Announcements, information and event updates
for Downtown Boulder and the Pearl Street Mall.
In 2008, life was good in Downtown Boulder because…
Looking out my office window, I’m thrilled to see the amount of foot traffic on the bricks this afternoon. Pearl Street’s pedestrian mall is hopping with activity! Now that our wind storms have died down, it’s a beautiful afternoon. Couples, friends and families are enjoying the sunny weather (many are coatless) and browsing all of the fantastic post-holiday sales and promotions Downtown Boulder retailers are offering. If you are reading this posting, please finish it but then get up here today, tomorrow or as soon as you can and enjoy the day with us!
Here are a few tips for some not-to-be-missed spots. If you are driving here, take 28th Street and head west on Pearl Street. When you get to 16th Street, make a left and park in the parking structure on your right. This puts you at the end of the East End and beginning of the Pearl Street Mall. (For a complete listing of Downtown Boulder parking options, visit: www.boulderparking.com)
In the East End, you will find some excellent retail therapy (e.g. Violette, besos, Two Sole Sisters, Starr’s Clothing, Real Baby), wonderful gift and accessory shops (e.g. Momentum, Bliss, Willow), great places to grab a cup of Joe (e.g. The Cup, Laughing Goat) and some of the best dining anywhere (Frasca Food and Wine, Dish, Bimbamboo, Aji, Mateo, Leaf – Vegetarian Restaurant). There are also many one-of-kind specialty shops (Boulder Army Store, Starfish, Feather Thy Nest). Those feeling creative should stop in Color-Me-Mine and explore the artist within and those who need to show their hands and feet some loving should make an appointment at Ten20 Spa.
From the East End, the pedestrian mall (the bricks) is steps away. The bricks run from 15th Street to 11th Street. Among the shops (e.g. Into The Wind, Pedestrian Shops, Peppercorn, Weekends, Savvy, Boulder Book Store, Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery, Art Mart, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe) and restaurants (e.g. Trattoria on Pearl, Antica Roma, Boulder Café, Lazy Dog), there are play areas for children to enjoy and plenty of benches to sit back relax and people watch! Don’t forget to stray off the bricks to find other great businesses (e.g. Melt, Tee and Cakes, Savory Spice, Tough Luck Cowboy, Little Mountain Outfitters, Unseen Bean, Black Cat).
Just past the bricks is Pearl Street’s West End. Cross the street and wonder between 11th and 8th streets for more fun shops (e.g. University Bicycles, Farfel’s Farms, Chelsea Elena Ciccone, Urban Outfitters, blink gallery, Bart’s CD Cellar, Two Hands Paperie, West End Gardner) and restaurants (e.g. Juanita’s Mexican Food, Tahona Tequila Bistro, The Kitchen, Pasta Jay’s, Sushi Tora, Jax Fish House, West End Tavern and Centro Latin Kitchen). Don’t forget all that Walnut Street has to offer (e.g. Jill’s, The Med, Boulder ChopHouse, Brasserie Ten Ten ). On your way back, stroll past the Boulder Theater and wonder by Rembrandt Yard then head over to the Hotel Boulderado and soak in the holidays in their beautifully decorated lobby. Stop by Downtown Boulder’s Visitor Information Center or visit us on line (www.boulderdowntown.com) for even more ideas and suggestions…See you soon!
Downtown Gift Guide featured on 9News (Saturday, December 6):
Blue Skies | 1110 Pearl St. | 303.440.3304
Fun gifts for fun gals--find unique, contemporary gifts for any occasion featuring accessories, jewelry, paper goods, housewares and baby gifts. (Photo: Plum Designs blue topaz necklace on gold-filled chain: $144 / earrings on vermeil posts: $96)
Chelsea | 935 Pearl St. | 303.447.3760
Nationally recognized, locally owned boutique which features unique contemporary clothing, jewelry, shoes, perfume and gift items. (Photo: Hanky Panky Thong: $18. Chan Luu Shell Clutch: $24. Kai Body Buffer: $36. TOCCA Candle Set: $55.)
Farfel’s Farm | 906 Pearl St. | 303.443.7711
Incredible photography of people and animals. Video dogumentaries (horses and cats too!) Accessories, gifts, original art, natural/organic dog, cat, and horse food/treats. Animal clothing and jewelry. Tons of toys! (Photo: Cashmere Sweater: $29.95. Collar: $26.95. Chanukah Toy: $6.95. Snowman Toy: $16.95.)
Kinsley Outfitters | 2060 Broadway | 303.442.7260
Kinsley & Co. is Boulder's finest men’s and women’s store for tailored clothing, sportswear and accessories since 1949. (Photo: Scottish Estate Tweed sportcoat: $795. Scottish cashmere scarf: $175. Etro pocket square $75. Italian calf leather cashmere lined gloves: $145.)
Melt | 1970 13th St. | 303.440.7230
Experience the Melt difference. Fresh, handmade goodness in every bottle and bar. This is the promise of Melt, the award winning, Colorado-born brand that’s good to your skin and your environmen. Quality products since 2001, paraben & cruelty free. (Photo:Lotion: $18. Massage Bar: $10. Shaving Butter: $18. Honey Bee Lip Butter: $4.00.)
Oliv You and Me | 2043 Broadway | 303.444.1118
An olive oil, gourmet food, café with a European flare and uniqueness, Oliv You and Me offers a wide variety of olive oils, gifts, and much more.(Photo: Gift Basket as pictured: $100.)
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe | 1200 Pearl St. | 303.413.3060
Powell's Sweet Shoppe is an old-time, old-fashioned, old world candy store taken from America's imagination at the turn-of-the-century.
(Photo: Giant Pez Dispenser: $29.99. Lump of Coal Candy: $6.49. Eight Days of Hanukkah: $3.99. Beatles Lunchbox: $11.99)
Real Baby | 1505 Pearl St. | 303.545.2229
Real Baby carries Modern Baby Gear, Kids Clothes, Maternity Wear, Toys, Books, decor, furniture and More. (Photo: Clementine Watercolor Kit: $48)
"Every year since 1992 I've presented UNSILENT NIGHT, an outdoor ambient music piece for an infinite number of boomboxes," said Phil Kline. "It's like a caroling party except that we don't sing, but rather carry the music, each of us playing a separate track that is a "voice" in the piece. In effect, we become a city-block-long sound system!"
Join them and bring a boombox, or anything that will blast a cassette, CD or Mp3. The more tracks they play, the bigger and more amazing it sounds. If you'd like to participate, please RSVP via e-mail: cupendulum@gmail. (CDs and cassette tapes will be available at the event, though please RSVP, because it will help them calculate how many copies to make.) If you'd like to participate but don't have a boombox or a music player with speakers, you can just show up and join the parade. Everyone is an important part of the procession. Help make a BIG (and joyful) noise. This is always a free event and all ages are welcome.
