Luxe PLACES
ROCK ON!
Boulder beckons outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike to the base of the Rocky Mountains
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Located in the foothills of the great Rocky Mountains is the city of Boulder, Colorado. Known for its proximity to the iconic Flatirons and home to the University of Colorado, the charming region is both an outdoorsman’s utopia and a foodie’s nirvana. Many people initially visit Boulder to experience the Flatirons in person. The 300 million-year-old slanted sandstone formations make up most of the west side of town and are arrestingly lovely whilst dusted in snow. Other times of the year, the snow gives way to the reddish-brown hue of the sandstone, equally as striking. Wholly protected, the Flatirons are open to the public year-round and feature hiking trails, picnic areas and even rope climbing (save for February through July to protect the nesting raptors nearby).
Sip & Savor PHOTO BY BOULDER CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
PHOTO BY CHAD CHISHOLM
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So Scottsdale! March ‘21
After experiencing the Flatirons, visitors are often bowled over by the food and drink scene in town. Boulder, which has the fourth-highest concentration of breweries per capita in the country and was crowned America’s Foodiest Town by Bon Appétit, is a mecca for all things sweet, savory and sippable. There are 22 breweries, four distilleries, three wineries, two cideries and a meadery within the city, including Sanitas Brewing Co., Asher Brewing Co., BOCO Cider, Upslope Brewing Company and Locust Cider and Brewing. Top Chef champion Hosea Rosenberg has two eateries in the area: Santo, which specializes in Navajo fry bread, posole and enchiladas; and Blackbelly, a market and butcher shop with both experimental and more traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings ranging from bacon burgers to koji cured pork with a pistachio crumble. Those seeking ultra-elevated dishes and drinks should opt for Corrida, Boulder’s only Spanish steakhouse with a rooftop patio that offers pristine Flatiron views; Steakhouse 316, which features an off menu, melt-in-your-mouth bison burger that is available to anyone who knows to ask for it; Salt, a farm-to-table hot spot; The Bitter Bar, a craft cocktail experience of the highest caliber; and Oak at fourteenth, a modern, stylish restaurant that takes pride in melding flavors and cultures in the most delicious way possible. With so many options from which to choose, many turn to the local foodie experts to help plot their way, especially Local Table Tours. The female-owned business takes pride in long-term friendships with the chefs, brew masters and mixologists in the area, working hand in hand to develop custom foodie walking tours. Amid COVID-19, Local Table Tours is offering personalized service, providing private tours most days of the week that cater to