The Boulder Creek runs through the city and is its namesake. The creek runs along our wedding venue and past many major points of interest in the city including the courthouse (where Ronin worked for 3 years in juvenile detention), the public library, the municipal headquarters, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and Boulder High School. The creek is a lively place to be in the summer. You can go tubing, pack a picnic for Eben G. Fine Park, Central Park (the Boulder version), or Scott Carpenter Park, or even go fly fishing. Check out https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/insider-guides/boulder-creek/ for more ideas and information.
In Denver's LoDo neighborhood, and easy driving distance from to the Golden Triangle, Union Station is a 100-year-old landmark that hosts an array of trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, in addition to The Crawford Hotel and RTD Station. It was in disrepair for a long while, but recently underwent a huge renovation that made it a new must-see of Denver. The Crawford Hotel provides tours of the station on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1pm for $20.
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark that includes 300 foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. It's truly awesome and well worth the two-hour drive from Boulder to see it, especially if you're sticking around town for longer than the weekend.
Boulder likes its tea! In 1987, Maksud Ikramov, mayor of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, announced that his city would present Boulder with a Teahouse to celebrate the establishment of sister city ties. From the hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, and columns, to the diverse cuisine and variety of tea, the Teahouse is unique cultural icon in Boulder worth your time.
Part of Boulder's Chautauqua Park, run by the City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department, we'll be heading to Flagstaff Mountain on Saturday morning (check out the schedule)! But if you miss that trek, definitely check it out on Sunday before the wedding, or on Monday if you're staying in town a bit longer. Start by 10am (or earlier) to beat the heat, and get info first at the OSMP Ranger Cottage (address listed). Learn more about the trails on the City of Boulder website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/chautauqua-trailhead
One of Boulder's best attractions, this is the place to be (and just down the road from one of Ronin's old apartments). Factory tours are free and offered every day of the week except major holidays. Check out http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/tea-tour for more information. "From raw ingredients to finished products, you’ll learn all about the wonderful world of tea and see how our wholesome products are blended, packaged and shipped. You'll never look at tea the same way again!" -Celestial Seasonings
Nanu! Nanu! Fans of the 1970s situation comedy, *Mork & Mindy* (a spin-off of *Happy Days*, believe it or not), might be interested to take a stroll just north of Pearl Street Mall to snap a quick pic of the house used for exterior shots of Mork and Mindy's home.
Banjo Billy gives history tours of Boulder from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack. Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner, or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities. You won’t forget this bus tour! Although the bus follows the same route every time, no two tours are alike. Passengers get to vote at multiple stops for what they want to hear about – whether it’s a ghost story, a bizarre tall tale, or historical facts. The tour is 90 minutes long private tours are also available. Call (720) 938-8885 or visit www.banjobilly.com.
The 700-acre lake was initially created in the mid-1950s as a water-storage facility. But although it still supplies approximately 20 percent of Boulder’s drinking water, the lake and its surrounding environs quickly gained a reputation as one of the best spots in the state for boating, swimming, fishing and other lakeside recreation.
A favorite brunch spot for locals. The Walnut Cafe is a known wonderful breakfast spot. It’s a perfect place to go for a breakfast bite. You will find the older look and feel of the place charming and reminiscent of easier times; but the energy, art, and culture proves to be fresh and modern.
Consisting of the Denver Art Museum (address listed), History Colorado Center, Clyfford Still Museum, Molly Brown Museum, and many others, this area is worth checking out for a dose of cultural edification. The Colorado State Capitol is within the Golden Triangle, and we highly recommend nearby Torchy's Tacos if you want to grab a bite in the area. Also good for pairing with a visit to Union Station.
The only downtown theme park in America is really two parks in one: on one side of Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, experience 53 thrill rides, including looping roller coasters; on the other side, cool off in a wet 'n' wild water park with tubes waterslides and wave pools.
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top!