Category Archives: Just for Fun

A variety of Boulder CO fun must knows, tidbits and highlights just for you.

St. Patricks Day in Boulder

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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.

FIND A HIKING TRAIL

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).

Vacationers Seek Return to Outdoor Adventures, Safe Cities

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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

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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.

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

 

Landmark Moment: Lachlan Morton’s Solo Inspiration

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Professional rider, Lachlan Morton, has completed all 21 stages of the Tour de France – WITHOUT team support! Lachlan is a Boulder resident as well as a friend and client of Marybeth Emerson.

His cycling team, EF Education-Nippo, called Morton’s feat the “Alt Tour,” and raised almost $500,000 for World Bicycle Relief, a charity that donates bikes to communities in need. More information on tracking progress of these efforts and donating can be found on World Bicycle Relief’s dedicated webpage. We encourage all of our clients and friends to go to the website to support Lachlan’s efforts and contribute to the cause!

Colorado Landmark and Marybeth Emerson have teamed up in donating $1,475 to provide 10 specially designed, locally assembled, rugged bicycles for people in need; empowering students, health workers, and entrepreneurs in rural developing regions with life-changing mobility.

The Australian cyclist rode completely alone, made repairs to his own bike, found his own food, and, in most part, fended for himself throughout the French countryside all the way to Paris. He covered 3,424 miles in eight days (225 hours spent riding), surely finding the old-school Tour magic he was looking for!

Lachlan’s incredible journey has been followed by the world, and noted in several major publications:

The Alt Tour – Lachlan Morton beats the Tour to Paris

The Business School Lesson at the Tour de France

The Bike Racer Riding the Tour de France on His Own

On behalf of all of us at Colorado Landmark, Realtors: Congratulations, Lachlan! We are humbled to witness this Landmark Moment in your career, and are especially inspired by your generosity.

Creating a Memorable Garden Combining Form & Function

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By Linsey Stonchus

A beautifully done garden extends the livability of a home outdoors, offering wellness benefits, beauty and an overall sense of tranquility.

Creating an unforgettable garden requires a balance of function and form – first considering the necessary must-haves for living, and then plants, art and other elements that enhance the overall space.

“Set up for function first – [clients] see the landscape and the garden as an extension to live in from the interior space,” said Richard Hartlage, founding principal and owner of  Land Morphology, Seattle.

“We don’t do a project without a fire feature these days and, then, dining and the outdoor kitchen,” he said.

Mr. Hartlage has decades of experience in landscape architecture, working on residential and commercial projects from coast-to-coast in the United States. What are some of the latest garden trends he has witnessed?

“All of those functional elements go in first and then we build up that theme with plants,” Mr. Hartlage said.

 

Safe Arbor

Outdoor dining, lounging and kitchens are among the top requests, according to Mr. Hartlage, along with swimming pools or spas for smaller yards.

Frequently requested in the Seattle area are arbors, which extend the usefulness of gardens by a month or two during colder months. Mr. Hartlage often installs heaters and roofs for extended longevity.

“All of those functional elements go in first and then we build up that theme with plants,” Mr. Hartlage said.

“If you have more space, it’s really the plants that then you can expand on, now that you have crossed the threshold of creating the living spaces,” he said.

Currently, popular plants include grasses such as bamboo, calama and hakone.

Particularly popular in Seattle are broadleaf evergreens, holly trees, magnolia trees, camellias, hellebores and pittosporum.

Additionally, Mr. Hartlage notes hedges were not trendy for a long time but are making a return as they act as “the frame that holds the picture” with their crisp lines and structure.

Mr. Hartlage also observed a greater demand in color, both in plants or painted accents, with blue, orange and yellow being among those frequently requested.

The use of color is all about creating a certain ambience, adding a playfulness to the overall design.

Florals, too, ensure a garden offers fragrance, further enhancing the overall atmosphere of the garden.

Activities ranging from swimming to basketball can be prefaced with a pleasant stroll through the garden.

 

Material Changes

In terms of materials, bluestone is a top choice throughout the U.S., whereas concrete is received differently among various regions.

In Seattle, concrete is very popular, while Northeastern clients perceive it as “cheap” and prefer asphalt or gravel.

Where concrete is in high demand, Mr. Hartlage makes the material bolder through distinctive score patterns.

One of the most exciting things to incorporate within a garden of sufficient size is trails.

Trails transform art displays or amenity placements into destinations of their own, rather than positioning everything just outside the home. Mr. Hartlage recommends at least two acres to accomplish this, but preferably more than five.

Activities ranging from swimming to basketball can be prefaced with a pleasant stroll through the garden.

Meanwhile, large art pieces will be better enjoyed individually with plenty of air around it, rather than kept cluttered together.

Mr. Hartlage’s advice is to consider function first: What are the most essential amenities? Where will they fit? How shall the theme relate to these essentials?

Following that, the theme can then be expanded through plants and art, while also taking into consideration the size of the space.

Accents and art should never clutter smaller gardens.

Meanwhile, larger properties can take advantage of acreage through the installation of trails, turning everyday use of a home’s amenities into mini-events.

BALANCING FUNCTION and form is essential to the overall feeling that a garden facilitates.

“You know when a place feels right,” Mr. Hartlage said.

“You can tell if it’s beautiful, that you’re comfortable or inspired,” he said. “You don’t have to be trained in a design tradition. It all holds together.”

 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Downtown Boulder

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Mother’s Day is coming up and after the past year, the moms in your life may need more appreciation than ever before.  In Downtown Boulder, over 70% of our businesses are locally owned and operated. Take advantage of the local stores to find cute and unique gifts that mom will treasure forever. You will not only be showing appreciation for your mom, but also for the many local businesses in downtown Boulder that have also had a tough year.

You can shop in many ways, including buying local online, buying gift cards (Downtown Boulder Gift Card or store-specific), or ordering takeout or delivery from downtown Boulder restaurants. Spread the love this Mother’s Day.  #LoveTheLocal

Planner + Bath Bombs from Haven

Self-care essentials are always a go-to when gift giving. Haven’s planner and bath bombs are a great gift combination to help mom manage any stress in her life.

Mother’s Day Cards from Two Hands Paperie

You can’t go wrong with giving your mom a heartfelt card to show her you care! Two Hands Paperie has a wide selection of cards so that you can find one that speaks right to your mom’s heart.

 

Mini Facial Delight from Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary & Supply

This gift is the best for moms who need some pampering. The set includes the Precious Face Serum, Meadowsweet Face Serum, Exfoliating Face Scrub & Sweet Honey Scrub.

Bracelet from Starfish Jewelry

A bracelet from Starfish Jewelry is the perfect gift to give your mom to serve as a reminder of your relationship with each other! It looks beautiful, fashionable, and whenever she wears it she will think of you.

 

Wine from West End Wine Shop

A nice bottle of wine is almost always a good gift to give — especially to moms! West End Wine Shop has a large assortment of reds, whites, roses, and even orange wine! Sit down and share a glass while showing love and appreciation for your mom!

Shoes from Pedestrian Shops

Keep your mom feeling fresh and comfortable with a new pair of Birkenstocks from Pedestrian Shops! They spice up almost any outfit and they last for a lifetime.

 

Magnets from Island Farm

These adorable magnets from Island Farm are the perfect way to send a message of appreciation to your mom, while also giving her a gift! They can be used for decoration or practical reasons, and they would look great on any fridge or in any office.

Tea from Ku Cha House of Tea

These little packets of tea from Ku Cha House of Tea are a yummy and affordable gift to give your mom! They look cute and they are easily portable so she can keep them in her purse — just in case she gets a random craving for delicious tea while on-the-go.

 

Face Masks from Bliss

Things are slowly going back to normalcy, but we aren’t fully there yet. Get your mom a cute face mask from Bliss that she can wear during daily activities or while working out (and she will look good doing it)!

Gift Card to St Julien Spa

The St Julien Spa is one of the best ways to get away. Show your mom appreciation by giving her a gift card to the spa that she can use to take care of herself. After all, she did take care of you!

 

The Boulder Symphony & Colorado Landmark Present True Love

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Save the date! We are excited to present the upcoming concert TRUE LOVE.  This performance highlights the music of love, regret, and heartbreak—something that all of us can relate to. Celebrate music from the last one hundred years to today that brings the greatest love stories to life.

 

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

Boulder Theater – Purchase tickets here!

Two Shows- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM

 

Program:

Debussy- Danse sacrée et Danse profane; featuring Principal Harpist, Hillary Schefter

Mahler- Adagietto from Symphony No 5

Tchaikovsky- String Serenade

Boulder Symphony Conductor, Devin Patrick Hughes has curated a program featuring the Boulder Symphony String Orchestra and Principal Harpist, Hillary Schefter. Concerts will feature pieces of TRUE LOVE including Mahler’s Adagietto from his 5th Symphony, Debussy’s Danse sacrée et Danse profane, and Tchaikovsky’s String Serenade.

“We know music fans are missing concert experiences, and our musicians are literally aching to play live,” said Hughes. “We are thrilled to partner with the Boulder Theater and present a concert that will keep our audience, musicians, and staff safe.” 

 

Music fans yearning for live performances can join the Boulder Symphony for a live concert at the historic Boulder Theater on March 4th. This show will adhere to all CDC, Boulder County, and State of Colorado COVID-19 safety protocols, and seating will be limited to just 100 attendees. So don’t forget to get your tickets while you can!

To make your evening even better, Boulder Symphony has partnered with The Post Brewing Company, 2027 13th St. in Boulder, for a meal for your table. This add-on is only $48 for a group of 4. This meal includes 8 pieces of gluten-free fried chicken, 2 large sides, 4 buttermilk cheddar biscuits, and a round of Post beers, too!

The Boulder Symphony and the Boulder Theater are committed to making this event safe for patrons and musicians. Here are the health protocols that will be taken at the concert. If you have any questions please email executivedirector@bouldersymphony.org

 

• Wear a mask at all times during the concert

• Please use hand sanitizing stations available after check-in and throughout the venue

• Practice 6 feet of social distancing from everyone outside of your ticket group

• You must provide a valid phone number when purchasing your tickets for contact tracing

• There will be one designated entry and one designated exit

 

 

Super Bowl Sunday, To-Go!

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It’s already February and Super Bowl Sunday is about to touch down! This weekend, support some of your local favorites, save yourself some trouble and checkout these great options for family fiesta packs, meal kits and more.

Oak at Fourteenth is offering Super Bowl Take & Bake options,  presenting OAK style game day dishes complete with instructions for heating and serving. And don’t miss their North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich Special, sure to score big with the family! All orders set to pickup between noon and 3pm on Sunday, Feb. 7th.

 

Get more details on Oak’s Super Bowl Take & Bake here!

 

More Great Local Options Below!

Love Niwot Walk – All February Long!

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❤️ Niwot is Spreading the Love ❤️

 

Pick up your Love Niwot Pass and SWAG bag from the DRF Real Estate Office (136 2nd Ave Suite E Niwot, CO 80503) and then get walking! Limited passes available so be sure you don’t miss them!

 

The businesses on your Niwot Pass have some great giveaways – you won’t want to miss these FREE goodies.

 

You’ve probably heard talk about the flower wall built by the lovely  Belle Terre Floral – after you pick up your pass be sure you grab your #flowerwallphoto  outside of the DRF Office 🌸

 

BONUS: If you do some shopping while you’re in town save those receipts and turn in your pass + receipts to be entered into the prize drawing!