The AETHER Guide To Boulder

The AETHERstream Summer/Fall Tour 2022 has been on a tour of mountain towns in the West for the past several months. One of the stops was the charming college town of Boulder, Colorado. Here, some of our must-visit spots in and around Boulder. ↓

Boulder Book Store – Right in the heart of Boulder on Pearl Street is Boulder’s largest independent bookstore. This beloved shop boasts more than 100,000 titles and a fantastic roster of author readings and community events throughout the year. If the enormous, three-floors worth of titles intimidates you, there’s always a great selection of staff-picks to choose from. ↓

Dry Storage – This is not your average cafe. Not only are all the baked goods made fresh each day on premises, but they mill their own artisan flour from heirloom grains in Boulder. Grab a baguette to bring home or sit and enjoy a coffee and breakfast sandwich—either way, you’ll leave happy. ↓

Peppercorn – This expansive specialty home-goods and cookware store located right on Pearl Street boasts a huge inventory of items any culinary enthusiast would be psyched about. Find a wide selection of gifts, everything you need to throw an awesome dinner party, and all the items you could possibly need in a kitchen. ↓

New Yorkese – One of Boulder’s best pizza options (if you ask us) is located inside the Avanti Food and Beverage Hall. Taking inspiration from New York via Naples, Italy, New Yorkese gets it all right. From the burrata and mozzarella cheese served with house bread to the Steverino pizza with kale, olives, sausage, and mozzarella, you truly can’t go wrong here. ↓

Corrida – Our partner for the AETHERstream’s stay in Boulder, Corrida is a Spanish-inspired steakhouse located on the fourth floor of a building, which translates to epic views of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons both from the inside of the restaurant and from the expansive deck. Known for a creative gin and tonic menu, a great selection of tapas, and an awe-inspiring selection of steaks, Corrida is a top-notch dining experience. ↓

Oak at Fourteenth – Oak at Fourteenth—another jewel is Boulder’s culinary crown and the sister restaurant to Corrida—serves locally sourced American cuisine and superb cocktails, like Elderflower Gimlet and the Across the Atlantic (rye, Bénédictine, Lillet Rouge, and aromatic bitters). This open kitchen space offers a peek into the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, which churns out a rotating selection of delicious plates. (Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the kale salad.) ↓

St. Julien Hotel & Spa – This four-star hotel is located in the middle of the action in downtown Boulder. Even if you’re not staying in one of the spacious rooms, dine at Jill’s Restaurant or enjoy the daily happy hour in the lobby with its cozy fireplace and live music, or,—when the weather allows—on the terrace. If you would rather relax than imbibe, check out the hotel’s spa. ↓

Boulder Theater – Boulder’s premier theater opened in 1906 (as the Curran Opera House) and has remained a cornerstone of the community ever since. This intimate, art-deco theater has stood the test of time, playing host to musicians ranging from the Lumineers and Ryan Adams to the Indigo Girls, as well as comedic acts like Marc Maron and David Spade. ↓

Pizzeria Locale – At the heart of this Napolitano-style pizzeria is the wood-burning oven imported from Naples. Cooked at 1,000 degrees, the pies—from the Salsiccia with tomatoes, peppers, fennel sausage, mozzarella and grana padano to the Mais, with creme fraiche, prosciutto cotto, sweet corn, mozzarella, chive, and garlic oil—will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe in a few bites. Don’t miss the happy hour Wednesdays through Sundays, featuring discounted Limoncello Spritzes, Negronis, and meatball calzones. ↓

Hotel Boulderado – Welcoming guests since 1909, the Hotel Boulderado is a downtown Boulder landmark rich in historic charm thanks to a soaring stained-glass ceiling and Victorian-era touches throughout. The on-site restaurant, Spruce Farm & Fish, prides itself on serving fresh local fish and meat, like Rocky Mountain trout and Colorado bison. The Boulderado is also home to License No. 1, named because it was the first bar to receive a liquor license in the city of Boulder post prohibition. Today, they serve up craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style setting. ↓

The Kitchen Upstairs – Set above the acclaimed restaurant The Kitchen, the Kitchen Upstairs is its upstairs (obviously) cocktail lounge overlooking Pearl Street. This cozy bar serves the same menu as downstairs but it’s the perfect spot when you just want to enjoy a creative drink, like their signature Hide the Evidence (bourbon, rhubarb, Campari, and lemon) and I’ll Have Another (rum, St. Germain, pineapple, lemon, and mint). ↓

Cedar & Hyde Home – This specialty home shop offers a super-curated selection of artisan goods with an emphasis on pieces made in the U.S. The gorgeous assortment of unique and handmade ceramics and textiles will make you want to completely restock your home. ↓

Boulder Reservoir – The 700-acre man-made lake affectionately known as “The Rez” is the perfect respite for a hot day above 5,000 feet. Pay the summer entry fee and then you can boat, swim, fish, or paddleboard. Bring your own paddleboard or rent one on-site at Rocky Mountain Paddleboard. ↓

Wild Provisions Beer Project – This upscale, experimental brewery and taproom focuses on Czech-style lagers and wild-fermented ales, exploring both new and old beer-making techniques. Order a flight and see what all the fuss is about.

Find the AETHERstream on 11th & Walnut St. at Corrida from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. through August 28th. For more information on the AETHERstream Summer/Fall Tour, follow us on Instagram at @AETHERapparel or click here. •