Boulder Arts & Culture

July 12, 2013 by

Boulder Arts & Culture

To receive an accolade for the 6th Best Art Town in the Country you must have an extensive and developed art scene, and that’s just what Boulder has to offer.  Recognized for its dedication to the Arts, Boulder gives its citizens and visitors plenty to stimulate their minds.

A great way to start your day off is to grab a coffee at the Laughing Goat Coffee House (1709 Pearl St. 303.440.4628).  Since it’s still early, relax with your cup of coffee while you take a peek at the local art work.  This artisan coffeehouse and gallery also features community performances in the evening hours, so if you can, stop back for poetry readings and acoustic music.

After you catch your morning buzz, head south to the campus of Naropa Institute (2130 Arapahoe Ave. 303.444.0202).  This liberal arts university is one of the few major accredited Buddhist-inspired universities in North America.  Sit on the campus lawn where once Beat Generation poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman discussed ideas on finding Naropa’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics.

Head west from Naropa University to the Dushanbe Teahouse (1770 13th St. 303.442.4993) which is another example of Asian influence in Boulder.  This beautiful Central Asian teahouse was given to the city of Boulder by their sister city Dushanbe, Tajikistan.  Be sure to notice the intricately carved cedar columns and colorfully painted ceiling while you sip a spicy chai.

When you have finished admiring the art and enjoying your cup of tea, wander next door to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (1750 13th St. 303.443.2122).  BMoCA is dedicated to the presentation of dynamic art of our time through the means of local and regional talents.  Beyond the museum’s exhibits, BMoCA also holds educational classes and monthly evening events.

An active morning of touring probably has given you a fierce appetite.  A great way to satisfy an afternoon hunger is to grab a French-inspired lunch at Brasserie Ten Ten (1011 Walnut St. 303.998.1010).  The restaurant’s menu offers up a variety of specialty dishes such as their duck confit and Edward Island mussels.  There’s not a better way to add to your fantastic meal than by choosing a glass of wine from their extensive wine list (catch happy hour between 3 and 6).

After you wrap up your lunch, it’s time to visit a few galleries.  Boulder is home to hundreds of artists and finding their work in this town is not difficult.  You can spend all day perusing galleries so get going!  A great way to visit a lot of Boulder’s galleries is to start at 11th and Pearl St. and head east.  Look out for Smith Klein(1116 Pearl St. 303.444.7200), Art Mart (1222 Pearl St. 303.443.7407), Boulder Arts & Crafts (1421 Pearl St. 303.443.3683), Middle Fish (1500 Pearl St. 303.443.0835),Art & Soul (1615 Pearl St. 303.544.5803), and Mary Williams Fine Art (2116 Pearl St. 303.938.1588).

When your gallery tour is complete, it’s time to reenergize before you hit the town. So why not receive a relaxing Aromatherapy Massage or a soothing seaweed body wrap at Essentials Spa (2660 Canyon Blvd. 303.440.0711).   This full service spa can remedy your aches and blemishes from head to toe.

After you’ve spruced up for the evening hours make your way to the 29th Street Mallto Laudisio (1710 29th St. 303.442.1300).  At Laudisio’s you will enjoy an authentic Italian meal in an airy contemporary dining room.   If you have a large party, be sure to reserve the private dining room which offers fabulous views of CU’s flagstone campus and the flatiron mountains.

If you would like to finish off the night with a little live entertainment, check the schedule for The Dairy Center for the Arts (2590 Walnut St. 303.440.7826).  This venue holds a wide variety of programming covering many genres in music, dance, theater, and workshops.

When the doors let out it’s time to finish off the evening with a night cap at The Kitchen Upstairs (1039 Pearl St. 303.544.5973).  This casual urban wine lounge has a great ambiance for you to enjoy a cocktail and chat about your artsy day spent in Boulder.

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John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Colorado hemp flag to fly above the nation’s Capitol dome on the 4th

July 4, 2013 by

 Colorado hemp flag to fly above the nation’s Capitol dome on the 4th

 flag

WASHINGTON — A Colorado-made Old Glory created from hemp will fly high above the nation’s Capitol on the most patriotic day of the year thanks to an Eastern Plains farmer who is more than passionate about getting the industrial stuff legalized nationally.

The flag gets one day of air above the Capitol dome before another flag, meaningful to someone else, replaces it the next day.

But the Fourth of July, when hundreds of thousands throng to the National Mall to see fireworks and listen to a free concert, is arguably goodreal estateto promote the cause.

“I thought it was a great act of symbolism,” said Michael Bowman, who grows corn in drought-ravaged Wray and wants to replace some of his fields with industrial hemp to save water.

Rep. Jared Polis, D-Boulder, a fierce advocate of pushing marijuana decriminalization at the federal level, held the flag on the U.S. House of Representatives floor a few weeks ago during a debate on an amendment to legalize industrial hemp.

Though the amendment passed, with bipartisan support from most of the Colorado delegation, it ultimately did not get sent to the Senate because the House killed the farm bill.

Three states have industrial hemp laws on the books: Colorado, Vermont and Kentucky.

Bowman plans to take his hemp stars and stripes to fly above the state capitols in those three states as a tribute to the crop, which he’s quick to point out has no THC and could not make anyone high.

He was unsure when he would be able to bring the flag back to Colorado and get it atop Denver’s golden dome.

“George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp,” Polis said. “The first American flag was made of hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture produced a “Hemp for Victory” video in 1942.”

Read more:Colorado hemp flag to fly above the nation’s Capitol dome on the 4th – The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_23587920/colorado-hemp-flag-fly-above-nations-capitol-dome#ixzz2Y1R8ZHYB

 

John Marcotte

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The New Rules for MMJ in Colorado

July 2, 2013 by

The New Rules for MMJ in Colorado

boulder colorado recreational marijuana rules
Last year, we came together to become one of the first two states in the nation where recreational sale of marijuana would be legal. Our state has spent the better part of the year coming up with the rules that would govern that landmark decision — and the results are fully baked. Yesterday, Colorado released the rules that will govern over 30 medical marijauna dispensaries in Boulder County.

In case you pulled a wake-and-bake this morning, here are the results in a ziploc bag nutshell.

  • Age: ID is a must. Buyers will have to show ID to prove they’re 21-years-old.
  • Labels: Apparently they’re going the tobacco route and products must contain healthwarnings. Like excessive snacking?
  • Wake-and-Work: There will be limitations on who can work in a dispensary. Maybe it’ll be like working at REI or Anthropology where your whole paycheck goes back to your employer.
  • Seed Sales and Seed Tracking: Looks like more regulations will be coming if you’re a grower that’s producing for retail sale, you’ll have to track every plant. Interesting concept, given that you’re selling to a customer base that’s going to forget where they put the remote.
  • Taxes: There’s a proposed 15% excise tax on recreational marijuana (oof). It’s up for vote later this year.

So, while you might have a bit longer to go until you can score pot-on-demand (retail sales don’t begin until January 1, 2014), you at least know the score. While most of the regulations are innocuous, that excise tax is the looming issue for the voters who put recreational pot sales into play in the first place. It’s pretty much a given how Boulder will vote, but let’s see how the rest of the state responds. I don’t anticiapte a problem from the more conservative red regions, as they’ll be happy to get a jab back at the “liberal hippies” who wanted legal pot in the first place. And in all honesty, 15% is a fair price to pay for a vice — we’ve been paying as much on alcohol and tobacco since…forever.

By Erica Napoletano of YOUR Boulder

 

 

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John Marcotte

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Boulder Hiking Trails: the Paths Less Traveled

June 25, 2013 by

Boulder Hiking Trails: the Paths Less Traveled

boulder hiking trails druckerWhen the sun is shining, there is a warm breeze in the air and the masses of people on the Chautauqua, Sanitas and Boulder Creek hiking trails look like they are being herded – keep driving. Keep driving to some off the beaten path destinations that Boulder and the surrounding area has to offer.

There’s plenty to be found in the area — Boulder hiking trails are a-plenty. Here’s the scoop on a few that might not be on your radar.

 

Walker Ranch

Head West on Baseline Road past Chautauqua and follow the windy, steep street to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. Walker Ranch is a few miles after you start descending on the right-hand side of the road.

Previously one of the largest cattle ranches in the region – Walker Ranch has over 3,500 acres filled with wildlife, various landscapes and a rich history told through plaques scattered along the trails.

For a nice stroll and perhaps with a picnic basket in tow – jump on The Meyers Homestead Trail – a moderate 5-mile trail along an old roadbed with grassy meadows, Aspen groves, springtime wildflowers, views of the Continental Divide and not so many travelers.

For more challenging terrain in the Boulder area, take the Walker Ranch Loop Trail – a 7.6 mile journey up, down and around the open space area with fabulous views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and of interesting rock formations.

Dream Canyon

A wonderfully tranquil trail winds through Dream Canyon – hugging a cliff wall on one side and Boulder Creek on the other (if the water is too high the path can get washed out sending you scrambling on rocks for higher, dryer ground). The sound of nothing but rushing water, big rock walls sheltering you on both sides and the smell of pine in the air makes you feel like you are far away from civilization, though Boulder proper is only a few miles away.

To get to this utopia drive West on Canyon Boulevard making a right on Sugar Loaf Road. After three miles take a left on Lost Angel Road and continue straight for one mile until there is a fork in the road, head left. The dirt parking lot will be within another half-mile. Several trails from this parking lot lead to the base of Upper Dream Canyon. The most defined trail starts about 100 feet past the parking lot – right before a private property sign on the left hand side of the road.

Other less traveled Boulder hiking options

The DeLonde Homestead Trail and the Bluebird Loop – both moderate hikes located in Caribou Ranch. This property is closed until June 30th  to protect animals in the area.

Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch also have many less-traveled trails zig-zagging through them.

Happy, peaceful, trails to you! By Katie Drucker

 

 

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John Marcotte

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Comedy Shows Coming to Boulder

June 23, 2013 by

Comedy Shows Coming to Boulder

boulder comedyI’m a fan of the funny, plain and simple.

And Boulder’s a pretty funny place — if you check the schedule at the Boulder Theater, that is. I’ve caught shows there in the past year ranging from Second City Improv toKatie Goodman and the venue is top notch for acoustics and visibility, no matter where you score a seat.

So, I wanted to let my fellow Front Range fans of funny know about the upcoming comedy shows coming to Boulder in the next few months. If you’re fans of any of these folks, grab tickets quick. The Boulder Theater is 800 seats big and can sell out fast when hilarity hits the radar.

 

Weird Al Yankovic – July 21

weird al boulder theater

image via The Boulder Theater

I grew up a geek, I’ve always been a geek, and always will be a geek. I love Weird Al. I remember staying up to watch his video premieres on MTV when MTV actually showed music videos (I do realize that I’m dating myself here).

Known for his delightful spoof takes on Michael Jackson, Madonna, and The Knacks, he’s a multi-Grammy award-winning artist and not just some guy who thought it’d be funny to spoof songs. He’s a cult hero, loved by geeks everywhere. You can see him at the Boulder Theater on July 21. Tickets start at $32 forgeneral admission and $40 for reserved seating (for us old folks).

Bill Burr – July 29

bill burr boulderAt first, I thought I was going to be out of town for this show. I wasn’t pleased. Now that I realize that my inability to read a calendar is actually a source of joy, I’m pleased. Bill Burr is coming to The Boulder Theater on Monday, July 29.

Known for his angst (and expletive)-ridden rants on everything from religion to dogs, he can’t be contained and when he lets loose — lock up the women and children. Or, don’t. That kind of mayhem would be funnier. For good reason, this show is 18+ and tickets begin at $32.50 for reserved seating. Tickets go on sale…today! By 

 

 

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A Day in Downtown Boulder

May 28, 2013 by

A Day in Downtown Boulder

 

With over three hundred days of sunshine a year, the best time to visit downtown Boulder is right now!   From the casual diner to the jet-setting foodie, downtown Boulder’s restaurant scene is the best in the west.  Start your day off right with the most important meal of the day.  Check out the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives favorite Foolish Craig’s.  Just steps away is the new kid on the block, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.  For those craving a little Creole, Lucile’s is the way to go.  For a quick bite and good cup of Joe, there are no less than 17 coffee shops where you will find some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs in the west making power deals and networking in what locals call the heart of Silicon Flatirons!  See who’s who at places like Ozo & Atlas Purveyors.  Every Saturday from April through November,  the Boulder County Farmers’ Market (the BEST farmers’ market in Colorado) provides a great selection of produce – sold to you directly by the farmers who grow their products.

Follow up breakfast with some sightseeing.   Not sure where to start?  Book a Boulder Walking Tour with knowledgeable guides or explore the culinary scene with Local Table Tours.  For a truly authentic     Boulder experience, check out Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour.  Where else can you sit back in a recliner on an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack?

If you are more of an independent explorer, there is plenty to see and do on your own.  Grab a B-cycle and enjoy the Boulder Creek Path.   Other key points of interest: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse & the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA). No visit to downtown is complete without shopping and dining on the world famousPearl Street Mall.  This four block pedestrian mall celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2012.  Welcoming over a million visitors annually, the mall is home to some of the best people watching anywhere.   Lively buskers perform year round to the delight of children and all those who are young at heart.  In the summer months, the pop jet fountain keeps kiddos cooled down and  there are countless special events that add to the ambiance of the most celebrated pedestrian mall in the country!  Not sure where to start?  Stop by the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center and let our ambassadors help you plan your adventure.

For all you up-and-coming or classically-trained fashionistas, forget “lifestyle centers”, there is only one original and that is downtown Boulder –  filled with over 168 boutiques both on and off the bricks (aka Pearl Street Mall). For the sporty lifestyle there is the one-and-only Boulder Army Store & MontBell and joining Gaiam, Patagonia,GoLite & prAna on the Pearl Street Mall is Athleta.   “Too cool for schoolers” can shop Volcom, Billabong & Wasted Sun.

For the “Vogue crowd” there is Max, Weekends, Holiday & Company and hip consignment.   For the “casually cool” the options are endless: Savvy on Pearl, Chelsea,Starr’s Clothing, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters – just to name a few.   For the “retro suave” Goldmine Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Common Era & The Ritz.  For shoes and accessories, Two Sole Sisters, Todd Reed and Hurdle’s Jewelry are just a handful of options. Visit the shopping directory on our site for complete listings.

Attention artsy adventurers! From BMoCA’s captivating exhibits, 20+ galleries showcasing painting, photography, jewelry and more,  to an artist’s co-op (Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery) and some of the best Clutter in home furnishings you can imagine,  the downtown district is an empty canvas waiting for your brush to explore!  If you’re planning a visit in the summer months,  make sure to check out Open Arts Fest in July.

Ready for lunch?  Rooftop decks and sidewalk patios are a great option.  Check out the view from above with lunch at the West End Tavern, Lazy Dog Sports Bar, or Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.  Be one with the people on a sidewalk patio at the Boulder Café,  Pizzeria Locale,Hapa Sushi, or The Kitchen [Next Door].

Bon Appetit magazine labeled Boulder America’s Foodiest Town in 2010.  Since then, the list of award-winning, innovative restaurants continues to grow.  From farm-to-table philosophies to culinary works-of-art, the downtown dining scene is a must-experience part of your visit.   Frasca Food & Wine, OAK at Fourteenth, SALT the Bistro,Black Cat and The Kitchen are just some of the downtown anchors that have propelled Boulder as a world-class dining destination throughout the country.   For a complete list of downtown dining options, click here.   Visiting in the spring?  Make sure to check out Taste of Pearl, an award winning food & wine event!

In the mood for some entertainment?  See what’s happening at the Boulder Theater or check out  local musicians at one of many coffee shops or bars including: The Laughing Goat, Shine or Conor O’Neill’s.  Check out some mirco brews with friends at the Walnut Brewery, Mountain Sun or West Flanders. In the winter months,  practice your figure eights at the Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza.   In the summer months, Bands on the Bricks provides free concerts every Wednesday evening on the Pearl Street Mall.

Enjoy your time in Downtown Boulder.

 

Article courtesy of www.boulderdowntown.com

 

 

John Marcotte

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Holiday Neighborhood Business Guide

May 25, 2013 by

Holiday Neighborhood Business Guide

Boulder Quest Center – Martial Arts :: Meditation :: Fitness
Cultivate personal power through self-defense, self-exploration, and boundary expansion. In our 900 year old martial art, you progress from Self-Protection through to the Path of the Protector. Young children (ages 4-6) begin in our Mighty Dragons program. Youth and Adults begin in the White-Yellow Earth curriculum. In our meditation program, you begin by mastering yourself and then your world. In fitness, you can experience someof the most unique classes in Boulder, including Cardio Sword, Cardio Kickbox, and TribalBelly Dance. Whatever program you choose, our classes are designed to help you Unleash Your Potential! Try a free class by calling (303) 440-3647 or emailing info@boulderquest.com.

Red Pine Studios – A Full Service Video Production Company
We have experience with feature film production, TV broadcast, corporate, commercial, documentary, event, and music video production. We will take your project from development to delivery. What sets us apart: an-site shooting area customizable for your interviews and local shoot set-ups, a dedicated audio room for your voice-over and sound design work, steadicam unit, and RED 4K Digital Cinema high-definition technology. RED allows us to shoot your projects in ultra high-definition video and deliver to any system. We also administer the planet’s largest nature and outdoors video production contest, The Under Water Over Land Challenge. See our website at www.redpinestudios.com or call us at (720) 329-5007.

Proto’s Pizza – LOVE AT FIRST BITE!
Amazing Pizza … Tasty Salads… Yummy Desserts…Artic Martinis… Delightful Wines…Cold Beer.. Come check out our great patio this Spring and Summer!! We are waiting for you! Visit our new website: protospizza.com and see about our monthly wine and beer tastings, menu info, our other stores, and all that is Proto’s Pizza!! Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. 720-565-1050

Bryan Bowen Architects, P.C.
Bryan Bowen Architects, P.C.  is a multidisciplinary design collaborative that explores how we may live more lightly upon our earth in beautiful and healthy environments. Current projects: LEED Platinum net_zero_energy community center in Westminster; eco-Habitat housing on 16th, LEED Gold offices for Namaste Solar Electric on north broadway; net_zero_energy homes in Placitas and Jemez Pueblo, NM; and other sustainable building projects like recently completed Silver Sage Cohousing, on 16th and Yellow Pine. Bryan and his family live in Wild Sage Cohousing. For more info: www.bryanbowenarchitects. or call 303-443-3629.

Tres Birds Workshop
We are a design and build firm that enjoys working on creative architectural projects for our clients. Our project types have included the following: custom residential, retail, mixed-use, public spaces, studios, installations, developments. We gravitate towards the beauty and use of reclaimed and raw material, re-purposed in a unique way. We are invested in all the details of blurring old and new. Inhabitants of our built forms resonate with the materiality. Our website: www.tresbirds.com

Generation Think Tank
A non-traditional Marketing & Advertising agency that focuses 90% of its time on helping companies target the 13-35 year old demographic, and 10% on uniques buzzworthy products or services. Three core services: Digital Branded Entertainment (Video Commercials, Website Creation, SEO), Buzz Marketing (non-traditional marketing and advertising), Event/Mobile Marketing (organize and implement strategies for tours or events). www.GenerationThinkTank.com – Jackson@GenerationThinkTank.com

Boulder Car Share
Be Part of the Solution – Take Up the Low-Car Diet! Lose 2,000 Pounds in a Day! Boulder CarShare encourages everyone to walk and bike more. By driving LESS, we can all save MORE. SHARE a car, help SPARE the air. Boulder CarShare offers flexible wheels for an urban lifestyle.  Choose from a fuel-efficient, compact hybrid car to a dual-fuel pick-up truck. Live a more active lifestyle and reduce your dependence on automobiles and foreign oil: E-mail info@carshare.org or call 303-271-3510.

Independent Power Systems (IPS)
We are an emerging leader in solar electric engineering, design, and installation. Locally owned, IPS has been installing residential, commercial, and remote solar electric systems for more than a decade.  To learn more about solar electric, as well as Federal, State, and Local rebates and incentives, or to tour the north Boulder solar neighborhood visit us at www.solarips.com, send an email to info@solairps.com, or call us at (303) 443-0115.

FirstBank of Boulder
Located at 4520 North Broadway Unit D is the North Boulder bank for you. As Colorado’s largest locally-owned bank, we have been providing full service banking for over 45 years. FirstBank has grown into a $9.2 billion organization that provides its customers with innovative banking products and outstanding customer service with local decisions. Please stop by and meet the branch managers, Sara Kerlee and Shaaron Westover-Goswick or go to www.efirstbank.com. We look forward to meeting you.

RESTAURANT 4580
4580 Broadway – 303.448.1500 – www.restaurant4580.com
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-on. Sunday Brunch 11-2. Happy Hour 5-6 at the bar or on the patio.
4580 opened in the spring of 2006, as a labor of love. With three young children and hectic lives, we were looking for a friendly, relaxing neighborhood place that had consistently great food and service. For these same reasons we strive to make Restaurant 4580 a comfortable place, a place you can come to be treated well and have a good meal at a good value. Popular menu items include: our signature bacon wrapped dates; greek mezzi plate; lamb dolma; house made pastas; roasted wild salmon; lobster risotto; lamb shank and much more. Spend time with your family and friends here; enjoy KIDS EAT FREE BEFORE 6:00, Date Night on Tuesdays, Gluten Free Selections, Happy Hour and our special Holiday BBQs on the patio.

Catnip and Bones Professional Pet Services.
Holiday Neighborhood Pet Care. Michele Grybeck, professional pet sitter. Responsible pet care with love and affection. Services includes daily dog walks, overnight care or daily visits when a client is traveling, hikes, dog park outings and pet taxi/chauffeur service for trips to the vet or grooming. Excellent references and I am bonded and insured. Please call or email for information on rates and availability at 303-819-5862 or michele.grybeck@gmail.com

Wonderland Hill Development Company
In business since 1974 specializes in community based sustainable development. WHDC has developed a strong identity in the national cohousing market and is the largest developer of cohousing in America. “Community is the Key to Sustainability” and the company works to provide its clients value in two ways: 1) by creating a “sense of place” 2) by building community to create social capital, a better lifestyle and a sense of purpose. Web address: www.whdc.com or call 303-449-3232

http://www.holidayneighborhood.com

 

John Marcotte

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7 Ways to Sip and Savor Boulder

May 20, 2013 by

7 Ways to Sip and Savor Boulder


Unique Experiences in Boulder’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Scenes

1. Mix Your Own Cocktail at Salt

Suspect you’ve got mad mixology skills? Anyone can give cocktail-concocting a try at Boulder’s Salt Bistro. Their Cocktail Element menu allows you to mix and match your preferred ingredients. Choose your base spirit, such as tequila or vodka; the herb, spice or fruit you’d like to add for flavor; and the style, such as fizz, ricky or collins. And voilà: your own signature drink.

2. Taste 303 Vodka’s 106-Year-Old Family Recipe

At Boulder Distillery, you’ll notice an old steamer trunk and a plaque explaining that it belonged to the grandfather of local distiller Steve Viezbicke. It arrived from Poland in 1907, and the family vodka recipe, which became the basis for Boulder Distillery’s lauded 303 Vodka, was found tucked inside. Hear the story, taste the samples and enjoy the decidedly laid-back atmosphere at this warehouse distillery.

3. Pedal Your Way to Boulder’s Breweries and Bars on MyHandleBar

Described as “a giant, 16-passenger bar bike with several pedaling seats,” MyHandleBar is similar in concept to renting a limo for a party – except that the limo, in this case, is an open-air, leg-powered, eco-friendly bike that knows all the best bars in town. Not traveling with 15 of your closest friends? MyHandleBar has been known to offer a pay-per-seat pub crawl on Wednesdays. Check the website for details.

4. Soak (and Sip) Up Knowledge at The Bitter Bar

There are lots of lounge-worthy seats at The Bitter Bar, but if you belly right up to the bar, you’ll have a chance to chat with the ultra-knowledgeable, passionate bar staff. Ask how many herbs are in green chartreuse (hint: it’s over 100), how they make their own bitters in-house (hence, the name), or how they choose and source their unique glassware (and why it matters).

5. Sample Civilization’s First Libation at Redstone Meadery

There’s pretty strong evidence that fermented honey was humankind’s first foray into buzz-inducing beverages. You get the feeling the folks atRedstone Meadery would be just fine if humanity had stopped right there. Take a half-hour tour, and sample some delicious varieties of meads (black raspberry!) that will go a long way to convincing you that mead is indeed the nectar of the gods.

 

6. Go Your Own Way at Boulder Creek Winery

More the DIY type than the group-tour kind of guy or gal? The self-guided tour at Boulder Creek Winery is for you. Enjoy a generous wine tasting and friendly conversation with the tasting room staff for just $5, and then check out the facility, wine barrels, a map of Colorado’s wine grapes and historical information about the winery on a self-guided tour.

7. Sip Exclusive Beers, Right from the Source, at Avery Brewing

When you visit Avery Brewing‘s taproom, you’re bound to feel a tad bit smug that you get to sample several scrumptious suds that can only be had right there, on site. Sure, the masses may have had Avery’s famous White Rascal or Ellie’s Brown Ale, but have they had the malty Wee Turtles Scottish ale or the passion fruit-infused Belgian-style Lilikoi Kepolo? Nope. Just you.

There’s Always More

Find more ways to enjoy Boulder’s libations by checking out the Boulder’s brewery, winery and distillery tour listings.

And Don’t Forget the Food…

Boulder was named America’s Foodiest City by Bon Appétit magazine. Read Boulder’s top chefs’ recommendations on how best to enjoy the wealth of food and drink, as well as fun things to do in Boulder.

Article courtesy of www.bouldercoloradousa.com

 

 

John Marcotte

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Boulder Nightlife

May 16, 2013 by

Boulder Nightlife

Work hard, workout hard, then play even harder. That seems to be the creed of so many locals who help keep the after-dark scene in Boulder thriving with places to indulge, relax and unwind.

There are two main areas in Boulder where the selection of bars and clubs are concentrated: The Hill and downtown’s Pearl Street. While each have a distinctive flavor of nightlife, both guarantee a characteristic only-in-Boulder evening.

The Pearl Street Area

For many, Boulder nightlife revolves around downtown, with a hugely diverse number of bars and clubs found up and down Pearl Street and the blocks surrounding it. Kick back in a cozy brewpub or beer-centric bar such as the West End Tavern, The Walnut Brewery or the Mountain Sun. Sip prohibition-era cocktails at the speakeasy-themed Bitter Bar or the ingredient-obsessed Salt. Or go underground to a satisfyingly dive-y spot like The Catacombs or the Sundown Saloon. Don’t forget to check the lineup at the historic Boulder Theater; many big-name musicians love to make a stop in Boulder, and the Boulder Theater is often their venue of choice.

The Hill

The Hill is located next to the University of Colorado campus and consequently has a boisterous, student-centric nightlife scene. Beer-and-pizza institutions such as The Sink, where every inch of the walls are scrawled with graffiti contributed by guests, join swankier newcomers such as Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar. At the heart of it all is the Fox Theatre, a legendary Boulder music venue that has been known to bring in both up-and-coming local and national acts as well as sell-out shows by bands such the String Cheese Incident, Rose Hill Drive, Cake and more.

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John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Filed Under: Area recreation, Real Estate Topics, Things to Do Tagged With: , , , , ,

Boulder County Farmer’s Market History

May 12, 2013 by

Boulder County Farmer’s Market History

Historically, there have been few organized markets in Boulder. There was a time when city grocery stores featured locally grown agricultural products. But as fruit and vegetable production centralized, farms grew larger in size and fewer in numbers. Many growers decided to enter the wholesale business and abandon their seemingly less profitable retail outlets. A small Farmers Market had gathered sporadically at the courthouse for ten years, but it had limited success, due mainly to it’s informal structure, lack of parking and nearby competition with the then newly consructed Pearl Street Mall.

In the Autumn of 1986, a small group of local farmers decided to organize a formal Farmer’s Market to be located in downtown Boulder, Colorado.  The group approached the City of Boulder with their idea, and the City agreed to provide staff support, secretarial services, meeting spaces, appropriate permits and a site for the Market. Four University of Colorado students from the Presidential Leadership Program researched background information about other successful markets, site selection, organizational structure, promotional plans, bylaws and rules and regulations. Boulder County lent support through the County Commissioner’s Office and the Land Use Department. The State of Colorado offered assistance through it’s Agriculture Market Development and Extension Service. After many months of planning, site selection became the top priority. The site had to be permanent, highly visible, attractive, accessible and shaded. Boulder’s Central Park, located in the heart of the city, was chosen and the Boulder County Farmer’s Market was off and running!

The Market’s development is a good representation of many different groups working together for a common community goal. The partnership of private individuals and government entities productively laid the foundation for this successful project. In March of 1987, the Boulder County Farmer’s Market became a Colorado non-profit corporation, organized and run by local agricultural producers. A 13-member Board of Directors was formed to oversee the Market’s general operations, including advertising, promotion and management. Under the Board’s governances, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations and schedules were adopted. The Board decided to charge a minimal membership fee and a small percentage of daily sales to help defray Market operating expenses.

Another decision the Board made early on was that any profits greater than necessary to maintain the Market would become available to nonprofit agricultural and community projects. Over the years contributions have been made to 4H, the County Fair, WIC Nutritional Program and Cultiva!, an at-risk teen gardening project. The Market has also held many fundraising events for other agricultural and community oriented nonprofit centers.

The Market has grown in other ways. Select food vendors now sell during Market hours, providing breakfast and lunch fare for shoppers, as well as opportunities for farmers to sell directly to restaurant purveyors. Many agriculturally related organizations are allowed space to recruit for their cause. Special children’s events are scheduled throughout the season. A Chef’s Event, featuring Boulder’s world-famous chefs is a highlight of the year. Freshly baked goods from local bakeries are available. Fresh flowers and crafts (created from things grown or gathered by the seller) are in abundance. The Market employs nine people and contributes sales tax to the City and County coffers. The Market sells t-shirts, canvas shopping bags and other items as a way of generating revenue.

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

 

BH4U

Filed Under: Area recreation, Real Estate Topics, Things to Do Tagged With: , , ,
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