Boulder Breweries
#4 in Best Things To Do in Boulder
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- 5.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 4.0Atmosphere
After you've conquered the Flatirons, what better reward than an ice-cold pint of local Boulder ale? Though Denver is often regarded as Colorado's reigning beer city, Boulder can keep up, offering 20 breweries in its 27.8 square miles. To acquaint yourself with the city's suds, embark on the bike-friendly Boulder Beer Trail (which also includes stops at wineries and distilleries). Or, take the advice of visitors and locals and start your tasting tour at Avery Brewing Co., beloved for its India pale ale, brewery tours and large patio.
For a bit of history, head to the Boulder Beer Company. Back in 1979, America's 43rd brewing license was issued to two University of Colorado professors, giving them the go-ahead to open Colorado's very first microbrewery, Boulder Beer Company. Stop in for a tall glass of Hazed, an unfiltered dry-hopped ale, or a warm-weather favorite, the Pulp Fusion Blood Orange IPA.
If you're more of a foodie, BRU is the spot for you. With a full menu and 14 rotating taps (that pair with each menu item), BRU reinvents the term "pub food."
Breweries are free to visit, and most do not charge fees for guided tours of their facilities. However, fees apply for items purchased on-site. For a full directory of Boulder's breweries, check out the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
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#1 The Flatirons
These jaw-dropping rock walls flanking Green Mountain have become the symbol of the city, with many Boulder businesses sporting their image as a logo. Flatirons One through Five are the most prominent, but there are also several smaller formations – with more creative names – to explore. Altogether, these picturesque slopes are the most popular rock climbing areas around (you can even see markings left by some of the first climbers, dating back to the 1940s, on Number Three). But for those of you who aren't quite comfortable entrusting your life to a harness, you can still take in the Flatirons from one of the area's hiking trails – recent visitors said there's a trail for every age and skill level. For information about Flatiron trails, visit the City of Boulder website.
Previous visitors say that no trip to Boulder would be complete without spending time admiring the rocks. But if you plan on hiking, travelers recommend coming prepared: The trails can be steep in places, not to mention slippery. And don't forget your camera – reviewers said you'll want to capture the stunning views.
These jaw-dropping rock walls flanking Green Mountain have become the symbol of the city, with many Boulder businesses sporting their image as a logo. Flatirons One through Five are the most prominent, but there are also several smaller formations – with more creative names – to explore. Altogether, these picturesque slopes are the most popular rock climbing areas around (you can even see markings left by some of the first climbers, dating back to the 1940s, on Number Three). But for those of you who aren't quite comfortable entrusting your life to a harness, you can still take in the Flatirons from one of the area's hiking trails – recent visitors said there's a trail for every age and skill level. For information about Flatiron trails, visit the City of Boulder website.
Previous visitors say that no trip to Boulder would be complete without spending time admiring the rocks. But if you plan on hiking, travelers recommend coming prepared: The trails can be steep in places, not to mention slippery. And don't forget your camera – reviewers said you'll want to capture the stunning views.
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