A Guide to Boulder - The Quircky College Town Minutes from Denver

It has been called the "People's Republic of Boulder" and "Little Berkeley." Yet whatever you call this attractive town nestled in the rocky mountains foothills, it is a great day trip from the city of Denver only half a mile distant.

One of the first things you will notice when entering Boulder is the vast, red brick University of Colorado campus. This town would be very different without its 30,000 or so students who seem to run things in some parts of the town, as well as to make the nights very upbeat. The number one gathering place for these students is called "The Hill" which is, yes, on a hill just opposite one side of the campus. It's not that large of an area, yet after school areas every bar and sub shop, every store is filled with students. The Half Past Sub shop is one of the favorite places and as well it should be due to its great happy hour deals. On the other end of the Hill an old fashioned corner store has newspapers, magazines and classic sodas as well as most of the student's needs.

Crossing under University from the Hill is the University of Colorado Campus itself. With its red brick buildings and eclectic architecture, the campus is a wonder to explore. Also, if you feel in the mood for football, Folsom field is right on campus and in the fall the CU Buffaloes play in front of thousands of fans, both collegiates and alums.

Down the road half a mile or so from the university scene is downtown Boulder itself. The main, pedestrian only street is Pearl Street, and it is as eclectic as you would expect from the town Boulder. Along the street are people playing a variety of instruments to earn some money, impromptu comedians gathering large crowds to tell jokes and show their tricks, and tourists, college students and families all mixing together. On the sides of this fun street are some truly great restaurants such as the Boulder Diner which serves truly amazing food befitting of its central location. If you are into books and possibly a cup of coffee the Boulder Bookstore and adjoining coffee shop will cater to your needs wonderfully. Simply put, Pearl street is the must see if your ever in the Boulder (or Denver for that matter) area.

If the city has gotten to you, Boulder's location at the foot of the Flat Iron foothills provides plenty of outdoor activity. The favorite place to go out into the outdoors is the renowned Chautauqua park. From this nice, shaded park trailheads separate into many paths leading up into the forested hills.

Boulder, really, has got something that will fit everyone's liking and budget, from a great restaurant on Pearl street to a trail on the Flat Irons. So if you ever feel like leaving Denver or wherever you are, come give eclectic Boulder a try.