Experience Boulder in a Day

The Celestial Seasonings factory has an extensive gift shop, filled with not only all of its available tea varieties but also everything from teapots to shirts to flavored lip balm.

A cooperative gallery for local artists, unique pieces of art, both decorative and functional, abound. Due to its selection, prices tend to be a bit high.

Another cooperative arts and crafts store, I don’t always find what I’m looking for here.

This independent bookstore has all the bestsellers and a sizable number of Colorado-centric books and items.

Though not truly local, this chain started across the mountains in Durango, Colorado. Still, these chocolates are some of the best to be found in the area.

Up on the top of a small mountain (or very large hill) NCAR has a number of fun weather and climate-focused interactive displays inside the research facility. Behind the complex, a short series of paths gives more insight into local weather patterns and also branches out into miles of trails that head through the Flatirons. Elevation may be a factor here, as walking any distance at 5,000+ feet above sea level is hard if not yet adjusted.

More than simply a mall, Pearl Street’s four pedestrian-only blocks are a sight and activity thrill for all ages. Kids can play on large metal sculptures of animals or prance amongst jets of water that soar out of a walkway-level fountain. There are often street entertainers, street musicians and balloon animal sculptors drawing crowds to their performances. Drop into Ben & Jerry’s for a sweet ice cream treat or head to the Boulder Bookstore and pick up a few stories for later.

The WOW! Children’s Museum in Lafayette is just a 10-mile drive east of Boulder. Best suited for children under 11, the museum has fun and educational activities sure to keep the younger crowd happy.

Primarily a local goods and organic foods store, Whole Foods also has varied prepared meals at its deli counter, including sandwiches, side dishes and grain-based salads.

Go for a tour and a free mead (honey wine) tasting. Pick up a bottle or two for gifts or to enjoy later. Redstone Meadery is one of the largest mead producers in the country, and definitely worth a visit.

The first microbrewery to open in the state, the Boulder Beer Company remains a local favorite. Visitors can tour the facilities and sample the brews, with local culture-inspired names like “Hazed & Infused” and “Planet Porter.”

Opened in 2003, the Boulder Creek Winery produces a number of popular vintages, including the Colorado White Merlot and rich Zinfandel Port. The winery is open for self-guided tours and the tasting room has free samples of some of the wines and a small gift shop.