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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John Marcotte

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Things To Do In Colorado

June 13, 2013 by

Things To Do In Colorado

Arts to Zoo Cultural Connections 
An Internet portal for the remarkable variety of arts and cultural resources available in and around Denver, including museum exhibitions, events, performances, public gardens, film series and activities for kids. You can also search and view the event calendar for current information, and purchase tickets online, ahead of time. Supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Web site: www.artstozoo.org
Black American West Museum and Heritage Center 
The center, located in the Dr. Justina Ford House, boasts materials and exhibits explaining the heritage of blacks in the West.
Web site: www.coax.net/people/lwf/bawmus.htm
Buffalo Bill Museum 
See the grave and museum of William F. Cody . Objects include Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill’s show outfits, and Frederick Remington’s “Portrait of a Ranch Hand.”
Web site: www.buffalobill.org
Children’s Museum of Denver 
A hands-on educational and entertaining experience for children and their caregivers. Programs and playscapes are designed for newborns to eight-year-olds. Children can participate in theatre, dance and movement, cultural activities, science activities, games and team activities. Other programs enhance cognitive functioning for babies, and real-life roleplaying activities for older kids.
Web site: www.cmdenver.org
City Driving and Walking Tours 
Discover Denver’s historic landmarks and points of interest at your own pace.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/AboutDenver/today.asp
Colorado Historical Society 
Imagine covered wagons, a rendezvous of fur traders, Indian buffalo hunts, mining the Rocky Mountains and life in early Denver . Colorado ‘s own museum features collections of photographs, artifacts and documents. Dioramas and changing exhibitions bring history to life.
Web site: www.coloradohistory.org
Colorado Trail Maps 
Day hikers, walkers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts can download and print trail maps for trails that are accessible from urban regions throughout the state (national parks are excluded.)Complete with trail descriptions, the detailed maps are provided by the Colorado Lottery, which has provided over $11.5 million for more than 303 trail projects since 1983.
Web site: www.coloradolottery.com/about/trailmaps
Denver Art Museum 
The Denver Art Museum is world famous for its American Indian art collection. Visitors can view outstanding architecture, graphics and design galleries, or explore stunning Asian, Modern & Contemporary art, pre-Columbian, and Spanish Colonial galleries.
Web site: www.denverartmuseum.org
Denver Botanic Gardens 
Whether you visit Denver Botanic Gardens to relax under the shade of the enormous weeping willow in the Japanese Garden, to learn from a class or expert lecture, to listen to breezy, cool jazz on a hot summer night or tour the twinkling winter wonderland created by Blossoms of Light, we hope you’ll find that Denver Botanic Gardens is more than just a beautiful garden.
Web site: www.botanicgardens.org
Denver Convention Complex 
Find out what’s happening today and what’s coming up at the Colorado Convention Center and Currigan Exhibition Hall. Floor layouts, directions, nearby lodging and dining guides are also included.
Web site: www.denverconvention.com
Denver Firefighters Museum 
The museum houses an extensive archive of old photographs, documents, journals and news stories about early Denver and the development of firefighting technology. Many artifacts date from 1866, including hand-drawn schematics and two early motorized vehicles. A unique gift shop offers books, toys, collectibles and antiques.
Web site: www.colorado2.com/museum
Denver Mint 
Enjoy a tour of Denver ‘s U.S. Mint, one of only two full-service mints in the nation. Producing between 14 and 20 billion coins each year, the Denver Mint is the largest producer of coins in the world. The gift shop offers exciting numismatic coin and money-related collectibles. Call 303-405-4766 for information about tour scheduling procedures, or visit the Mint’s Web site.
Web site: www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=denver
Denver Museum of Nature and Science 
Home of the Gates Planeterium and the IMAX Theater, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is packed with information relating to the world around us. With programs for the young and old alike, the Museum will keep you entertained, and learning, for hours!
Web site: www.dmns.org
Denver Public Library 
The Denver Public Library (DPL) is the information resource for the people of Denver and the greater metro area. It also acts as the official Resource Center for the state of Colorado and is a regional depository for publications of the U.S. government. The Library is world-renowned for its collection of western Americana and its model Children’s Library.
Web site: denver.lib.co.us
Denver Rail Heritage Society 
Take an inexpensive ride on an open trolley car around Denver ‘s Confluence Park region, or ride through the scenic Platte River Valley to west Denver . Similar to those that once made up Denver ‘s fleet of 300 streetcars, these replica trolleys depart the station near the Children’s Museum on fair–weather weekends in winter and daily in summer.
Web site: www.denvertrolley.org
Denver Urban Gardens 
As a nonprofit organization, DUG operates and assists with the creation and management of over 60 metro-area community gardens and small parks.
Web site: www.dug.or
Denver Zoo 
The Denver Zoo is home to 3,500 animals representing more than 600 different species. During a Zoo visit you can see rare amur leopards, black rhinoceros, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and more!
Web site: www.denverzoo.or
Forney Museum of Transportation 
A “must see” for train buffs! Visit the museum in its new location on Brighton Boulevard . Enjoy over 500 exhibits featuring early-model carriages, automotives and locomotives, including the Big Boy Engine and the Forney Locomotive 040-T Engine built in 1897.
Web site: www.forneymuseum.com
MaxNights.com 
For info on the latest entertainment and local artist/musician activities in Denver. We post profiles for bands, musicians, comedians, djs, artists and more. Check out our events and live music calendar. Denver has a lot to offer for entertainment and you can find the best opportunities through MaxNights.com!
Mizel Museum of Judaica 
Permanent and changing exhibits illustrate the Jewish historical, artistic and cultural heritage. 
Web site: www.mizelmuseum.org
Molly Brown House Museum 
Costumed guides lead visitors through the 1889 home of the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” – Denver ‘s famous socialite, philanthropist and Titanic survivor.
Web site: www.mollybrown.com
Museo de las Americas 
The museum preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Latinos in the Americas .
Web site: www.museo.org
Museum of Contemporary Art 
Denver’s first and only contemporary art museum. MCA is a non-collecting space that functions like the European model of a kunsthalle, offering ongoing presentations of innovative and challenging art of our time. Multi-disciplinary programs. Tours upon request.
Web site: www.mcartdenver.org
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo 
Nearly 100 years old, and bigger than ever, the National Western has been recognized by the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as one of the top 100 events of the year in the U.S. by the American Business Association, and named Rodeo of the Year by Events Business News Magazine. 
Web site: www.nationalwestern.com
Ocean Journey 
Denver ‘s interactive aquarium and the only marine sciences center in an eight-state region. Explore waters and wildlife from the Continental Divide to the Sea of Cortez , and from an Indonesian rain forest to the depths of the Pacific Ocean .
Web site: www.oceanjourney.org
Parks and Recreation Mountain Parks 
The City and County of Denver owns and operates some of the nicest parks in the front range.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/dephome.asp?depid=88
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre 
The world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is open year-round. The new 30,000-square foot Burnham Hoyt Visitor Center offers free interactive and educational displays that, along with a short documentary film, highlight the geological and musical history of Red Rocks. Custom guided tours are also available, and the Ship Rock Grille is a dining treasure serving Colorado cuisine.
Web site: www.redrocksonline.com
Sports Franchises in Denver 

Arena Football (AFL) Colorado Crush 
The team is led by legendary quarterback John Elway, who teamed with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to bring Arena Football to Colorado . The Crush began playing in February 2003.
Web site: www.coloradocrush.com

Baseball (MLB) The Colorado Rockies 
Since 1993 the Rockies have been Denver ‘s ticket to America ‘s favorite pasttime.
Web site: rockies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/col/homepage/col_homepage.jsp

Basketball (NBA) The Denver Nuggets 
The Nuggets have called Denver home since their ABA origin in 1967.
Web site: www.nba.com/nuggets

Football (NFL) The Denver Broncos 
Winners of Superbowls XXXII and XXXIII. The Broncos originated in Denver in 1959.
Web site: www.denverbroncos.com

Hockey (NHL) The Colorado Avalanche 
Our 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup Championship hockey franchise.
Web site: www.coloradoavalanche.com

Lacrosse (NLL) Colorado Mammoth 
The inaugural Colorado Indoor Lacrosse season began January 3, 2003.
Web site: www.coloradomammoth.com

Soccer (MLS) The Colorado Rapids 
Major League Soccer became Denver ‘s fifth franchise. The Rapids first game was in April 1996.
Web site: www.coloradorapids.com
Theatres and Arenas 
City-owned facilities are constantly offering many types of programs, from exhibitions to theatrical works, to sporting events.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/dephome.asp?depid=22
The Urban Farm 
The Urban Farm is a non-profit organization that teaches agricultural and environmental education to urban children and youth. Conveniently situated on 23 acres within the Stapleton development area, The Farm offers classes, tours, school visits and outdoor meeting facilities.
Web site: www.theurbanfarm.org
Wildernet 
A great online outdoor recreation resource dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast. Wildernet provides detailed information on trails, mountains, campgrounds, climbing areas, lakes, rivers and winter sports.
Web site: www.wildernet.com
Winter Park 
For great skiing in the winter and great hiking and mountain biking in the summer, see the beauty of Winter Park and Fraser Valley .
Web site: www.skiwinterpark.com

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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

720-771-9401

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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 Restaurants

May 19, 2013 by

Boulder Restaurants

Boulder might be the top food destination in Colorado. Here’s why…

  • Bon Appetit magazine called Boulder America’s Foodiest Town in 2010.
  • The Wall Street Journal called Boulder the “Best small city for great meals” in November 2009.
  • Bon Appetit wrote “Boulder is officially bursting at it foodie-seams” in June 2007.
  • The Denver Post wrote “Boulder still has the best food per square mile in the state” on August 20, 2008.
  • Individual restaurants and bars in Boulder also continue to rack up the accolades, including three Food & Wine mentions – 50 Best Bars in America in 2011 and 2012, America’s Best New Bars in 2011, and the Top Sommeliers of 2012 – and Travel + Leisure’s Best Italian Restaurants in the U.S. for 2012.
  • There are 19 breweries in town and five wineries – including the best self-guided wine tour in the state.
  • Boulder is also home to master sommeliers, a cooking school, the state’s best farmers’ market and most importantly, people who love to eat.

Foodies know that food is a great way to experience a community’s distinct lifestyle. The suggestions in this guide give you a peek into living like a local in a way that is fresh and all about food. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Boulder and check out the chefs’ suggestions. If you like them, I hope you’ll stop in their restaurants to give them a full report. They’d like to hear from you!

Here are more food & restaurant recognitions:

 


 

John Marcotte

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Things to Do in Boulder with Kids

May 18, 2013 by

Things to Do in Boulder with Kids

If you’re traveling to Boulder with little ones in tow, you’ll have no problem finding ways to entertain them.

The Pearl Street Mall, in particular, has endless diversions for kids, including fascinating street performers and strategically placed play areas for children. Judging by the squeals of delight you’ll hear as you get near the pop-jet fountain at Pearl and 14th Street, this may get the kids’ vote for best Boulder attraction. Water shoots up randomly from spouts in the pavement as little ones scamper through.

A rock garden with big boulders perfect for scrambling on, hiding behind and sitting atop is another popular spot and is located between 13th Street and Broadway. Similarly, a collection of sculptures between 14th and 15th streets is irresistible to children who like to climb on a giant stone snail and other oversized creatures.

Plenty of downtown businesses cater to kids, too. Into the Wind kite and toyshop is positively overflowing with clever trinkets that will keep your little ones intrigued for hours. Color Me Mine offers a chance for them to get creative as they paint their own pottery. And Momentum, a shop specializing in responsibly sourced goods, has a kids’ corner for reading and playing while mom and dad shop.

Of course, outside of Boulder’s downtown area are plenty of activities for kids, many of which offer learning alongside fun. The Wonder of Science at Twenty Ninth Street offers an interactive learning area with large-scale lighted models of the planets, a weather reporting station, a 35-foot tall sounding rocket and more. The Underwater Fish Observatory along the Boulder Creek behind Millennium Harvest House is an opportunity for kids to peek in on fish swimming in their natural environment. And the Boulder History Museum’s Discovery Room is a hands-on kids’ component to the current exhibitions.

Of course, if it’s just good old-fashioned playtime you want, consider Gateway Park Fun Center in North Boulder. Kids of all ages will be swept up in the mini golf course, go-karts, batting cages, human maze, an indoor arcade and more.

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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

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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

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Outdoor Recreation in Boulder

May 11, 2013 by

Outdoor Recreation in Boulder
Recently rated the “#1 Sports Town in America” by Outside Magazine. Boulder is where some of the world’s top runners, cyclists, mBoulder Mountain Bikingountain bikers, and rock climbers choose to call home. It’s also a close-knit community full of residents who embrace an active outdoor lifestyle and who are committed to natural resource conservation. Combine all of that with 300 days of sunshine per year, and it’s clear why Boulder is one of the hottest outdoor destinations in the country.

The surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape beckons visitors with easy-to-challenging hiking trails and unparalleled scenic views. A single day’s itinerary might include watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon; paddling a kayak through the middle of town; rock climbing the nearby peaks; mountain biking over rugged alpine trails; tubing or fly-fishing in Boulder Creek; or teeing off at Flatirons Golf Course.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of Boulder’s 300 miles of serene hiking and biking trails, approximately 45,000 acres of unspoiled open space or the Boulder Creek Path, which runs through the middle of town and parallels Boulder Creek. In winter, you can test your snowshoeing or cross country skiing ability on nearby trails. Or, enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, just 30 minutes away fromBoulder Hiking - Flatirons downtown Boulder.

If you want to go rock climbing, Boulder is a great place to be! Boulder, Colorado is blessed with some of the best rock and ice climbing in the country, only minutes from local coffee houses, taverns, and restaurants. Climbers, hikers, alpinists and mountaineers from around the world congregate here. From the distinctive Flatirons above town, to Eldorado Canyon in the south and Boulder Canyon in the west, there is a lifetime’s worth of outstanding climbs here.

About an hour out of Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, the South Platte and the Indian Peaks Wilderness add enormously to the choices of climbing and mountaineering available. No matter if you’ve only a few hours to find adventure or an entire day to play, there are plenty of mild-to-wild experiences awaiting you in Boulder, Colorado.

Skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort is just 30 minutes away from downtown Boulder up through scenic Boulder Canyon. With 680 acres, 11 lifts and four restaurants, there’s terrain for all skiers. Listen to Eldora’s marketing director talk about what makes it special.

View the entire article here

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Erie Area Information

February 22, 2013 by

Erie Area Information

Don’t let the “town” in Erie’s title fool you. This is a full service community that by the end of the summer of 2012 will have its own state of the art Olympic cycling training facility.

Located just west of Interstate of 25 in southern Weld County, Erie is eagerly anticipating the Boulder Valley velodrome. The facility is expected to attract athletics of all levels, and will easily accommodate Olympic level cyclists – no small feat for a town the size of Erie.

Erie, which likes to cultivate its community centric, small town feel, also boasts an award winning community center, 20,000 square foot library, new schools and scenic trails.

According to the town, Erie is also committed to sustainability. Eco-friendly civic development and environmentally “green” practices includes a town wide interconnecting trail system, a water saving irrigation system in its public parks and a thermal solar system installation at the Erie Community Center. Erie Community park, a 41 acre “green” area, was opened in 2010

This environmentally friendly spirit has caused some turmoil in recent months with another one of Erie’s booming but controversial oil and gas development. Encana Oil and Gas, an energy producer with natural gas wells in Erie, has received a lot of push back from Erie residents over drilling in the area, most notably a site called Canyon Creek between two elementary schools.

Transportation options include the Erie Municipal Airport, owned and operated by the town of Erie. The general aviation facility is located three miles south of the central business district.

 

Erie Profile:

Square miles: Planning square miles – 48, Incorporated square miles – 18

Population: 20,000

Labor force: 8,723 (2010 Census)

Employment: 8,444 (2010 Census)

Per capita income: $38,688 (2010 Census)

Median household income: (100,288 (2010 census)

Households: 6,797, with additional 4,105 units approved

Online Resources

Erie Chamber of Commerce: www.eriechamber.org

Town of Erie: www.ci.erie.co.us

Upstate Economic Development: www.upstatecolorado.org

Presented by Boulder Area Realtor Association

 

John Marcotte

www.boulderhomes4u.com

720-771-9401

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