A word of thanks

Letter to the Editor (the Camera):

'Tis the season to give thanks and this year more than ever it is important to remember all the reasons we have to be thankful. In Downtown Boulder (where 85 percent of the businesses are locally owned and operated), we are thankful for the amazing support of the local community as well as visitors from across the world who have helped keep our array of shops, world-class restaurants, diverse businesses and entertainment venues thriving over the past three decades and counting.

As Boulder prepares to celebrate our Sesquicentennial in 2009, we are thankful for the vision of our first settlers to make Boulder into the city it has become today. We are thankful for the long-standing Boulder entrepreneurial spirit that has resulted in a successful business community. We are thankful for everyone who dedicates so much of his or her time and energy to ensure the success of a business. We are also thankful for all of the dedicated employees who work tirelessly and believe in achieving the ultimate level of success.

With the uncertain economic outlook we face as a nation, now is the time to reach out to our neighbors and friends by supporting local businesses every chance we get. We wish everyone throughout the city much success and prosperity as we enter this holiday season and send out our sincerest gratitude to all those who visit Downtown Boulder, most especially the local community. We are thankful that you are keeping us the true heart of this amazing city. Remember to "Shop Local, Give Local" for a prosperous new year.

Jane Jenkins, Executive Director
Downtown Boulder

Downtown Boulder Magazine Gift Guide

Gift Guide excerpt from our holiday magazine (Downtown - Local Shops. Local Stories.):

Get Off the Bricks and Love the Local™ this Holiday Season

Downtown Boulder had compiled a gift guide highlighting 12 fun and unique items that can be found in shops off of Pearl Street’s bricks! Click here for a complete list of shops with maps and more

besos
1949 Pearl St. | 303-304-3300 | BesosBoulder.com
Developed by the owners of Boulder’s most successful independently-owned women’s retailer, JJWells, besos strives to bring the latest cutting-edge fashions to Boulder from the East to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Their ever-changing array of must-have items will keep you coming back to see the lastest trends in fashion.
PHOTO: Handbag by Tano ($250), Wool & Acrylic Pom Pom Striped Hat ($42) and Glove ($40) by Hat Attack, Wallet by Tano ($85), Earrings by Claudia Labao ($74-$100), Scarf by Whiz ($64).

Bolder World
2015 Broadway St. | 303-443-0628 | BolderWorld.com
When you want that special one-of-kind gift with Asian flare this holiday season, Bolder World is the place to find it. With handmade sterling silver jewelry, gifts and clothing manufactured throughout Asia, their collectibles make a perfect gift for that special someone on your list. Handmade wool hats & mittens and Pashmina shawls are just a sampling of the unique ideas that owner Milan Kundra, a Nepalese native, suggests for gifts that are beautiful and will keep you warm and cozy all winter long. PHOTO: Wool gloves hand knitted in Nepal. $15 Bolder World

BookCliff Vineyards
1468 Pearl St., Suite 120 | 303-449-9463 | BookCliffVineyards.com
This year, impress your out-of-town friends and family alike with Colorado wine from Bookcliff Vineyards. BookCliff’s wine is made from grapes grown on Colorado’s Western Slope and is produced right here in Boulder. This year they are featuring the Flagstaff Star Wine, a red wine with smooth tannins and bright acid combining flavors of blackberries and black pepper. The label art was designed by local artist Linda Sole Faul and was commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce to help fund lighting of the Flagstaff Star. PHOTO: Flagstaff Star Wine, $16.99

Boulder Nordic Sport
1717 15th St.| 720-227-9400 | BoulderNordic.com
For the sportsman on your list, head over to Boulder Nordic Sport (BNS). Specializes in cross-country ski equipment and service, BNS is one of the leading Nordic shops in the country. Run by passionate cross-country skiers, BNS helps de-mystify the sport making it more accessible for beginners while at the same time providing racers and experienced skiers World Cup-level service and knowledge. This season, check out the Cross-Country ski hats in myriad colors and styles which are a fun way to stay warm and comfortable on the trails (or on the way to the coffee shop)! PHOTO: Hats ranging from $18-$28 from Swix, Toko, Salomon and Craft.

Dish
1918 Pearl St. | 720-565-5933 | DishGourmet.com
Hidden like a buried treasure on Pearl Street’s refined East End, Dish Gourmet (the brainchild of Chef Brian Benham) has been offering Downtowners the best in specialty and deliciously prepared foods for years. Benham and his cooks whip up hand-roasted meats, fresh sauces, salads and soups made daily with the very best ingredients, not to mention what many call the best sandwich in Downtown. To set your party or function apart this holiday season, call Dish Gourmet for the best in catering. PHOTO: Dish Gourmet catering. Prices Vary. Call For Details.

Farfel’s Farm
906 Pearl St. | 800-806-6994 | Farfels.com
Situated in Pearl Street’s historic West End, Farfel’s Farm offers a variety of unique, high-quality goods and services for you and your pets. These include award-winning pet and people photography, unique dog and cat collars, leashes & harnesses, dog & cat treats, tons of pet toys, natural foods, functional & fun petwear, and gifts for people, dogs & cats! Take advantage of their upscale customer service (call ahead for delivery to your car at their back door) or visit their online store. PHOTO: Model Cloud, a former shelter dog and now a valued Farfel's Farm employee wearing a Gooby Bomber Jacket with fleece lining. $40 to $65.



Little Mountain Outfitters
1136 Spruce St. | 303-443-1757 | LittleMountainOutfitters.com
Bringing outdoor gear to your little ones for over a decade, featuring clothing exclusively for children from newborn to size 12, Little Mountain Outfitters gives families every reason to enjoy outdoor activities with safety, fun and style. Owners Dan and Lori Nichols bring ease to finding the children on your list the finest clothing and accessories that can stand up to the pressures of being a kid! PHOTO: Spyder Bugs on Bugs cotton zip neck (Boys), Denali Thermal Fleece (girls)

MomentuM
1625 Pearl St. | 303-440-7744 | OurMomentum.com
Give a gift that means something this season. Momentum features Fair Trade and handmade gifts from around the globe. Every item Momentum carries is crafted by human hands, tells a story and provides employment opportunities for artisan groups around the world. PHOTO: Recycled oil drum Angel. Handmade in Haiti. $44.95

Oliv You & Me
2043 Broadway St. | 303-444-1118 | Olivym.com
Featuring a wide selection of olive oils, cookbooks, salamis, dipping bowls, fresh & dried pasta and of course, artisan oils & vinegars from around the world, Oliv You & Me has it all. Whether you are buying a stocking stuffer for a novice cook or a gift for the gourmet chef in your family, Oliv You & Me can help you find a perfectly delicious present. Come create a custom gift baskets while enjoying a cappuccino or latté to make your shopping experience relaxing and fun. PHOTO: Custom Made Gift Baskets with artisan oils and vinegars $25-$100.

Two Sole Sisters
1703 Pearl St. | 303-442-0404 | 2SoleSisters.net
Get your handbag on at this new boutique on Pearl Street. This locally owned, independent boutique, founded by two dynamic sisters specializes in unique shoes, handbags and accessories. Find your inner Carrie Bradshaw this season and give the gift of fashion from one of Downtown's finest locale. PHOTO: CicciaBella baby and women’s cowboy slippers in a variety of styles. Baby (6-12 months) for $32. Women (S – XL) for $46.

Sensorielle
1801 13th St., Suite 150 |303-247-9932 | SensorielleSpa.com
Nourish the being with an array of specialized treatments. The spa pampers the eyes with colors that bring inner harmony; infuses the air with aromas that evoke pleasant nature sensations; provides ambiance immersed in sounds that uplift the spirit; and in their lounge, provide natural delicacies bring sheer delight to the taste buds. Sensorielle is dedicated to the soothing and rebalancing of every sense. Located in beautiful One Boulder Plaza, they also offer specific treatments for athletes, pregnant women and business people. Give a gift for the holidays and receive something for yourself. PHOTO: Destress from the Holicraze with 15 percent off your next hour plus treatment, scheduled through the end of the year, when you purchase a gift certificate of $100 or more.

Tough Luck Cowboy
2050 Broadway St. | 303-440-4042 | ToughLuckCowboy.com
Where the eclectic meets the refined, this collection of western gifts, jewelry, art and home décor is a perfect place to find a unique piece, inspired from Western living for anyone on your list. PHOTO: Old Gringo Boots $300-$500

Complimentary Holiday Parking Validation When Spending $100

Courtesy of Downtown Boulder, starting November 28 – December 24, visitors spending $100 or more during a same day shopping / dining trip to Downtown Boulder will receive two hours worth of GARAGE (parking structure) validations by showing their receipt(s) at the Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St.) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays – Fridays (weather permitting). Remember: Garage (parking structure) parking is always FREE on Saturdays and Sundays.

To learn more about parking options in Downtown Boulder, visit: BoulderParking.com

Holiday Happenings in Downtown Boulder

Downtown Boulder is transforming into a winter wonderland for locals and visitors of all ages to enjoy. People stroll along Downtown Boulder's streets lined with hundreds of locally owned unique boutiques, fantastic restaurants and diverse businesses, brimming with holiday cheer. Over the next several weeks, special events will draw our community together to share in the spirit of fun and goodwill.

From our Switch on the Holidays ceremony and the Lights of December Parade to the weekly Saturday visits with St. Nick on the Bricks, Downtown Boulder welcomes one and all to share in the spirit of the season!

November 28 / 6 p.m.
Switch on the Holidays is Downtown Boulder's annual lighting ceremony taking place in front of the Boulder County Courthouse on the 1300 block of Pearl Street. After holiday caroling from The Yultiders, Santa will count down to the grand illumination of the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder County Courthouse and the star on Flagstaff Mountain. At 5:45 p.m., head over to the Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza for Light up the Ice, a holiday ice show starring Tweedles the Elf.

Santa will also be making multiple appearances on the Pearl Street Mall this holiday season. During Downtown Boulder's St. Nicks on the Bricks, kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St.). Whether you are asking for a fire engine for Tommy, a new doll for Molly or a diamond ring for mommy, bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories. (November 28 & Saturdays from November 29 - December 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

December 6 / 6 p.m.
Downtown Boulder's 21st annual Lights of December Parade is a wonderful community event and one of Boulder's best holiday activities for the entire family. This year, the parade kicks-off Boulder's 2009 Sesquicentennial celebration. Parade posters recognize the 150th birthday of Boulder and the parade itself will incorporate the Sesquicentennial theme. Spectators will enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches and civic groups. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops will march through Downtown dressed as gifts, candy canes and reindeer. Crowds will enjoy marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers and much more. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself - Santa Claus!

The parade begins at 15th and Pearl streets going south to Walnut Street and west to 11th Street. The route then heads north on 11th Street to Spruce Street where it goes east ending at 15th and Spruce streets. There are two stages, one located at 14th and Walnut streets and the other at 11th and Pearl streets.

For additional information on these events visit BoulderDowntown.com or contact Downtown Boulder at 303-449-3774 or info@dbi.org

Downtown Boulder's Switch on the Holidays and St. Nicks on the Bricks sponsors: The Camera, City of Boulder Parking Services and Downtown Boulder, Inc. Downtown Boulder's Lights of December Parade is produced by Downtown Boulder, Inc. and sponsored by: Tebo Development Co., Vectra Bank, City of Boulder Parking services, the Camera, KBCO FM

Enjoy life and take a hike into Downtown Boulder's Pedestrian Shops

For over three decades, the Pedestrian Shops has been selling the world’s most comfortable footwear for men, women and children. In 1969, Richard Polk started the business in Denver out of the back of a pickup truck. Shortly thereafter, he traded in the pickup truck for a bookmobile and headed to Boulder and began selling Earth® footwear to local workers. In 1971, Polk signed his first lease in Downtown Boulder at 1334 Pearl Street. The store moved to its current location at 1425 Pearl Street in the mid 90s. In addition to the Pearl Street location (which is also the Pedestrian headquarters), customers can purchase shoes at the Pedestrian Shops in the Village Shopping Center as well as online at comfortableshoes.com. Polk says that the family owned business has flourished in Boulder thanks to the simple fact that people love to wear comfortable shoes!

In addition to providing over 20 brands (including Earth, Birkenstock, Crocs, Dansko, Reef and Teva to name a few), The Pedestrian Shops mission is to help make the world a better place. Every day, Polk, along with his General Manager & daughter, Lauren Polk and their employees take steps to ensure that they are operating in an environmentally responsible manner. Pedestrian Shops has been offsetting its energy usage with Renewable Energy Credits for several years, making it one of the first virtually wind-powered shoe stores in the United States. This past March, the downtown location may have become the world’s first solar-powered shoe store when its 10.32-kilowatt photo voltaic array went into service. (Solar panels and supporting equipment are located on the flat roof of the 1155 Canyon Building.) The system is owned and operated by the Pedestrian Shops as Pedestrian Energy and will provide clean electricity, preventing 28,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year from entering the Earth's atmosphere. "I'm really excited by the notion that we now can sell shoes without leaving a carbon footprint,” says Polk. The stores other earth-friendly business practices include recycling / reusing shoe boxes, offering employees Eco Passes and using energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.

For more than 20 years, the Pedestrian Shops have been giving back to the community through shoe drives held each Thanksgiving and in celebration of EARTH DAY. During the drives, customers are encouraged to recycle their shoes for people in need. As a thank you, the store gives a 10% discount on any new pair of shoes, sandals, clogs or hiking boots (including footwear already sale priced). More than 30,000 pairs of reusable shoes have been collected for distribution by the First Presbyterian Church Deacon's Closet and other community partners. This year's Thanksgiving holiday shoe drive starts tomorrow (November 15) and runs through December 7.

Recently, the Pedestrian Shops was named Best Shoe Store in Boulder County from the Boulder County Gold Awards. From ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of comfortable footwear to Green business practices and giving back the community, the Pedestrian Shops is making the world a better place…one step at a time.

Nov. 14th Open-Mic Poetry Slam

Calling all language lovers, users and abusers! The Boulder Book Store (1107 Pearl St) invites you to an open-mic poetry slam on Friday, November 14th at 7:30pm. Poets, readers, writers and listeners: this is the place to put your poetry.

-Sign-ups begin at 7pm and will be distributed first-come, first-serve.
-A crowd favorite will be selected at 8:30 and showered with glory, fame and books.
-Delicious refreshments provided.
-Bring warm coats and winter clothes to donate to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless!

What is a 'hipster' anyway?

According to Wikipedia a ‘hipster’ is a term that developed in the late 90’s that “became a blanket description for middle class young people associated with alternative culture, particularly alternative music, independent rock, independent film and a lifestyle revolving around thrift store shopping, eating organic, locally grown, vegetarian, and/or vegan food, drinking local or brewing beer, listening to public radio and riding bicycles.” Sure, that sounds like a comprehensive definition of a hipster to me. It is also a pretty canny summation of most of the Boulder-ites I know.

So, I thought to myself, why exactly are all these hipsters here? Downtown Boulder served as an easy answer to my question because it is a hotbed of hipsterdom: the perfect place to be or become a hipster. There is the local, independently run Boulder Bookstore to browse both hard to find and popular titles. There are dozens of coffee shops, each with its own distinctive cup of black coffee offering innuendos into its corresponding personality (my favorite is the cup-of-joe served up at Saxy (on 10th) with Trident (Pearl and 10th) coming in as a close second). New to Pearl Street is Goldmine Vintage (on the pedestrian mall), a vintage store that guarantees that you’ll walk out more hip than you did when you walked in (IF you’re willing to pay for their selective and premier taste). Pearl St. begins and ends with bike shops as bookends with University Cycles on the West end and Full Cycle at the East. Plus, Pearl St. is crawling with organic and local fare: Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, the new (and delicious) Crepes Ala Cart, and Lolitas’ market (Pearl and 8th) to name a few. But, all of this comes at a price and it leaves me wondering: can you really buy your way to wearing the title of “hipster”?

To see if there was something beyond consumer interest in the term, I looked into its etymology. ‘Hipster’ is a term meant to convey a sense of alternative originality, but the term itself is both borrowed and bought from 1940’s beat culture. Among those who helped determine the term’s territory is Boulder’s own Allen Ginsberg, founder of the Jack Kerouac School for Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, centrally located on Canyon St. Back in their day a hipster lived in “an amorphous movement without ideology. It was [sic] more a pose than an attitude; a way of "being" without attempting to explain why.” If you weren’t hip, you were square and if you were hip you were a hipster.

Being a hipster is not just living in a culture of cool. It straddles a dangerous line between being something and being a shell that contains nothing. Critics have gone so far as to accuse the hipster of “appropriating styles of counter cultural movements while discarding everything that the style stood for.” While I suppose that it is possible for someone to be a borrowed shell that holds nothing, I have not yet met someone who is entirely unsubstantial. Boulder-ite hipsters are no exception. Pearl St. offers a context to find the inner hipster in you. To see people, mannerisms, styles, art and to adopt it. To try it on and take it for a spin. It’s a safe place to play, to see new things and to literally become part of the local scene. Try on the word hipster and see if you can redefine the word in the process of redefining yourself.

Downtown Boulder celebrates CU Buffs with the Pearl Street Stampedes

For the past two months, the night before every CU home football game, the Pearl Street Stampede has marched through Downtown Boulder as hundreds of Buffs fans line Pearl Street to enjoy the sounds of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and to cheer on the CU football team. The past two Stampedes have drawn some of the largest crowds in Stampede history with two more to go - tonight (November 7) and next Friday (November 14).

The Stampedes are “a great shot in the arm for downtown Boulder," said Jake Puzio, chairman of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District. Downtown restaurants have felt the incredible impact of Stampedes as many people have been enjoying the vast array of fantastic culinary offerings that downtown Boulder has to offer both prior to and following the Stampedes.

In its fourth year, the Pearl Street Stampede continues to grow in popularity as fans of all ages head to downtown for an evening to celebrate community and to show their black and gold pride. The Stampede is a wonderful collaboration between the University of Colorado, the private sector and Downtown Boulder. “This spirited event was the brainchild of CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn,” said Jane Jenkins, the executive director of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District. “The Stampedes have brought the community together to celebrate CU athletics and will hopefully be a local tradition for years to come. Downtown Boulder appreciates the efforts of everyone involved who has helped the Pearl Street Stampede become an exceedingly energetic and enjoyable event for CU Buff fans year after year.”

Led by Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band performs for fans starting on the 1300 block of Pearl Street moving west, stopping along the 1200 block and 1100 block to entertain. Along the Stampede route, fans have the chance to cheer on the CU football team. The Stampedes start at 7 p.m. in front of the Boulder County Court House on the 1300 block of Pearl Street. The Stampedes’ finales take place in the Camera parking lot (1048 Pearl St.).

What's happening in Downtown Boulder this holiday season

Downtown Boulder is getting ready for the holiday season. Twinkling lights are being strung from the trees and holiday displays are quickly going up. (Powell's Sweet Shoppe has a tree in their front window cleverly decorated with yummy ornaments on display.) In about three weeks, Downtown Boulder's Switch on the Holidays will happen followed by weekly Saturday visits with Santa during Downtown Boulder's St. Nicks on the Bricks. In a little over a month, Downtown Boulder's Lights of December Parade will get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Between now and then, come up here to enjoy our amazing fall weather. Newly planted flower beds add a splash of color (and a fond reminder of summer months) along the bricks. Experience for yourself some of the best shopping in the state (where 85 percent of the businesses are locally owned and operated). See why the Pearl Street Mall received recognition from the Camera's 2008 Boulder County Gold People's Choice Awards as Boulder's Best Shopping Destination. For the next two Fridays, enjoy a stampede like no other when CU's Golden Buffalos Marching Band and the CU football team get fans fired up during the extremely popular Pearl Street Stampedes.

Over the next several weeks there will be plenty to see and experience as Downtown Boulder celebrates the local and prepares for a festive holiday season!

Pearl Street Mall wins 2008 Boulder County Gold People's Choice Award

The Pearl Street Mall received first place in the Camera's 2008 Boulder County Gold People's Choice Award for Best Shopping Destination and a runner up award for Best Place to Entertain Kids. In addition, a number of Downtown Boulder businesses were recognized this year as either First Place or Runner Up winners. Congratulations to all recipients. For a complete listing of the 2008 recipients, click here!

Boulder County Gold People's Choice Award winners include the following Downtown Boulder establishments:

Aji
Art & Soul Gallery
Art Cleaners
Ben & Jerry's
Blink Gallery
Blue Skies
Boulder Bookstore
Boulder Café
Cheesecake Factory
Chelsea
Chipotle
Conor O'Neill's
Dish Gourmet
Dushanbe Tea House
Frasca Food & Wine
Full Cycle
Hapa Sushi
Hurdle's Jewelry
Illegal Pete's
James TravelPoints
Jax Fish House
Leaf Vegetarian Café
Liquor Mart
Moongate Asian Bistro
Mountain Sun
Paper Doll
Pedestrian Shops
Peppercorn
Pharmaca
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Sunflower
The Kitchen
The Med
Two Sole Sisters
University Bicycles
Weekends
West End Tavern