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Is Denver really that great? I have to say I’ve been to 30 countries and some of them were pretty sketchy, but the only place I’ve been attacked in broad daylight is the ‘Mile High City’.
Although it’s quite unlikely that this will happen to you, like Denver is generally considered safeit raises the question of whether the city is what it wants to be.
Well, it turns out I’m not the only one who thinks Denver is a little overhyped. The people there Thrillist are hyping another mountainous Colorado town nearby.
We’d go so far as to say it’s Colorado’s “best city,” Boulder is ready to welcome everyone to this vibrant, free-spirited city about half an hour’s drive away.
More than a student town
First and foremost, Boulder’s fame is due to the University of Colorado, especially since Hall of Fame NFL player Deion Sanders recently took over as Head Coach.
The city is buzzing with the football team, but honestly it’s buzzing all the time simply because it’s a fun place to visit.
While you will indeed see your fair share of college students, this is not the kind of place where you glance sideways at the bar as if other patrons are telepathically telling you, “You’re too old!” .
Known for its free spirit and welcoming community, Boulder is becoming a thriving arts center, fueled by the city’s creative minds.
In addition to galleries and museums, downtown is also where you’ll find most of the action, including Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian promenade similar to Denver’s 16th Street Mall, but smaller of course.
Tip: No need to travel across town with Boulder’s Cheap HOP bus for just $3 in the most popular areas per ride.
A thriving food and beer scene
Leave the sugar coating to Boulder’s tasty bakeries, but there’s no need to hide Boulder’s hippie vibes; they embrace it!
Expect a healthy dose of farm-to-table offerings throughout the city, from busy farmers markets to top restaurants like Blackberry & Haas.
Boulder has something for every taste, not just the health conscious. Just keep in mind that when hunger strikes, Boulder has great outdoors to enjoy. That’s why many people choose a food truck for a quick bite.
But where Denver has the stiffest competition is in its vibrant beer scene, with more than a dozen breweries within easy reach.
You may be tempted to reach for the can that turns the mountains blue, but Boulder’s local brews are your best bet (apologies to Sam Elliott).
There’s just something about mountains and beer that goes hand in hand and Boulder is just the place!
Tip: One of the city’s most beloved breweries The Sanitas Brewery, located on the edge of town with beautiful mountain views and a wide selection of craft breweries.
A gateway to amazing natural areas
Boulder’s natural wonders never seem to end, but that’s all the more reason to keep coming back, and that’s exactly what many visitors do.
It’s not just CU alumni who return to sports games every season; they are also your regular travelers.
Boulder’s city center is undeniably fun to visit, but it’s outside the small townscape that the city shines brightest, just as many would rather head to Golden to look down on Denver than hang out in the crowds.
However, here there is no need to escape. The seemingly limitless nature of Boulder is a world unto itself, but super easy to access.
Equipped with ample hiking trails, many of which favor Royal Arch Trail, Mount Sanitas, and Flagstaff Loop, this region is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
The famous Rocky Mountains are just steps away and many tourists enjoy exploring Rocky Mountain National Park to get up close and personal with America’s most iconic mountain range.
As summer draws to a close, mark your calendars for next summer because one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy Boulder’s outdoor atmosphere is to float down Boulder Creek.
Tip: For fewer crowds without sacrificing beauty, visit lesser-known Eldorado Canyon State Park near Rocky Mountain National Park.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
