acre location atop a Lafayette hilltop for the panoramic mountain views and, well, they picked mighty finely. Their wraparound deck is the place to be at sunset, and the solid menu, plus all the cider flights, just add to its appeal. Bonus: it’s open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday. 1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette; acreageco.com

Centro

For prime Pearl Street people-watching, head to Centro’s classic patio, where even the dreariest of days feel like a trip to the Yucatan. The Colorado-inspired Mexican restaurant has

LEFT: Photo courtesy of Rayback Collective; RIGHT: Photo courtesy of Corrida

been quenching Boulderites’ thirst for fresh-squeezed margaritas and palomas for more than 15 years, so yeah, it can be trusted to deliciously wet your whistle. 950 Pearl St., Boulder; centromexican.com

Farow

Sometimes you just need to eat a great meal on a great patio. Husband and wife chef/owners Patrick and Lisa Balcom aim for 90 percent of their ingredients to come from within 10 miles of their Niwot restaurant, which means that pretty much any of the small plates you pick are going to be hyperlocal. And you know the saying: parsnip latkes just taste better when eaten on a sunny patio with friends and family. (Or at least we think that should be a saying.) 7916 Niwot Rd., Niwot; farowrestaurant.com

The Roost

When The Roost opens its rooftop patio each season, it’s pretty much Longmont’s unofficial start to summer. And for good reason: both the mountain views and the menu offerings are hard to beat. Coconut daiquiris and margaritas go down easy, as do snacks like blistered shishito peppers, banging’ cauliflower, Thai pork tostadas and polenta bites.

526 Main St., Longmont; theroostlongmont.com

The Waterloo

Heading atop the Waterloo is basically a Louisville rite of passage. Since 2007, the Waterloo has been a Main Street mainstay. (Although it did move two doors down in the summer of 2018.) Its second-story patio is the place to order fiery bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers and towering plates of nachos and, of course, to wash it all down with a gin-spiked cucumber lemonade. 817 Main St., Louisville; waterloolouisville.com

Chautauqua Dining Hall

For charm, it’s hard to beat the Chautauqua Dining Hall. The 1898 Victorian house is nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, with a downright delightful wraparound porch that makes an ideal setting for sipping away an afternoon with a Sunshine Canyon cosmo or bluebell spritz. Or go early for brunch and feast on churro sopapillas and lamb benedict while gazing upon more natural beauty than you can shake a stick at. 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder; chautauqua.com

Supporting Artists in Boulder

By Karyna Balch

Boulder Art Association

Inspired by the surrounding wilderness and natural beauty, artists have long flocked to Boulder. And, for at least the last century, they’ve had the Boulder Art Association (BAA) with them every step of the way.

This nonprofit organization has helped foster Boulder’s thriving arts scene by supporting visual artists of all kinds, from painters and photographers to sculptors and mixed media artists. Through member shows, critique groups, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, meetings and other events, its 120 active members not only have an opportunity to grow their artistic prowess, but also to learn the business and marketing skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

“Our mission is to help uplift local artists, whether they’re beginning, emerging or professional artists,” says Amber Winston-Squires, the association’s marketing chair. “We’re here to help support them and showcase their voice through their creative outlet.”

The association traces its roots back to 1923, when art patron Jean Sherwood and University of Colorado Boulder arts and sciences dean F.B.R. Hellems identified a gap in the local arts scene—particularly for CU students, some of whom had never seen an original

painting. Together, Sherwood and Hellems decided to start the Boulder Art Guild, which they officially registered as an arts organization in 1925.

In the first 10 or so years, the group flourished and grew to include some 200 members. The Boulder Art Guild brought traveling fine art exhibits to a gallery space at the CU library and offered community classes. After Sherwood’s death in the late 1930s, the guild disbanded and, for 20 years, no formal arts organization existed in Boulder. However, artists around the city continued to meet informally in private homes. In 1958, the group reorganized and became the Boulder Art Association (BAA), as it is known today, and has been operating ever since.

One of the ways BAA supports the artist community

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Kipke

mediums. But another benefit of membership is simply having a social outlet for getting together with like-minded creatives, says Jeanne Kipke, who is in her fifth year as BAA’s president.

During Saturday art critiques, for example, artists can interact with each other and share tips about techniques, materials and more. The word “critique” may be a bit harsh for what actually goes on at these gatherings, which Kipke says are “really positive and really gentle.”

With all of its offerings, the organization tries to give its members the tools, support and knowledge they need to be successful, while at the same time enhancing Boulder’s overall art culture and identity.

Before joining BAA, Winston-Squires, a photographer specializing in film, didn’t think it was possible for her work to be shown in galleries. But that’s an opportunity she’s had since joining the organization. “It’s really given me a lot more confidence as an emerging artist,” she says. “I have a community I can rely on for questions and support. Everybody’s been incredibly welcoming.”

“I had the same experience,” says Kipke, a painter and digital artist. “I never thought my work would be in a gallery. And now I’ve sold several pieces.”

For Kipke, becoming a BAA member has affected her life beyond artistic opportunities. Though she used to be shy and reticent about showing her art, the group helped her find her voice. “Now, as president, people ask me questions and I feel more comfortable,” she says. “I’m not just talking about myself or trying to force some small talk. I have something to talk about and I really enjoy it.”

1923: Art patron Jean Sherwood and F.B.R. Hellems, the CU Boulder dean of arts and sciences, form the Boulder Art Guild with the goal of elevating CU students’ exposure to fine art.

1923-1933: BAG grows to 200 members and brings traveling fine art exhibits to a gallery space in the CU library. They also displayed the work of high school and college students and local artists from the guild, held Sunday afternoon talks and offered community classes such as businessmen’s sketch class and studio art for women, as well as a children’s summer art institute.

Boulder Art Association

Through the Years

1925: Boulder Art Guild (BAG) is officially registered as an art organization.

1933: The CU library needs the gallery space for its own operations, and BAG becomes a transient organization.

1937: BAG rents space on Arapahoe and launches the Sherwood Gallery.

1939: The Boulder Art Guild disbands and closes Sherwood Gallery after the death of founder Jean Sherwood.

1939-1958: No formal arts organization exists in Boulder for nearly 20 years. The remaining BAG artists continue to meet in local homes as the “Creative Interest Group.” The group used CU’s fine arts facilities and grew in size during the post-war years.

1961: BAA begins its annual tradition of hosting regional art shows.

1963: Along with local art groups, BAA founds the Boulder Art Center (now the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art).

1937-1939: BAG hosts 5,000 visitors a year in its Sherwood Gallery space, displaying art, holding two all-county juried art shows and offering workshops and photography classes. BAG also makes space at the gallery for the Boulder Historical Society.

1958: The group reorganizes as the Boulder Art Association and holds the Beaux Arts Ball at th Boulder Country Club to reintroduce themselves to the community. The group no longer hosts traveling art shows, as the Denver Art Museum, founded in 1949, fulfills the need for displaying fine art. BAA continues community outreach, county art shows and providing space for artists to gather.

1992: BAA members help to establish The Flatirons Center for the Arts, which is now The Dairy Center for the Arts.

Photo courtesy of Rob Lantz/R Gallery + Wine Bar

The organization’s board members are volunteers who put in many hours to keep BAA’s mission alive. “It’s really a team effort,” says Winston-Squires. “As volunteers, we are all really putting a lot of time and effort into helping to build this community, helping to provide resources and events for our community to thrive.”

While BAA’s leaders love partnering with venues like R Gallery + Wine Bar and Cafe Aion, they’d eventually like to have their own facility to hold classes and workshops, as well as their own wall space for displaying member artwork.

“It would be amazing to have a space to foster the next generation of artists, as well as having more walls to feature our current artists, too,” says Winston-Squires. “It’s a dream that’s been brewing for 100 years, to have our own space.”

In the meantime, Boulder Arts Association will continue supporting its community of artists however it can. The group also plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary as an official arts organization in 2025 by releasing a commemorative deck of cards designed by members. The fact that Boulder artists have been gathering and supporting each other for such a long

time is certainly worth celebrating.

“The artist community in Boulder, for 100 years or so, really [has] been valuing art and making that a huge priority,” Winston-Squires says. “It’s absolutely a joy to be a part of.”

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/boulders-incredible-art-galleries/

Photo courtesy of Amber Winston-Squires

BCYCLE

By Jeff Blumenfeld

Pedal Around Boulder on an Electric Bicycle

Could there be a more perfect way to visit Boulder’s top attractions than on a shared e-bike, one of the approximately 300 available 24/7 at Boulder BCycle stations spread throughout the city?

Traveling around town on these bikes—which the industry calls “micro-mobility devices”—is like taking an outdoor spin class. Yet, when faced with inclines—this being a bike-friendly city in the famed Rocky Mountain Foothills, after all—the bikes help your superpowers kick in.

The sturdy, class 1, step-through Trek bikes are pedal-assisted three-speeders perfect for flatlanders visiting Boulder on vacation and unaccustomed to hills or the heart-pounding 5,600-foot elevation. For locals, they’re also ideal for making short trips around town in an eco-friendly way.

“Electric bicycles keep people moving with efficiency and ease, no matter their age or physical abilities, while also displacing trips by car,” says Jenn Dice, CEO of PeopleForBikes, the national biking advocacy nonprofit based in Boulder. “An all-in approach to reducing carbon emissions must recognize the power electric bicycles have to take cars off the road while keeping people moving, active and connected to their communities.”

When you pedal, the electric motor engages to assist with a boost of power. The harder you pedal, the more the motor helps out. Want to feel the burn? You can turn off the power and just pedal. Still, even with the pedal-assist activated, you can get in a workout.

So what if you’re being passed by someone in a bright Lycra Spandex outfit on a $12,000 S-Works Roubaix performance road bike—what’s the rush? You’re on an indestructible 55-pound electric bike with puncture-resistant city tires, a basket, smartphone holder, front and back lights, wheel reflectors, Bosch eBike Systems drivetrain,

computer and battery, integrated warning bell, fenders and chain guards to protect clothing, a lock and a wide cushioned seat—in fact, everything but a set of playing cards for the spokes.

Visitors can power their way around town at a maximum assisted speed of 15 miles per hour. The robust bike-share system covers Iris Avenue to Baseline and Broadway to 55th Street—including sightseeing destinations like Pearl Street, Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, The Museum of Boulder and the University of Colorado Boulder. Fifty-five convenient docking stations mean you can safely lock your borrowed bike, enjoy the sights, then pick up a new BCycle for the next stop. No need to lug around a heavy Kryptonite U-Lock from home.

To learn more about Boulder BCycle, I first visited its headquarters and maintenance facility in a nondescript strip mall near Boulder Junction. A tour inside was like visiting Willy Wonka’s factory—without the chocolate. There were bikes everywhere. Wheels hanging from the ceiling. New Trek bikes yet to be unpacked. Older manual bikes about to be donated. Fleet technicians were repairing e-bikes before sending them out again, and test-driving recently repaired bikes within the 6,000-square-foot space.

There, I met Kevin Crouse, Boulder BCycle’s general manager. Born and raised in Colorado, Crouse first learned about bike-sharing while visiting Europe and was immediately intrigued. As BCycle was gearing up to launch its Boulder bike-share network in 2011, Crouse began volunteering with the organization and, over the years, rose through the ranks.

“I’m proud of what Boulder BCycle accomplishes on a daily basis,” Crouse tells me. “We’re a small, dedicated team operating one of the busiest and longest-running bike share systems in the country.”

Photos courtesy of BCycle

Today, 13 full- and part-time employees maintain Boulder BCycle’s fleet of e-bikes and batteries 24 hours a day. The batteries of docked bikes are swapped out on a rotating basis in the early morning by a field technician often riding an electric cargo bike, which is a nice sustainable touch when you think about it.

And Boulder isn’t the only city with a bike-share fleet. BCycle currently operates eight bike-share systems in the U.S., while also supplying electric bikes and equipment to 28 additional systems across the country. Last year alone, pedalers took more than 1.5 million rides on BCycle e-bikes nationwide.

“Our mission is to make bikes the most convenient, fun and safe mode for trips within Boulder,” says Crouse. “We’re part of Trek, a company changing the world by getting more people on bikes.”

How It Works

BCycle is not just an automated bike rental program. The Boulder BCycle system is designed for short, get-aroundtown trips of an hour or less. If you want a bike for the day, Crouse suggests renting from retailers such as University Bicycles at 839 Pearl St. instead.

To get started, download the BCycle app and enter a credit card. A single-ride pass is $5 for one 30-minute ride over

For more information: Boulder BCycle: boulder.bcycle.com

For a downloadable bicycle and pedestrian map of Boulder: bouldercolorado.gov/services/bike

Learn more about how bikes can reduce reliance on cars: PeopleforBikes.org

a 24-hour period, then $5 for each additional 30 minutes. Staying longer? Consider a $30 monthly pass for an unlimited number of 60-minute trips. In fact, use the bike all day long for the month, so long as it shakes hands with a docking station at least every 60 minutes.

The app includes a map of docking stations and the availability of BCycles at each one. When you arrive at a docking station, unlock the bike, adjust the seat, don a helmet (not included but recommended) and start exploring.

It’s more economical than Uber or Lyft and opens up miles of multi-use paths unavailable to cars (plus, you can also ride on bike lanes in the street). It’s also a great way to test-drive an e-bike before buying one for yourself.

Why Biking Is A Great Way to Get Around Boulder

Boulder is consistently rated as one of the best places to bike in the country. That’s thanks largely to its active culture, more than 300 days of sunshine and more than 300 miles of bikeways, including 96 miles of bike lanes, 84 miles of multi-use paths, 50 miles of designated bike routes and a growing network of Neighborhood Green Streets that prioritize bicycle and pedestrian travel.

What’s more, some 80 bike and pedestrian underpasses make it possible for almost completely uninterrupted travel, no matter where you’re headed.

On a recent spin from the North Boulder Recreation Center to the farmers market on 13th Street, riding a BCycle was like scoring a backstage pass to the Boulder lifestyle. Most of the trip was on bike paths, away from highly caffeinated drivers scrolling TikTok.

Starting from the rec center’s packed pickleball courts, I zoomed past community gardens, the seven-figure homes on Alpine Drive with world-class views of the Flatirons— the city’s version of beachfront property—then to the market, where I treated myself to a $6 giant pretzel. Of course, that negates any caloric benefit of pedaling there, but who’s counting?

You can buy that $12,000 bicycle if you want, but the e-bike industry claims more people are getting out to enjoy more trips thanks to the ease and outright two-wheeled fun of zapping around on e-bikes.

It can be twice as fun when you combine that with a visit to Boulder’s top attractions.

Jeff Blumenfeld, a resident of Boulder, is the author of “Travel With Purpose: A Field Guide to Voluntourism” (Rowman & Littlefield). www.TravelwithPurposeBook.com

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”

– Jack Kerouac, On the Road

How Boulder Became a World-Class Cycling Town and Where to Ride

ON THE ROAD

By Daisy Bauer

Boulder’s bike-friendly reputation, as well as its history of hosting world-renowned professional cycling events, has helped give rise to the town’s status as one of the premier cycling destinations in the country. Training in Boulder has also helped cyclists compete at the highest levels around the globe. Competitive racing aside, the climate, terrain and community also help make Boulder an amazing place to enjoy cycling year-round. Curious about the backstory behind Boulder’s cycling prowess? Read on to learn more — and get inspiration for some rides you can try yourself.

Boulder Bikeways

Boulder’s track record of supporting cycling — and outdoor recreation more broadly — dates back to at least the 1950s. Al Bartlett, a late physics professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, worked to form the People’s League for Action Now, or PLAN, in 1959. The organization was instrumental in the creation of Boulder‘s Open Space program and the establishment of the City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Karen Paget picked up where Bartlett left off when she was elected to city council in 1971.

The Boulder Transportation Department released “The Boulder Bikeways Plan” in 1977, which outlined a network of 77 miles of cycling routes. Today, Boulder boasts more than 300 miles of bike paths, bike lanes, and bike routes.

The Red Zinger and the Coors Classic

High-profile bike races also helped put Boulder’s cycling scene on the map. Launched in 1975, The Red Zinger Bicycle Classic was aptly named after Celestial

Seasonings’ most popular tea flavor, Red Zinger. The race’s initial purpose was to promote alternative transportation in Boulder County, particularly bike lanes and paths.

In 1979, Coors Brewing Company became the race’s new sponsor. Renamed the Coors International Bicycle Classic, the race offered the largest prize money to date in the U.S., attracting not only the best American bike racers, but also European cycling stars.

The race’s international reach and reputation kicked off a chain reaction in Boulder. Both cycling-related businesses and professional athletes from all over the world began moving to Boulder to live and train.

Climate, Terrain and Community

The Coors Classic may have been the impetus for Boulder’s cycling boom, but other factors kept cyclists coming — and, perhaps more importantly, staying — to ride and train. They flocked to Boulder for its high altitude, relatively mild year-round weather and varied terrain.

Climate: Boulder boasts 300 sunny days a year. Perhaps not just an urban myth if you count the days the sun peaks out from behind a cloud for even just a few minutes. The dry climate helps ease the summer heat and, when it does snow in the winter, it melts within a few days.

Terrain: The mountain climbs west of Boulder are comparable to what you might see in the mountain stages of high-profile European races like the Tour de France or Giro D’Italia. Two-lane roads wind snake-like through the Foothills as they gain elevation, each offering varying scenery and difficulty. Boulder offers challenging terrain and views of the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west;

Photos courtesy of Full Cycle

it’s also home to mellower terrain, with many miles of fun, mostly flat options to the east.

Community: There’s a joke around town that living in Boulder is like being in an Olympic village: You never know who could be riding with you on a road ride, passing you on a mountain bike trail or standing behind you in line for coffee. It helps to stay motivated when there are so many champions in the Boulder bubble.

Iconic Boulder Rides

Whether you’re an entry-level cyclist or a pro, there’s a ride — or, more likely, several — for you in Boulder. Pro tip: If you are a beginner or just not used to the altitude yet, start out on the flats and work on your cardio fitness before hitting the climbs. When you’re ready to start pedaling up into the mountains, remember that no matter your fitness level, the climbs are going to hurt.

Many of these rides can be cut short or made longer. Check them out on your favorite cycling app, like Strava, to get some ideas. The more you’re out there on your bike, the more familiar you’ll become with the various paths and bike lanes around town.

Flats

East Boulder Bike Path: Boulder’s bike paths wind all over town and are not only a great way to get around but also offer opportunities for exercise and great views of the mountains to the West. Valmont Road east of 30th Street will take you past Valmont Bike Park to 55th Street, then south past Baseline Road to the East Boulder Rec Center. Go back up north along South Boulder Creek just east of Cherryvale to the Stazio Ballfields before heading back west.

Neva to Niwot: This ride is a classic for athletes in the post-race off-season. Long and slow is the name of the game on this one. The scenery will consist of grazing animals, scenic ponds and family farms. Take U.S. 36 to Neva Road, then go east. Neva will turn into Niwot Road. When you pass 63rd Street and Highway 119, you’ll enter the town of Niwot, then take a right at 79th Street. At Lookout Road, take a right and head back west along Highway 119, south on Spine and then west on Jay Road back into town. Another alternative route to lengthen the ride is going east on Nelson instead of Neva off U.S. 36. Hygiene: Pedal north on U.S. 36, then head east on Hygiene Road until you reach the tiny town of Hygiene. While there, stop at Mary’s Market & Deli for fresh sandwiches or gluten-free pastries. Head south on 75th Street, then head west on Niwot Road until it intersects with U.S. 36.

Climbs

Flagstaff Mountain Road: This well-known climb is relatively short with lots of hairpin turns. If you’re going fast, it should take about 30 minutes. The views are breathtaking, so make sure to pay attention to the road, especially on the downhill. Begin at the base of historic Chautauqua Park, then ride over a stone bridge and past Flagstaff House restaurant to the Sunrise Amphitheater. The “Super Flag” version of this ride continues on to a set of mailboxes at around 8,000 feet above sea level. It’s only a few extra miles, but most of it is steep, at about a 10 percent gradient.

If you want to time yourself, the record is 22:10, set by Tom Danielson, starting from the stone bridge to the mailboxes near Bison Drive.

“I was surprised, as always, by how easy the act of leaving was, and how good it felt. The world was suddenly rich with possibilities.”

– Jack Kerouac, On the Road

“– it's the too-huge world vaulting us, and it's goodbye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

– Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Fun fact: The first few miles, starting at Chautauqua Park and finishing at Flagstaff House, were once the prologue for the Coors Classic.

Left Hand Canyon to Jamestown or Ward: A long, moderate, sustained mountain climb, Left Hand Canyon winds along Left Hand Creek through Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests. Most of the ride is a moderate grade but the last bit before Ward is steep. Be sure to stop at the general store, Utica Street Market, in this charming small town before descending back down. Pedal north on U.S. 36, then head west on Lefthand Canyon Drive. At the fork in the road, veer right onto James Canyon Drive to reach Jamestown, or go left to stay on Lefthand Canyon Drive for a longer jaunt up to Ward.

Sunshine Canyon to Gold Hill: This climb begins at the end of Mapleton Street and starts climbing immediately. Continue past the short-but-steep dirt section to Gold Hill, then loop south back into Boulder via Fourmile Canyon Drive. If you want to bail out early, take a left on Poorman Road (some dirt involved) and head back down to town via Fourmile Canyon.

Boulder Group Rides

A good way to get to know insider rides and loops around town, as well as make new cycling buddies, is to check out one of the many group rides scheduled every week in Boulder. Be sure to visit each group’s website regularly, as routes and times might change.

Boulder Cycling Club: Boulder’s largest recreational cycling club hosts four rides each week, which all include a social gathering afterward. The club also organizes two trips a year to destinations like Crested Butte and

Moab, plus outings to nearby classic rides like Lookout Mountain/Lariat Loop, Trail Ridge, Peak to Peak and Old Fall River Road, to name a few. For more details and info: bouldercyclingclub.org

Full Cycle Bikes & Colorado Multisport: Boulder’s oldest bike shop, Full Cycle, has a slew of group rides for all levels and abilities. The women-only gravel ride on Wednesday nights is one of the most popular and finishes with happy hour pricing and trivia at Full Cycle’s Tune Up Tavern. The store also partners with the Boulder Cycling Club to offer a unisex gravel or road ride on Thursday evenings; it concludes with happy hour and live music at the tavern. Other options at Full Cycle are Flagstaff Fridays, Saturday Road Rides and Sunday Gravel Rides. For more details and info: fullcyclebikes.com

Rapha Boulder Clubhouse: Rapha is part coffee house, part clothing shop, part cycling club and part cycling race viewing spot. It typically hosts five rides per week: Two during the week and three on the weekends. All rides start at Rapha Boulder Clubhouse café on east Pearl Street and typically go out to a bakery before returning home. For more details and info: content.rapha.cc/us/ en/clubhouses/boulder?

There are many reasons why world-class cyclists live and train here in Boulder. Odds are, if your favorite professional rider has been to Boulder, they’ve also been on one of these rides around town at least once. So have fun, get outside andenjoy the epic mountain scenery, but don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road!

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/an-easy-guide-to-mountain-biking-in-boulder/

Wine Shops

in Boulder County

By Allyson Reedy

A good wine shop does more than just sell a buzz in a bottle. They know the grapes, the land, the stories. Sure, they know their merlot from their Mourvedre but, perhaps more importantly, they know their customers. They host tastings and foster connections with their community. They can recommend the perfect red for a classy dinner party, a refreshing porch pounder for sunny patio days or just your next all-around favorite sip.

Photo courtesy of Boulder Wine Merchant

While you can also buy wine at your favorite grocery store, there's something unique about going to a speciality shop. Whether you’re looking for huge selection or quality over quantity, you can count on these shops for solid bottles of vino. Below, some of our favorite shops for buying reds, whites and rosés in Boulder County.

Boulder Wine Merchant

Boulder’s only master sommelier-run shop, Boulder Wine Merchant is a wine lover’s playground. Whether you’re looking to spend $10 or blow your bonus, they’ll make sure you’re happy with your purchase. The shop is especially known for its burgundy selection, as owner Brett Zimmerman is a major fan and even hosts the annual Boulder Burgundy Festival each fall. Thirsty for more knowledge? The shop puts out a monthly newsletter highlighting expert pairings, historical tidbits and bottle recommendations. Or go hands-on each Wednesday when the shop hosts complimentary tastings. 2690 Broadway, Boulder; boulderwine.com

West End Wine, Spirit & Beer

In true Boulder fashion, this Pearl Street shop favors organic and natural wines, making it a go-to favorite for local oenophiles. While the boutique shop may be only 700 square feet, the wines they carry come from all over the world, and they’re constantly bringing in new arrivals all the time. 777 Pearl St., Boulder; westendwineboulder.com

The Park Wine & Spirits

There are a lot of good things about this neighborhood shop, but we’re kind of partial to the thrice-a-week free tastings. Yes, The Park hosts free tastings of wines, beers and booze every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And if you find something you like—and, of course, you’re going to find something you like—they’ll deliver it right to your door. 11410 Via Varra, Broomfield; theparkwineandspirits.com

B Town Wine + Spirits

Strike up a conversation about chardonnay with a B Town staffer and you might just be there a while. The team is passionate about their hand-picked, small-batch wines, which means you’re likely to leave with something you’ve never heard of but that you end up loving. Highlighting organic and sustainable wines, there’s something for every budget at B Town, from the sale rack to the collector level. 5360 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; btownwineandspirits.com

PJ’s Wine & Spirits

The staff at PJ’s is so helpful that if you can’t find what you need—which would be rare, because they have a large, top-notch selection—they’ll get it for you. While the beer and spirits choices are plentiful, too, this Longmont shop is all about the wine, and you can tell by the spot-on recommendations you’ll get from the staff. 665 Frontage Rd., Longmont; pjwinespirits.com

Photo courtesy of Boulder Wine Merchant

Hazel’s Beverage World

For the biggest selection, Boulderites know to head to Hazel’s. Besides aisles full of pinots, rieslings and cabernets from around the world, they also carry a good selection of local producers, like Boulder’s own Bookcliff Vineyards and Palisade’s Colorado Cellars. And if you’ve got an event that you need to stock, check out Hazel’s party planning resources, where they can help you select what to serve and how much you’ll need. 1955 28th St., Boulder; hazelsboulder.com

Dedalus Wine Shop and Market

For more than a decade, Cured was the spot for specialty foods and wine. So when Cured became Dedalus, fans were a little skeptical. They had no need to be, as Dedalus continues Cured’s mission of bringing Boulder the best charcuterie and cheeses, only with more of an emphasis—and that same small-batch philosophy—

on wine. Besides being your one-stop shop for snazzy wines and tasty eats, Dedalus also hosts weekly wine tastings and monthly classes. 1825 Pearl St., Boulder; dedaluswine.com/pages/Dedalus-boulder

Superior Liquor

Three reasons to explore Superior Liquor’s loaded shelves: 1. The prices are among the lowest around, with frequent sales scoring you deals that are hard to beat. 2. This place is huge, meaning more reds, whites, pinks and even other wine colors you didn’t know existed. 3. Free wine tastings on Saturday afternoons, and come on, is there a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than at a free wine tasting? 100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior; superiorliquor.com

Photo courtesy of Dedalus Wine Shop and Market

North Ski Areas

American That Shine in the Summer

By Sarah Kuta

Think ski resorts are just for winter fun? Think again. When the temperatures start to rise, ski areas come alive with an array of activities and events, from adrenaline-pumping pursuits like mountain biking to mellower endeavors like spa treatments and yoga classes. Ready to hit the road this summer? Start planning the perfect warm-weather getaway at these ski areas in Colorado and beyond.

Schweitzer

Venture up north—way north—to the Idaho panhandle for summertime adventures at Schweitzer. Situated among the Selkirk Mountains, this mountain resort in Sandpoint, Idaho, offers breathtaking views of the 43mile-long Lake Pend Oreille in the valley below. Here, you’ll find good old-fashioned family fun: you can pick huckleberries, go geocaching, jump on a trampoline, play disc golf, go horseback riding, fly through the air on a zip line and race up a climbing wall. Bring your mountain bike (or rent one) and ride the more than 40 miles of trails at Schweitzer, including cross-country and downhill routes. And if you prefer to explore on foot, you can also hike and trail run on the mountain.

After a day of adventures, prepare to do it all over again with a recovery massage at the new Cambium Spa. Grab a bite at the Crow’s Bench restaurant, then rest up at the Humbird Hotel, a new boutique slopeside lodging option with modern architectural and design elements. (And when you stay at the Humbird, you won’t have to ask the front desk for a room with a view: All 31 rooms face southeast and have huge picture windows that frame

in Lake Pend Oreille.) For even more summer fun, head into town and play at the lake. schweitzer.com

Aspen Snowmass

Skiers and snowboarders from all over the world flock to Aspen every winter to take advantage of the glittering slopes at its four diverse mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. But the Roaring Fork Valley really puts on a show come summer, when colorful wildflowers begin to pop and bright green aspen leaves dance on the breeze. On Aspen Mountain, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top and take in the sweeping, panoramic views of the Elk Mountains. Enjoy lunch at the Sundeck, play disc golf or just hike among the wildflowers.

Head to neighboring Snowmass for thrilling downhill mountain biking on 25 miles of purpose-built trails ranging from beginner to advanced. If you’re still leveling up your skills, you can always book a lesson with one of Snowmass’ expert instructors. While at Snowmass, also make sure to visit the Lost Forest, which is brimming with family-friendly activities like an alpine coaster, a climbing wall, a disc golf course, a zipline, a ropes challenge course and a trout pond. Up for a little friendly competition? You can also challenge your travel companions to a round of paintball here, too.

For lodging, we recommend checking into one of the two Limelight Hotels in the region—one’s in Aspen and the other is in Snowmass. With living room-style lounges, colorful decor, easy access to the slopes and handy amenities—like an amazing complimentary breakfast

Photo courtesy of Aspen Smowmass

spread—these properties will help make your summer trip even more memorable. aspensnowmass.com

Winter Park

Once the snow melts across its 3,081 acres of terrain, Winter Park transforms into a warm-weather playground that’s ideal for a family getaway. For mountain bikers, Trestle Bike Park is the big draw, offering more than 40 miles of gravity-fed trails for riders of all ability levels. If you’ve always wanted to try mountain biking, you can book a lesson and rent gear here, too.

Of course, mountain biking isn’t the only way to play at Winter Park come summer. Enjoy panoramic views during a scenic gondola ride, take an e-bike tour, play around on the putting course or take your four-legged friend on a stunning wildflower hike. Embrace your artistic side during a hiking and plein air painting excursion with a local Fraser Valley artist, or feel like a kid again while zooming down the 3,000-foot alpine slide. Join little ones on a free “Junior Trailblazer” scavenger hunt, or treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Alpenglow Massage. You can also take a guided astronomy tour, enjoy a mountaintop charcuterie board or re-center yourself during an outdoor yoga class.

Winter Park also hosts tons of fun summer events, including festivals focused on everything from craft beer and wine to jazz music. Make a vacation out of it by

booking a stay at one of Winter Park’s on-site lodgings, like the Vintage Hotel or Zephyr Mountain Lodge. winterpark.com

Granby Ranch

Situated in Grand County, not far from the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Ranch beckons travelers with its sprawling terrain. During the summer months, hit the links on the ranch’s beautiful 18-hole golf course, which offers views of the Rockies and the Fraser River. (Pro tip: In between shots, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as golfers have reported spotting porcupines, elk, badgers, mule deer, pronghorns, beavers, red-tailed hawks, weasels, moose and golden eagles here!)

Enjoy lift-serviced downhill mountain bike trails, as well as stunning ridgeline cross-country rides, or hit the trails on your own two feet by hiking. After a day full of adventures, tuck into a plate of mouth-watering barbecue at Bluebird Bistro. Be sure to bookmark Granby Ranch’s online calendar so you can stay on top of fun seasonal events, like concerts, too. granbyranch.com

Park City Mountain

Up for a fun road trip? Point your wheels west and head to Park City Mountain, a massive Utah ski resort that becomes a fun, family-friendly paradise each

THIS PAGE, LEFT: Photo courtesy of Granby Ranch; CENTER: Photo courtesy of SkiBig3; RIGHT: Photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass; Opposite Page: Photo courtesy of SkiBig3

summer. Here, you can enjoy mild temperatures and sunshine while riding the mountain coaster, zooming down the alpine slide, soaring through the air on the zip line, playing mini golf and bouncing on four “Legacy Launcher” trampolines.

Play disc golf on the 18-hole mountain course, which has more than 350 feet of elevation change, or hit the links at Canyon Golf. Pan for gems at Park City’s Adventure Park, stroll the weekly farmers market and jam along to live music during outdoor concerts. Park City Mountain also offers lift-served mountain biking across an array of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. parkcitymountain.com

Beaver Creek

Whether you love relaxing wine tastings or exhilarating 4X4 mountain tours, Beaver Creek offers a little something for everyone during the summer. Hit the links and play a round of golf, enjoy a day on the river with a guided fly-fishing excursion or marvel at the views of the Gore Range while hiking around the mountain. If you’re traveling with little ones, head to the Summer Adventure Center for scenic chairlift rides, mini golf, gem panning, a bungee trampoline and a climbing wall.

Beaver Creek is also home to some incredible fine dining, like Beano’s Cabin, an award-winning restaurant situated inside a rustic cabin at the base of the Larkspur Bowl that offers sumptuous five-course meals and an extensive wine list. And dining at Beano’s is only one part

of the magical experience: To get to the cabin, choose between a one-hour horseback ride or a 20-minute wagon ride behind a John Deer diesel tractor. (You can also opt for a quick shuttle ride.)

Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa or The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. beavercreek.com

SkiBig3

Dust off your passport and visit our neighbors to the north during a trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada. This region boasts three ski resorts, all situated within the bounds of the sprawling Banff National Park: Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise. Choose from an array of activities, like a scenic chairlift at Mt. Norquay that transports you to nearly 7,000 feet above sea level for lunch with a view at the historic Cliffhouse Bistro. At Banff Sunshine, explore three pristine alpine lakes—Laryx, Grizzly and Rock Isle—and marvel at the 360-degree panoramic views from the top. And, at Lake Louise, keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears and other wildlife while riding the gondola, then hit the hiking trails for even more gorgeous scenery. At the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, you can also rent e-bikes, stand-up paddleboards, hiking poles and more. skibig3.com

Read More Online: travelboulder.com/the-beginners-guide-to-stand-up-paddleboarding/

THIS PAGE, LEFT: Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain; CENTER: Photo courtesy of Kyle Cartwright/Park City Mountain; RIGHT: Photo courtesy of SkiBig3; OPPOSITE PAGE: Photo courtesy of SkiBig3

E -BIKE

revolution

by Daisy Bauer

B OULDER is consistently ranked as one of the top cycling cities in America—and that’s not a big surprise to those of us who live here and regularly take advantage of the many bike lanes, paths and trails throughout our beautiful town and the surrounding Foothills. The Boulder Valley boasts hundreds of miles of connected bikeways, which makes for nearly uninterrupted bike travel no matter which direction you’re headed.

–

It’s also no surprise, then, that new types of bikes are also starting to become more popular here, including electric bicycles, or e-bikes. In general, e-bikes allow riders to pedal farther and ride longer. They can be a good entry point into cycling for people who are new to the sport or working to improve their fitness levels.

“What usually happens is there are some hills, they don’t get very far, their legs get tired, so they quit,” says Jim Turner, the founder of Colorado-based e-bike manufacturer Optibike. “Whereas with the e-bike, that doesn’t happen, they ride longer, and then they start having fun. They see results in their fitness, so they’re hooked.”

What’s more, e-bikes are an environmentally friendly way to get around. Whether for pleasure, fitness or transportation, e-bikes are helping to change people’s lives for the better. Their popularity—which has skyrocketed in the last five years or so—shows no signs of slowing down, either, so if you’re curious about e-bikes, read on to learn more.

What is an E-Bike?

An e-bike uses a small electric motor (not more than 750 watts), powered by a battery, to aid the operation of pedaling. it usually has two wheels, sometimes three, but must have operational pedals.

There are three classes, or categories, of e-bikes. A

category 1 e-bike, or a pedal assist e-bike, may or may not have a throttle. A sensor will activate its motor once pedaling is detected. The motor ceases to aid the rider once the bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. Category 2 e-bikes can move without pedaling and have a throttle. The throttle assist also ceases to aid the rider at 20 miles per hour. Category 3 is essentially the same as category 1, only the max speed is 28 miles per hour. However, it may also be prohibited on some multi-use paths.

How to Ride an E-Bike

Take time to get to know your e-bike before taking it out on a spin. It’s a different experience than riding a standard bike because of the speeds involved. Settings for the motor can vary anywhere from “eco” to “turbo” (and the terms vary by manufacturer). Keep an eye on your power gauge. Different factors will affect the life of your battery, such as the frequency of using your boost and your cadence (use a faster pedaling speed especially climbing hills). Try to keep your speed in “eco” mode and save “turbo” for when you really need it.

E-eikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so getting used to the weight while also becoming accustomed to the gears and braking ability is paramount when getting started. Try to feel comfortable before turning on the assist. If you need the assist to get started, use it on the lowest setting, but always be aware of the direction of the bike. Also keep in mind that you’ll need to brake harder than you may be used to to slow down this heavier style of bike.

Rules and Etiquette

The rules and etiquette around e-bikes are basically the same as for regular bikes—with the exception of where

Photo courtesy of Julian Hochgesang

Boulder is one of the best cities in the world to ride bikes, it’s really built for biking, infrastructure-wise and weather-wise.

Joel Davis, owner of JD’s Joyrides

you can and can’t ride. Always pedal with the flow of traffic and keep right. Pass pedestrians and other cyclists on the left, and give an audible alert when passing. Yield to pedestrians, ride at safe speeds and obey all posted dismount zones. You’re not required to wear a helmet while e-biking, but it’s a very good idea. For more information, you can check out Boulder County’s rules and regulations online at https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/e-bikes/ and the City of Boulder’s rules at https://bouldercolorado.gov/ services/shared-e-scooters-and-e-bikes.

Rentals and Tours

A good way to try e-biking for the first time is to join a tour or rent a bike from a local shop, like Pedego Electric Bikes (2512 Broadway).

“We make sure everyone feels safe on their bike before taking it out,” says Tina Moses, owner of Pedego in Boulder. “We take safety very seriously.”

Pedego owns a fleet of e-bikes and can accommodate groups up to 50 people; the location also has monitored parking. The company offers tours year-round in Boulder, as well as rentals.

“If you’re interested in renting a bike or joining us on a tour, it’s a good idea to check with us at least two weeks or more in advance during the spring and summer season,” she says. Learn more online: https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/ dealers/boulder/

Another option is JD’s Joyrides (2030 17th St.), where

founder and “chief joyrider” Joel Davis distinguishes himself with a little different approach to e-bikes.

“With JD’s joyrides, it’s not a tour. It’s a joyride,” says Davis. “Boulder is one of the best cities in the world to ride bikes, it’s really built for biking, infrastructure-wise and weather-wise. I love showing people around Boulder and customizing each tour to what the riders are looking for.”

The company offers a variety of e-bike tours, including one that takes riders past many of Boulder’s colorful murals and another focused on hill climbs. You can also rent e-bikes if you’d prefer to do your own thing. Learn more online: https://jdsjoyrides.com/

Buying an E-Bike

After taking one out for a spin a few times, you might decide you’d like to add an e-bike to your collection. You can test ride, demo and, ultimately, buy an e-bike at several shops here in Boulder, including University Bicycles, Full Cycle, Boulder Cycle Sport and Sports Garage. Other places to check out are Trek Bicycle Boulder, the Specialized Experience Center and REI.

If you’re new to cycling, Turner recommends starting with a cheaper model. Then, if you start to ride a lot and find value in the e-bike, consider investing more money to get a better bike.

“You can buy an e-bike at Walmart for $600 or you can buy one of ours for $20,000 and there are prices all in between,” he says.

Read more online: travelboulder.com/outdoor-activities-you-probably-havent-tried-yet/

Photo courtesy of Joel Davis, owner of JD's Joyrides

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Making Arts and Craft Supplies

Accessible & Keeping

Waste Out of Landfills

PARTS ART

By Sarah Kuta

By the Numbers

In 2022, Art Parts:

• Completed 26,588 in-shop transactions

• Diverted 83,944 pounds of waste from landfills

• Donated $5,000 in gift cards to victims of the Marshall Fire

• Distributed another $4,989 worth of free or discounted materials to local teachers and nonprofits

Colored pencils. Wallpaper samples. Assorted sea shells. Wine corks. Picture frames. Highlighter markers. Greeting cards. Trophies. Rulers. Vintage sheet music. Skeins of yarn in every color imaginable. Crayons. Dominoes and other random game pieces. Sponges. Calligraphy tools. Jewelry.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of arts and crafts supplies, tools and other recycled treasures you’ll find during any given visit to Art Parts Creative Reuse Center in Boulder.

The nonprofit, located at 3080 Valmont Road, helps keep tens of thousands of pounds of rescued creative materials out of the landfill each year. At the same time, Art Parts makes arts and crafts supplies—which can be prohibitively expensive for artists, teachers and other creatives— more accessible by offering them for sale at an affordable price.

Inspired by other creative reuse centers located in cities around the country, Boulder-based artist Denise Perreault and other community members decided in 2011 to see if the concept would take off here.

And it has. In the middle of a recent Wednesday afternoon, a half-dozen shoppers milled around the store, searching through the various well-organized boxes, bins and shelves for items that could help inspire their next project.

“Stuff is flying off the shelves,” says Megan Moriarty, Art Parts’ executive director.

Making Creative Materials

Accessible

Art Parts opened its first retail location on Bluff Street in 2015, then moved to its current, larger space on Valmont Road in 2021.

At the store, 12 part-time employees and lots of volunteers take in donations from a wide variety of people: professional artists who are

paring down their stashes, companies with funky industrial leftovers or samples, art students who are moving out of town, family members cleaning out a deceased loved one’s home and anyone else with items that could potentially be useful for arts and crafts. (Want to donate? You can find a full list of accepted items on the Art Parts website, artpartsboulder.org.)

Staff and volunteers then painstakingly sort the donated items and group them into highly detailed categories that make them easy for shoppers to find.

They also determine a price for each item, usually about half off the typical retail price. Especially in such a highcost-of-living area, that affordability— and subsequent accessibility—is a big part of the organization’s mission.

“Our society has a ton of baggage around the term ‘artist’ and who can call themselves one, and it’s important to just democratize that and say that however anybody wants to express themselves is valid,” says Moriarty. “Everybody should have access to these different kinds of creative materials. As a community, we should value making those resources widely available.”

Sparking Inspiration

As devastating and disruptive as the COVID-19 pandemic has been, it’s also given many people time and space to tap into their creative sides. During the early part of the pandemic, when people were largely isolating at home, many picked up traditional crafts like sewing, knitting and needle-felting. As a result, Art Parts saw a surge in demand from shoppers.

And, as more and more people become aware of the mission over the years, Art Parts has also seen an uptick in donations. Case in point: The shop took in 40 percent more donations in 2022 than it did in 2021.

Zooming out even more, Art Parts has diverted an impressive 272,530 pounds

of waste from landfills since 2015.

“The more people understand the idea behind what we’re doing, the more they look at the stuff they’re planning to just throw away differently,” says Moriarty. “And they might think, ‘Oh, I saw that at Art Parts once, maybe somebody else can use it.’ A lot of people in Boulder are down with the idea of reuse in general, and they are really motivated by the idea of something not going into a landfill and going to someone else instead.”

Because the store has a high turnover rate—from new donations each week, as well as strong sales— shoppers tend to return, again and again, to see what might spark their imaginations.

Art Parts also tries to provide inspiration, too. The organization regularly shares projects— made by shoppers, staff members and volunteers with items from the store—via its Instagram page and email newsletter; a wall just inside the store’s front door, called “Made with Art Parts,” also displays various pieces of creative reuse artwork. On a table at the front of the store, staff and volunteers highlight ways to repurpose specific materials, like used canvases, and suggest seasonal project ideas, like homemade Valentine’s Day cards, for instance.

Often, though, shoppers simply wander around until they stumble upon something—or, as is often the case, multiple somethings—that intrigues them.

“Honestly, most people are so creative if given a little bit of time and space,” says Moriarty. “I have no idea how they get from point A to point B, but they do. That’s one of the things I love about this job is just seeing the different ways people express themselves.”

Read more online: travelboulder.com/rabbits-in-driveway-shows-boulder-in-anew-light/

Photo courtesy of Art Parts

SWEET SCOOPS

By Allyson Reedy

Where to Get Ice Cream in Boulder County

Is it even summer if you haven’t dug into a pint of frozen, creamy goodness or licked your way through a sweet, melting cone? Of course, ice cream’s glory extends beyond the hottest months, but it’s especially refreshing on summer afternoons and evenings, aka what I’ve dubbed “Peak Ice Cream Season.” Here, seven of Boulder County’s best ice cream shops where you can indulge in all the scoops, splits and sundaes you can slurp.

Glacier (Also sold at Cow-A-Bunga in Lafayette)

Glacier has been churning ‘creams for more than 20 years, so yeah, they’ve kind of got this while ice cream thing down. Their 1,000-plus flavors range from the traditional (their Death by Chocolate is amazing) to the not-so-traditional (their Funky Donkey is a brilliant combination of peanut butter and cookies and cream). And they make all their waffle cones and hot fudge from scratch each day, meaning you may want to go big on your ice cream creation.

Glacier: 3133 28th St., Boulder; Cow-A-Bunga: 1455

Coal Creek Dr., Lafayette; glaciericecream.com

Gelato Boy

Italian born but Boulder created, Gelato Boy is the love child of Venice native Guilia De Meo and Coloradoan Bryce Licht. Flavors like Lavender Poppy, Gooey Buttercake + Caramel and Sophie’s Neighborhood Berries & Graham (all proceeds from this flavor go to a Boulder-based nonprofit researching treatment for the ultra-rare MCTO disease) are made with less fat and sugar than regular ice cream, so you can maybe even convince yourself this is a health food. There’s not one, but two Gelato Boys on the Pearl Street Mall—one on the west end and another on the east.

1021 & 1433 Pearl St., Boulder; gelatoboy.com

Scrumptious

Some of the most generous, heaping scoops you’ll find are at this downtown Longmont sweets emporium. Besides the huge mix of retro and new candies, you’ll find a case full of homemade ice cream in flavors ranging from Strawberry Cheesecake to Gummy Bear to Green Tea Lemon. If you can’t decide, ask the

Photo courtesy of Sweet Cow

friendly staff for their current favorite out of the line-up.

508 Main St., Longmont; scrumptiousco.com

MC2 Ice Cream

This Guinness World Record-holding ice cream is hiding out in an assuming deli in Broomfield’s Arista neighborhood. But what it lacks in a dedicated scoop shop it more than makes up for in variety: MC2 has 985 different ice cream flavors, all of which were created in a six-month span to earn that world record title.

From Buttered Blueberry Pancake to Chocolate Cake Doughnut to Peanut Butter Jelly Time, try them all—but maybe just not all at once—inside Arista Deli & Coffee.

8001 Arista Pl., Broomfield; mc2icecreamco.com

Sweet Cow

There are now seven Sweet Cows scooping along the Front Range (including two in Boulder and one in Longmont), but it all started in downtown Louisville in 2010. With a massive patio and even tiny cows for kids to ride on, this could be the most perfect spot in which to lick away a summer afternoon. Choose from 24 daily flavors, including 10 year-round staples (think: the not-so-basic basics of Dutch Chocolate, Strawberry and Super Delicious Vanilla) and out-of-the-carton creations like Captain Crunchberries and Caramel Latte.

637 Front St., Louisville; sweetcowicecream.com

Van Leeuwen

When New York City-based Van Leeuwen opened in Boulder in 2022, it brought Colorado the ice cream flavors we didn’t even know we needed. While quirky flavors like Mac & Cheese and Pizza grab headlines, it’s the Honeycomb and Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl that keep us coming back for more again and again. Stop by the 29th Street shop to grab a cone and stock up on pints of their French-style frozen treats, made with double the egg yolks of typical ice cream.

1750 29th St., Boulder; vanleeuwenicecream.com

Ben & Jerry’s

For decades now on the Pearl Street Mall, Ben & Jerry’s has been answering the question of just how much Phish Food is too much Phish Food to down in a single sitting. The OGs of mixing the chocolatey, the crunchy, and the chocolate chip cookie doughy into ice cream, you probably already have their iconic flavors on the tastebud equivalent of speed dial: Half Baked, Cherry Garcia, Tonight Dough, Chunky Monkey—the cheekily named flavors just keep on coming, and we’re so glad they do.

1203 Pearl St., Boulder; benjerry.com

Read more online: travelboulder.com/ice-cream-2/

Photo courtesy of Sweet Cow

It’s all waiting for you in downtown Boulder. Welcome to your happy place!