Travel Boulder Summer / Fall 2019

32 New Fitness Activities Boulder’s Bucket List

Best Views in Boulder Where to Go

Celestial Seasonings Big 50th Anniversary

Explore Nature on These Guided Tours Beautiful Boulder

SUMMER/FALL 2019

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SUMMER / FALL 2019

Chilled by the Sun

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How Cool is That?

100 kW of solar panels powering the largest beer cooler in Boulder

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OUTFIT YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IN STORE OR AT PRANA.COM PRANA BOULDER On the Historic Pearl Street Mall 1147 Pearl Street, Boulder 303.449.2199 PRANA DENVER Located in Cherry Creek North 105 Fillmore Street, #109, Denver 720.377.3017

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f ä n a s a r c h i t e c t u r e s p a c e / o p p o r t u n i t y

www.fanas.us

303.444.5380

________________________________________________________________________________________

architecture

planning

interiors

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Apiece Apart Alejandra Alonso Rojas Altuzarra Avant Toi Arjé Bsbee Calleen Cordero Celine Chinti & Parker Doffer Boys Dries van Noten Elaine Kim The Elder Statesman Enza Costa Extreme Cashmere Faliero Sarti Forte_Forte Gabriella Hearst Ganni Golden Goose Haider Ackermann Håndvaerk Isabel Marant Jacquemus Kassl Editions Khaite Labo.art Loewe Madeworn Marie-Hélène de Taillac 6397 Marsèll Mother Narciso Rodriguez Nili Lotan Officine Creative Officine Générale Off-White Peter Cohen Pringle of Scotland Proenza Schouler Raquel Allegra Rick Owens Rixo London The Row R13 Sacai Simon Miller Stouls Ulla Johnson Wandler Warm Zero Maria Cornejo

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MAX 1177 Walnut Street BOULDER 303.449.9200 3000 E 3rd Ave DENVER 303.321.4949 609 E Cooper Avenue ASPEN 970.544.3445

M A X C L O T H I N G .C O M @maxboulder

Let us guide you home.

Burgess Group at Compass is one of Boulder County’s top-producing real estate teams.

Catherine and Andy have sold many of Boulder County’s iconic properties, from sophisticated lofts to gated lake community estates.

Burgess Group has one clear goal: we provide the highest quality real estate services, with unparalleled support and guidance each step of the way.

Partner with trusted talent. Let’s get started!

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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B O U L D E R ’ S C ATA LY S T FOR CREATIVITY SINCE 1992

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IMAGE: MARGIE CRINER

IMAGE: JODI STUART

IMAGE: MUSEO DE LAS AMERICAS

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BOULDERADO.COM | 303.442.4344 | 2115 13TH STREET BOULDER, CO 80302

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FROM THE EDITOR SUMMER /FALL 2019

PUBLISHER

It’s an inside joke with my family. A running bet between my daughter and my husband: How many times per day will I gasp, point and say, “Look at the mountains,” like it’s the first time I’ve ever seen them.

I can’t help it. In a way, every time is the first time.

The Rockies are an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, shadows and angles, painted by the shifting clouds, sun and seasons. And although I was born and raised in these foothills, I can never take Northern Colorado’s mountains for granted. I look at them with the same awe as I look at my daughter every morning when she staggers into my bedroom to tell me good morning. Every day, she is more beautiful than the last, and every day, I appreciate her uniqueness more. She is beautiful like the mountains. She is wonderful like Boulder.

You’d think I would get sick of Boulder. Eventually. But nope. This town is so dynamic and evolving. There’s always something new to try, somewhere new to eat, a new (often ridiculous) outdoor challenge to attempt. In fact, that was the inspiration behind the story “16 Outdoor Activities You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet,” on page 38. (Seriously, yoga on horseback wut?) Then there’s the “Boulder Bucket List” (page 18 ). I’m working on checking them all off (getting close!), and then making a new bucket list. Because by the time I’m done, there will be 30 new activities to try.

At the top of your must-do list this summer, make sure you visit Celestial Seasonings, see where the tea is made, eat a healthy lunch and stock up on some tea that you can’t get anywhere else. Celestial Seasonings turns 50 this year, and its story is more Boulder than Boulder (page 42).

Boulder’s downtown and trails really come to life in the spring and summer, making it one of the most incredible places in the world to visit. But beware: You’re likely to get hypnotized by the “Curse of Chief Niwot” (also called the “Curse of the Boulder Valley”). Niwot (also called Left Hand) was a Southern Arapaho tribal leader in the 1800s who lived with his people in the Boulder area. As the story goes, Chief Niwot proclaimed, “People seeing the beauty of this valley will want to stay, and their staying will be the undoing of the beauty.”

It’d be hypocritical to blame anyone for the first part of his curse; I’ve tried to move away but the mountains draw me back like a magnet. When you visit, you will never want to leave. As for the second part, let’s break that part of the spell; respect the land, leave no trace and protect Boulder’s natural splendor — so every day when we look at the mountains, we can’t help but gasp, point and say, “Look at the mountains,” like it’s the first time we’ve ever been here, whether it is or isn’t.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

JOHN R. BRICE

Every day is a new day around here. Yet that beauty is timeless.

Find more ways to enjoy Boulder online at TravelBoulder.com.

JILL NAGEL-BRICE

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / WRITER AIMEE HECKEL

PHOTO EDITOR

MARK LEFFINGWELL

MANAGING COPY EDITOR SARAH KUTA

PUBLICATION DESIGNER MONIKA EDGAR

DIGITAL SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MICHELLE FULLER

ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JOHN R. BRICE, JILL NAGEL-BRICE

CONTRIBUTORS WRITER

HUDSON LINDERBERGER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

AIMEE HECKEL, JIM HECKEL, BOB BERGER

DIGITAL TEAM DREW BARON, TYLER PERCY

On the cover: 17-year-old Boulderite Sam Dorsey climbs Eldorado Canyon just outside of Boulder.

Photo © Mark Manson. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2019 by Go Visit Media Co. & Travel Boulder LLC. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the material in this magazine or Travel Boulder website is strictly prohibited without publisher’s permission, including original editorial, graphics, design, photography, advertising and sponsored content. Travelboulder.com and Travel Boulder magazine are published by Go Visit Media Co., 2535 Meadow Ave, Boulder CO 80304 | Phone: 720-708-6803 Email: customer service@travelboulder.com

Sales: john@travelboulder.com, jill@travelboulder.com

Aimee

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Aimee Heckel Editor-in-chief

Editorial: Aimeeheckel@gmail.com Online: Travelboulder.com Facebook.com/travelboulder

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KAITLYN PAYNE

COPY EDITOR CLAY EVANS

CREATIVE SERVICES / PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER SARAH MILLER

Contents

PUBLICATION DESIGNER MONIKA EDGAR

10 ADVERTISING From the EditorDESIGNER DAWN SHUCK 14 TRAFFIC Calendar MANAGER of Events

Don’t miss these things to do this summer and fall.

SARAH EATHERLY

18 ADVERTISING 32 Must-Do Items SALESon the Fitness Bucket List ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Enjoy a Boulder-style summer.

RANDY GOLDNER

EXECUTIVES 24 ACCOUNT Outdoor Guided Tours

MICHELLE ADAMS, RYAN GRAF Explore Boulder’s wilderness like a pro.

GEOFF HERDEN, AARON LOVATO

TOP-NOTCH ATHLETIC STORES Here’s where to shop for all your sporty goods.

Pages 30-33

34 The Beginner’s Guide to Rock Climbing CONTRIBUTORS You know you want to scale those mountains.

COVER PHOTO

DUNCANActivities You 38 ANN 16 Outdoor Probably Haven’t Tried Yet PHOTOGRAPHERS

50 56

Bet you haven’t done all of these crazy things. AUERBACH, ZACH ANDREWS, JONATHAN EMILY CARL, STEPHEN COLLECTOR, John DUNCAN, Allen Woodward ANN PAULA GILLEN, JACOB HELLECKSON, BRIAN LOPEZ, Say hello to one of the top master shoemakers in the world.

JESSICA MORGAN, GRANT NYQUIST, WERNER SLOCUM, EMILY TAYLOR, Best Views in Boulder PRUNE VANDENOVER Take in the breathtaking views Boulder has to offer.

WRITERSUnder 30 62 Amazing BRITTANY ANAS, JESSICA MORGAN,

Read about the Flagstaff House’s unexpectedly young leadership team.

CELESTIAL SEASONINGS’ BIG BIRTHDAY Celestial Seasonings turns 50 this summer.

Pages 42-48

KAITLYN PAYNE, CALLIE PEDERSON

70 Meet the Mixologists 77 78 82

Copyright 2018 by Go Visit Media Co. & Travel Boulder LLC. A conversation with Boulder’s most innovative drink masters.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the material in this magazine or Travel Boulder website is strictly prohibited Advertiser Index without publisher’s permission, including original editorial, graphics, design, photography, advertising and sponsored Experience Boulder content. Travelboulder.com and Travel Boulder magazine are From the best picnic spots to the best nighttime hikes. published by Go Visit Media Co., 2465 Central Ave. Suite 203 Boulder, CO 80301 | Phone: 303-544-1198 | Fax: 303-449-6121 5 Local Distilleries to Visit Advertising Sales 303-544-1198 Ext. 102 You know Boulder’s beer scene, but do you know its distilleries?

Email: customerservice@travelboulder.com

BOULDER FROM THE SKY

See the views from the cozy basket of a hot air balloon.

Page 79

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THE BEST SUMMER/FALL 2019 EVENTS IN BOULDER COUNTY

THE STARTING LINE OF THE BOLDERBOULDER I COURTESY PHOTO

Whether you’re planning a trip to Boulder or making a try-this list, here’s a look at some of the most exciting events in Boulder for the spring and summer of 2019. Want to plan your activities by category? We’ve highlighted a few extra special events by topic, too.

FESTIVALS May May 25-27: The Boulder Creek Festival is one of Boulder’s biggest community events, centered along the banks of Boulder Creek. For more than 30 years, the free fest has featured food, entertainment, vendors and family fun.

This year, expect more than 500 vendors, nine event areas, three stages and carnival rides.

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS May 27: It’s the BolderBoulder’s 41st anniversary. This 10 kilometer run is one of the biggest, most famous races in the world. The race includes an amazing expo, live bands, cheering and includes the nation’s biggest Memorial Day celebration; a ceremony that honors service people is the grand finale of the race. It attracts over 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, drawing professional athletes from around the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing.

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June June 5: Downtown Boulder’s annual Bands on the Bricks outdoor summer concert series starts June 5. Listen to live music, dance if you want and sip on beer from the beer garden. The heart of Bands on the Bricks is on the 1300 block of Pearl. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of this free, 10-week tradition that runs from 6-9 p.m. on every Wednesday in the summer.

ARTS AND CULTURE June 7 (through Aug. 11): Early June kicks off Boulder’s annual Colorado Shakespeare Festival, where you can watch Shakespeare plays outside in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre (and indoors at University Theatre, too). This year, highlights include “King Charles III,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “As You Like It.” June 9: In true Boulder style, one of the biggest events of the summer is the Ironman Boulder race, a major athletic challenge that’s also inspiring to watch.

June 14-16: Ever wanted to be involved with creating an opera? Wonder what goes into the production of a big theatrical performance?

The CU New Opera Workshop provides a

unique opportunity to participate in the process of creating an opera; then watch the final product hit the stage.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS June 13-16: The biggest yoga event in Boulder and one of the best in the state comes to Boulder every summer. The annual Hanuman Festival brings famous yoga teachers to town, plus live music and other workshops.

July July 4: The biggest Fourth of July party in Boulder County is Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast in the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field. See an impressive fireworks display and celebrate the nation’s independence. There are also other Fourth of July events throughout Boulder County.

July 28-Aug. 10: The annual Aerial Dance Festival, organized by Frequent Flyers Productions, is one of the most esteemed aerial dance events in the world. It brings renowned aerial dancers to Boulder, from whom the community can learn skills like trapeze and aerial silks. The fest also includes jaw-dropping performances that you can only see in Boulder.

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SUMMER / FALL 2019

ENTERTAINMENT July 5, 6: Dead & Co. comes to Boulder to perform at Folsom Field for two nights in a row. Boulder loves it some Dead & Co. July 12: Tube to Work Day is when locals take a tube down Boulder Creek, theoretically to commute to work, although the internationally recognized event (sponsored by the City of Boulder) is more of a party than a serious meeting.

July 21-22: Art, art, art is the heart of the Pearl Street Arts Fest. This weekend event honors all mediums of art in Boulder and beyond. See artists from around the nation and find plenty of ways to participate yourself, too.

THE

bes t co llectio n

I S Y O U R S.

Featuring Inizio XCVI • Wilt Johnny Was Velvet • Porto CP Shades

August Aug. 4: Because one Ironman isn’t enough for Boulder. The Ironman 70.3 (a half Ironman) centers around Boulder Reservoir. This is a popular event to participate in, as well as watch.

Aug. 14-25: The Boulder International Fringe Festival is about independent art and pushing creative boundaries, presented in unexpected places around town. The Fringe Festival features theater, dance, music and more.

Aug. 24: There’s a winter beer fest, and there’s a summer beer fest.

This is Boulder’s summer tribute to craft brew. In North Boulder Park, this annual event features more than 25 craft breweries, live tunes and food. There are tons of beer fests in Boulder County, but the Boulder Craft Beer Festival stands out.

Aug. 30: The University of Colorado’s football team kicks off its 2019 football season with a game against cross-state rivals, Colorado State University. This game is actually at the Broncos Stadium at Mile High, but the 2019 CU schedule is one of the best and most competitive home schedules the school has seen in the past two decades.

Aug. 31-Sept. 2: The Boulder Creek Festival starts summer in Boulder and the Boulder Creek Hometown Festival ends summer. This event, location in Central Park, includes live music, a race, a car show, beer, food and more over Labor Day weekend every year.

September Sept. 13-15: In case you missed one festival or want a second in September, there’s also the Downtown Boulder Fall Fest. This event (celebrating its 31st year) also features food, beer and music (see a trend?).

But it’s downtown. And has carnival rides for kiddos. And the Firefly Handmade Market for shopping.

Savvy FOR Summer

ARTS Sept. 20-20: The annual Zee Jaipur Literature Festival is three days of readings, writing workshops, music, performances, talks and more. The whole event is free.

Open Monday-Saturday, 10-6 • Sunday, 12-5 BOULDER • 303.443.2565 • 1505 PEARL STREET DENVER • 303.751.2618 • 1067 SOUTH GAYLORD

MORE FUN IN BOULDER

www.barbaraandcompany.net

CHECK OUT THE FULL AND ALWAYS-CHANGING ONLINE CALENDAR AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/EVENTS

View new arrivals on Instagram @barbaraandcompany

CONTINUED >

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THE BEST SUMMER/FALL 2019 EVENTS IN BOULDER COUNTY (CONTINUED)

October

FOOD & BEVERAGE

ARTIST AMY CLAY WELCOMES VISITORS AT OPEN STUDIOS I PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN CLICK

Oct. 10-13: The Flatirons Food Film Festival brings together three of our favorite words: food, film and the Flatirons. Enjoy local food, watch foodie-centric films, listen to speakers, attend special events and immerse yourself in Boulder’s food culture.

First three weekends of October, local artists invite the public into their studios and homes to see art being made up close and personal with Open Studios. Watch creativity blossom and meet the artists.

Oct. 31: Boulder celebrates Halloween with its annual Munchkin Masquerade.

The Pearl Street Mall is flooded with kids in costume and they trick-or-treat the downtown businesses, which always decorate big for the occasion.

BOULDER’S SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL I COURTESY PHOTO

THE DOWNTOWN BOULDER FALL FEST I PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN BOULDER PARTNERSHIP

RALPHIE TAKES TO THE FIELD AT THE HOMECOMING GAME AT FOLSOM FIELD PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN ASAKAWA/UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

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THE HANUMAN FESTIVAL I COURTESY PHOTO

LAFAYETTE’S LOCALLY OWNED, INDEPENDENT FISH HOUSE

BEST SEAFOOD Take-out & Catering available 720-630-8053 • www.eatreelfish.com Located at the SW corner of Arapahoe and 95th St. in Lafayette

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

FITNESS BUCKET LIST

BY AIMEE HECKEL

When in Boulder...

YOU GOTTA KEEP MOVING. THE CITY HAS BEEN NAMED THE FITTEST CITY IN AMERICA MORE TIMES THAN WE CAN COUNT. IT’S EASY TO GET ACTIVE WITH THE MOUNTAINS (AND A SKI RESORT) IN OUR BACKYARD, AMPLE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES WHO LIVE HERE, AN ENDLESS STREAM OF RACES AND 300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE EVERY YEAR (MAYBE MORE).

WHETHER YOU’RE VISITING OR YOU LIVE HERE, HERE’S A LIST OF OUR FAVORITE ACTIVE THINGS TO DO IN THE BOULDER COUNTY AREA: BOULDER’S FITNESS BUCKET LIST.

TRY THE WARPED WALL AT NINJA NATION I COURTESY PHOTO

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1-32

HOW MANY OF THESE 32 CAN YOU CHECK OFF?

1. See a Vertical Fusion Show p

7. SUP Boulder Res or Union Res p

Vertical Fusion is an aerial dance and pole studio in Boulder that’s home to many champion pole athletes. If you’re in town during one of the quarterly shows at the Dickens Opera House, don’t miss it; you’ll leave inspired to try a class. Every day, there are pole and aerial dance classes for all levels and genders.

Be Boulder and take a stand-up paddle board across the Boulder Reservoir or Union Reservoir in Longmont. Be even extra Boulder and do yoga on said paddle board. Be even extra Boulder-er and join a full-moon SUP gathering, where people hang out on the still waters and take in the full moon once a month.

2. Train With Famous Ninja Warriors p

8. Take a Tube Down Boulder Creek p

For another world-class challenge, head to Lafayette’s Ninja Nation — designed by Geoff Britten, the only “American Ninja Warrior” to ever land a perfect season on the TV show — where you can train with one of “American Ninja Warrior’s” most famous ninjas, Jamie Rahn. He has competed in eight “American Ninja Warrior” seasons and had made it to the national finals five times. The local gym is designed to bring the look and the feel of the TV show to Boulder County, with some of the most iconic challenges.

In warmer weather, it’s a rite of passage to tube down the creek. You can rent an inner-tube tube at the Whitewater Tube Co. Ask about tube delivery. Float down the creek and take in the mountain sunshine, but beware: Some parts can get a little rocky and fast, depending on the time of year.

9. Take in the Views Atop Mount Sanitas p The Mount Sanitas Trail is a fave because it’s easy to access; you can walk to it from the Pearl Street Mall. Hike to the top for breathtaking views of the whole city and Front Range. A few parts get steep, so it may not be appropriate for all levels. If you’re fit, try to run it. But prepare to be humbled by the altitude and incline.

3. Bike Between Breweries p Boulder loves its beer as much as it loves its sports. Combine the two by biking between the many microbreweries in town. Want a plan?

Follow the Boulder Beer Trail (Google it).

10. Run or Walk the BolderBoulder p

4. Climb or Hike the Flatirons p

This 10K race is one of Boulder’s most famous annual events, drawing about 50,000 runners and 100,000 more spectators. It’s more than just people running. The BolderBoulder is a citywide celebration, with live music and performers along the course, wild costumes, health-centric vendors, a tribute to veterans and more. The whole thing goes down on Memorial Day.

This is quintessential Boulder. The Flatirons will be calling your name the whole time you’re in town. If you have the experience or can connect with a guided climbing experience, scale those suckers. Otherwise, a hike up toward the Flatirons is rewarding. The views are the payoff.

5. Explore Eldo p

11. Do Yoga at a Brewery p

Journey to nearby Eldorado Canyon State Park. Here, choose from one of the many hiking trails, gear up for one of the hundreds of technical climbing routes, have a picnic, cast a line into the river or just enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere. In the winter, you can enjoy crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

Eldorado Canyon State Park is famous for some of the best climbing in the world. It’s a mecca with more than 500 technical routes attracting athletes from all over the globe.

While in Eldo, don’t miss the hot spring pool that the Denver Post calls one of Colorado’s best pools in and around Denver.

Again, beer is a likely partnership with an active lifestyle in this part of the woods. Many local breweries offer yoga in their tasting room or partner with yoga teachers to provide a refreshing brew reward after class. Check out Brewhouse Yoga at Sanitas Brewing Co. for one of the many options. Also check out classes offered by Outlaw Yoga, which has a regular presence in Boulder. Often, these classes fuse yoga, live music and beer. Boulder-style nightlife.

12. Hike the Royal Arch p Start at Chautauqua Park and hike this intermediate-ish trail to one of the most iconic natural attractions around Boulder. The Royal Arch is not as impressive as the massive rock arches in Utah, but it’s still gorgeous and a classic photo backdrop. The whole hike is about 3.5 miles roundtrip with about 1,400 feet in elevation gain. The trail isn’t for everyone, but it’s doable if you’re in good shape and acclimated to the altitude.

6. Bike the Mountains p Bike here, bike there, bike everywhere. If the mountains are calling you, rent a mountain bike from University Bicycles, 839 Pearl St. Explore Open Space and Mountain Parks’ 155 miles of trails.

CONTINUED >

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FITNESS BUCKET LIST (CONTINUED)

13. Bike up the Canyon p There are a few different canyon climbs for road bikers, but Lefthand/ Lee Hill is a classic one to attempt, if you’re cut out for it. It’s 20 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. We recommend climbing Lefthand and descending Lee Hill.

On evenings and weekends, give Flagstaff Road a try. This 3.5-mile, iconic climb ascends 1,050 feet to reward you with some of the best views of the Flatirons. The road is closed part of the year during most day hours on weekdays, so save it for the weekend.

14. Sprint for Your Beer p Head to Longmont for this unusual combo: a nanobrewery and shoe store in one, at Shoes and Brews. You can shop for running shoes, go on free fun runs and then tip a brew. When visiting, request the 800-Meter Road Challenge: The faster you run 800 meters, the cheaper your beer is.

15. Watch or Compete in the Ironman p One of the biggest events of the summer is the Ironman Boulder race, a massive Ironman competition. More than 2,000 athletes compete for the esteemed title. If you can qualify, it’s an iconic race to attempt. If you can’t, get inspired by the amazing athletes.

16. Hike Chautauqua p Spending time outside in Chautauqua Park is a must-do in Colorado.

The park itself spans 14 acres — including Flagstaff Mountain, Green Mountain, the Royal Arch and Bear Mountain — just off Baseline Road at the edge of the foothills. First visit the ranger cottage to get a trail map.

Choosing a path is like a build-your-own-active-adventure game. After your hike, have lunch on the lawn beneath the open sky.

17. Make Your Own Mini Triathlon at McIntosh Lake in Longmont p McIntosh Lake has 3.5 miles of easy trails that you can walk or bike on. Then take out a kayak onto the waters. While you can’t swim or tube here, you can still get a fun workout on the water. Bonus: It’s all free and comes with sweeping mountain views.

18. Do Downward Dog at the Hanuman Festival p This annual event is the biggest yoga event in Boulder and one of the best in the state. Every summer, the Hanuman Festival brings famous yoga teachers to town, plus live music and other workshops. Bonus points if you can take a class with famed yogi and Boulderite Richard Freeman.

19. Attend a CU Football and Basketball Game p Work up a sweat from the stands at an exciting University of Colorado game.

20. Do Parkour at Apex p Head east to Louisville to the Apex School of Movement, a worldrenowned parkour facility. One claim to fame: Apex offered the first parkour program in the Western hemisphere. Play on more than 10,000 square feet of challenges and training equipment, and learn from some of the best.

21. Take a Power Hug Yoga Class p Boulder’s got more than its fair share of unique yoga classes. One to try is Power Hug at Studio Love in Erie. This class is described as “ahhhmazing, magical and powerful.” It’s designed to provide a workout and open your heart at the same time.

22. Walk, Run or Bike the Boulder Creek Path p Tailor this one to meet your activity level, whether it’s a relaxing stroll or a fast run. The Boulder Creek Path cuts straight through downtown Boulder along the scenic creek. The whole trail spans 5.5 miles.

23. Work Out at Red Rocks p The nearby Red Rocks Amphitheater is famous for its stage, but it’s also surrounded by more than 800 acres of open space, including dinosaur bones. Many people head to Red Rocks for a creative workout. Run up and down those stairs and get a great sweat. If you don’t want to work that hard, you can sign up for Yoga on the Rocks, which attracts thousands of participants every year.

24. Take a Guided Bike Tour p Explore Boulder on bike and learn about its history. Take a guided tour, including some great themed bike tours. Read more about guided outdoor tours, including bike tours, on page 24.

25. Climb a Fourteener With the Colorado Mountain School p While there aren’t any fourteeners (mountains taller than 14,000 feet above sea level) in Boulder itself, you can knock one out a short drive away. The most esteemed one to conquer on the Front Range is Longs Peak. But it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we recommend signing up for a Longs Peak trek with the Boulderbased Colorado Mountain School.

CONTINUED >

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#WeAreBoulder

C R E AT E YOUR DREAM LIFE Pictured: 699 Findley Court, Estes Park. $1,500,000

Your Local Boulder County Real Estate Expert with Global Reach Member of the Exclusive

1050 Walnut Street, Suite 100 livsothebysrealty.com 303.443.6161

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FITNESS BUCKET LIST (CONTINUED)

BIKE THE MOUNTAINS I PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR USER TRAILSOURCE.COM

26. Bike to Work p

30. Go Windsurfing p

Bike To Work Day is a big deal in Boulder County, where many people bike to work every day. If you’re in town during this celebration (June 26), it’s a party on wheels.

Union Reservoir in Longmont claims to be one of the best windsurfing destinations in the state. Check out Rocky Mountain Windsurfing and Kiteboarding for events that you might be able to join in on or watch.

27. Go Scuba Diving p

31. Go to “Movement Mass” on Sunday Mornings p

Yes, in Boulder. We don’t have an ocean but you can go scuba diving through Ocean First. At this private facility, you can take swimming and diving lessons in an 89-degree heated indoor pool. There’s even a beach volleyball court here.

28. Go Camping at Gross Reservoir p You can’t fully know Colorado without spending some time out in nature under the stars. For camping in Boulder County, try Gross Reservoir.

This campsite is about 40 minutes up Flagstaff Road from downtown Boulder. It’s one of the rare places to camp in the Boulder area; there are no actual campgrounds in the city limits. It’s a peaceful hidden gem with minimal traffic. You may very well be the only camper here.

29. Bike Through Town p Why walk when you can pedal? You can find BCycle stations throughout Boulder (including at 11th and Pearl streets), where you can borrow a bike. BCycle is a bike share where you can rent a bike for cheap.

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Here’s a different kind of church, a unique way to celebrate spirituality and sacred work on a Sunday morning. Movement Mass is a sober, substance-free dance gathering. It’s a celebration to “liberate the pent up and powerful parts of ourselves,” connect, move together to “heal, awaken and embody” the soul and more. Movement Mass starts at 10:45 a.m. every Sunday at different locations in Boulder: the Avalon Ballroom, Boulder Circus Center and the Boulder Jewish Community Center.

32. Cast Out a Line p Front Range Anglers offers guided fly-fishing trips for trout in Boulder and the nearby water. Or if you want to just cast out a line more casually, you can get your fishing license and gear here. You can go fishing on Boulder Creek or with kids, the Evert Pierson Kids’ Fishing Pond at Ninth and Canyon streets.

Posters

Record Albums

Stickers

Photography

Apparel

PosterScene 1505 Pearl St #101 Boulder 303-443-3102

PosterScene.com

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OUTDOORS AND NATURE

OUTDOOR GUIDED TOURS

BY AIMEE HECKEL Imagine if there was a way to explore Boulder’s wilderness — from the highest peaks to the waters, from bikes to belays — like a pro, even if you’re a total newbie.

A way to significantly reduce risks, automatically know the best places to visit in Boulder, instantly get all the gear and details sorted out and magically impart a ton of knowledge into your brain with the snap of a finger. Or a click of the mouse.

That’s what an outdoor tour is for.

While you can absolutely explore all the popular attractions in Boulder on your own, there are also a ton of reputable tour guides in town to organize outdoor excursions.

Here are some of our favorite tour guides and just a sampling of some of the adventures they offer.

Sightseeing and Artsy OUTSIDE IMAGERY PHOTO TOURS

This Boulder-based tour company offers half- and full-day photo tours run by John Kieffer, long-time photographer and author on the topic. The tours, held year-round just about anywhere in the Denver and Boulder area, typically include driving, walking, sightseeing and photography, but are tailored to meet your needs. Topics may include taking photos of wildlife, flowers, nature, downtown, sunrises or sunsets. Bonus: You get personalized photo instruction, plus water, a snack, related park fees and transportation.

Water FRONT RANGE ANGLERS

This Boulder-based tour company specializes in guided flyfishing trips in Boulder, along the Front Range and in Rocky Mountain National Park. Front Range Anglers has more than 15 experienced guides and customizable excursions for different types of fish. Tours include everything: equipment, waders, boots, flies and transportation. You have to provide your own fishing license, though.

If you’re looking for adventure beyond the Boulder Bubble, Front Range Anglers also runs adventure travel trips around the world, in Belize, Mexico, Alaska and more.

On Wheels BOULDER BIKE TOURS

Boulder Bike Tours runs bike trips for people of all experience levels, from beginners to experts, across all kinds of terrain. Ride up the mountain, on the back roads, past farms, on hidden-gem trails or popular routes and even through the city.

Look for special themed tours, including bike-to-farm tours and trips with fine dining as the reward after a day of pedaling.

Explore the city of Boulder via bike, or for the hardcore wheel operator, sign up for a customized multi-day bike tour that includes everything you need.

FRONT RANGE RIDES AND GUIDES

This outfitter offers custom mountain bike tours of Colorado, including the Boulder area (there’s an office in town). Guided rides are adjusted for your needs, abilities and schedule. One unique offering is the winter fat bike tour (fat bikes have extra wide tires so you can safely ride them on snow and ice). Front Range Rides and Guides claims to be the only tour provider in the area offering winter fat biking tours.

Also check out the mountain bike skills clinics, brewery tours and family outings.

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HIKERS ON THE FLATTOP MOUNTAIN TRAIL IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ON COURTESY OF OUTSIDEIMAGERY.COM AN OUTSIDE IMAGERY TOUR I PHOTO travelboulder.com

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OUTDOOR GUIDED TOURS (CONTINUED) COLORADO WILDERNESS RIDES AND GUIDES

Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides also offers mountain biking tours, but that’s not all. This tour guide company also organizes several other fun things to do in Boulder like guided backpacking, hiking, fly-fishing, float trips, rock climbing, sightseeing, photo tours, peak ascents, ski tours, snowshoeing, zip lining and whitewater rafting. Tours are for people of all levels and experience.

The peak ascents are a particularly cool offering. Guides will safely take you up a mountain while teaching you about safety, injury prevention, the weather (Colorado’s gets pretty wild) and how to curb altitude sickness.

Local tip: Ask about the custom packages in partnership with the St Julien Hotel & Spa and the Boulderado.

Beyond Boulder, you can venture across Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, White River National Forest, five Colorado state parks, the Kremmling Area, Grand Junction and Moab, Utah.

One thing that makes this guide stand out is it’s one of only six guiding services in the country that received the permit for technical mountaineering, climbing and ski mountaineering in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Want to push yourself? Book a Superhuman Day tour, a multi-day tour in the national park; these days start early and are pretty hardcore both in terms of distance and elevation gain. But you’ll conquer multiple peaks.

This company claims to be the only Colorado outfitter offering these kinds of excursions.

BEYOND BOULDER ADVENTURES

Beyond Boulder features relaxing, scenic bike tours all year. Pedal off the beaten path, to tasting rooms and through nature in a non-competitive, low-stress environment.

This is ideal for new visitors or people who don’t have the ability to propel through a tough mountain biking trip.

The Boulder Canyon Electric Bike Ride brings you up the mountain to a private, creekside pool, but you can take an electric bike to help you with the hilly parts. Or you can request a city bike or mountain bike if you prefer.

Another unique offering is the Views and Vines Foothills Ride, which takes you on wheels through Boulder’s historic neighborhoods and off-road a bit, then to a boutique winery, where you can enjoy local wine, hard cider, appetizers and more.

ELECTRIC BIKES

If you want to tour on wheels with a little electronic assistance, consider renting an e-bike. E-bikes, with an electric motor, help you go faster and make it easier. The electric boost can push you up a steep hill or even speed you up to as fast as 20 miles per hour.

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They’re better for the environment than driving a car, and you can still get in some exercise with certain types; electric bikes still have pedals that turn the wheels. The main difference for the most popular type of e-bike is the battery-powered motor, which actually works with your muscles.

There are a variety of different kinds of e-bikes, with motors in different locations, pedal assist bikes and also purely electric ones.

Rent an e-bike through Pedego, Small Planet EBikes, Boulder Cycle Sport and more.

At Pedego, e-bike rentals start at $65 for a half day or $100 per business day and come with locks and helmets.

You can reserve online. The shop also sells new and used e-bikes. Try one out for free to see if you want to buy one.

If you rent one and decide you want to buy it, whatever you paid toward the rental will be discounted from the purchase price.

Pedego also offers various guided tours, such as a 2.5hour Best of Boulder Tour ideal for first-time visitors.

This easy ride travels along Boulder Creek through Boulder Canyon, the University of Colorado Campus, the Chautauqua Park and more, hitting many of the town’s top attractions. If you want a little more adventure, there’s the Boulder Backroad Tour on an electric mountain bike. For a longer trip (four hours), Pedego offers a Bike N’ Hike Tour, incorporating a trail hike with the ride.

Other tour themes include a real-estate tour for people curious about moving to Boulder and a special campus (and beyond) tour ideal for potential students and their families.

Climbing BOULDER CLIMBING GUIDES

This company brings you climbing, whether it’s an easy scamper up the Flatirons or extreme endeavors in Eldorado Canyon. Boulder Climbing Guides offers professional instruction and guidance to take you around Boulder and beyond, even across the western United States and into Europe.

AMERICAN ALPINE INSTITUTE

The American Alpine Institute brings climbers to some of Boulder’s top spots: the Flatirons, Boulder Canyon and Eldorado Canyon. Want to venture out farther?

This company can also arrange trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, even Longs Peak. Climbing excursions are offered year-round.

PHOTO ABOVE: CAMP AT GROSS RESERVOIR PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR USER CHAD K. PHOTO BELOW: A WOMAN TAKING A PHOTO AT SPRAGUE LAKE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ON AN OUTSIDE IMAGERY TOUR. PHOTO COURTESY OF OF OUTSIDEIMAGERY.COM

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OUTDOOR GUIDED TOURS (CONTINUED)

For Kids AVID 4 ADVENTURE

Kids need to explore nature, too. Avid 4 Adventure offers summer day camps, programs and overnight camps that teach about the outdoors. Kids will experience a variety of adventures, from biking to hiking to rock climbing and kayaking.

Specialty Tours THE WOMEN’S WILDERNESS INSTITUTE

The Women’s Wilderness works to cultivate courage, confidence, connection and environmental stewardship among girls, women and the LGBTQ2+ community through year-round outdoor immersions. The programs are designed to be heartcentered, collaborative adventures that provide solid instruction in wilderness living, outdoor skills and backcountry safety.

The nonprofit offers five to 10-day adventures for girls that include rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing and an after-school climbing program called Girls Lead for Life. More than half the girls who attend a program are supported by financial aid provided by the nonprofit; in more than 20 years, the nonprofit has never turned away a girl needing financial support.

Women’s courses are one to two days with an emphasis on climbing and wilderness skills and an inspirational three-day retreat in June. Women’s Wilderness offers a sliding scale for its women’s experiences, making the courses accessible for all income levels.

In addition, Women’s Wilderness offers nature programs which focus on earth-based ancestral and survival skills. These programs provide a safe and empowering space for the LGBTQ+ community to connect outdoors.

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A WOMAN AT LOVELAND PASS ON AN OUTSIDE IMAGERY TOUR PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSIDEIMAGERY.COM

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SHOPPING

BY AIMEE HECKEL

THERE’S SO MUCH ADVENTURE WAITING IN BOULDER, YOU COULDN’T POSSIBLY PACK FOR IT ALL. Luckily, you don’t have to. Boulder has a great selection of top-notch outdoor and athletic stores. Find quirky apparel, bike experts, cheap ski gear and custom-measured everything’s made right in town.

Here are some of our favorite locally owned stores to help outfit you for your next active adventure in

General Sports NEPTUNE MOUNTAINEERING, 633 S. BROADWAY, UNIT A Neptune is one the most reputable and renowned mountain shops in Colorado, one of an elite few to achieve the ranks of a world-class mountain shop.

Neptune has gear for climbing, skiing, mountaineering and camping — you name it. It’s also home to a museum of artifacts from the history of mountaineering curated by the original owner, Gary Neptune.

Recently completely renovated, the store now features a café featuring coffee from a local roaster and food from local bakeries. Be sure to check out their calendar of weekly slideshows and presentations that will inspire your next adventure. This is the place to get geared up to get outside.

EPIC MOUNTAIN GEAR, VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, 2525 ARAPAHOE AVE. Looking to buy or rent ski or snowboard gear? This is your home. Epic Mountain Gear (formerly Boulder Ski Deals) has an established reputation and boasts five different locations; Epic first started in Frisco in 2014.

You can find kids’ equipment here and get fitted, expert advice, mountain gear, tune-ups, access to the Epic Pass tickets, lessons and products and more.

Local tip: Instead of renting your ski gear at a ski resort, rent it here instead and bring it up with you. You’ll save tons of cash.

PHOTO TOP LEFT: THE FRONT OF BOULDER CYCLE SPORT PHOTO BY JIM HECKEL PHOTO TOP RIGHT: A PEEK INSIDE SPORTS GARAGE COURTESY PHOTO PHOTO BOTTOM RIGHT: INSIDE NEPTUNE MOUNTAINEERING COURTESY PHOTO

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SHOPPING (CONTINUED)

A LOOK AT THE SKIRT SPORTS STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD LINE I COURTESY PHOTO

Apparel

SKIRT SPORTS, 2795 PEARL ST., UNIT 102 Skirt Sports was started by local pro triathlete, Nicole DeBoom, who wanted to wear something flattering and fashionable yet highperformance during her training. She wore her first design in an Ironman in 2004 and has been selling Skirt Sports ever since.

The shop sells women’s activewear from sizes XS to 3X. Skirt Sports has a brick-and-mortar storefront on Pearl Street that’s totally worth a visit.

While you can buy Skirt Sports online, this is currently the only place to shop in person.

Budget & Discount

BOULDER SPORTS RECYCLER, 4949 BROADWAY This is the oldest gear consignment shop in Boulder where you can find premier and brand name products at way reduced prices. The Boulder Sports Recycler has a whopping 20,000 consignors, including sponsored athletes and industry reps. This means it’s the best place in town to score the coolest gear and clothes for the best prices. The 25-plus-year-old shop itself was founded by accomplished athletes.

THE PRO’S CLOSET, 2845 29TH ST., UNIT C The Pro’s Closet started with a local resident living in a Volkswagen Bus (so Boulder) with the goal of minimizing his life. He began selling his possessions online, which grew to become an eBay store for used bikes, gear and sports clothes. In fact, the eBay store specializes in selling cycling gear. You never know what you’re going to find.

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Note: This is not a traditional retail space, although customers are welcome to visit and browse the inventory. In many cases, you can inspect the products from the warehouse in person before purchasing.

You can also tour the facility, and the on-site bike museum is open to the public.

Two-Wheeled Sports

FULL CYCLE BIKES, 1211 13TH ST. AND 1795 PEARL ST. Boulder loves bikes and boasts a great selection of local bike specialty shops. Full Cycle is one of the locals’ favorites. Full Cycle, which actually has two locations in Boulder, has been a staple in town since the early ‘80s. It claims to be Boulder’s oldest and most “inclusive” bike shop. It sells every kind of bike from road to mountain to electric and racing. You can repair and rent bikes here and enroll in classes and group rides, too.

Full Cycle is a relaxed, friendly shop (complete with shop dogs). The Pearl Street Location even has a bar, The Tune Up at Full Cycle, where you can have a beer, coffee and snacks and chat with the staff and other bikelovers. New this year: Strade Bianche Cafe´, an Italian-inspired cycling cafe next door to the Tune Up location.

Local tip: Full Cycle posts all of its deals and discounts on Facebook, on its website and in its newsletter.

SPORTS GARAGE CYCLING, 2705 SPRUCE ST. Sports Garage claims to be Boulder’s only “full-service, high-end bike retailer dedicated to alternative surface cycling.” That’s single-track, mountain biking, backcountry adventure, gravel roads and dirt paths.

With an unrivaled fleet of more than 50 demo bikes, Sports Garage CONTINUED >

Foot Sports

attracts bike enthusiasts, serious mechanics and riders craving a “dirt” education. As Sports Garage puts it, where the pavement ends is where the shop’s passion begins. Sports Garage has been around for 25 years.

Boulder has a long list of running stores. Boulder Running Co. used to lead the pack as the first running store in the country to offer video gait analysis for shoe-fittings, but the shop has since been sold to the chain JackRabbit. Flatirons Running in south Boulder and Fleet Feet Sports also closed.

BOULDER CYCLE SPORT, 4580 BROADWAY, UNIT B Boulder Cycle Sport was founded by a small group of University of Colorado alumni in 2005. Since then, it has won numerous awards, including America’s Best New Bike Shop, multiple Top 100 Dealer listings and America’s Best Bike Shop.

Its continued mission has been to redefine the community bike shop with the highest level of customer service to all levels of cyclists, while igniting change in the world through the power of riding on two wheels.

A full-service bicycle retailer with two locations (there’s also one at 629 S. Broadway St., Suite K), the shop offers bicycles, accessories, apparel, repair/maintenance services, professional bike fitting and hosts community events for bicycle enthusiasts of all ages and all abilities.

Boulder Cycle SPort provides a range of road, mountain, comfort, triathlon, commuter and electric bikes from brands including Yeti, Scott, Giant, Liv, Pinarello, Mosaic, Mariposa, BMC, Linus and Surly.

NEWTON RUNNING, 3675 FRONTIER AVE. Get your hook-up for runs at Newton. The world headquarters are based in Boulder. This ambitious company aims to be the world’s leader in “natural running shoe technology and form.” In true Boulder style, Newton also cares to help make the world a better place and has that written into its mission statement. Newton holds special events, running clinics and fun runs; in the past, you could find runs on Tuesday nights.

Do a demo run and learn about your running form.

SHOES AND BREWS, 63 S. PRATT PARKWAY, LONGMONT This shop is not in Boulder, but it’s worth the drive east. This is a nanobrewery and shoe store in one. Many beers have running-related names. Every Thursday, there’s a free fun run, followed by half-priced drinks. These are wildly popular in the warmer months. Plus, any day you visit, try the 800-Meter Road Challenge. However fast you run the 800 meters is how much your beers will cost. The faster you run, the cheaper your brew.

VECCHIO’S BICICLETTERIA, 1833 PEARL ST. Vecchio’s (pronounced veck-ee-ohs) has a strong reputation for repairing and fitting road bikes. Custom fitting is big here; all bikes are built to order, with components selected a la carte and assembled in house with hand-built wheels. Vecchio’s only sells U.S.-made steel and titanium bikes. Got an old bike that needs to be serviced? This is your place. After all, “Vecchio” means “old” in Italian.

The Center for Transformative Movement Leading the way in Freeform / Ecstatic Dance

educate.exercise.empower.

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OUTDOOR SPORTS

A CLIMBER SAFELY ASCENDING ONE OF THE MANY ROUTES IN BOULDER CANYON | PHOTO BY BOB BERGER

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THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ROCK CLIMBING IN BOULDER

So, you are looking at the towering Flatirons looming over Boulder or one of the numerous other cliffs and crags sprinkled throughout the surrounding hills, and you are thinking that maybe you want to try to climb them.

Understandable, especially if you’ve tried your hand at a few routes at a local climbing gym.

But a word of caution before you decide to head out: Climbing outdoors is nothing like climbing indoors. It can be dangerous and deadly if you are not prepared. We suggest you take the following steps to ensure you have a safe and special outing as you scale some stone for the first time.

By Hudson Lindenberger

SIGN UP FOR A CLIMBING CLASS Climbing on rock can be confusing and a tad terrifying the first few times. Unlike climbing routes inside a gym, there is no color-coded bread crumb trail of holds to follow upward. Instead, you have to learn how to translate whatever climbing skills you have into the real world. Being a couple hundred feet off the ground on a cliff can cause your guts to shrivel and your mind to swirl, especially when there is no padded floor underneath you.

That’s where a class taught by a professional guide is crucial. They can teach you the basics about rope management, gear placement, anchoring, safety and how to actually get up a route. As the home of the American Mountain Guide Association, the main certifying organization for guides in the country, Boulder is blessed with a large pool of top-notch guiding companies. The Colorado Mountain School offers a three-day “Gym to Crag” course that equips you with the skills and gear you need and culminates with climbing one of the Flatirons.

HIRE A GUIDE Even if you have done some outdoor climbing, you still should seriously think about hiring a guide, especially for your first few forays into the crags of the Front Range. With the myriad of routes available in Boulder Canyon, Eldorado Canyon and elsewhere, just finding ones that correspond to your skill set can be daunting. Add in tricky approaches that cross creeks or ascend steep cliffs and other natural hazards and it’s easy to just give up your first few times out. Or worse, bust your butt only to end up at the wrong cliff to climb.

When you hire a certified guide, you are getting someone who can tailor a day of climbing to your tastes and offer you the best beta once you arrive. Once at your climb, your guide can ensure that your anchor system is safe, make sure you have the right gear and offer a safe belay. Maybe the best part of having a guide with you is that they have encountered just about any roadblock that might arise on a route. Got a tough crack to climb?

They can suggest the best hand jams to use. If that big overhang is blocking you, they can tell you what techniques to employ to get up and over.

By the end of the day, you will have hopefully learned a few new things and had a great time. Besides the Colorado Mountain School, both Boulder Climbing Guides and Vetta Mountain Guides are excellent groups to book with.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK If you have climbed outside before and feel competent enough to head out on your own, great. There are tons of resources to help you out. Both REI and Neptune Mountaineering offer a wide array of gear and guidebooks. The staff is loaded with climbers who will ensure you have the correct gear depending on where you are headed and can offer you insider knowledge about where to go. If you are looking for a partner to climb with, Mountain Project’s Partner Finder is a good spot to find someone to head out with. Just make sure you vet them thoroughly before trusting them with your rope.

If you are looking for a long, multi-pitch route that’s not too difficult, head over to the First Flatiron. There are 17 different routes to the top, ranging in difficulty from 5.2 to 5.8. You can easily knock one out in an afternoon. Just be forewarned: In the summer, it gets quite hot.

If you are looking for something a bit tougher, head to Eldorado Canyon and climb The Bastille Crack. It’s 350 feet long with five total pitches, the hardest being 5.7. Don’t be fooled; it’s a complicated climb that requires some interesting moves.

For a fun afternoon of sport climbing, head to Castle Rock in Boulder Canyon. This towering monolith sits right next to Boulder Creek and offers a variety of climbs suitable for anyone. In fact, it’s a favorite training spot for local guides.

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OUTDOOR SPORTS (CONTINUED)

OTHER CLIMBING SPOTS AROUND BOULDER Just a little south of Boulder is the town of Golden, which has several great spots to climb.

The Little Eiger area in Clear Creek Canyon is a hidden gem that has more than 40 routes spread across a variety of grades. Two great sport routes are First Impressions and Herbal Essence, both 5.9.

Another scenic spot is the Golden Cliffs perched above the Coors Brewery. There are a ton of routes there, but two good ones to search out are Tenacious, which is 5.9+, and the Brown Cloud Arete, which is 5.10 and can be climbed either sport or trad.

Closer to town, Eldorado Canyon has a few fantastic trad routes that can be both challenging and exciting. The Wind Tower area is a perfect spot to spend the day honing your skills on some climbs that are harder than their grades suggest. Tigger is a three-pitch climb rated at 5.6 and Tagger is a two-pitch beast that weighs in at 5.10b.

For a fun day in Boulder Canyon, head to the Bowling Alley area of Main Crag. It has a great selection of both sport and trad climbs. Two favorites are Mosquito Burrito (5.9) and Bad Girls Get Spanked (5.11).

WANT MORE? READ ABOUT BOULDER’S TOP CLIMBING GYMS ONLINE AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/BOULDERSTOP-CLIMBING-GYMS.

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HIGH ON GOLDEN CLIFFS | PHOTO BY BOB BERGER

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

16 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

MIX BOULDER’S LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS WITH ITS ENDLESS CREATIVITY AND YOU GET ALL KINDS OF CRAZY WAYS TO PLAY OUTSIDE. RYLIE LEFFINGWELL GETS A SMILE DURING GOAT YOGA AT THE MOTHER RANCH IN LONGMONT | PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A CREATIVE WAY TO ENJOY BOULDER’S 300-PLUS DAYS OF SUNSHINE AND STAY ACTIVE, LET BOULDER SURPRISE YOU. HERE ARE 16 UNIQUE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T TRIED YET. MIKAELA NORDEN GIVES A GOAT SOME ATTENTION DURING GOAT YOGA AT THE MOTHER RANCH IN LONGMONT | PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

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YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T TRIED YET

KATJA STOKLEY (RIGHT) AND DEB MCCABE (LEFT) ROW ACROSS UNION RESERVOIR | PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

1. GOAT YOGA No, not goats doing yoga. You do the yoga, with goats.

Novelty and laughter aside, there’s a real value to doing yoga in a barn or field with baaing buddies. Animals can be therapeutic and bring a lighthearted energy to your yoga. It’s a way to practice staying calm and focused in an unpredictable environment. And it can bring awareness to the value of local farms and the animals’ needs, too.

Try goat yoga at Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga or the Mountain Flower Goat Dairy.

2. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD YOGA This is another kind of yoga: in the middle of a lake, balanced on a floating paddleboard. It’s a real challenge both mentally and physically; you have to stay focused and keep your balance, lest you topple your board and fall into the water. On warmer days, you may actually seek

out “failure” for a quick cool-down. In fact, it’s easier to fall into the water than onto a hard floor, so this might be the perfect place to practice your headstands.

Find SUP Yoga classes for all levels through Rocky Mountain Paddleboard in Longmont or Boulder.

Yoga not your thing? Rent a stand-up paddleboard and stay on your two feet for another fun, outdoorsy workout.

3. SLACKLINING Slacklining is a quintessential Boulder outdoor activity and a fun way to hang out in the sunshine and test your balance. In case you’ve never tried it before, it’s kind of like tightrope walking on a flat line often hung between two trees. But make sure you know the slacklining rules, first. Gotta protect those trees.

For a unique twist on slacklining, check out the YogaSlackers, which have Colorado roots

and regularly teach at the annual Hanuman Festival. One well-known Boulder-based YogaSlacker is Raj Seymour and he teaches around town.

Check the Colorado Slackline Club for slack workshops or contact Rocky Mountain Slackline. If you stay at the A Lodge, it has its own slackline park. And the city announced in 2018 that it was turning Tantra Park into a dedicated slackline park, complete with permanent posts to hang your line from.

4. PARKOUR If simply walking around town and the mountains is too boring, try parkour. But make sure you know how to do it safely (and legally) first by booking a lesson at the Superhuman Academy. You’ll learn how to jump, land, vault and climb. And once you’ve mastered the basics, you can graduate to flipping, flying and tricks. Parkour is a combo of strength, balance, creativity and playfulness.

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5. LIVE-ACTION ROLE PLAY

9. YOGA ON HORSEBACK

13. PARKRUN

Get out of the house and think outside of the box when you participate in a live-action role-playing event. LARP (as it’s called for short) brings fantasy to life. People gather to role-play or go on scavenger hunts, usually centered around a storyline or mission. You might dress up or pretend to be an elf or zombie, a mage or warrior and “battle” others with foam swords and plastic shields. Imagine Dungeons and Dragons, but in the flesh. LARP events vary, from theatrical to more of a battle, with various genres, from sci-fi to zombie to steampunk to medieval.

Check out the various LARP meet-ups around Boulder to find the fun. Renaissance Adventures offers various programs and camps for kids and teens.

If you’re not impressed by yoga in the park, how about this: yoga on a horse. Yoga on horseback is offered (by Body N Soul Integrative Equestrian Services) in Boulder as a special therapy that people say touches participants both mentally and physically.

The teacher will guide you through the postures, focusing on your breath and also your partner: the massive beast you connect and work with. Horses are said to be intuitive and are often used in therapy for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

If you want to run in a race but don’t want the pressure, sign up for a Parkrun. These are weekly, free, timed 5K runs. They start at 8 a.m. every Saturday from May through September and 9 a.m. from October through April at the South Boulder Creek Trail, 5660 Sioux Dive.

They’re free to join and there’s no stress. Test your own time and try to improve every week.

6. NORDIC WALKING You’ve heard of Nordic or cross-country skiing, but you can benefit from the Nordic poles even without the snow. Nordic walking is a specific kind of walking with special poles, and it claims to help improve your balance, strength, posture and flexibility.

Learn the techniques and exercises at RallySport, which offers multiple group classes every week, including intro sessions.

7. SCULLING If the water is beckoning you, try sculling, a no-wake, engine-free form of paddling whereby you propel a small boat with oars on both sides of the craft. Union Reservoir in Longmont has previously been home to the Longmont Sculling Club, but it’s currently on hold (although you can book a private lesson).

You can also try sculling on Boulder Reservoir.

There are two-person and four-person boats.

8. POWERFIT YOGA Get fit and zen at the same time, while under Boulder’s beautiful sky. Powerfit Yoga classes are held at Boulder’s Chautauqua Park with views of the Flatirons. The events are organized by Fitness for Living, aka FitLiv, which also has outdoor boot camp classes. As FitLiv puts it, “A sun salutation is much more meaningful and vivid when done outdoors.

You feel connected to the earth beneath your feet, the morning glow of the Flatirons welcomes your gaze and the scent of grass and song of birds fills your awareness.”

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10. YOGA HIKES Boulder loves its trails, so of course there are yoga hikes. Various companies will take you on trail hikes, often into the mountains, so you can immerse yourself in nature. Along the way or at the end of the trail, you will pause to do some salutations to the actual sun rising above you. The trek through the wilderness is calming, in and of itself, and truly enhances the meditative quality of the practice. Fitness for Living offers yoga hikes.

You can also find yoga outdoors at the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Yoga on the Rocks is wildly popular and not too far from Boulder.

11. THEATER HIKES Head to the Colorado Chautauqua for this unique way to get moving outside: Hiking Plays, presented by Arts in the Open. These are theatrical productions done on a hiking trail, with nature as the stage. Hiking Plays are offered June through October. Plays in the past have included “Snow White” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

This hike is not extreme (so it’s appropriate for all levels, including kids). It typically stretches across two miles with a slight elevation gain but nothing too strenuous.

12. NINJA PLAYGROUND Want to be a ninja? Love “American Ninja Warrior?” Longmont is home to one of Colorado’s best ninja obstacle courses, the outdoor Warrior Playground. It offers a full-scale “American Ninja Warrior” course and training facility for adults and kids. You may find actual Ninja Warrior heroes practicing or teaching here. It’s the real deal. This is a super fun way to test your skills, get fit and have fun outside.

14. SKATE PARK The Boulder Skatepark at the Scott Carpenter Park is a thrill. A highlight is the street-style course, complete with curbs, rails and bowls (that you can test your skill on without getting in trouble like you might in town). Come on skateboard or inline skates, or on BMX bike every morning from 7-10 a.m. Bonus: The park is free and open to all levels of wheels. Just make sure you know your ability and are smart. Skate at your own risk.

15. CALISTHENICS IN THE PARK Want to work your muscles without the gym? Build strength in North Boulder Park with a killer calisthenics workout. It’s all about bodyweight training; no weights required.

You’ll find chin-up bars, dip handles and more.

16. SWING DANCE OUTSIDE THE TEAHOUSE Boulder Swing Dance organizes free, outdoor, evening swing dance parties outside the Dushanbe Teahouse in downtown Boulder.

Dance outside near Boulder Creek under the summer sky. Need some pointers? There’s a half-hour swing dance class before every dance party. You’ll experience a variety of partner dances, from folk to tango to waltz and salsa. These typically run through the summer and even into the early fall, while the weather’s nice.

WANT MORE? THE COLORADO OUTDOORS ARE GREAT. LIVE MUSIC IS GREAT. PUT THEM TOGETHER AND IT’S EVEN BETTER. READ ALL ABOUT WHERE TO HEAR OUTDOOR MUSIC IN BOULDER HERE: TRAVELBOULDER.COM/ WHERE-TO-HEAR-OUTDOOR-MUSICIN-BOULDER

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Thank you, Travel Boulder!”

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Reach both Boulder residents and the 3.3 million annual visitors with TravelBoulder.com and the Travel Boulder magazine. Annual audience: estimated 431,173.

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the Colorado Chautauqua, CU, Boulder Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Pearl Street Mall Information Kiosk, 40-plus hotels with some in-room distribution, banks, medical facilities, Celestial Seasonings Tour Center, The Hill, real estate offices, restaurants, retailers, North Boulder Rec Center and more.

TravelBoulder.com has 550 to 650 users a day, with over 51,240 users YTD. Our traffic has increased 100 percent from year to year, with 1.25 million-plus ad impressions served.

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Reach new business prospects everyday with Travel Boulder. Contact: john@travelboulder.com jill@travelboulder.com 720-708-6803

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SECTION TITLE FOR CELESTIAL SEASONINGS

CHARLIE BADEN STANDS NEXT TO AN OLD PHOTO OF HIM IN A TEA BARREL ON DISPLAY AT CELESTIAL SEASONINGS’ HISTORICAL EXHIBIT I PHOTO BY AIMEE HECKEL

THIS YEAR, CELESTIAL SEASONINGS TURNS 50.

BY AIMEE HECKEL

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“It’s a special place. So much of what we do is the same. Granted, it’s a bigger scale now, but the spirit is the same.” –Blair Price TEA ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE IN THE CELESTIAL SEASONINGS FACTORY I PHOTO BY AIMEE HECKEL

YOU’VE HEARD OF THE AMERICAN DREAM. THIS IS THE BOULDER DREAM. It’s the story of how a group of local hikers ended up accidentally founding a multimillion dollar business — a creative industry ground breaker that would help lead the natural foods movement in Boulder and far beyond.

It’s also the story of how a drum-playing, self-proclaimed Boulder hippie would climb from being a bottom-rung temp worker to being the name and, er, taste buds of the business.

This isn’t your ordinary cup of tea.

Surely, you know Celestial Seasonings, with its stringless tea bags in colorful, artsy boxes.

After all, the business moves millions of pounds of tea every year and is the No. 1 herbal specialty tea in the nation. It’s usually No. 2 among all specialty teas, too.

This year, Celestial Seasonings turns 50.

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“Every country has its own flavor. Same with hibiscus.

It doesn’t all taste the same.

Not even close.”

-Charlie Baden

A

s you stand in the packed gift shop at the Boulderbased facility and see row upon row of tea boxes, it’s easy to get swept up in the hugeness of it all.

Groups of hairnet-wearing visitors file into the full store after completing a factory tour. Other people, arms loaded with teapots, cups and trinkets, file toward the on-site cafe, where you can eat healthy food by oversized windows looking out onto the lawn.

“gold standard” blends of Celestial Seasonings’ 100-plus types of tea to cross-reference new batches with. Every tea bag should taste exactly the same as every teabag before, he says. This is one of the things that hasn’t changed in the company’s 50 years.

Hippies on a Hike

Celestial Seasonings didn’t start as a business. As the story goes, it started in 1969 with some local hikers, including founder Mo Siegel. They In the corner of the shop, Charlie Baden proudly holds up one box: ran across some naturally growing herbs and botanicals, and as hippies Jammin’ Lemon Ginger. That’s his favorite blend. And you might want to did in those days, they picked them and brought them home. Although take his word for it. few Americans were familiar with herbal tea at the time, Siegel and his As the “blendmaster” of the largest herbal tea company in the United crew decided to dry out the plants and hand-pack them into tea bags States, Baden knows a thing or two about tea. to give to friends and family. (As with seemingly all success stories, this happened in the garage. Of course, right?)

He can taste chamomile and tell you exactly where it was grown.

The tea was tasty, and friends urged them to start selling it. They got “Every country has its own flavor,” he says. “Same with hibiscus. It a few local mom-and-pop shops to carry it and gave it a name: Celestial doesn’t all taste the same. Not even close.” He laughs.

Seasonings, after the high-school nickname of one of the women on the Baden tastes every batch of herbs and botanicals shipped to this plant; original hiking trip. Legend is, the kids said she was “so beautiful, it looked all of the tea is made in Boulder, where it all started. He also keeps frozen like she’d been seasoned from the heavens.” (Probably the nicest highschool nickname ever.)

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THE EXTERIOR OF THE CELESTIAL SEASONINGS TEA SHOP PHOTO BY AIMEE HECKEL

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CELESTIAL SEASONINGS TURNS 50 (CONTINUED)

How about some Sleepytime for a nervous world?

The company didn’t immediately explode; it grew slowly and deliberately, according to Blair Price, director of marketing for Celestial Seasonings. They decided not to use string and paper on the bags because it was wasteful, and they began using recycled paperboard before it was even a thing. They ultimately switched to a vegetable-based ink. As a Boulder-based company with (literal) roots in nature, the environmental impact was always important, Price says.

In 1972, Siegel took a bus trip to Mexico, where he was introduced to Tilia flowers, used to help with sleep. That was the birth of Sleepytime Tea, which remains the company’s No. 2 seller. The top seller: Sleepytime Extra (a wellness tea with added Valerian, for extra sleepier times).

Other things remain the same, too: Many of the botanical and herb suppliers are the same since day one. Those family businesses across the globe (like chamomile from Egypt, black tea from India and Asia, lemongrass from South America) have grown alongside Celestial Seasonings.

‘Do You Work Here?’

The early ‘70s were also when Baden entered the scene — equally as unexpectedly as the results of that original hike.

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Nothing else but chamomile and love.

One of the top-sellers.

He didn’t follow a lifelong tea passion here.

“I needed a job,” he says.

Baden was a traveling rock-and-roll drummer with long hair to his waist, originally from Maryland. In 1973, he visited a friend near Boulder. And as so many stories go, he says, “I thought, ‘No way am I going back. I’m going to have to figure out life here any way I can.’”

He rented a place on Sixth and Pearl streets for $72 a month, utilities included.

One day, the guitar player from their band asked if Baden could fill in on his job because he couldn’t make it. His buddy’s job: cleaning bails of European blackberry leaves.

Baden’s first response: “Herbal tea? What’s that?” But he needed the cash, so he just showed up to the (obviously super laid-back) factory and began doing the work. He was never actually hired; his friend just gave him his paycheck. The friend didn’t want to come back.

So Baden kept showing up.

After about three months, someone finally stopped Baden and said something along the lines of, “I know you’ve been here a long time but who are you and what do you do?” (Only in Boulder in the ‘70s.)

On that day, Baden was hired. (Even today, he has two start dates in the database: as “Bob” on the day after Labor Day in 1975, and as Charlie

Baden on Dec. 11, 1975.) He began working in the small company’s manufacturing department, where everyone was new to herbal tea and learning about it together, as consumers continued to demand more.

The famous Mint Room will leave your eyes watering and sinuses cleared.

Baden recalls watching Siegel tasting the tea: “Add more of this, take this out.”

“He was like an expert cook in the kitchen,” Baden says.

He studied Siegel and the ingredients, teaching himself the various flavors and scent differences and how everything worked together. Today, visitors can get an idea for the depth of this work by walking through the factory, where every turn has a different scent story. Some bags of ingredients are hidden behind airtight garage doors, like black tea (which can pick up the flavors of other things around it if not separated) and the crazy-strong

Overwhelmingly refreshing and popular peppermint.

mint variations. The famous Mint Room will leave your eyes watering and sinuses cleared.

Demand grew and Baden stuck around, and in 1980 Siegel quit his job as blendmaster to focus on running the now-booming business.

Self-taught Baden landed the job.

“Those early days were almost spiritual and philosophical,” he says.

Today, 43 years later, tea is his passion; he may not have followed it here, but he found it here.

He comes up with a few new blends every year.

This spring, there are two new flavored black teas: Cinnamon Express and Peppermint Peak.

His office is filled with old and new boxes and one of the wooden tea display stands from back in the mom-and-pop days. Look at a box of any Celestial Seasonings tea; you’ll see Charlie Baden’s signature on the back of every box.

It’s no doubt that Celestial Seasonings led the herbal tea movement in the United States. But Baden thinks the impact has been even greater.

“Boulder is considered the leader of the natural foods industry,” he says, rattling off a long list of big-name brands that started here, from Justin’s Nut Butter to Rudi’s Organic Bakery. “And Celestial Seasonings was the first of them all.”

As a first of the first, Baden thinks Celestial Seasonings helped inspire the entire natural foods trend.

A bit of spice is nice to please the most exotic of tastes.

Some things have changed: Baden’s hair is short, but even then it has to be kept in a hairnet when in the factory. Celestial Seasonings offers much more than just herbal teas; “wellness teas” (aimed to help specific health conditions), such as a ginger and probiotic tea, are a big trend right now.

“We did at one point have to require people to wear shoes while making the tea,” spokeswoman Price says with a chuckle.

But more things remain the same, she says.

“It’s a special place,” says Price. “So much of what we do is the same. Granted, it’s a bigger scale now, but the spirit is the same.”

If You Visit

Here are some tips for your visit to Celestial Seasonings, 4600 Sleepytime Drive. About 150,000 people tour the factory every year.

You’ll have to wear a hairnet and can’t take photos on the factory floor. Yes, you get to walk across the floor where everything is made.

After your tour, visit the gift shop and pick up a box of Jammin’ Lemon Ginger tea (Baden’s favorite), as well as some of the teas you can’t get anywhere else, such as the Fast Line, an ultra-caffeinated black tea. This tea was discontinued but University of Colorado

students (presumably who wanted the caffeine) protested and Celestial Seasonings brought it back. Today, Baden calls it a “cult tea.”

Much of the original, locally commissioned art from the boxes hangs on the walls here.

Sample pre-brewed teas in the tasting room and take photos next to a life-sized Sleepytime Tea bear replica.

Then get lunch at the cafe. Baden likes to blend several of the cold teas on tap together and top with sparkling water. The in-house chef makes daily specials, often with tea-inspired ingredients, such as a kale salad with cinnamonapple spice (that’s a type of tea) vinaigrette.

Spend time walking through the buildings looking at the artwork. Much of the original, locally commissioned art from the boxes hangs on the walls here.

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CELESTIAL SEASONINGS TURNS 50 (CONTINUED)

Blendmaster’s Favorite

Make it Sangria Zinger!

Fun Facts About Celestial Seasonings • The most expensive tea ever made was Ginseng Plus due to a shiny gold ink on the box.

• Most botanicals are bought whole and cut, cleaned and sifted on site so they stay fresh longer and quality can be controlled.

• All of the tea can be served cold. The zingers make the best iced teas, like Sangria Zinger.

Add a fresh twist of lemon or lime on top.

• You can order a Celestial Seasonings tea at the Dushanbe Tea House in Boulder.

How To Make the Perfect Cup of Tea According to Blendmaster Charlie Baden

CHARLIE BADEN ENJOYS A SANGRIA ZINGER TEA | PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CASTILLO

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• Use distilled or purified water because tap water has varying chlorine contents.

• For herbal/zingers/botanicals: Pour boiling water over a tea bag and steep for four to six minutes. Squeeze out the bag and remove.

• For black/green/white: Catch water just before boiling or it will cook the tea leaves. Pour over bag and steep for two minutes. Don’t squeeze the tea bag when you remove.

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Founded in Boulder, Ready to Work employs adults experiencing homeless in social enterprise as a stepping stone to a better future. Learn more about Ready to Work’s flagship program in Boulder replication efforts in Metro Denver and beyond at www.readytoworkco.org.

Ready to work is a program of Bridge House www.boulderbridgehouse.org

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MEET THE MAKER

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“Ultimately, artists are problem-solvers; they must figure out how to take an idea from their mind and follow the steps to make it a reality.”

JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD

BY AIMEE HECKEL

When people walk past this Pearl Street shop, they stop and stare. It’s not every day that you get to see a leather-maker hand-crafting his products right in the front window.

He works with just two others. As a small team, sitting on a 22-foot-long bench, they make everything right there from scratch. You can watch — and hear and smell — them cutting and sewing the leather, tracing designs, hand-engraving metal buckles. The tools and leather hang on the walls, the same equipment that leather craftsmen have been using for hundreds of years.

Shoemakers are rare nowadays, which is one reason John Allen Woodward puts his workshop They make belts, wallets and handbags (he right in the forefront, not tucked away behind the claims to have the largest selection of alligator retail shop. It’s a way of valuing the process, not just the product. It’s where Woodward grows as a wallets in the world), but Woodward is most famous for his boots. maker. It’s where the magic happens.

In fact, a pair of his red alligator boots Woodward, of Boulder, is one of the top master appeared in the Netflix original series “The Get shoemakers in the world. He’s been making highend leather boots and accessories for 27 years. Down.” Hollywood costume designer Jeriana San This fall, he opened his first local storefront at Juan (of “Gossip Girl” and “Saturday Night Live”) commissioned the boots, worn by actor Shammies 1505 Pearl St. in Boulder.

Moore in the show.

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JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD WORKS ON A BOOT AT HIS BOULDER SHOP PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

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MEET THE THE MAKER MAKER SERIES (CONTINUED) (CONTINUED)

JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD DESIGNER SHOES ON PEARL STREET IN BOULDER | PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

He also made a custom, alligator wallet for Fox’s show, met a boot-maker. He became entranced with this nearly-lost “Empire.” art and set off on an apprenticeship.

In the shop on display, you can see for yourself a $25,000 Today, he’s one of the last artisans in the country who handpair of boots inlaid with sapphires and diamonds. Even if makes shoes. that’s beyond your shoe budget, Woodward’s goal is to inspire But there’s a resurgence of interest, he says. A “renaissance” shoppers to consider what is possible. of the maker world, he calls it. So many people who stop by the Anything. shop have inquired about apprenticeships or classes (literally, “The sky is the limit,” he says. And he is working on pushing daily) that Woodward is considering offering a leather workshop later this year. even that.

The draw: the art.

Opening a shop on the mall, where people can pop in at any time, forces you to level up your game and keep it sharp at all “There are certain designs you can’t do with machines, times, he says. and they’re usually the best designs, and only a handful of “Whatever you’re doing, it better be top-notch,” he says. manufacturers do them anymore,” Woodward says.

“Nothing’s hidden. You can see it right there. You can see what we do and how long it takes. It’s theater, really.”

And as his skill improves, the challenges become more difficult. But when he’s done, he says, he feels like he has grown Woodward came to leather design by chance. He actually as an artist. And the community responds to that. started out as a singer/songwriter, and it was in a club where he

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BELTS MADE BY JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD | COURTESY PHOTO

INSIDE JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD’S PEARL STREET STUDIO | COURTESY PHOTO

CONTINUED >

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MEET THE MAKER (CONTINUED)

JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD WORKS IN HIS SHOP ON PEARL STREET IN BOULDER I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

“Hard work is way underrated. I’m talking about making a plan and working on your plan every day, whether you feel like you’re making progress or not. Because you are.”

–John Allen Woodward

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Ultimately, he says artists are problem-solvers; they must figure out how to take an idea from their mind and follow the steps to make it a reality. The desire to solve problems is in our DNA, which is why humans feel drawn to making art, he believes.

All humans are naturally artists, Woodward says. He encourages people to follow their artistic urges.

“I hear the word passion thrown around a lot, and I’m not really sure what it means. But I can tell you that it’s way overrated,” he says. “Hard work is way underrated. I’m talking about making a plan and working on your plan every day, whether you feel like you’re making progress or not. Because you are.”

Success as a maker is never linear, he says. In fact, Woodward says one key to making it as an

artist is developing an appreciation for failure.

“You gotta love failure. You gotta make something, and you gotta fail and see where you went wrong and you gotta do it again. You gotta learn to like that feeling,” he says. “You didn’t fail.

You just found out how not to do it. If you’re not failing regularly then you’re not challenging yourself enough.”

Woodward says he fails in some way almost every day. Because he’s constantly trying to find a better method and improve.

“Sometimes it’s really painful,” he says. (When you’re working in expensive alligator leather, it can be an expensive lesson.) “But after I cool down, I say, ‘What’s good about this?’”

Your first thought will be “Not a damn thing,” he says with a laugh. But force yourself to keep pondering the question.

JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD HANDCRAFTS A BELT IN HIS SHOP ON PEARL STREET IN BOULDER. I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

There’s always something good.

Sometimes, you will uncover a hidden skill that will work for something else completely different. If nothing else, you are one step closer to finding out what will work, he says.

“The problem is if you say the opposite: ‘Why am I so stupid? I’ll never learn this.’ Those things turn off your brain,” Woodward says.

When you focus on the lesson, you shift the focus into problemsolving mode. And remember, humans love to solve problems, he says.

When you try something new and ambitious, yes, you risk failing.

“But as you move forward, if you’re not expanding, if you’re not doing all you can with your skills, that is the real risk to me,” Woodward says.

JOHN ALLEN WOODWARD DESIGNER SHOES ON PEARL STREET IN BOULDER | PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

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BEST VIEWS IN BOULDER

THE FLATIRONS I PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR USER MAX AND DEE BERNT

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Clear some space on your camera.

You’re about to go photo wild.

BY AIMEE HECKEL

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BEST BESTVIEWS VIEWSININBOULDER BOULDER (CONTINUED)

BOULDER IS NATURALLY STUNNING. SOMETIMES, IT REALLY SHOWS OFF. HERE ARE THE BEST VIEWS IN BOULDER COUNTY AND HOW TO GET THERE. FOOD ON THE CORRIDA PATIO WITH VIEWS OF THE FLATIRONS I PHOTO BY AIMEE HECKEL

1. Flagstaff Mountain

The top of Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder easily provides the best views in town.

This mountaintop perch features sweeping, panoramic views of Boulder and the Front Range. There are plenty of great hiking trails and places to go bouldering or have a romantic picnic, too.

A favorite trail is the Range View/Ute Trail Loop, ideal for travelers not used to Boulder’s high altitude.

“You can get an awesome view of the Continental Divide and Indian Peaks with relatively little effort,” says Lisa Melli Gillespie, of Boulder, a volunteer with the city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks.

The best time to visit is sunrise or sunset (year-round, although the trails may be snowcovered in winter), when the golden glow of the sun makes the city look enchanted.

How to get there: From downtown, head west on Baseline Road. Drive past Chautauqua Park (at the top of the hill) and keep going along the winding road until you reach the top (just

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under 3 1/2 miles up Flagstaff Road). Head to Realization Point, then go about a half mile on Flagstaff Summit Road.

LOCAL TIP: Drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled for the many pull-offs and look-outs along the way. Don’t forget to buy a parking pass at the bottom of the mountain. Boulder is notoriously liberal with its parking tickets. Definitely pack a picnic and a camera and prepare yourself to see birds and deer.

2. Parking Garage at Spruce and 11th

Flagstaff can be packed in the summer. Here’s a lesser-known secret. The parking garage at Spruce and 11th streets right in the heart of downtown offers dramatic views of the city and the Flatirons and is almost always empty on top. While it’s no Mother Nature’s playground, it’s super convenient, especially if you need to park downtown anyway. Just drive up to the top level and take a few moments to gaze out over the city.

How to get there: Easy. This garage is right in the heart of downtown, just one block north of the Pearl Street Mall.

LOCAL TIP: This is a great view for people with physical limitations, as the parking structure offers an elevator to help you down.

3. Mount Sanitas

This view is for travelers looking to get their hearts pumping. The Mount Sanitas Trail is pretty steep and considered moderate to difficult. Enjoy the hike (some Boulderites even run this or bring their dogs) until you reach the pinnacle, which peeks out across Boulder from a bird’s eye view.

How to get there: The trailhead is located right to the west of downtown and the Pearl Street Mall, making it convenient for people who want a dose of nature without the lengthy drive. Go a half mile west of Fourth Street on Mapleton Avenue. Don’t have a car? There’s an RTD bus stop not far away, although you can also walk here from the Pearl Street Mall.

NIGHTIME VIEW FROM THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE PATIO I PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAGSTAFF HOUSE

You’ll start at the Sanitas Valley Trail, which is a wider trail that gets you breathing right away. You’ll reach a fork where you can take the Dakota Ridge Trail east or the Mount Sanitas Trail west. Go west — although you can score sweet views from other angles, too.

LOCAL TIP: Head here as early as you can muster, because this trail gets packed, especially in the summer. Beware of mountain lions and bears.

For reals.

4. The Chairs

Locals call this “The Chairs,” but it’s officially the Mesa Trail to Woods Quarry.

This abandoned rock quarry is now home to sandstone chunks that have been set up to build makeshift furniture. Take a seat on a rock couch or sofa and gaze out over the horizon.

The hike is easy, surrounded by nature and brings incredible views, often in peace from the other hikers. Plus, where else can you get a mountaintop view from a rock sofa?

How to get there: Start at Chautauqua Park, off Baseline Road. From the Ranger Cottage, head up Bluebell Road to Mesa Trail. Hike this

trail for a short distance until you hit Woods Quarry and Roose Cabin. Look for the sign on a tree and head behind that tree, until you reach the old quarry.

LOCAL TIP: People often move the rock chunks around, so the, eh, furniture arrangement is always changing. Feel free to do some remodeling if you feel inspired.

5. First/Second Flatiron Trail

Boulder is a rock-climbing paradise and you can enjoy it, even if you don’t climb, by taking a hike up the Flatirons. This 2.7-mile trail is not easy; it’s rated difficult, and getting lost is easy.

It’s very rocky and steep, but it’ll guide you to the base of the First Flatiron, so you can see this famous, impressive mountain face to rockface.

Win: You get the same inspiring views as the rock climbers, without having to scale the stone yourself.

How to get there: Take Baseline Road west, past Chautauqua Park. Turn left into the parking lot for the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.

LOCAL TIP: Hike this in the springtime, when the trail is lined with colorful wildflowers. This isn’t going to be a friendly winter hike. Don’t forget to pay for parking at the trailhead or the ranger’s cottage.

6. Peak-to-Peak Highway

Although Boulderites with their well-worn hiking boots would want to disagree, you can also get a great view of Boulder from your car.

The road snakes through the beautiful Boulder Canyon and dumps you in the funky mountain town of Nederland. If you’ve never driven in a giant canyon before, it can be simultaneously intimidating and awe-inspiring. The sharp turns may keep your knuckles white, but you won’t be able to pick up your jaw either.

After Nederland, keep going. Although you will be leaving Boulder County, you won’t be leaving the views. Head to Allenspark or Estes Park, another popular tourist destination.

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BEST VIEWS IN BOULDER (CONTINUED)

This famous, designated, official scenic by way is 55 miles long and offers views of the Continental Divide, multiple national forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and also passes through Rocky Mountain National Park.

How to get there: Follow Boulder Canyon up to Nederland. The drive should take about 30 minutes.

LOCAL TIP: If you want to drive slowly and enjoy the scenery, please for the love of all that is holy, pull off on the designated spots to let cars behind you pass. Locals will love you so much more.

Remember: One man’s scenic byway on vacation is another man’s daily commute.

7. Boulder Creek

Not every great view has to be from above.

Some are at eye level — or below. In the summer, hop on an inner tube and coast down the (sometimes rough but always fun) Boulder Creek. The water will bring you past a playful park (Eben G. Fine Park), rocky banks where children play and past towering green trees.

End near the library and relax on the grassy banks. Keep the views going with a stroll along the creek on the stunning walking (and biking) path.

How to get there: First, pick up your tubes at Whitewater Tubing. Ask them about river conditions and the best launching points for that day. You can typically park at Eben G. Fine and hike up the canyon along the river until you find a good bank from which to set sail, uh, tube.

LOCAL TIP: Don’t drink (or toke) and tube. The river can get pretty wild and sometimes it shuts down to tubers. Always check first. Stay sober, safe and smart and enjoy the views from the water.

8. The Corrida Rooftop Patio

If you don’t have the budget or appetite to eat here, you can still enjoy the views. Before you enter the restaurant, there’s a small section of the rooftop patio. This space is open to anyone who wants to check out the views when the restaurant is not open. It serves lunch

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11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, weekend brunch from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner after 4 p.m. daily.

Truly, the best views are from inside the restaurant. The food and drinks are incredible, too.

How to get there: Corrida is located right in downtown Boulder, at 1023 Walnut St., Suite 400, on the rooftop level of the PearlWest building. Corrida is on the top floor, and it’s only accessible via an elevator, which can feel a little like going to a secret hideout. When you first enter the building, you file into a sterile hallway and are typically greeted by an elevator attendant, who calls the elevator for you.

LOCAL TIP:This sophisticated restaurant is lined with oversized windows, but the best place to sit is outside on the huge rooftop lounge, spanning about 3,100 square feet. The rooftop can seat more than 40 people.

9. The Rio Grande Rooftop

The roof has its own bar and a large, lovely, Mexican-tile fountain as the centerpiece. The 1,200-square-foot patio is festive and upbeat; it can be loud and you may end up tightly packed in, due to limited space.

The Rio is casual. You dine on wooden benches, smaller wooden tables or Emu patio furniture. Some are topped with umbrellas.

There are also standing heaters to keep it warm when temps drop.

How to get there: It’s hard to miss, just a block south of the Pearl Street Mall. At 1101 Walnut St., the Rio is a Boulder institution that has been offering foothills views for decades.

LOCAL TIP: Enjoy views with strong margaritas and Mexican food at the Rio Grande. The Rio’s rooftop, built in 2006, is beloved for its direct Flatiron views. It’s so popular, in fact, that there’s often a wait to get a seat up there, but it’s worth it. The Rio recently reopened its location after a renovation.

10. The Museum of Boulder

After you check out the permanent and rotating exhibitions at Boulder’s new history museum, head to the large rooftop terrace.

How to get there: 2205 Broadway, the corner of Broadway and Pine, in the former Masonic Lodge, built in 1949. It is not far from Pearl Street.

LOCAL TIP: After you purchase an admission ticket to the museum, this scenic space is accessible via an elevator, making it open to everyone, even people with limited mobility or disabilities.

11. Flagstaff House

If you’re visiting Flagstaff Mountain for the views, cap off the night with a high-end dinner at one of Boulder’s best restaurants, Flagstaff House. Without a doubt, Flagstaff House boasts Boulder’s best views. No, really.

OpenTable crowned this restaurant with one of the top 10 views. At 6,000 feet, perched on the mountainside, this restaurant overlooks Boulder and beyond.

How to get there: Head up the canyon via Baseline road to 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder. It’s only a couple miles up the canyon but may take about 10 minutes.

LOCAL TIP: Enjoy your views with a glass of fine wine. Flagstaff House is known for its superior wine selection.

CRAVING FOR MORE VIEWS? READ ABOUT THE 17 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/17-ROMANTICPLACES-TO-WATCH-THE-SUNSET-NEARBOULDER-COUNTY

A visit to Boulder isn’t complete without a stop downtown.

The Pearl Street Mall and adjacent streets are

Join Us Downtown for these Signature Events...

filled with award-winning restaurants and

• June 5 - August 7 (Wednesdays): Bands on the Bricks

amazing shopping options. Spend the day

• July 20-21: Pearl Street Arts Fest

people watching or enjoying street performers.

• August 24: Boulder Craft Beer Fest

For a complete list of businesses and events, go

online to VisitDowntownBoulder.com.

• September 13 - 15: Fall Fest

*Every Saturday & Sunday, City of Boulder Parking garages are free!

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REFUEL

AMAZING UNDER 30

ONE OF BOULDER’S FINEST RESTAURANTS — ONE OF COLORADO’S MOST AWARDED AND ONE OF THE MOST STORIED RESTAURANTS IN THE NATION — HAS A SURPRISING SECRET TO ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS. IT’S LED BY A GROUP OF MILLENNIALS, ALL UNDER THE AGE OF 30.

BY AIMEE HECKEL

INSIDE THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I COURTESY PHOTO

The Flagstaff House defines high-end dining in Boulder and has been a landmark for almost a century, boasting sweeping views of the city from atop Flagstaff Mountain. Despite the restaurant’s age, things here are far from stagnant. Fresh, new perspectives from young leaders have brought about changes in the menu, the design and the feel of the whole place.

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ALCOHOL AT THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I COURTESY PHOTO

In the last year, the evolution of the Flagstaff the sommelier and beverage director. She’s House has been significant, staff says. the youngest of the three Flagstaff leaders and has huge expectations to fill. Wine The family-run restaurant is currently headed Spectator has awarded Flagstaff House its up by general manager Adam Monette, age 28, highest honor, the Grand Award (fewer part of the family’s third generation of leaders. than 100 of these awards are given per year The kitchen has a fresh, young perspective, worldwide) every year for 32 years in a row. too. The executive chef, Chris Royster, is only The restaurant has some high-end wines 29. But he doesn’t lack accolades. He’s a Food in its multiple wine cellars housing about Network “Chopped” champion and recipient 16,000 bottles — the biggest wine collection in Colorado. Flagstaff House’s selection of of a Zagat 30 Under 30 award.

2,900 wines is so big that each guest is given a digital tablet to search the menu.

Then there’s 28-year-old Elizabeth Sammuri,

CONTINUED >

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AMAZING UNDER 30 (CONTINUED)

ADAM MONETTE He chooses unique dishware and serving vessels that are different for every course.

A COCKTAIL AT THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I COURTESY PHOTO

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ADAM MONETTE, GENERAL MANAGER, TALKS WITH NEW HIRE NICK GRASINGER PRIOR TO OPENING FOR THE EVENING AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

Although Monette has grown up with fine dining in his blood, he has brought a unique perspective to the Flagstaff House since taking over as GM. He chose unique dishware and serving vessels that are different for every course. This makes every bite its own unique experience, not just with flavor but also visually. (Not to mention it makes some fun Instagram fodder.)

Monette’s first job at the Flagstaff House was peeling potatoes and carrots and washing dishes for years, until he earned his way to more challenging positions; he was not given anything simply by birthright. Although it seemed like a predetermined fate, he says he was never forced or pushed into the field. At age 13 — braces, squeaky voice and baby-faced — he was given a shot as a “server assistant.”

“I had to really want it,” he says. “Working alongside my father, uncle and grandfather was all that I ever wanted, and I worked hard to get there.”

Family was everything for Monette.

“Working alongside the first and second generations was one thing, but then having an opportunity to see my

brother, sister, and 12 cousins working the floor truly gave us a huge family bond,” he says.

Monette studied hospitality management at Colorado State University and worked at various restaurants along the way (“all the while knowing that the Flagstaff House meant more to me than anything,” he says). He has also worked in about every role at the Flagstaff House until he was named a partner in 2018.

As a younger leader, he says he works to balance market trends with the restaurant’s truth and vision.

“I hope that I can help lead and be a huge part of the growth that will allow the Flagstaff House to last another 50 years,” Monette says.

He envisions more changes on the horizon (cosmetically to improve the ambiance, for example), but there’s one thing he doesn’t see changing.

“I hope that I will be able to always play a significant role in the management and ownership of the Flagstaff House for the rest of my life,” he says.

CONTINUED >

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AMAZING UNDER 30 (CONTINUED)

CHRIS ROYSTER Art you can eat.

FOOD AT THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I COURTESY PHOTO

As executive chef and partner, Royster renovated the menu.

He changed the restaurant’s dinner format to offer three- and five-course tasting menus, plus added more refined offerings that are all plated carefully. Think: art that you can eat. (Again, making Flagstaff’s dishes immediate #foodie stars on social media.) Younger diners want to share their experiences with others, so the presentation and aesthetics of food matter more than ever, according to the Flagstaff House.

Of course, while at it, the flavors need to retain their expected quality. In addition, the tasting menu allows for an interesting, ever-changing, modern dining experience and lets the kitchen continually test its culinary skills, Royster says.

Royster grew up around food in New York. His mom ran a cake-decorating business and his dad and grandfathers were avid hunters. Royster learned how to hunt and fish, which taught him how to use the whole animal and make things like sausage and jerky. Royster’s career in restaurants started as a dishwasher with his brother. He was 14. His first day was New Year’s Eve. Even though he was just washing dishes, he says it was absolutely incredible.

“I was obsessed immediately. I fell in love with every aspect of the kitchen,” Royster says. “The creative artistic side of things, the structure and flow of service, the crazy buzz that filled the air as the rush of dinner service flowed over everyone.

I never wanted to leave that environment.”

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The brothers worked their way up the ladder, until they were co-chefs at age 18 and 19. They moved together to Colorado and worked at various restaurants around Boulder County (Three Leaf Concepts, The Huckleberry Cafe). In 2011, Royster joined his brother (Adam Royster, then chef de cuisine; now no longer with the restaurant because he moved back east) at the Flagstaff House. Chris Royster started as sous chef, then he became chef de cuisine. He was named executive chef and partner in 2018.

“Running a kitchen like the one we have at the Flagstaff House is incredibly challenging and demanding, no matter what age you are or how much experience you have. Our guests have to come to expect a particular level of service, and rightfully so,” he says.

But he says he thrives in the demanding environment and welcomes the challenges.

As a young member of the team, he says he brings a new approach to fine dining, but he also enjoys introducing younger diners to dishes they may not be familiar with.

Ultimately, he says, the age of the staff isn’t a determining factor.

“It’s more the mindset and dedication of the staff to make everything we do better and better,” he says.

CHRIS ROYSTER, EXECUTIVE CHEF AND PARTNER | COURTESY PHOTO

SUMMER / FALL 2019

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AMAZING UNDER 30 (CONTINUED)

ELIZABETH SAMMURI

ELIZABETH SAMMURI SAMPLES WINES FOR THE MENU PRIOR TO OPENING FOR THE EVENING AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

“AS A YOUNG FEMALE SOMMELIER, AT TIMES IT HAS BEEN EASY FOR ME TO BE INTIMIDATED OR OVERWHELMED BY OLDER, MORE EXPERIENCED MEMBERS OF MY PROFESSION. BUT I HAVE CONFIDENCE...” – ELIZABETH SAMMURI

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ELIZABETH SAMMURI WORKS ON HER LAPTOP PRIOR TO OPENING FOR THE EVENING AT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

Sammuri, a Colorado native, used to be a professional snowboarder. Now she works on the top of a peak in charge of the drinks at the Flagstaff House.

She has elevated the restaurant’s beverage experience by creating a unique pairing menu that highlights unexpected takes on certain types of wine.

This spring, look for her special rose wine pairing menu.

Although the Flagstaff House is renowned for its extensive list of Grand Cru Burgundy and First Growth Bordeaux wines, Sammuri says she wants people to know there are also many amazing bottles between $50 and $100. In addition, she says, many people don’t realize the restaurant has a large selection of rare and unusual spirits, especially Scotches and whiskeys.

“We love to create interesting and unique cocktails to complement the incredible food coming out of the kitchen,” she says.

Sammuri began her career in wine at the age of 21

at a small winery in rural France. The goal: to learn the wine industry from the ground up. Over the years, she worked in wine shops, wineries and restaurants and studied wine in Italy. There, she studied viticulture and taught about Italian wine. She continues to learn and aspires to become an advanced-level sommelier and study through The Court of Master Sommeliers.

Although she lacks the years of experience as older sommeliers, Sammuri says she aims to make up for it with her background in wine around the world, her teaching and extensive studying.

She encourages other young people pursuing their passions to be courageous.

“As a young female sommelier, at times it has been easy for me to be intimidated or overwhelmed by older, more experienced members of my profession.

But I have confidence, and I think confidence is so important in this industry so that people know they can trust you and rely on you,” Sammuri says.

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REFUEL

MEET THE MIXOLOGISTS A Conversation With Boulder County’s Most Innovative Drink Masters

BY AIMEE HECKEL

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DRINK MAKER TONI BOWERSOCKS AT CAPRESE TRATTORIA PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

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MEET THE MIXOLOGISTS (CONTINUED)

TONI BOWERSOX MIXES A HARVEY WALLBANGER, HER FAVORITE DRINK I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

BOULDER’S FAMOUS FOR ITS FOOD — FROM JAMES BEARD AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS TO “TOP CHEFS” FROM TV. BUT IT WOULDN’T BE A COMPLETE FOODIE PARADISE WITHOUT GOOD DRINKS TO GO WITH THE DISHES. THE CITY BOASTS MANY NOTABLE SOMMELIERS AND COCKTAIL MASTERS, BUT A HANDFUL STAND OUT FOR THEIR INNOVATION AND PASSION. HERE’S A CLOSER LOOK AT FOUR OF BOULDER COUNTY’S BEST MIXOLOGISTS: TONI BOWERSOX, BARTENDER AT CAPRESE TRATTORIA IN LONGMONT; JASON RUFF, THE BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT SANTO; ATMAN HANEL AT BRASSERIE TEN TEN; CHRIS JOHNSON, THE BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT BLACKBELLY. AS A BONUS, WE’VE ASKED EACH TO SHARE THEIR FAVORITE SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPES THAT YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME.

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-Toni Bowersox-

CAPRESE TRATTORIA

Bowersox’s pathway to making drinks at one of Longmont’s finest restaurants is like no other. It began unexpectedly — and on a dare.

About 25 years ago, she was the only woman on an all-men’s softball team in Denver. The team was sponsored by Saturday Night Live, a strip club. Which meant the softball players often ended up there after a game. One night, she says, the owner joked that she was there often enough that she may as well work there. She didn’t want to dance, but she said she would be interested in bartending — as long as she didn’t have to dress in sexy clothes. He made her an offer: If she could sell a certain amount of alcohol that night, she was hired and could wear whatever she wanted.

She ended up working there (and the sister bar, The House of Babes) for more than two decades. She quit her job as a teacher.

Over the years, she headed up drinks at an Asian restaurant in Erie and a Mexican restaurant in Longmont, before working at Caprese Trattoria, a fine Italian restaurant in Longmont “I’ve been everywhere,” Bowersox says. “I started in a strip club and I’m now in a five-star restaurant.”

Her diverse background informs her drinks today, from pineapple upside down shots with grenadine art on top at the House of Babes, to peach sake martinis and green tea cocktails at the Asian restaurant, to mezcal martinis and smoky margs at the Mexican restaurant, to oldschool Italian cocktails at Caprese Trattoria.

WHAT CHARACTERIZES A GOOD COCKTAIL — TO YOU? Fresh ingredients, quality ingredients and measurements are key. You can wing it on certain drinks but sometimes when it comes down to a good cocktail, you have to put the love in there, shake it a certain amount of times, stir it a certain amount of times and makes sure it comes out fresh and clean.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL RECIPE FOR SPRING AND SUMMER? A Harvey Wallbanger is simple, refreshing and classic Italian.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT MAKING DRINKS? I like to see what flavors will marry well together, and it has to look pretty, too. That’s my big thing. It’s such a good feeling, like when chefs put out great food, I just love when people love the drinks that I make.

I like putting the time and effort into them, and getting them out so they’re looking good with a fresh, fresh garnish.

HARVEY WALLBANGER INGREDIENTS 1.5 ounces of top-shelf vodka

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

3 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice

It’s the service industry. It’s long hours, and you have to carry your weight in this business to be good and hold it down. I think some people don’t understand the rules and regulations we have to follow, the classes and certifications required to stay up with our protocol and keep people safe. Many people don’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes.

0.5 ounces of Galliano (sweet herbal Italian liqueur)

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE MORE CREATIVE/INTERESTING COCKTAILS YOU HAVE COME UP WITH?

INSTRUCTIONS Mix the vodka and OJ like a screwdriver and then float (or pour) the Galliano on top. The Galliano has a vanilla flavor, which sweetens the drink and makes it reminiscent of a “creamsicle” flavor, although it’s not creamy.

So many, but some people don’t know about an Italian margarita. It’s a regular marg, with sweet and sour made from scratch (a simple syrup, add lime and lemon to get it to the right flavor), and you float amaretto on top.

CONTINUED >

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MEET THE MIXOLOGISTS (CONTINUED)

-Atman Hanel-

BRASSERIE TEN TEN

Hanel says he has always enjoyed entertaining and mixing drinks with friends. When he realized he could turn that love into a career, everything fell into place, he says. He began at the Sundown Saloon in Boulder working from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. when he was 21, and he finally found his home years later at Brasserie Ten Ten working from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. He says he much prefers the hours and the more sophisticated clientele.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT MAKING DRINKS? What I enjoy most about creating drinks are the days when I make something that I think is good and my guest enjoys it so much that they ask me to help them explain how to order that same drink when they dine at a different place.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? My biggest challenge is not limiting myself to my own personal tastes.

Some of my best successes have been with libations that I don’t usually drink myself.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE MORE CREATIVE/INTERESTING COCKTAILS YOU HAVE COME UP WITH? When it comes to cocktails, the possibilities are endless. I make my own bitters. I’ve made my own walnut liquor. I’ve infused Thai tea and smoked cactus paddles. When you think flavors will work, sometimes you just have to make them yourself.

WHAT CHARACTERIZES A GOOD COCKTAIL — TO YOU? A good cocktail is a great thing. When remembered, it should invoke the experience, as well as the flavors. It will be nuanced and balanced and should showcase the taste and feel of the alcohol, not the proof of it.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL RECIPE FOR SPRING AND SUMMER? One of my new favorites for summer is a lower-alcohol option. I feel our guests are enjoying each other’s company and drink at a slower pace, and they are becoming more well-versed in the realm of cocktails.

Making new and different cocktails is becoming as important as the comfortable approach of service I like to bring to my guests.

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ATMAN HANEL, DRINK-MAKER AT BRASSERIE TEN TEN I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

APRES-MIDI BLEU (BLUE AFTERNOON) INGREDIENTS 8-10 blueberries ½ ounce Nolet’s Gin ½ ounce Stella Rosa 22 Aperitivo 2 ½ ounces Soto Sake Lemon

INSTRUCTIONS Start by muddling the blueberries in a large cocktail glass. Then fill a glass with ice and add 1/2 ounce gin and 1/2 ounce of Stella Rosa 22 Aperitivo. Top off with 2 1/2 ounces of Soto Sake and a squeeze of lemon. Give a quick stir and sit back and enjoy.

-Chris JohnsonBLACKBELLY

Johnson’s mixology career began in dive bars in southern Illinois. He says he quickly fell in love with the industry and worked his way up into new places where he could learn from bartenders he respected. Finally, he landed in a restaurant in his hometown that was focusing on craft cocktails. That was the game-changer for Johnson. He worked there for several years and began traveling to bar competitions, eventually taking over the bar program at three different restaurants.

About a year ago, Johnson moved to Boulder and fell in love with the area. He found his new home as the manager of Blackbelly’s bar program.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT MAKING DRINKS? The look on people’s faces when they take the first sip.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? My biggest challenge is staying on top of current trends and not falling back on old ways. It’s easy to default to classic combinations and more difficult to make new ones work well.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE MORE CREATIVE/INTERESTING COCKTAILS YOU HAVE COME UP WITH?

CHRIS JOHNSON AT BLACKBELLY I COURTESY PHOTO

We have had a few fun ones on our list, such as infusing Agastache with cachaca and mixing it with Szechuan pepper and cherry; or mixing mezcal, sherry and ginger liqueur, which worked out wonderfully.

The two that we have on our list right now that were a lot of fun to come up with are Everlasting Light, which mixes beet juice, limoncello, honey and cava rose; and Howlin’ For You, which combines Madeira, smoked prickly pear liqueur, local orange liqueur and maple syrup. They also are low-alcohol beverages, which a lot of people are looking for these days. They want a cocktail that tastes great and they can enjoy but doesn’t completely ruin them the next day.

HAPPY NOW INGREDIENTS 1 ounce of Mezcal 0.75 ounce Aperol 0.75 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce tarragon simple syrup

WHAT CHARACTERIZES A GOOD COCKTAIL — TO YOU?

2 ounces of Cava Rose wine

Balance and aroma are two things I look for when trying cocktails. It has to pique my interest with the smell and then make me come back for a second sip instantly after the first.

INSTRUCTIONS Mix ingredients together and enjoy.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL RECIPE FOR SPRING AND SUMMER? One of my favorite warm-weather drinks is something one of our bartenders came up with last year. We named that seasonal cocktail list after the No Doubt album “Tragic Kingdom,” and this cocktail was lovingly called “Happy Now” because of how you feel after the first sip.

CONTINUED >

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MEET THE MIXOLOGISTS (CONTINUED)

-Jason RuffSANTO

Ruff grew up in the restaurant scene, first washing dishes and bussing tables at his mother’s restaurant in Baltimore. He began bartending in brewery restaurants in college, right at the cusp of the craft beer movement.

That’s where his base knowledge of classic cocktails took root.

But it wasn’t until he moved to Colorado more than a decade ago that the seed began to blossom. Inspired by the growing craft cocktail movement, he began diving into the history and intricacies of beverages. In Boulder, he worked as the beverage director at Salt on Pearl Street and tended bar at other places around town before he took his current position at Santo.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT MAKING DRINKS? The creative outlet and experimentation are what I really enjoy, especially with new spirits becoming available every year. There have been a ton of local, small-batch distilleries that are making fantastic spirits — Grove Street Alchemy in Longmont to name one. Fifteen years ago, the industry did not have access to all these great, new, high-end products. I also love working with chefs and seeing what kind of fresh seasonal ingredients they are working with and if I can find a way to incorporate those same ingredients in some of my cocktails.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Staying on top of what is happening in the larger metropolitan areas while still keeping true to a personal style and catering to what the public desires.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE MORE CREATIVE/INTERESTING COCKTAILS YOU HAVE COME UP WITH? Last year, we did a cocktail at Santo with a beef bone marrow washed mezcal and tequila infused with aquavit spices, hatch chile agave, clarified tomato water and lemon. It was one of the more savory cocktails I have made and it came out really great. Another was a mezcal cocktail with Del Maguey Vida (a mezcal), fresh beet juice, Dolin Genepy Le Chamois Liqueur, sage agave and lime. It was really beautiful visually and just super earthy and tasty.

WHAT CHARACTERIZES A GOOD COCKTAIL — TO YOU? It depends on the time of year. For me, I like lighter-proofed cocktails in the warmer months and bolder cocktails in the colder months. I enjoy something that is approachable and not overthought; drinks with too many ingredients tend to turn me off, as flavors begin to become muddled. I enjoy cocktails with agave-based spirits, as that is what I’ve been working with most lately.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL RECIPE FOR SPRING AND SUMMER? One of my favorites right now is a rye and tequila cocktail we have at Santo.

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JASON RUFF I COURTESY PHOTO

SANTO’S RYE AND TEQUILA COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS 1 ounce Altos Olmeca Blanco 1 ounce Rittenhouse rye ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice ¾ ounce rosemary agave*

INSTRUCTIONS Shake vigorously, strain into a glass with crushed ice and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a lemon twist. *For rosemary agave, bring 16 ounces of 1 part water, 1 part agave to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 7 sprigs of fresh rosemary and allow to steep for half an hour. Remove sprigs and discard.

Syrup can be refrigerated for up to three weeks.

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EXPERIENCE BOULDER

LEXY & RODOLFO MONTES ENJOY THE VIEW DURING RIDE WITH FAIR WINDS BALLOON FLIGHTS IN LAFAYETTE. I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

BEST PICNIC SPOTS There are lots of great parks and spaces in Boulder where you can toss a blanket or grab a table and enjoy an outdoor meal.

But some places are better than others. Want a shaded area? A grill? Water access? It’s all possible, if you know where to go.

Whether you prefer a large, open, grassy area or a more intimate setting, you will find your perfect picnic spot in Boulder. The views, the seating, the shade and more set these picnic areas above the rest.

Coot Lake offers a variety of activities for you, your kids and your furry friends.

Tom Watson Park is great for families with multiple kids or young children who shouldn’t play near open water but still want to enjoy the views that Coot Lake offers.

Valmont City Park, a bike-centric park, is a great place to get a workout in with your picnic.

Foothills Community Park features is a large playground suitable for kids ages 2 through 12. The park also offers a rock wall and a polar sundial.

WANT MORE? READ MORE ABOUT BOULDER’S BEST PICNIC SPOTS ONLINE AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/BEST-PICNIC-SPOTS-IN-BOULDER.

JEFF MEEKER, OWNER OF FAIR WINDS BALLOON FLIGHTS, HEATS THE AIR IN HIS BALLOON IN LAFAYETTE I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

WHERE TO GO HEAR OUTDOOR MUSIC Live music is great. The Colorado outdoors are great. Put them together and it’s even better.

On many summer evenings, the Pearl Street Mall transforms into an outdoor stage, and so do many of Boulder County’s parks. Even Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus hosts musicians on occasion (like the recent Dead & Company show). Boulder’s food truck park, the Rayback Collective, also regularly brings live music to its indoor-outdoor space. Boulder’s small bandshell in Central Park is often alive with music.

Not far from Boulder, you can find other popular outdoor stages. There’s the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, bumped against the St. Vain River. And of course, there’s the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, an acoustically perfect stage carved into 70-million-year-old red sandstone rock formations.

If you want your live music served up with a side of the stars in Boulder County, here’s a sampling of where to go.

Band on the Bricks. Head to downtown Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall every Wednesday through the summer for Band on the Bricks. This free, familyfriendly summer concert series features local musicians starting at 6 p.m. Come early to grab a drink (beer, wine or a marg) at the beer garden. Band on the Bricks has been rocking Boulder for more than 20 years.

Boulder Concerts in the Park. Summertime in Boulder means free music in the park, thanks to the all-volunteer Boulder Concert Band and the Parks and Recreation Department. The band brings a variety of musical styles to Boulder’s beautiful parks. Pack a picnic. The Concerts in the Park show starts at 7 p.m.

The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center Summer Concert Series. Hear free live music in the museum’s courtyard, 400 Quail Road in Longmont, on select evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic and park on the grass.

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A BALLOON FLOATS OVER FARM LAND DURING FAIR WINDS BALLOON FLIGHTS IN LAFAYETTE I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

WAYS TO VIEW BOULDER FROM THE SKY Experience the popular attractions in Boulder from all angles, even from above: from the cozy basket of a hot air balloon, on a diving glider, while plunging from an airplane. Take an aerial tour of the region, or get some bird’s-eye shots with a drone.

There are so many different ways to do Boulder, bird style. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore Boulder’s blue skies: Float in a hot air balloon. There are two main hot air balloon outfitters in the Boulder area: Life Cycle Balloon Adventures and Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights. Drifting above Boulder County and witnessing the Flatirons from above will give you a whole new perspective of the region.

Go skydiving with the best. Longmont-based Mile-Hi Skydiving is widely considered one of Colorado’s top skydiving companies. It claims to be the state’s top-ranked and biggest skydiving business, with more than 35,000 plane jumps every year. It also boasts the state’s largest fulltime, twin-engine, jet-prop aircraft.

Learn to fly a glider. Mile High Gliding offers the expected peaceful, scenic flights over the mountains and alpine lakes, but what many people don’t realize if you can actually learn to fly one of these gliders for yourself. Take an intro to flying class or, for a more comprehensive education, an immersive five-day, 30-flight course.

See Boulder via an air tour. If you think you know Boulder, try meeting it from this angle. Boulder Air Tours offers some of the most interesting guided tours in town, including tours that you can customize to meet your own interests. Or book a pre-set flight plan of your choice, including a real-estate tour (to hunt for dream properties), a backcountry tour (find the best places to go hiking or climbing) or a Boulder city tour.

See the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder Canyon, CU campus and more points of interest in Boulder, all from a bird’s-eye view.

WANT MORE? CHECK OUT THE FULL ARTICLE, WITH MORE SKY-HIGH ADVENTURES, ONLINE AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/ 9-UNIQUE-WAYS-TO-EXPERIENCEBOULDER-FROM-THE-SKY CONTINUED >

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EXPERIENCE BOULDER (CONTINUED)

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HEATHER BARRETT ENJOYS SEEING THE FORCYTHE CANYON WATERFALL NEAR GROSS RESERVOIR I PHOTO BY MARK LEFFINGWELL

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FRONT RANGE RIDE GUIDES | COURTESY PHOTO

BEST NIGHTTIME HIKES Fun fact that many visitors may not realize: The city of Boulder’s trails are always open, day and night. Many trailhead parking lots remain unlocked (but not all of them; some close at 5 p.m.), so you might be able to still park there, too — as long as you don’t leave your car parked overnight. Camping in city parking lots is prohibited.

Before heading out for a night hike, do some research. Know who patrols the trail and consider hiking it in daylight first, so you know what to expect.

Craving a night hike in Boulder? Here are some ways to do it right:

are only accessible by trail. A waterfall hike is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities in the state, and many of these aren’t too difficult and are appropriate for hikers of all abilities.

Due to Boulder’s proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, you can find an amazing selection of waterfall hikes within a short drive.

Here are some of our favorite waterfall hikes in Boulder County and less than two hours away.

Boulder Falls: Boulder Falls, one of the most popular attractions just outside of Boulder, is a quick and easy hike (that barely qualifies as a hike; it only takes 10 minutes) with a lovely waterfall reward.

1. Do a night picnic at Chautauqua.

Devil’s Thumb Pass: Head here if you are looking for the best place 2. Take in the view up Flagstaff Mountain. to visit for a long, full-day waterfall hike near Boulder. Devil’s Thumb Pass, 3. Explore other night hikes, including Gregory Canyon, Mount near Nederland, will take you all the way to the Jasper Creek Waterfall, a Sanitas and the Centennial Trail. peaceful, not-too-busy waterfall emerging from Jasper Creek.

Forsythe Canyon: For an easy waterfall hike not far from Boulder WANT MORE? near Nederland, head west toward Gross Reservoir. The Forsythe Canyon READ MORE ABOUT HOW AND WHERE TO HIKE Trail follows a creek (lined with various small but stunning waterfalls, AT NIGHT IN BOULDER AT TRAVELBOULDER.COM/THE-BEST-NIGHTespecially active in the springtime during snow runoff) into a rocky canyon.

TIME-HIKES-IN-BOULDER Bridal Veil Falls: Head to Idaho Springs, near the beginning of the I-70 canyon, for this stunning waterfall.

BEST WATERFALL HIKES What goes up must come down, right? In Colorado, that means where there are mountains, there must also be equally as stunning waterfalls.

WANT MORE? Colorado is home to 81 different officially named waterfalls, plus READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE AT countless unnamed ones — and some of the best in the world. You might TRAVELBOULDER.COM/THE-BEST-WATERFALL-HIKES-NEAR-BOULDER see waterfalls trickling or roaring down the mountain from the road; others

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LIVE MUSIC IS ONE OF THE MANY OFFERINGS AWAITING YOU AT LONGTUCKY I COURTESY PHOTO

TUCKED BEHIND A BODY SHOP, DEVIANT SPIRITS IS A PERFECT SPOT TO SIP I COURTESY PHOTO

FIVE BOULDER DISTILLERIES TO VISIT While people who visit Boulder seem to focus on the booming craft beer scene or the pervasive pot stores, there is another industry designed to put a smile on your face that is growing quickly.

In just the last decade, Boulder County has gone from just one distillery to double digits with new ones seeming to come online yearly.

Populated with ex-brewers, chemists and other mad scientist-types, the distilleries offer aged whiskeys, flavorful gins and smooth vodkas, plus a whole host of other interesting bottles of booze. Maybe the best way to enjoy their creations is on site in their tasting rooms, where staff can pour you a shot or whip up a tasty cocktail.

Here are five distilleries that we love to head to when we want to kick back.

DEVIANT SPIRITS 2480 49th St., Unit E, Boulder Known for its flavorful rice vodkas, Deviant is located behind the Boulder Bump Shop in an industrial park off Pearl Parkway. It has a fun and funky feel to it the moment you enter the doors.

There is a comfy bar, behind which is a massive array of flavored vodkas (mint, basil, strawberry, cucumber, tomato, sage and lime, plus a few seasonals) along with gin and whiskey.

The mixed drink menu changes often, so regardless of the time of year, there should be a drink to suit your tastes. This summer Deviant Spirits is planning on offering a wide selection of Old Fashioneds to sip in the sun.

What really makes this spot special is the large outdoor seating area where you can soak up the sun while staring at the Flatirons in the distance while playing some tabletop Jenga.

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BY HUDSON LINDENBERGER

VAPOR DISTILLING

LONGTUCKY SPIRITS

5311 Western Ave., Unit 180, Boulder Vapor is the brainchild of a Scotsman (Alastair Brogan) and an ex-brewer (Ted Palmer) who decided to turn their love of fine spirits into a business. Their whiskeys, gins, vodkas and liqueurs have since won numerous awards at competitions across the globe.

Their tasting room is designed to feel like a giant speakeasy with a tin ceiling, massive red leather booths and a long bar that you can sit on either side of while sipping one of their cocktails.

The Boulder Ginskey is something special. They have aged their normal gin for two years in charred American Oak whiskey barrels to impart a smoky, almost bourbon flavor.

Vapor offers tours Tuesday through Thursday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 and 5 p.m., but if you ask nicely when visiting they very well might take you into their back room to see their massive copper still where they work their magic.

350 Terry St., Suite 120, Longmont As one of the newer distillers on the market (it opened in 2017), the folks at Longtucky are quickly making a name for themselves with their full-flavored whiskeys. Made onsite in their alembic stills, they are nuanced and quite memorable, especially their The Last Waltz Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Located inside the renovated, former Longmont Times-Call building, the tasting room is a comfy spot with numerous high-top tables and a wooden bar. Wednesday through Sunday nights, the distillery has a rotating schedule of events, anything from karaoke to open mic nights to live music. Enjoy the events with one of the numerous homemade cocktails. Located right in the heart of town, it is also near several breweries (300 Suns, Wibby, Bootstrap and Pumphouse) so you can turn a visit into an impromptu bar crawl if so desired.

SPIRIT HOUND DISTILLER 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons Located on the road leading into Lyons, Spirit Hound turns out products made with Coloradoonly ingredients. While its whiskey, gin and rum are pretty darn good, what really sets Spirit Hound apart is its sublimely smooth White Dog Moonshine. It’s a pretty special sipper that takes fresh, unaged whiskey and cuts it down with Rocky Mountain water. There’s a little kick at 90 proof but lots of flavor.

The walls of the spacious tasting room are adorned with local art and the whole place exudes a comfy western vibe that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the front doors. It’s the largest tasting room in Boulder and even has a roomy deck out front, too. Plus, food trucks park here most weekends.

ON POINT DISTILLER 802 S. Public Rd, Suite E, Lafayette Not even a year old, On Point is a fun, little spot in east Boulder County that’s a familyowned business. It exudes warmth the moment you walk up. There is a large patio outside usually with kids running about and dogs lazing in the sun. Once you walk through the doors, you will find an easygoing tasting room with someone behind the bar likely offering you a smile.

With several flavored vodkas, plus a spiced rum, lavender gin and bourbon pouring, the selection is impressive, considering On Point is still trying to build up a backlog of booze. Dive into the cocktail list, which usually has several superb offerings. Try the Rosey Cucumber made with lavender gin, cucumber, rosemary, lime juice and agave nectar. It will cool you right off.

If you are hungry, there are food trucks outside most nights.

LUXURY A STATE OF MIND, NOT A PRICE POINT At Colorado Landmark we define luxury a bit differently.

Luxury is not a price point or a snobby secret club.

LUXURY IS A MINDSET. We offer custom white-glove real estate services.

For people, not properties.

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