The Small Intestine's Guide to Downtown

With more and more people across the US becoming aware they have a gluten intolerance, we decided it was time to make clear the restaurants in Downtown Boulder that are knowledgeable about gluten and can help you choose menu items free of certain grass related grains. Over 3 million Americans have Celiac's Disease, but only about 1 in 4,700 get diagnosed. People with the disease suffer intestinal damage whenever they consume products containing gluten, and often restaurants are unsure of which of their menu options contain it. Enter: Downtown Boulder.

When you visit our website under the "Dining" tab, you can choose the "Gluten-Free" category on the right to display the list of restaurants. Some even have a special gluten-free menu, like Aji. Abo's delivers their classic New York pizza taste in the form of a 12" gluten-free pizza. At Bacaro, you don't even have to ask which plates are gluten-free, because they are indicated on the menu, although it's always a good idea to tell your server you are avoiding gluten intentionally. Craving Mexican? Everything on the Chipotle menu is gluten-free (besides the tortillas, of course) . Zoe Ma Ma, a new place on 10th where Spud Brothers used to be, serves up delicious Chinese street food, unique for Boulder. Many dishes are gluten-free. The Vegan Potstickers fall under this category and were flavorful and moist when I stopped in to check it out last week. For those with a sweet tooth, you can still satisfy your craving while sticking to a diet. Tee and Cakes offers cupcakes every day that are gluten-free.

My list is only partial, so make sure to check out our website to find other great dining options in Boulder friendly to those who just can't digest those proteins found in wheat, barely, rye, or various other grains.

Stay cool, and make sure to come downtown this weekend for the Boulder ArtFair!

-Gage

The Rainy Day Blues

I should have known better than to get out of bed this morning. Any idiot knows that rain = movie and pizza in bed. Rain ≠ work. But glutton for punishment that I am, I rolled out from under the covers, curled my hair, stashed a banana in my purse and ran out the front door. This is where it starts to get good.

Since I'm a fashionista, I wore a skirt today. D'oh. But since I like to sleep in till approximately thirty-two minutes before my bus leaves, there was no time to change when I stepped outside to see it POURING. At least I didn't bother with shaving my legs this morning.

Next in line to ruin my day was the construction flagger, letting by three cars at a time. It took ten minutes to get through one intersection! So of course that meant that right as I pulled up to the bus stop, my bus was pulling out. Luckily, the next bus was scheduled to arrive in half an hour so I only had to stand in the rain for twenty-eight minutes. Curly hair? Poof! Gone.

I finally get to my office forty-five minutes late, freezing, and one last kick in the shins--coffee pot is empty.

So now, I'm sitting here at my desk, dreaming of a cozy afternoon in a coffee shop or a bookstore with a hot chai or a cappuccino and some Vonnegut. But guess what? I'm in Denver and there really isn't anything cozy about Denver. (Unless you want to huddle with the panhandlers.) All I can do is implore you, Downtown Boulder readers, to let me live vicariously through you, lounging in some warm, hustling bustling downtown location, frittering the day away...

Come on, give it up--where are you spending your rainy day, and with what book?

--Stacy

Downtown Boulder “out peeps” Peeps (and other major news of the world)

Anyone see the front page of the Camera today? Downtown Boulder dominated the lead headline. We even “out peeped” the Peeps trial coverage. We knew the story was coming since late Tuesday afternoon. Our biggest blunder…we should have blogged about this yesterday. Instead, we let the Camera tell the story and waited in anticipation of some negative coverage. In today’s world of Social Media, shoulda/woulda/coulda just doesn’t cut it. Trust us…lesson learned! (I had this social media epiphany last night when I asked myself, “What would Andrew Hyde do?”)

BoulderDowntown.com utilizes Citylight (proprietary) software developed by Geocentric (based out of Bethesda, MD). The software is designed specifically for Destination Districts such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Business Improvements Associations (BIAs), Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), and Economic Development Agencies. The software was not developed specifically for Downtown Boulder but for similar destinations throughout the country who have the same basic requirements. The developer has an incredible understanding and knowledge of how BIDs work and the unique needs we have in promoting a variety of businesses & events.

Right now, Geocentric has no competing software providers who offer all the various features of Citylight. If Downtown Boulder had the option to use a local company who produced similar software that was specifically developed for the needs of BIDs, we would. If that option one day becomes available, we will. (Additionally, the photos on our web site and those used for our collateral materials are supplied by a variety of local photographers and all graphic design happens locally as well. We maintain site updates, event & business listings from right here in our office. )

Do we “Love the Local”? Absolutely. Will we continue to encourage all of you to do the same? Absolutely! We hope you will continue to use BoulderDowntown.com as a primary resource to find out what’s happening in downtown. Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook. Interact with us in any and all of those mediums. Feel free to tell us directly when we do something you don’t like (I’m talking to you “concerned citizen”); and please do tell us when we do something that you do actually like.

Here’s hoping tomorrow’s lead headline is focused back on all things PEEPS!

~ Terri (terri@dbi.org)

The Republic of Big Ideas and Little Egos

Ever since I moved to Boulder I haven't been able to escape commentary about "living in the bubble," and "the Republic of Boulder." Sometimes it's said with a smirk, like it's supposed to be an insult--talking smack about how Boulder is too small, or on its own planet. But I happen to like living in the bubble. In fact, I LOVE IT and fine, maybe I will marry it. Because here's the thing: I actually like running into people I know around every corner.

First of all, I like having friends. Weird, right? I mean, who likes to be surrounded by people who care about them and smile often and engage them in warm conversation? I can go have a cappuccino at The Cup and say hi to Thai, and then have some delicious gelato at Two Spoons and watch for people I know walking by at lunch. I can sit by the creek and pick up some extra motivation to go running before I decline and catch an impromptu happy hour at The Westend instead. Not a bad life, eh?

Second, there is more of a close-knit camaraderie that can be established in a smaller community. It's easier to get things done, make big things happen, and share knowledge and experience for the good of the people. People are far more likely to help out their neighborhood so-and-so who remembers their name than Joe Schmoe harassing them on the street. And big things do happen in Boulder--awards for culinary success, tech studs (and studettes), amazing road races, free conferences, killer film festivals, examples in eco-sustainability, to name a few.

The Flatirons are not the reason our little bubble ends up on the top of so many Best Of lists, the people are. We are the Republic of Easy-Going Eccentricity, of Microbrews and Macro Views, of the Greener Side of the Fence. It's easy getting into the bubble; it's the leaving that's the hard part.

--Stacy

Battle of the Ducks and Dr. Oz

Memorial Day weekend is possibly my most favorite 96 hours of the entire year. Besides my birthday (which technically lasts a whole week). But I digress: This weekend is comprised of the Boulder Creek Fest, the BolderBoulder, a national holiday and it's almost always the true beginning of summer weather.

Let's talk about the Creek Fest. And Rubber Ducks--Ernie knows what's up: rubber duckies make for great companions. But he has never seen anything like the Great Rubber Duck Race. Picture hundreds of fearless ducks, plunged into freezing cold, unforgiving rapids, fighting for the ultimate dream: to be crowned the fastest rubber ducky in Boulder (and maybe even Lafayette and Longmont). And bonus points for sponsoring your little dude to support EXPAND, which provides recreational activities for people with disabilities. If you're interested, join the masses on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Speaking of joining the masses (and Dr. Oz--but no Oprah??), who's gonna run the BolderBoulder with me? This is going to be my fourth year and I just can't get enough. Normally I don't get cheered on by thousands of onlookers and serenaded by local bands when I go for runs, so it's a pretty exhilarating experience. But the best part is the commemorative ceremony afterward to celebrate the country's bravest. I never expected to be so overwhelmed by a show of national pride. First of all, because I'm Canadian, so I'm more into Canadian pride. And second of all, because I don't get sentimental or mushy. I don't even cry during Grey's Anatomy. However, the BolderBoulder's version of Memorial Day strikes me as so real and unpretentious and healthy I can't help but get a little teary-eyed every year.

So if you're around this weekend, head downtown to shop and eat at the Creek Fest, float a ducky or two, and honor a few good men at the BolderBoulder.

--Stacy

This Isn't Goodbye...

Today is my last day interning at Downtown Boulder, Inc, but I'm not going to write a sappy "last day" blog because I've basically forced Eli and Terri to let me keep blogging for them. So dry your tears, Mom, you can still follow my words of wisdom.

However, my position is open for the taking, so all those who fill the qualification of being awesome, send your resume to eli@dbi.org. It's an unpaid position, but 100% worth the time and effort you put into it. Great people, fun adventures, and many downtown secrets to be uncovered! Must have a sense of humor to put up with Eli, though ;)

In pursuit of brevity, I'm signing off, but not without some shameless self-promotion: If you're interested in employing me, I may be available. And also, I'm on Twitter: @stacytheintern. Let's be friends!

Thanks for everything!

--Stacy

GOOOOALLLLLL!

I think I made it pretty clear in my St. Patrick's Day post that I am all for early morning drinking. So naturally, when I heard that West End is opening early for select World Cup games next month, I was in. Except for...the soccer part. Hopefully what I'm about to tell you won't sour your affections towards me, but...

I don't like soccer. Seriously. I like almost every other sport (even golf), but I just can't get on board with the foosball. Maybe it's spurred by yet another deficiency in my youth (my coach used to say, "Ok, just stand by the goal and if the ball comes near you, kick it really hard"), or that I knew way too much about the soccer players on my high school's team. Or that I am Canadian. Or that I watched my ex-boyfriend play hours of FIFA instead of taking me out to dinner. In any case, I just can't stand it! One time, I said so to a guy I was dating and never heard from him again; the only obvious/possible reason for that, being that I didn't appreciate his national sport.

Luckily, The West End Tavern has plenty of other offerings to distract me, like booze. There will be Kentucky Coffee (read: Bourbon), a Do-It-Yourself Bloody Mary Bar, Wisconsin Lunch Box's, and a daily cocktail and beer special. On top of that, breakfast burritos and an omelet-of-the-day to start the day off right.

So I'm going to go to WET to be one of those girls I hate at baseball games: the ones who don't pay any attention to the actual sport; they're just there to socialize and drink. But that's actually a good thing, because I happen to be a pretty feisty sports fan--I've almost been kicked out of rec softball games before. So believe me; tame, clueless Stacy is much better than unruly, game-following Stacy.

See you there?

--Stacy

Wanna Play Four Square?

When @andrewhyde mentioned foursquare at DBI's Social Media panel last month, I shuddered. The words "four square" conjure up dark memories of adolescent athletic inadequacies. Always chosen last, never made it to the fourth square, rubber burn on my face from an overzealous, early-blooming fourth-grader and his mammoth serve. Goosebumps all over.

And now this is the latest trend? Proclaiming your location so that you can become mayor at the risk of your house being robbed, shrouded by illusions of elementary school anguish? Ei yi yi.

Alas, wanting to always stay at the forefront (or at least keep it in view), I gave it a try anyway. This morning, I added DBI as a venue to foursquare and am currently seeking friends. Hint, hint.

I am starting to see the perks. Contest ideas abound, and this is potentially a great way to collaborate with the businesses downtown for your benefit. Plus, there are no crazy rules like "same as last time." Come on, like I'm supposed to remember the overly-amended register of customized "moves." I'm concentrating too hard on not peeing my pants out of fear.

But in all seriousness, do you want to play foursquare? Keep an eye out for our use to increase, and we would appreciate any ideas, tips, comments, etc.

--Stacy

2,567 Faces on the wall, 2,567 Faces...!

Eli: your desk has now become storage for auxiliary bagels. ;)

Do you ever feel like you're getting lost in the crowd? Boulder is getting bigger and bigger every day and it's becoming harder to stand out from the masses. But local photographer Peggy Dyer is giving people the opportunity to be one in a million with her project One Million Faces. Peggy's goal is to photograph one million faces and donate proceeds to charities in the process. Last count was 2,567 faces in 61 days, which translates to a pace of about 15, 360 faces per year. She has visited businesses and events all over Downtown Boulder and snapped the willing at Whole Foods, Om Time, and more.

Definitely check out Peggy's work, she has a great eye for capturing candid moments and I'm sure she would love more volunteers to host events for her. She is currently supporting several charities: the Davis Phinney Foundation, the Chanda Plan, Shjon Podein's Children's Foundation, MESA, and others.

Mugging for a cause can't get any better!

--Stacy

If You Give An Intern A Cookie...

...she's going to try to take over your job. At least, that's what's happening at the DBI office this week. Eli--my boss--is in a whole other state for a few days and he gave me the reins and you better believe I'm running with them! I have a dozen windows open on the internet (work related, I promise), full access to the blog and Tweetdeck and the oldies channel playing on Pandora...yeah, life is good.

I'm settling into "life as Eli" reasonably well...

1. Witty and sardonic twitter-tude? Check.
2. Knowledge of passwords? Check.
3. General IT knowledge? Almost check.
4. Extremely intelligent, humorous, entertaining, good-looking intern sidekick? Uh...wait a minute! Who's gonna be my intern sidekick??

Unfortunate lack of sidekick aside, I have a feeling this is going to be a very successful week. Stay tuned for my random musings about keeping busy and the cool happenins' in Downtown Boulder. Oh, and for my Top Secret Intern Project. It's gonna be big.

--Stacy

"I probably sound like I'm drooling"

Ignite Boulder was SO COOL. I feel like a preteen that snuck into a rock concert and then got someone to buy me a few beers too!! I'm on a high and I don't wanna come down, and I'm not gonna lie: if you weren't there last night, sucks for you. Seriously, I feel bad for you ;) If you haven't heard of Ignite Boulder, or you're a virgin like I was, picture fourteen energetic speakers with a powerpoint presentation, limited time frame, and various knowledge to share--fast paced, hilarious, and in some cases, very humbling. I'm hooked (obviously...I probably sound like I'm drooling). This is a great event folks, put June 24th on the calendar for Ignite 11.

And what an eclectic mix of intelligent, fun people (shout-out to @tarable)! If you haven't had a chance yet, you should rush out and catch the last two days of Boulder Startup Week and meet some of these geeks for yourself. But watch out, you might find yourself inspired!

Stay tuned next week when I take over the DBI front office and begin my silent coup for Eli's job while he's on vacation.

--Stacy

Start Me Up - "Don't Make A Grown Man Cry!"

I would consider myself a geek (see Venn diagram here)

Alright, alright...wipe off that feigned look of surprise. But just because I can quote Star Wars and I like math doesn't mean I'm not cool. Geeks are definitely cool...actually, they're awesome, and if you look around, you'll notice that they literally run this town.

And this week, geeks around the country are taking over Boulder at the First Annual Startup Week, hosted by local tech guru Andrew Hyde. Andrew has a crush on startups and I have a crush on Andrew Hyde. If you have a crush on either, or if you've ever blogged, hacked, designed, unlocked, developed, or entrepreneur-ized, then Startup Week is the place for you. Join smarty-pants from near and far for hikes and bikes, dev sessions and deals, and beers and beans. Tag along on a startup office crawl, tweet about a blog about a social media meetup, and battle to the death for your IPad. Or PCs.

There are a myriad of helpful, fun, informative events going on through this Saturday including Ignite Boulder, on Thursday evening. A sold out event, but for those of you lucky enough to partake, I hope to see you there! (I'll be wearing purple.)

And the best part is the freeness of the whole shebang. Because starting up can be rough in the financial department...it's all free so just register ahead of time at the Boulder Startup site!

Follow the event on Twitter and Eventbrite and Plancast for more information and pass it on!

--Stacy

Best Mother's Day Ever!

Calling all James Bonds and super sleuths--I am offering you a chance to make your mom the happiest mom in Boulder...I have the power to grant two tickets to the Boulder Ballet's Mother's Day performance of Sleeping Beauty to whomever I choose. But I'm not going to make it easy on you! There's work involved...spy work.

So don your trench coat and dig out your magnifying glass and riddle me these:

1. Who is the original composer and choreographer of the ballet Sleeping Beauty?

2. When and where did the ballet premiere?

3. What is the name of the wicked fairy in the ballet?

4. How many years has the Boulder Ballet been performing its annual Mother's Day concert at the Boulder Theater?

5. Aurora, the lead role in the ballet is being danced by Boulder native Annalise Woller. Where did she attend high school?

First person to get back to me with all the correct answers wins! Send your guesses to intern@dbi.org. Good luck and good riddance,

--Stacy


PS: Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more chances to win tickets!

PPS: If you are not lucky enough to win tickets, you can still purchase them on the Boulder Ballet website, but they're selling out fast!

Stacy for Intern 2010

This chain letter is real. It was written by a girl named Stacy who wanted to win a contest to become Think Motive's next Intern. It was started in 1862 and has been around the world 27 times. It was found again in 1985 by Tom Jones who followed the directions and sent it out to seven friends. Three days later, Tom's lost cat came home after six months.

If you pass this chain letter on, something good will happen, but if you ignore it, you will have bad luck for ten years. Jane Doe got this chain letter in her email and sent it to the trash file. That night, her water was turned off. Her husband Dick also ignored the letter and the very next day he started to bald prematurely.

If you don't want to be like Dick and Jane, then follow these instructions and help Stacy win big:

1. "Like" Think Motive on Facebook
2. Go to "The Interns" tab and scroll down to Stacy's video.
3. Watch and "Like" the video.
4. RT or forward this link seven times!

Thank you for your help!

--Stacy

Being Green IS Easy!

When I was seven, my grandma took me to see FernGully. I have never felt so wrought with guilt as I did leaving that theater. The grievous costs of society's over-consumption literally ate me up inside, so I refused to go home until my grandma bought me a little plant of my own.

Luckily, here in Boulder I don't have to worry about mitigating unnecessary ozone and rain forest depletion. We have enough trees and vegetation to be named a "Tree City USA" for the 26th year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. (As if we didn't already hold enough titles--seriously, Boulder is like one of those girls-next-door that decides to enter a pageant just for fun and sweeps all the awards.) This is an awesome recognition and so easy to come by. If you're interested in spreading the (tree) love, The Center for ReSource Conservation has a great deal on Colorado-specific trees through their Trees Across Boulder plan. Or, Downtown Boulder, Inc. is offering free petunias to businesses in the Business Improvement District as a way to beautify!

If your kids also suffer from FernGully trauma, bring them down to Pearl Street Mall this Friday to celebrate the tulips and the coming of summer with the Tulip Fairy at the Tulip Fairy and Elf Parade. Children are encouraged to dress up as miniature fairies and elves and parade around the bricks. Following the parade is the annual Colorado Children's Day Festival with activities galore for your little ones to enjoy.

Support Downtown's effort to be green and thriving; plant a tree, plant some tulips, or come downtown with your children to instill environmental awareness at an early age!

--Stacy

I Heart Admin Pros

Know who doesn't get enough recognition? Your administrative assistant. He/She knows you like the back of their hand--your schedule, how you like your coffee, who you want to avoid on the phone, how to fix that pesky problem on your computer. They do all the dirty work: they're the first ones to speak with a peeved client and they run the database. They edit your poor grammar and they smile while they do it.

Thank goodness you have the opportunity to thank them! Since 1952, National Administrative Professional's Week has been a workplace observance dedicated to receptionists, office managers, staff support and personal assistants. It is celebrated the last full week of April every year and--wait, that's this week! Yikes, did you forget?! It's okay, you still have plenty of time to laud your admin professional and shower them with gifts. But how about instead of a hug or high five, this time around you give them something awesome, like a Downtown Boulder gift card! Good at 175 retailers and restaurants downtown, its the perfect way to say, "Thank you for running my office!" They can be purchased online, at our visitor center everyday between 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. or at our office in the 1942 Broadway Suites.

Get on it stat, and show your administrative support system you care!

--Stacy

Eat Downtown on the Cheap

I feel like I'm constantly talking about how I'm broke and can't afford anything in this blog, so I wanted to clarify: I do have some money, I promise. But like any recent grad, it's pretty limited funding, so I can appreciate (and possibly obsess about) a good deal. And I like to pass these good deals on to you; sharing the wealth is good karma! So I went on a field trip a few days ago to scout out all the cheap lunches down here downtown.

Lunch is an important meal--it's suppose to revitalize you to get you through the remainder of your workday, but it's often overlooked and even I'm guilty of skimping and nibbling at my desk rather than running out for a quick bite. But now none of us have an excuse because I made a whole web page devoted to my findings! And these listings are meant to accommodate a speedy lunch hour, with a few sit-down opportunities sprinkled in, so you can definitely fit something in. Everything I came up with is also under FIVE BUCKS. Yeah, amazing, I know.

Plus there's a little something for everyone--from a BBQ sandi at The Rib House to hummus and baba ghannuj at Arabesque and sushi at Japango. And there's healthy options at Mountain Sun or you can go for fast food at Freddie's Hot Dog Stand.

To make it reeeeallllly easy, I even included a map for your personal reference for making decisions based on proximity.

So take a little look see at my handy work and maybe you can make time for lunch today. I'm sure if I have a fiver on hand, you surely must.

Lunch on!

http://www.boulderdowntown.com/dining/lunch-for-under-5-bucks

--Stacy

Tasty Pearl

All of a sudden, Boulder is this culinary hot-spot; a hub for all things yummy. Restaurants around here boast local produce and sustainable/eco practices and end up in 5280 Magazine and Westword for "Best Of this and that..." awards. Here in Downtown Boulder we have Top Chefs and master mixologists, and cuisine from all around the world! All the cool kids are talking about it, and I wanna go, too!

But let's get real, here. I'm an intern--I get paid diddly. There's no way I can afford to be as much a part of this scene as I want to. There are literally 113 places to dine in the downtown area; multiplied buy an average of $15 spent per restaurant equals at least $1695.00 I do not have, thanks to silly things like gas for my car and student loans.

I can, however, scrounge up $52.80, which will get me a pass to the Taste of Pearl next weekend. In fact, I might even be able to spring for one for my boyfriend, too!

Taste of Pearl presents the perfect opportunity to sample your way around downtown without committing to any one restaurant's full menu. This way, you can note which restaurants tickle your fancy and make a date to go back for a full meal later. All those places you've been dying to try, like Black Cat, Salt, and Frasca are all going to be there, with bells on. And as an added bonus, local wineries, like Bookcliff, Boulder Creek and a ton of others are going to be on hand to provide something to wash it all down with. Plus, you'll be in all the cool spots: from Tesla to Starr's to the new Wenger Swiss Army Store.

So here's your (and my) chance to hang with the cool kids--to be able to give our two cents when they start rambling on about the latest Boulder bistro or eatery. Get a ticket NOW and if you're one of the first 200, you'll also snag a year's subscription to 5280 Magazine. Spend a little, get a lot!

--Stacy

Editor's Note: We might be able to scrounge up a tix for our favorite intern ;) - The Evil Overlords at Downtown Boulder

So a Girl Goes Into a Coffee Shop, and the Barista Says...

I love coffee. I need coffee. I also love attention, and being spoiled, and that's why I go to The Cup. There are plenty of great coffee places, but The Cup has got it right in so many ways. And since they just celebrated an anniversary, I'd like to give a little testimonial and shout-out to the prettiest cappuccinos I've ever had.

I remember it like yesterday...I wandered into The Cup almost three years ago for the first time. It was freezing and I was broke from a job I was pouring my heart, soul, and wallet into. I just wanted a little pick-me-up and a place to read some Capote, so I didn't have high expectations. But that's what you get from years of Starbucks coffee, I guess. Anyway, what I found was a warm crew of baristas, a friendly atmosphere, and a heart made of milk foam atop a perfect little cappuccino. I settled into my book and felt comfortable enough to stay there for over two hours. Refreshing, rejuvenating...it was what I needed to snap out of my funk.

Then, what started as a weekly tradition turned into an almost daily occurrence, during which the staff at The Cup began to introduce themselves and remember my order for next time. Pretty soon I found myself finishing one book and starting a new one in one sitting, ordering a drink or a turkey bagel sandwich with jalapeno habanero cream cheese (yum) just to prolong my time spent there. Now I take my crocheting or a crossword along too, or stop by on my way back from the Farmers Market to sit in the sun and people watch. Always relaxing and never taxing.

To The Cup: Thank you for providing an awesome venue to just be a Boulderite! And of course, for chocolate-covered espresso beans...

--Stacy

Slainte! (The only Irish word you'll ever need to know)

So apparently, I'm not allowed to go drink green beer on my lunch hour today, according to my boss. I figured as a redhead, he'd be all about St Paddy's Day, but he didn't even wear green.

I love green, so I'm sitting here sulking at my desk, all dressed up with no where to go. I guess no one else in Boulder is having a similar issue because we've been getting tweets all morning asking where the action is today...

I love a holiday that inspires 9 a.m. drinking.

I'm all about giving the people what they want so I've put together a little (suggested) Downtown Boulder St Paddy's Day Pub Crawl. Here ya go folks:

The obvious first stop is Conor O'Neills. They're having live music and drink specials all day, and hey, they've been open since 8 a.m. so that's a plus. The early bird gets the guinness...

Next, head east and hit up Dish for some gourmet Irish for lunch. Corned beef and cabbage, yum!

Of course, you'll need to wash that all down with something, so next stop is Mountain Sun for their annual celebration. Brewers have created a special brew for the occasion and they need you to test it out! And if you stick around, Elephant Revival is playing all night long, starting at 10 p.m.

Next stop, dessert. Grab a Green Beer or Car Bomb flavored cupcake from Tee and Cakes. Um, delicious!!

From there, you can skip over to the Hotel Boulderado at 5 p.m. for live music and Irish fare on the mezzanine. Yes, there will be riverdancing.

All that jigging is surely going to make you thirsty, so pop on down to the Rib House by 6 p.m. for a free tap beer if you're wearing green. Live music from Jeff Brinkman till 9 p.m.

Next up, the West End Tavern for some awesome drink specials, like Car Bomb Slushies and $3 Black and Velvets. Lots of food items for snacking on, too, so you can refuel for the rest of the night.

I assume by this time, you're getting a little tired, so swing back towards the Boulder Theater to sit down for a 8 p.m. showing of The Big Lebowski. Wear a robe for a dollar off a White Russian. Wear a green robe if you're really in the spirit.

Now that you've had time to rejuvenate it's time to throwdown...at the Draft House St Paddy's Day Throwdown. Drink and food specials all night and live music!

And if you think you can handle it, finish off your night at Conor's for one last car bomb. Or two.

Additional hot spots include Q's for lunch and drink specials, The Blending Cellar for ladies night and a jewelry trunk show and the St. Julien for more live music.

So there you have it. Go drink, eat, and be merry, and let us know if you find more to do! And don't forget, the Hop is running free all day today so you can have fun and be safe!

--Stacy