See the States: Boulder, Colorado

Sitting right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains, Boulder, Colorado became a destination after the University of Colorado was built there in 1876. The rural college town aesthetic captured the imagination of the hippie movement in the 1960s, securing Boulder’s reputation as a bohemian hot spot. Today, Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country with trails weaving throughout the entire city and into the mountains themselves, including the Boulder Creek Bike Path, which follows its namesake from Four Mile Canyon Drive into and across the city.

Cycling isn’t the only outdoor sport to enjoy in Boulder: Hiking trails abound, including the Wonderland Lake Trailhead, Boulder Falls Trail and Royal Arch Trail. Or you could head to Eben G. Fine Park, pick up an inner tube and float down Boulder Creek all the way to 30th Street.

When you’re ready to check out the city proper, head to the pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall, where you’ll find everything from dive bars to microbreweries, cafés and classy restaurants. Look for Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery for beers of just about every imaginable variety, Cup for some great coffee and tea and Dushanbe Teahouse for the finest Amazonian, Mediterranean and Tajik food.

Of course, if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll want to take the charter bus to all the ski resorts on I-70 and the Rocky Mountain National Park. But no matter when you go, you won’t want for things to do in this enchantingly rustic city.