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Using Your Tax Refund to Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

from KEEPING CURRENT MATTERS

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of  expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your  down payment  and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before you list it.

Either way, any money you get back from your taxes can help you achieve your goals. Using a tax refund is a common tactic for buyers and sellers. SmartAsset  estimates  the average American will receive a $2,897 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by state:

Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year | Keeping Current Matters

If you’re getting a refund this year, here are a few tips to help with your home purchase or sale this season.

 

How Buyers Can Use Their Tax Refund

According to  American Financing, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a  homebuyer. A few include:

  • Growing your down payment fund – If you haven’t started saving for your  down payment, let your tax refund kick off the process. And if you have a fund already, the money you get back could put you closer to your  goal.
  • Paying for your home inspection – Your home inspection can save you a lot of headaches down the road by helping you determine the condition of the house. As a buyer, you’ll typically be responsible for paying for your  inspection, and it’s definitely worth the investment.
  • Saving for closing costs –  Closing costs are additional expenses you’ll need to pay once it’s time to close. They  average  anywhere between 2-5% of the purchase price of your home.

This list is a great start, but it isn’t exhaustive of all the costs you may encounter as you set out on your  homebuying journey. The best way to prepare is to work with a trusted real estate professional to make sure you understand what’s to come in the process.

 

How Sellers Can Use Their Tax Refund

If you own a home and are planning to  sell this spring, your tax refund can help you make sure your home is  ready to list. Here are a few ways current homeowners can put their tax refund to good use:

  • Making small upgrades –  NerdWallet provides a list of great ways to use your tax refund, including tackling small projects or boosting your curb appeal to help your home stand out.
  • Making repairs – If there’s anything in your house that needs to be fixed,  American Financing  notes that completing repairs is another great use of that money.
  • Buying your next home – Whether you’re selling to  move up  or downsize, you can use your tax refund to help pay for any costs on the purchase of your next home.

Of course, it’s important to talk with your trusted real estate advisor before taking on any projects. They’ll make sure you can focus on areas that’ll help you receive the best possible price when you sell.

 

Bottom Line

Funding your home purchase or sale can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Your tax refund can help you reach your goals. Connect with a local real estate advisor today to discuss how you can start on your journey.


 

PANEL: Political and Economic Reactions to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

By Lisa Klein, Luxury Portfolio International

 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been devastating for the European nation and its consequences are being felt the world over.

A group of panelists discussed the potential impacts of the ongoing crisis on the world economy, luxury market and beyond during a Luxury Daily webcast earlier this month.

“Russia as a nation is quite integrated with the rest of the world,” said Astrid Wendlandt, founder and editor of luxury news site  Miss Tweed  and author of How Luxury Conquered the World. “The prospect of the Iron Curtain falling again is beyond words.”

The webinar was hosted by Mickey Alam Khan, editor in chief of Luxury Daily.

 

Political Turmoil

Countries across the globe have responded to Russia’s actions with a flurry of  sanctions  against it and its ally, Belarus.

“The sanctions that have been imposed have probably been the most significant in history,” said Robert M. Appleton, a partner at New York-based legal firm  Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP.  “The most important one has been the SWIFT sanction banning Russia from the SWIFT system.”

SWIFT is a global organization that sends secure financial transmissions. All global economies belong to and use the system, with the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency.

With Russia and its citizens effectively cut off from any cross-border financial activity, the country’s economy has shut down.

In addition, a wave of companies has also cut Russia off, with many shutting down their stores and restaurants there.

“I’ve been surprised to see that there are the official sanctions, and then there’s what the rest of the world is doing on top of that,” said Marci Rossell, chief economist for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

“You have brands saying, ‘We don’t want anything to do with Russia, sanctions or no sanctions,’” she said. “And that’s a really different story for the world than anything we’ve seen before.”

While Russia, and its civilians in particular, will likely not be permanently shunned from the rest of the world, the sanctions and other actions against it may have a ripple effect on certain aspects of geopolitics.

“Long term, my sense is that this is going to spur real innovation with currency and cross-border financing,” Mr. Appleton said. “Looking at unintended consequences, I think the biggest risk and the biggest potential here is the Chinese.”

For years, China has been looking to get away from the SWIFT system and the U.S. dollar as reserve currency, as that leaves it vulnerable to global sanctions itself. It is closely watching the Russian situation unfold, potentially giving an extra push to make an exit.

Economic Reaction

The sanctions have hit the world economy as well – Russia is second only to Saudi Arabia in oil exports – with  oil  prices crossing $100 per barrel. Global inflation could reach 6 percent in the next few months, impacting the stock market, assets and discretionary spending.

“Everything is impacted by higher prices of oil and gas,” said Marie Driscoll, managing director for luxury and retail at data and advisory firm  Coresight Research.

“We came into this year, before we were concerned about Ukraine, worried about inflation,” she said. “Prices are being raised across the board, and now you have this whammo effect of $100-a-barrel oil, and then the impact on our collective psyche.”

While higher costs affect lower income and “aspirational buyers” more than the affluent, it does at least cause some short-term concerns for the well-to-do.

“The bigger risk is that global luxury consumer really depends on a stable global economic market,” said Omar Saad, senior managing director and head of soft lines for the luxury and department stores team at  Evercore ISI,  a research and advisory firm. “Wealthy people want stability as much as anything.”

In the near-term, even luxury brands will take a hit, as consumers are less likely to buy when they feel uncomfortable – something magnified at the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the growth that we predicted coming into the year will be muted,” Ms. Driscoll said. “What we thought 2022 was going to be – getting COVID behind us, returning to travel, international growth, and spending – all that may be truncated.”

Luxury Consumers

Numerous luxury brands have joined the retail and hospitality throngs and  closed  up shop in Russia for the time being, a move heralded by many global consumers.

“Companies as diverse as T.J. Maxx to Gucci are standing in solidarity with the Ukrainians,” Ms. Driscoll said. “I think luxury brands have responded as they should. These are brands that we personify, we have relationships with them.”

One consumer, however, has maybe been left out of the discussion – the Russian buyer, who in luxury spends on real estate, yachts, jewelry, spirits and other goods.

“There’s a lot of anti-Russian sentiment around the world,” Ms. Wendlant said. “And that’s very interesting because for a lot of luxury brands Russians were some of the best, most favorite customers. I mean, these are people who love to spend millions. The Russians love to show off, they love to buy, they love luxury goods.”

The panelists agreed that the average Russian citizen seems to be against the invasion and is unfortunately facing penalties meant for their leaders.

“There is a lot of repression right now, and the Russian people are thinking, ‘When will we just be allowed to live?” Ms. Wendlandt, who has covered the country extensively as a journalist, said. “They want to live normal lives.”

IN THE LONG TERM, the luxury market should come through fairly unscathed.

“I think still there’s too many degrees of separation to have any meaningful impact,” Mr. Saad said. “I tend to take a skeptical view that this is really going to change anything for the luxury consumer other than a temporary blip.

“Luxury real estate is one of the safer long-term bets, as is luxury in general,” he said. “You know, our entire society is designed to create wealth, war or no war.”


 

Women’s History Month

Each year, the U.S. recognizes March as Women’s History Month. This year, Women’s History Month is particularly celebratory at Colorado Landmark as the first year in our four-decade history that we are a Women-owned company.


2022 marked the welcoming of Orly Ripmaster, a second-generation Ripmaster but a first-generation female owner. Prior to joining Colorado Landmark, Orly was a Top Executive at Denver-based KSL Capital Partners, a $16B private equity Real Estate fund that specializes in Travel & Leisure investments around the globe. Private Equity is still a heavily male dominated field with only 12% female executives, according to research done by Bloomberg in 2021.

“That feels like an empowering statistic to be among the female leaders in an industry and have successfully found a seat at the table. But that seat, and my path to it, were carved by generations of bold and brilliant women before me. I’m forever grateful for their sacrifice and tenacity and feel a great responsibility to continue that fight.”

 

Orly’s return to Boulder to lead a woman-owned company was in many ways inspired by that responsibility earned in reaching those elusive executive levels.

“For me, coming back home to Boulder to lead and own a business and bring my knowledge and experiences felt important and personal. This community helped carve my path. Being the woman behind a woman-owned company, especially in a male dominated field, comes with the privilege and the responsibility of continuing to widen and pave the path for future generations of female leaders and business owners.”

 

When it comes to Women’s History Month, we asked Orly what the most important thing is to celebrate. 

“Mentorship, both being a mentor and having a mentor, is the single most important and impactful tool we have”  was her response. 

 

St. Patricks Day in Boulder

from bouldercoloradousa.com

Looking for unique ways to celebrate St. Patty’s Day?

Why not come to Boulder and play outside, followed by some great beer on a sunny patio. Here are fresh ideas for things to do on St. Patrick’s Day 2022.

 

World’s Shortest St. Patricks’ Day Parade

Sunday, March 13, 2022, noon
A block-long celebration will take place on Sunday, March 13 at noon. The parade route is on 16th Street, between Pearl Street and Spruce Street, along the east side of The Odd Fellows Lodge (1543 Pearl St.). Watch for the Lawn Chair Brigade, a group that uses foldable seats as percussive elements in their costumed routines, plus Irish dancing, hula dancers, live music and more.

 

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run at Avery Brewing

Thursday, March 17, 2022
Avery Brewing Company will be making their “Dry Irish Stout” in addition to hosting a 5K fun run on Thursday, March 17, 2022. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Boulder County Wildfire Fund. Participants receive two free drink tickets. Sign up here.
Sample Beer and More

Boulder has 22 breweries, four distilleries, three wineries, two cideries and a meadery. So yeah, there’s plenty to taste here for St. Patty’s Day. Here’s a complete list of Boulder’s libations destinations.

Sanitas Brewery Firepit

Hiking and Nature Walks

Go for a hike on dozens of trails including these easy nature outings. Make sure to choose one that is not crowded, even if that involves additional driving or a change of plans.

Hiker with a baby backpack overlooking the Boulder valley in the Winter

Just 20 minutes from Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is open sunrise to sunset (entry fees apply). Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour away and is partially open. For information on how to visit, go to the RMNP website. Face coverings are required for both.

Rattlesnake Gulch Eldorado Canyon at Sunset/Sunrise

 

Mountain Biking 

Go mountain biking on six major trail systems. The same important reminders above apply. In winter, try a fat bike.

Woman Fat Biking in the snow in Boulder, Coloardo

Bird-Watching

Read our bird-watching guide for where to go and what to look for.

 

Mural Tour

Woman taking a picture of the Liquor Mart Murals Street Wise Boulder

Photo Tour

Go on a self-guided photo tour of Boulder.

 

Art in the Park at Chautauqua

Walk or drive around Colorado Chautauqua Historic District to see 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist. Don’t miss the new 8-foot bear installation near the Chautauqua Auditorium, too. There’s even a cyber scavenger hunt you can complete at Chautauqua Park to discover the bear cubs and fascinating bits of Chautauqua history.

Play a Round of Disc Golf

Boulder has a great disc golf course with beautiful Flatirons views that could be the scene of a fun, new family activity. All you need is a frisbee and yourselves. The course is located off Valmont Road, across the street from the amazing Valmont Bike Park (another great option that even has a toddler course).


Colorado Landmark, Realtors is proud to announce our 2021 class of Top Producers. As Boulder Valley’s #1 Boutique Real Estate Brokerage & Luxury Leader since 1977, being recognized as a Top Agent at Landmark has a deeply rooted history of being recognized as a Top Agent in Colorado. Several of our Top Producers are also ranked among the Top Agents in the country.  The 2021 class of Top Producers are awarded and recognized for more than just the outstanding results, expertise, and dedication they consistently deliver for their clients, they are also recognized for their tireless dedication to their communities, a cornerstone attribute to our local, independent and boutique heritage.

We are proud to recognize the following 2021 Top Producers for continuing to build upon the time honored & trusted legacy of Colorado Landmark, Realtors


Marybeth Emerson – Boulder


Deborah Read Fowler – Niwot


Joel Ripmaster – Boulder


Candace Loving – Boulder


Maria Scroggs – Louisville


Wendy Daniel – Boulder


Brett Sawyer – Louisville


Phil Booth – Boulder


Ed Weaver – Niwot


Scott Ripmaster – Boulder


The Scott Team – Boulder

David Scott & Amy Scott


The Gonzales Team – Louisville

Mitchell Gonzales & Antonio Toledo


The Spreder Team – Niwot

Ed Spreder, Karlynn Spreder & Mayoura Phannadeth

Comforting Nordic Concepts to Get Through the Last of Winter

By Lisa Klein – LUXURYPORTFOLIO.COM

The Nordic countries of Northern Europe know a thing or two about staying warm and cozy, both inside and out.

Despite having some seriously harsh winter weather – temperatures dipping to below -20° C (-4° F) with only a few hours of sunlight in the arctic reaches – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland consistently rank in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, according to the  World Happiness Report,  with Finland taking the No. 1 spot  four years running.

The five Nordic nations each have their own special words that signify contentment. Practicing them in daily life is a big part of their cultures.

From the looks of it, icy temps could hit the entire Northern Hemisphere for just a bit longer, as earlier this month in the United States, Punxsutawney Phil, the namesake rodent who emerges every Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania,  predicted  six more weeks of winter by seeing his shadow.

Below are some Nordic philosophies to help make the most of dark days and cold nights until spring finally arrives.

Denmark – hygge

Probably the most well-known, the Danish term hygge, which loosely translates to a feeling of coziness, celebrates cherishing the little things in life – being surrounded by family and friends, eating warming foods, drinking a cup of tea or mulled wine by the fire. It is all about togetherness and gratitude for simple pleasures.

Norway – koselig

The Norwegian koselig is also all about companionship and sharing social time with loved ones but adds another element – nature. Even when the weather is cold, spending time outdoors, perhaps covered in wool blankets and around a fire or walking in the woods outside a cabin, induces a sense of well-being.

Sweden – mys

The Swedish mys places importance on rest and relaxation – taking the time to slow down and again enjoy the little things such as meeting a friend for coffee, reading a good book or watching the snow fall from a window seat. It also revolves around food, particularly junk foods and chocolate, to take a calming break from the cold and daily life.

Iceland – þetta reddast

Often thought to be the national Icelandic motto, þetta reddast loosely translates to “it will all work out in the end.” Both an attitude and a lifestyle, it instructs to not sweat the small stuff and leads to a laid back, carefree lookout on life. In a land of volcanoes and volatile weather, it is a call to not take the negatives too seriously while focusing on the positive.

Finland – kalsarikännit

Possibly the easiest to carry out, the Finnish term kalsarikännit, literally “pants drinking,” means drinking at home in your underwear with no intention of going out. The word’s happiest country stays that way by having fun at home when it is too cold, whether in underwear or sweatpants. The premise is simply to be comfortable and enjoy yourself.

For more ways to get cozy, check out the “Snuggle Up” product spread in the  fall 2021 issue  of Luxury Portfolio magazine.


 

Meet Joel & Orly Ripmaster | Owners, Colorado Landmark, Realtors

from Shoutout ColoradoLocal Stories

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joel & Orly Ripmaster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joel & Orly, what principle do you value most?

Thanks for connecting with us, and for your mission of amplifying the exposure for small, local businesses. We consider ourselves lucky to be in business together as a father / daughter duo. In 1977, well before I was even born, Joel, my dad, founded Colorado Landmark, Realtors, Boulder’s leading luxury boutique brokerage. He has led the brokerage for 45 years independently until recently, when I came home to join him. After a career as a top private equity executive and working on a broad, global scale, returning back to Boulder to live local and honor both my family and my community felt right. My husband and I wanted to raise our boys (my dad’s grandsons) here in Boulder. Given our clear family ties, perhaps the most obvious principle we value is family; family is paramount, and we wouldn’t be in business together without that strong foundation. But there’s more to our partnership than family; together my dad and I have had a long-standing principle that we’ve shared since my freshman year in college: kindness. As a freshman at Harvard University in the early 2000’s one of my first emails home was a simple quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau:

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”

In and amongst the brightest and most accomplished minds in the world at Harvard, the principle and core ethos that stuck and continues to resonate today was that of kindness. That email still sits framed in my dad’s office as a totem to kindness above all else. It matters now more than ever when the pace of life is so fast and transactional that valuing and practicing kindness holds an important and intrinsic humanity that will hopefully spark a butterfly effect. Pairing family and kindness are the backbone of our relationship and that of our business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is Boulder Valley’s leading luxury boutique real estate brokerage.

Our story started in 1968, when Joel Ripmaster graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played football for the Buffaloes and would spend his time hiking from campus to Chautauqua Park with his college sweetheart and later to be wife. The two young Midwestern students would walk and daydream about one day owning a home in Boulder, starting a family and a business, and spending a life here. Joel fell in love with Boulder, his wife, and residential real estate and what it represented to his young family.

In 1977, Joel opened the Colorado Landmark doors for the first time with a clear mission:

Provide the most personalized support, flawless guidance and unrivaled knowledge of the real estate market to local and global Boulder County homebuyers and sellers.

This mission is living proof and rings as true today as it did decades ago. While the world changes, the economy and trends change, and the real estate markets change, one thing remains steadfast. People need a trusted advisor, a local expert, and a partner in the home buying and selling process. Colorado Landmark agents are amongst the top agents in the country. Our cohort of real estate executives are consummate professionals who together have helped build, shape and create the market that boulder is today.

“Every home is a Landmark to our clients and buying or selling a home is a Landmark occasion in their lives.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Start with breakfast at either of the best little spots in Colorado, the Village Coffee Shop or The Buff. Both are Boulder staples that offer fuel your body and your smiles. From there, head to Pearl Street and walk the pedestrian mall. The eclectic mix of stores, people, and flowers will help you truly understand what Boulder living is all about. Make sure you stop into Peppercorn, a landmark in Boulder retail and the go-to place for any impossible to find kitchen goods. The other staple is The Boulder Bookstore. It’s an incredible selection throughout a windy, whimsical layout where you can find any book you need. If you’re on Pearl on a Friday evening before a home football game, you’ll see the Buffalo Stampede and pep rally, and make sure you get a high five from Chip the Buffalo, you can grab a streamer from “Into the Wind” so you have something to cheer on the Buffs. Don’t miss Chautauqua Park and Mt. Sanitas for the full Boulder experience of living on the foothills. And if you need to rent a bike, head over to University Bikes and hit the road. You may be pedaling against Olympians and world class cyclists! Don’t miss a tour of the University of Colorado campus, one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. And when you’re exhausted after all of that, head over to the St. Julien Spa for a massage. Restaurants (and breweries) in Boulder are bountiful, and you can’t go wrong and you can’t have a hankering for something that you can’t find. And don’t miss Boulder on Memorial Day, running the Bolder Boulder is a quintessential local tradition that cannot be beat!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

As a father / daughter team it’s natural for the child to thank and recognize the parent. Every Superbowl winning moment incorporates a shoutout to parents for their love, support and belief. It is no different in our case, of course, because one doesn’t join a parent on a business venture unless love, support and belief are well established. But for us, we flip the script… it’s the parent who recognizes and thanks the child. Shoutout to the kids out there recognizing the importance of legacy in building on their parent’s dreams!

Despite only working together officially since early 2022, Joel’s desk’s nameplate for the past 15 years has read “Orly’s Dad”. Joel’s welcoming of Orly to the business allowed him to further elongate his career and not be forced into an unnatural, early exit/sale of a business he’s curated for 45 years. Partnering with parents honors their achievements and provides merit to their life’s work, a work that has helped raise us up.

Website: https://www.coloradolandmark.com/

Instagram: @Coloradolandmarkrealtors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorado-landmark-realtors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COlandmark

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Marybeth Emerson & Deborah Read Fowler Selected Among America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents

Featured by atHome Colorado

Colorado Landmark is proud to congratulate Marybeth Emerson and Deborah Read Fowler on their 2021 induction to the Top 100 Agents in America- Top 1%. Incredible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEFT: Marybeth Emerson RIGHT: Deborah Read Fowler

Colorado Landmark, Realtors  is pleased to announce the selection of  Marybeth Emerson  and  Deborah Read Fowler  to America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents® for 2021. Selection to  America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents  is by invitation only and is reserved to identify the nation’s most esteemed and skilled Real Estate Agents and Brokers with a history of routinely selling homes above market value.

Only the Top 100 qualifying Real Estate Professionals in each region will receive this honor and be selected for membership among America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents. With these standards for selection, less than one percent (1%) of active Real Estate Professionals in the United States will receive this honor — truly the most exclusive and elite level of Real Estate Agents and Brokers in the community.

Marybeth Emerson and Deborah Read Fowler build on the trusted legacy of Colorado Landmark, Realtors, with a four decades-long award-winning track record as Boulder Valley’s leading luxury boutique brokerage. Landmark’s Real Estate Professionals have been recognized amongst the nation’s elite through proven results and unfettered dedication to the Boulder market. Remaining independent, local and boutique has allowed top agents the freedom to be intentionally and relentlessly focused on the health, wellbeing and happiness of the Boulder community.

The elite selection into the Top 1% of Real Estate agents in the nation is through a comprehensive multi-phase selection process involving proprietary algorithms using advanced data analytics to assess a broad array of criteria and data for each candidate, including (but not limited to) the Real Estate Professional’s total yearly sales volume, notable above market value sales, luxury home sales, efficiency rating for closing sales, lifetime professional experience, client satisfaction ratings and other notable recognitions, among many other proprietary factors. Based on these criteria, a measure/rating for each Real Estate Professional is established indicating their relative effectiveness in closing high-value sales above market value in comparison to other Real Estate Professionals in their region. Accordingly, the most efficient and effective Real Estate Professionals among the community are then identified for selection among America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents.

For more information about America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents or the selection process, visit  Top100RealEstateAgents.com.  For more information about Colorado Landmark, Realtors visit  coloradolandmark.com.

 

Vacationers Seek Return to Outdoor Adventures, Safe Cities

Courtesy of LUXURY PORTFOLIO By: Lisa Klein

Although the pandemic continues to cause hiccups for would-be travelers, many favorite destinations are now open to adventurers this year.

While country-specific rules and solid plans may be up in the air for the foreseeable future, locations in South America, Africa and Europe are especially popular vacation spots for the coming year, many offering fairly COVID-safe activities that put holidaymakers at ease.

“We still see most of our guests proceeding with caution,” said Gwen Kozlowski, president of travel agency Exeter International. “We also see guests who have, sometimes repeatedly, delayed travel and they simply don’t want to wait any longer. They’re ready to travel to any spot where it’s feasible.”

Up in the Air

Over the past couple of years, travelers have sought to find destinations to escape to while remaining safe and healthy. Several areas worldwide fit the bill and will continue to be major draws this year.

According to Ms. Kozlowski, Croatia and Montenegro in  Europe  have skyrocketed in popularity throughout the pandemic.

“Both countries were open throughout the pandemic with strict testing protocols in place and the past two years have seen tremendous growth here in the tourism infrastructure, from fantastic new experiences to world-class resorts and hotels,” she said.

Farther afield,  African safaris  make for perfect socially distanced trips. South Africa is expected to be a hot ticket for this year.

“Staff at safari lodges have all been vaccinated and you spend your time mostly outdoors and in nature rather than in crowded cities,” Ms. Kozlowski said.

“There is a rush of people all trying to secure space for the 2022 East Africa Great Migration taking place in Kenya and Tanzania from June to August.”

Across the Atlantic, travelers are lining up to tour  Argentina,  which recently opened its borders to international visitors after one of the longest closures in the world.

“Vaccinated Americans are welcome, and will find a plethora of outdoor options, from the glaciers and lakes of Patagonia to the wineries of Mendoza and Iguazu falls, as well as the stunning capital city, Buenos Aires,” Ms. Kozlowski said.

Testing times

The Asian continent proves more difficult to visit for now, with many nations still working out their travel policies and restrictions.

“We’re still waiting on Russia to work out its entry policy for travelers,” Ms. Kozlowski said of another destination on the backburner. “For now, it’s problematic, with daily testing required, and that’s simply not realistic for most of our guests.”

In 2022, however, many travelers are willing to deal with the hurdles and maybes for a chance at a far-flung trip.

“This means lots of last-minute plans, as people are more and more comfortable waiting to see the current climate before making a financial commitment,” Ms. Kozlowski said.

“We’ve seen this happen repeatedly with guests,” she said. “When their destination has an issue, they’re unflustered. They simply want to know the options of where they can travel. Then they’re ready to go.”

Valentine’s Day in Boulder

from BoulderColoradoUSA.com

Stay awhile and bask in Boulder’s romantic setting at the foot of the Flatirons, with more suggestions for romantic things to do in Boulder on the  Date Weekend page. 

DINING SPECIALS

Bookcliff Vineyards’ Valentine’s Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Head to  Bookcliff Vineyards Winery and Tasting Room  on Saturday and Sunday, February 12-13, 2022, from 1-6pm to taste a trio of wines paired with four delectable delights from  Lift Chocolate  while supplies last. No reservation needed.
Chautauqua Dining Hall
Dine at the foot of the Flatirons with a special four-course Valentine’s dinner that’s prix fixe at $55 per person or with a Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea, served with a tiered tray of sweet and savory treats from 2pm at $30 per adult and $15 per child. Reservations required. Call the  Chautauqua Dining Hall  at 303-440-3776.
Spruce Farm & Fish
Treat that special someone to a romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day at  Spruce Farm & Fish.  Holiday specials and full menus will be available for dinner from 5-10pm. Make your reservation  here.
Flagstaff House
A special, seasonal four-course tasting menu ($150/person) will be available at the stunning  Flagstaff House  from February 12-14, 2022. Make your reservation  here.

Frasca Food and Wine
Enjoy chef Kelly Jeun and chef Eduardo Valle Lobo’s luxurious 4-course menu with two options per course along with a curated wine flight all weekend. Reserve  here  for Frasca’s Valentine’s Menu ($195/person), offered Feb. 12-14, 2022 in their indoor dining room or outdoor, heated Alpenglobes.

Jax

Jax  is serving a special three-course prix fixe menu for $75 from Friday, February 11, to Monday, February 14, 2022.  Check here for more information.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Look no further for a romantic setting than this.  Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse  is serving Valentine’s Dinner at $55 per guest. Please call the Teahouse directly to book your reservation at 303-442-4993.

West End Tavern

The  West End Tavern  will be offering food and drink specials from Friday, February 11, to Monday, February 14, 2022. Reservations are encouraged.  Click here for more information.

Centro Mexican Kitchen
A little something for everyone!  Centro  is offering Valentine’s weekend dinner and drink specials from February 11-15, 2022 along with a “Galentine’s Brunch” on Friday, February 13. Grab your friends for a mimosa-filled morning while supporting a good cause; a portion of all proceeds will go to Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence in Boulder.  Reservations encouraged.

The Post

Grab your honey or your besties and dig into some bubbles and bird this Valentine’s Day weekend at  The Post.  Available February 11-14, 2022, enjoy the Fried Chicken and Caviar Experience for two at $75, and add some bubbles to make it extra special.  Reservations recommended.

Gemini
Gemini  will be offering a special Valentine’s Day à la carte menu including filet mignon, truffles on anything, pots de crème and specialty cocktails during dinner service from February 11-14, 2022.  Reserve here.

 

HOTEL PACKAGES

Your Third Night’s Free

Linger longer in Boulder with a special hotel offer.  Book two nights and get your third free at participating hotels.

Chautauqua Valentine’s Weekend Treats

Enjoy a romantic stay at  Chautauqua  with your special someone from February 11-14, 2022. Use the promo code VALENTIN when booking to receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and locally made artisan chocolates with your stay.  More details here.

St Julien Hotel and Spa Package
A special St Julien Hotel and Spa romance package includes your choice of luxurious accommodations, a chilled bottle of curated champagne delivered directly to your room, expertly hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, a $150 hotel credit per night that may be used as you wish in Jill’s Restaurant, Spa at St Julien, T-Zero Lounge or toward in-room dining.  Book here.

Hotel Boulderado Hotel Package

Relax in luxury accommodations with Hotel Boulderado’s “Romance Package,” which includes house-made strawberry and ginger chocolate confections and a chilled bottle of Mumm sparkling wine in your room, plus room-service breakfast for two from 7-11am. Call 303-442-4344 for more info.

 

ACTIVITIES

Tinder Live! With Lane Moore – Valentine’s Show
Grab your single friends for a night of laughs at  Tinder Live! With Lane Moore  on Friday, February 11, 2022. During this critically acclaimed, totally improvised show Moore will project her Tinder onto a screen and look through profiles live on stage. The audience votes whether she swipes right or left, to hilarious and surprisingly kind results. Tickets are $20 and  can be reserved online.
Galentine’s Day Bath Bomb Workshop
Make your own bath bombs, pamper yourself with mini spa-day offerings and enjoy refreshments and snacks at Vital You on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 11am-2pm. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased  here.
Paint-Your-Own Pottery
Paint pottery with your loved one at  Color Me Mine.  Reserve a socially distanced two-top for the two hours in the evening.
Pottery Date Night
Bring your date for a Saturday evening of pottery making at  Boulder Pottery Lab – Studio Arts Boulder.  Experienced instructors will get you set up and working together on the potter’s wheel, then they’ll glaze and fire your two favorite pieces. $55 per person.  Register online.

Galentine’s Day with Sherpani on Pearl

Grab your friends for a night of fun at  Sherpani’s  from 4-7pm on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Bring a friend and receive a free gift card, enter giveaways, sample treats and drinks, and shop a store-wide 25%-off sale. Limited spots available.  RSVP and learn more.

Hiking

Spend time on the trail together gives you a chance to reconnect among the fragrant pines. Try one of these  5 winter hikes.

Go on a Mural Walk
Stop for a coffee to go and then stroll around town to discover a few of Boulder’s 90+  murals.