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Empty Land Offers Opportunity Once Obstacles are Cleared
By Lisa Klein & Luxury Portfolio International
Building one’s ideal house from scratch is a dream for many luxury homeowners.
Add in beautiful, sprawling land in a rural area, and there is a recipe for the perfect property.
“Whether you’re thinking about buying a couple of acres or hundreds of acres, there’s something very appealing about living in a peaceful countryside setting,” said Sister Hood, an agent in the Atlanta, Georgia, area with Harry Norman, Realtors.
Jumping the Hurdles
The appeal of a custom estate may be obvious – everything is designed to the specifications of the property owner, who may also have acres of trees, lake access and peace and quiet.
“Anytime you please you can hike, bike, birdwatch, fish, hunt, go horseback riding and much more,” Ms. Hood said of a rural Georgia setting.
According to Ms. Hood, more rural buyers are looking for homesites rather than permanently empty land to use for hunting or camping.
When considering an empty plot of land, however, it is important that buyers thoroughly research their options and enlist the help of experienced professionals for every step of the way.
First, it is important to check the zoning of a property and determine whether it can be easily petitioned for a change, if needed. Not all land is automatically approved for residential use.
A survey is also a must, as unused land may have somewhat unknown property lines or encroachments, intended or unintended. Others may even be using parts of the land legally.
“It is not uncommon to come across easements on rural properties,” Ms. Hood said. “These can be right-of-ways for neighboring properties or even gas and electric company easements that allow them to run lines across the property as well as access the property for maintenance.”
Thorough environmental testing should not be skipped, either.
“Depending on a property’s prior uses, it could be beneficial to look into environmental contaminations,” Ms. Hood said.
Use Case
Potential buyers will also need to know how well the soil drains and any topography issues that could affect building.
Homebuilders may even have to pay for running utilities to their new house. Road access could also be a factor.
Last, but not least, seekers of a blank slate should investigate the surroundings of their possible purchase.
“Always be sure to look at the uses of neighboring properties,” Ms. Hood said. “Rural areas can include dumps, garbage transfer stations, commercial gravel pits and many other rural commercial and industrial businesses that can impact surrounding properties.”
Buyers should also check the value of homes in the area, as the costs of building from the ground up may exceed the home’s new worth.
All that hassle can be worth it once the right property is found.
“You have the ability to really build however you like within the limitations of the local building codes,” Ms. Hood said. “You can create your dream house the way you prefer.”
Boulder Lands In The Top 5 Of Best Places To Live In America By U.S. News & World Report
Credit: Katy Marquardt & USNews.com and CBS4 Denver
The 2022 rankings identified places in America that have the best “combination of jobs, desirability, cost of living, quality of life.” And it apparently helps to be tucked up next to beautiful Rocky Mountains.
For Boulder — No. 4 — the U.S. News writers described the city as “a looker” whose backdrop is “the snow-capped Indian Peaks.”
Boulder gets high marks for incredible fitness and wellness options and a special nod is given to the rock climbing scene there. In fact, the publication chose to feature the city’s popular Flatirons in its tweet announcing the new rankings.
What’s it like to live in Boulder, CO?
Snug against the foothills where the Great Plains give rise to the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is nothing if not a looker. This city reveals its spectacle at the crest of a hill on U.S. Route 36 from Denver with its iconic sandstone slabs rising from the mountains, prefaced by pine-clad mesas and cradled within the backdrop of the snow-capped Indian Peaks.
For residents seeking wellness, Boulder has opportunities from forest bathing and free meditation sessions to an abundance of marijuana dispensaries, spas and alternative health care studios. The full spectrum of yoga disciplines is represented here, as well as a plethora of fitness options to ignite your curiosity, including parkour, aerial dance and “Animal Flow” ground-based movement classes. People looking to bring balance to their work life can find job perks that include participation in the city’s annual Tube to Work Day. Had it with the 9 to 5? Make like Boulder’s dirt bag climbers and live in a van, work odd jobs and become a fixture at the area’s legendary crags.
This blissed-out enclave attracts young professionals, families, academics, scientists, transplants from both coasts, old guards who insist it was way cooler in the 1970s and, above all, lovers of outdoor recreation. Trail runners, hikers, climbers, cyclists and more move here to live in this perpetual playground, where the answer to “What do you do?” is often one’s activity of choice, not occupation.
See all the best places to live in Colorado.
COVER STORY: Colorado Landmark, Realtors receives global recognition for Marshall Fire recovery efforts
Happy Earth Day 2022
As we face an accelerating climate crisis, and many other challenges affecting our dear Mother Earth today, the message of Earth Day is as important as ever.
Join the celebration of our great planet by planting a tree, exploring the city’s mountain parks or by participating in a local event.
Here is a fantastic list from the City of Boulder of local events and celebrations to get involved in climate action today and every day!
Cool Boulder
Join in a community-wide effort to implement natural climate solutions. Cool Boulder is mobilizing and supporting our community to regenerate our soils, trees, and habitats for a resilient community, climate and future. Sign up to join an action team or become a community resource specialist.
Spring Fest and Earth Day Celebration with Jeff and Paige
Bring the family to the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center for fun activities led by Thorne Nature Experience educators and a performance by kid-favorites, Jeff and Paige. Learn more and register for the free event online.
Ride Boulder BCycle for Free
April 22 through 24, get free access to Boulder BCycle. Enjoy unlimited 60-minute e-bike trips with your 3-Day Weekend Pass. To get the pass, download the BCycle App and select Bosch Earth Day Pass.
Tree Planting throughout the spring and at the Columbia Cemetery
Even though they’re not having Earth Day-specific events, the city’s Forestry team in the Parks and Recreation Department is focused on sustainability by planting trees! Approximately 400 trees in city parks and public street rights-of-way, at both residential and commercial sites, will be planted this spring.
The team is also working with Flatirons Elementary School to plant 10 trees at Columbia Cemetery on April 29 as part of their Arbor Day events.
Resource Central
Celebrate our planet with Resource Central and Eco-Cycle at 6400 Arapahoe Ave from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour Resource Central’s renovated reuse facility, get inspired for your summer DIY projects, and rock out to local bands. There will also be food and free family activities to enjoy. Check out Resource Central’s website for more information and RSVP on Facebook.
Community Cycle’s Bicycle Film Festival
Watch a series of short, international films that celebrate the bicycle. The festival will also feature panel discussions about cycling topics, local food and drink, and the opportunity to chat about biking with other Boulderites. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Community Calendar
Access the Boulder.Earth community calendar for even more ways to get involved.
Looking for something you can do yourself?
If these events aren’t the right fit for you, access the city’s guide to climate action. There, you’ll find ideas on how to live a more sustainable life and create positive change for our climate.
Happy Earth Day!
St. Patricks Day in Boulder
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.
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.
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.
Mountain Biking
Go mountain biking on six major trail systems. The same important reminders above apply. In winter, try a fat bike.
Bird-Watching
Read our bird-watching guide for where to go and what to look for.
Mural Tour
- View Boulder’s many colorful murals. Boulder’s artists have added over 90 murals in the last two years! They are amazing and worth a self-guided mural tour.
- Here’s another self-guided outdoor public art walk.
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).
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.
Colorado Landmark Holiday Events
It’s the season of giving and holiday cheer! Join us for these exciting events below, and fill the beginning of your winter with joy.
2021 Downtown Niwot Holiday Magic; Three Festivities
11.26: Enchanted Evening – Tree Lighting Ceremony
11.27: Holiday Parade – Santa at the Grange
12.4 and 12.11 Holiday Market – Grange and Around Town
Grand Opening for the Louisville Office
Friday, December 3rd from 4-6pm
Join us for an Open House before the Louisville Parade of Lights Parade. Come celebrate with light snacks and beverages.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition for Cake 4 Kids
Competition for families on Sunday, December 12th
Three categories: Most creative decorating, Best use of candy, and most unusual decorations
Prizes for the winners
Event is free, but requesting donations $50+ for Cake 4 Kids
Thanksgiving in Boulder
It’s ramping up to be a wonderful holiday season here in sunny Boulder. The gorgeous fall weather and colors are all around us and turkey day is already next week!
If you’re needing some help in the kitchen this year, or craving something special from one of your favorite spots, check out this great list from the Boulder, Colorado website. They have also included some great ideas for the whole family to enjoy if you’re looking for activities around town.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Hotel Boulderado Thanksgiving Buffet
Seasonally prepared buffet and dessert menu on the historic mezzanine.
Boulder Cork
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Open 12-7pm.
Chautauqua Dining Hall
Open, special holiday menu.
The Corner Bar at Hotel Boulderado
Full menu and Thanksgiving specials. Open 11am-8pm.
Frank’s Chophouse
Open, special holiday menu.
Greenbriar Inn
Traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Open 11:30a-7pm (reservations required).
Jill’s Restaurant at St. Julien Hotel and Spa
Thanksgiving Day buffet 11:30am-1:30pm and 5:30-7:30pm.
The Kitchen
Open noon-8pm.
Salt Bistro
Open noon-7pm.
Spruce Farm and Fish at Hotel Boulderado
Full menu and Thanksgiving specials. Open 7am-8pm.
Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Take-Out
Zolo Grill Throwback Pop-Up at Centro Mexican Kitchen
Ready-to-heat trays of Zolo’s classic enchiladas, banana cream pies and large-format cocktails for pre- or post-Thanksgiving Day feastin’. Order here.
Smoked Thanksgiving Turkeys from West End Tavern
Whole smoked turkeys, cranberry sauce, brown gravy, pumpkin pie and cocktails. Order here.
Holiday Sides & Raw Bar Platters from Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Large-format dishes for takeout, including lobster mac and cheese, crawfish gumbo and steamed PEI mussels. Jax is closed on Thanksgiving but will be open the day before and after. Order here.
Events
Trevor Hall at Boulder Theater
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 26 and 27, 2021, 8pm
Come hear this singer-songwriter in his element at the intimate and historic Boulder Theater. Ticket prices vary.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Fri., Nov. 26 and Sat., Nov. 27, 2021, 11am-2pm
On the Pearl Street Mall in historic downtown Boulder, kids of all ages can visit with Santa during St. Nick on the Bricks. Have your camera ready!
Friday Night Jazz at Hotel Boulderado
Fri., Nov. 26, 2021, 5-8pm
Enjoy some live jazz in Hotel Boulderado’s historic lobby lounge. Try cocktails and food from a special happy hour menu. More details here.
New Something Fridays At Supermoon
Fri., Nov. 26, 2021, 10pm-2am
Dance all that holiday feasting off at Supermoon, featuring organic house music and blissful beats.
Fresh Air Friday
Fri., Nov. 26, 2021
Free access to all 41 Colorado state parks on Fresh Air Friday, including Eldorado Canyon State Park, just 15 minutes from Boulder.
Find Freezie Bingo
Fri., Nov. 26, 2021
Head to downtown Boulder and visit participating businesses for Find Freezie Bingo. Find enough “Freezie” plush snowmen and be entered to win a $25 gift card.
The Song of the Lorax at Dairy Arts Center
Fri., Nov. 26 and Sat. Nov. 27, 2021
Watch and learn from this immersive, multi-media show, including original live music performed by the Ivalas String Quartet, a forest sound installation, spoken word and photography by conservation photographer T.J. Watt. Tickets and more details here.
Yoga Pearl’s Small Business Saturday Market
Sat., Nov. 27, 2021, 10am-5pm
Shop from local makers, creators and small businesses in Yoga Pearl‘s studio. A percentage of sales will be going to BIPOC holistic wellness.
Things to Do
Hike
After you’ve had enough pie and need to get up and move, explore Boulder’s vast trail system. Here are 5 great winter trails, although the weather over the Thanksgiving holiday is as likely to be sunny as it is snowy. Find more trails here.
Snow Much Fun Light Displays
Nov. 21, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022
During Snow Much Fun, more than 275,000 colorful LED lights illuminate Boulder’s Civic Area, next to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and throughout downtown Boulder, including all along historic Pearl Street. Each year there are fun, themed light displays (like a candy cane forest and gumdrop lane). Grab a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy a wonder-filled stroll outside. This year, also enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal caroling, free train rides around the park, and self-guided tours each Friday, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 2021, 5-7pm in the Civic Plaza next to the Boulder Dushane Teahouse.
Sign Up for a Race
Wake up early for the 2021 Boulder Thanksgiving Day 5K and earn your dinner while doing some good. A donation from all race proceeds will go to Boulder’s Harvest of Hope Pantry. There is also an opportunity to donate non-perishable packaged and canned foods on the morning of the event.
Play a Round of Family Disc Golf
Boulder has a great disc golf course with beautiful Flatirons views that could be the scene of a fun, new family tradition. 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).
Shopping
Small Business Saturday
Nov. 27, 2021
Shopping local is the Boulder way, and Small Business Saturday is a great day to do so. Head to Pearl Street, where historic buildings are filled with boutiques and indie shops, plus cute eateries, bookstores, and coffee shops. Holiday lights will be twinkling overhead. Don’t forget to explore “off the bricks” on West Pearl and East Pearl, too.
Twenty Ninth Street
Twenty Ninth Street is an outdoor center with amazing views of the Flatirons (spectacular when dusted in snow) and plenty of popular national retailers such as Anthropologie, H&M, Apple, Sephora and Nordstrom Rack that are sure to have great Black Friday deals.
Shop the Makers
Boulderites are a creative bunch, and their wares make perfect holiday gifts. On East Pearl Street (between 17th and 21st streets), you’ll find Angie Star (handmade jewelry) and Sherpani (bags designed in Boulder). Elsewhere on Pearl are emporiums that house several local makers under one roof: R Gallery & Art Bar and Art Mart.
The Last Hurrah – VIP Garden Party
Aside
The DRF Team is partnering in a fundraiser for the Boulder Symphony, and Colorado Landmark is sponsoring!
Join us for one last hurrah at the historic Haystack Mountain Golf Course and then attend a post-tournament party including dinner, drinks, live music, silent and live auctions! It is $35 per person and $20 for kids.
Date: Friday, October 1, 2021
Time: 10 AM – 8PM
Location: Haystack Golf Course 5877 Niwot Rd Longmont, CO 80503
Contest & Mulligan Package
($50/golfer)Includes: Putting contest entry, hole in one contest, closest to the pin contest, 1 mulligan and 1 foot of string.
Live Auction Includes: Shoot the very last shot at Haystack, a Weekend at Winter Park, Conduct the Symphony, a Night in Denver, Avalanche Tickets, and Dinner & Hotel
Silent Auction Includes: Tons of awesome items!
Tickets are going fast and you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
Purchase Tickets Here