New to ? Here is a list of fun things to do!

Boulder

Boulder Falls Easy, short hike with a scenic view of the falls. Dog friendly. http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2875&I temid=1016#falls

Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall The four block pedestrian mall hosts a blend of locally owned businesses and national chain stores and restaurants. http://www.boulderdowntown.com/

Chautauqua Park Located at the base of Boulder's , the Colorado National Historic Landmark offers access to some of the area's most spectacular hiking and world-class cultural and educational programming at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. http://www.chautauqua.com/

Free Celestial Seasonings Tour in Boulder, CO See how Celestial Seasonings’ teas are blended, packaged and shipped. Then enjoy free samples of every tea they make and discover a gallery of original artwork from Celestial’s famous tea boxes. http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/

Redstone Meadery in Boudler, CO Free tastings and 30 minute tours Monday through Friday at 1pm and 3pm and Saturdays at 12:30pm. http://www.redstonemeadery.com/

Colorado Springs

Bristol Brewing Company Microbrewery featuring one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted beers. Tours available. http://www.bristolbrewing.com/

Cave of the Winds Located in scenic hills above historic Manitou Springs, this cavern is filled with gorgeous formations — stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, travertine, and much more. http://caveofthewinds.com/

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs Visit America’s only mountain Zoo! http://www.cmzoo.org/

Garden of the Gods Balancing Rock and some other formations look as if they might tumble at any minute, and that's the beauty of these amazing red natural sculptures. Climbing is allowed on a few more stable areas, so take a picnic and a camera and enjoy! http://gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1

Ghost Town Museum ––– Colorado Springs A complete and authentic old western town built from the very buildings abandoned after the Pikes Peak Region's gold mining era. http://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/

Manitou Springs Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, just across the river from Colorado Springs. It’s an eclectic mix of great art galleries, quirky little shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. http://www.manitousprings.org/

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company Located in the historic Cheyenne building, the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company offers tours and 8-11 seasonal beers on tap. The second floor of the building also hosts most elegant billiard hall in Colorado Springs. http://www.phantomcanyon.com/

Trails and Hiking in ColoraColoradodo Springs Hikers, runners and bicyclists will find many great trails throughout the Colorado Springs area. http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=1881#parktrails

Trinity BrewinBrewingg Company Top-notch experimental, seasonal beers. Tours available. http://www.trinitybrew.com/

US Olympic Training Center ––– Colorado Springs The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the headquarters for the U.S. Olympic Committee administration and the Olympic Training Center programs. http://www.teamusa.org/about-usoc/u-s-olympic-training-center-colorado-springs

DenverDenver----MetroMetro

16th Street Mall in , CO Explore the shops and outdoor cafés on this mile-long pedestrian promenade in downtown Denver. http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/attractions/detail?memid=2435

88 DriveDrive----inin Theatre Watch a movie from the comfort of your own car at the 88 Drive-in Theatre. http://www.88drivein.com/88_Drive-In_Theatre/Welcome.html

Avanza Supermarket Avanza Supermarket is a great place to get hard to find authentic ingredients and products from Spanish speaking countries. http://www.avanzasupermarket.com

BBB-B---CycleCycle Denver B-cycle is a cheap, fun way to get around Denver without having to buy your own bike. Rent bikes at B-cycle stations all over Denver, and return to whatever station is closest to you. http://denver.bcycle.com/home.aspx

Colorado Capitol Building Denver is home to Colorado’s domed State Capitol building. The distinctive dome is plated with Colorado gold. Inside you can enjoy the murals, stained glass portraits, wall hanging, and presidential portraits. During the legislative session, step into the Senate or House of Representatives gallery to watch state legislators in action. http://www.milehighcity.com/capitol/

Colorado Historical Society Discover everything there is to know about Colorado. Sites include the Colorado History Museum and Byers-Evans House Museum, which are part of the Civic Center Cultural Complex. http://www.historycolorado.org/

Colorado ProfProfessionalessional Sports Attend a Broncos, Avalanche, Rockies, Rapids, Nuggets, or Mammoth game! http://www.state.co.us/visit_dir/sports.html

Denver Art Museum The Denver Art Museum is known for its collection of American Indian art, and has a comprehensive collection numbering more than 68,000 works from across the world. http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home

Denver Botanic Gardens Explore 23 acres with more than 32,000 varieties of plants! http://www.botanicgardens.org/

Denver Center for the Performing Arts Ten theatres provide seating for a total audience of 10,000 for the theatre, symphony, opera, and ballet. http://www.denvercenter.org/home.aspx

Denver Cruisers Join a large crew of bicyclists dressed in costume as they ride around the city of Denver on Wednesday nights! http://www.denvercruiserride.com/

Denver Microbrew Tour The Denver Microbrew Tour is a guided walking tour through downtown Denver, Colorado’s historic LODO and Ballpark Neighborhood districts. The tour includes beer samplings at several microbreweries and a local tap room, everything you could want to know about beer, a coupon for a pint of your favorite beer on the tour, and local Denver history. http://www.denvermicrobrewtour.com/

Denver Museum of Nature & Science See the world's most advanced digital planetarium and much more! http://www.dmns.org/

Denver Pedal Hopper The Pedal Hopper, known as a "Party Bike" or "Bike Bar," is a group-oriented activity similar to a party bus, but is entirely pedal-powered by you and all of your friends. http://www.pedalhopper.com/denver/

Denver Public Library The Michael Graves–designed central public library offers activities and small art exhibits. http://denverlibrary.org/

Denver Zoo The Denver Zoo is an 80-acre facility located in City Park. The Denver Zoo houses species from all over the world, including hoofed mammals, carnivorous mammals, primates, pachyderms, birds, reptiles, and fish. http://www.denverzoo.org/

FarmerFarmerssss’’’’ Markets Located throughout Denver, you can enjoy local produce and food vendors at weekly Farmer’s Markets. Find them in Cherry Creek on Wednesday and Saturday morning, City Park Esplanade on Sunday mornings, and more. http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

HHHistoricHistoric Elitch Gardens Theatre Attend a Film on Fridays on the Green and support this historic theatre! http://www.historicelitchtheatre.org/

Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience the serenity of a hot air balloon ride and see Colorado from a whole new perspective. http://www.denverasap.com/denver-hot-air-balooning.html

Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art See a nationally recognized collection of 20th-century decorative arts, a survey of works by 170 Colorado artists, and a retrospective of painter Vance Kirkland. http://www.kirklandmuseum.org/

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver's contemporary art museum offers five distinct galleries, three spaces for education, multiple sites for special projects/commissioned works and one live art/lecture hall. http://www.mcadenver.org/index.php/exhibitions

United States Mint in Denver, CO Tour the Mint in Denver and see where American money is made at one of the three United States Mints. http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?flash=yes&action=StartReservation

Other Places and Activities in Colorado

Bird Watching Discover the top birding locations in Colorado. http://www.coloradolinks.net/Colorado_Birds.htm

Climb a Fourteener Hike one of Colorado’s Fourteeners! http://14ers.com/

Colorado Hot Springs There's no better place to chill out and soak your stiff or sore muscles (after a long week of teaching!) than in one of Colorado's great hot spring pools. http://www.colorado.com/Articles.aspx?aid=42054

Colorado Sand Dunes The Colorado Sand Dunes park includes North America's tallest dunes, which rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park in the is open 24 hours a day, so climb at sunrise or sunset or under a moonlit sky. http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/index.htm

Colorado Springs Regional Parks Explore major natural areas and regional landmarks in one of Colorado Springs’ Regional Parks. http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=1940

Colorado TrailTrailssss Hike or bike anywhere along the 500 miles connecting Denver to Durango. You'll see lakes, wildlife and different ecosystems during your workout. http://www.coloradotrail.org/

Dinosaur Ridge At Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, CO you can find tracks, bones and other fossils etched in stone along the "dinosaur highway." http://www.dinoridge.org/

Free Coors Brewery Tour in Golden, CO Take a tour at one of Colorado’s best-known companies, Coors, and enjoy up to 3 free samples of their beer! http://www.colorado-for-free.com/FreeThingsToDoColorado/Coors.htm

Hanging Lake HHikeikeikeike Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear, turquoise blue lake that is a short, steep, but rewarding hike that starts in Glenwood Canyon. http://www.hikingincolorado.org/hang.html

Mesa Verde Mesa Verde offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. http://www.visitmesaverde.com/

Picketwire Canyonlands For an unforgettable experience, explore Picketwire Canyonlands on the Comanche National Grasslands south of La Junta. These primitive canyons are home to the largest known set of dinosaur tracks in North America, Native American rock art, early Hispanic settlements and a historic ranch. A variety of wildlife inhabits the area, including deer, antelope, coyote, snakes, lizards and birds. http://www.exploresoutheastcolorado.com/picketwire.htm

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a rock structure in Red Rocks Park near Morrison, Colorado where concerts are given in the open-air amphitheatre. Red Rocks is also an excellent place to exercise outdoors. http://www.redrocksonline.com/

Rock Ledge Ranch The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is an educational, non-profit living history farm and museum that depicts life in the Pikes Peak region in four time periods: American Indian area in 1775; 1860’s Galloway Homestead; 1880’s Chambers Home and Ranch; 1907 Edwardian Country Estate. http://www.rockledgeranch.com/

Rocky Mountain National Park This living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, provides visitors with opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/

Royal Gorge BridBridgege and Park The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City City, Colorado is more than 360 acres, with many rides, shows and attractions to explore. You can enjoy panoramic views from one of the world’s highest suspension bridges – hanging 956 feet high and spanning a quarter mile across the canyon. http://royalgorgebridge.com/

San Luis Valley Located in South and similar in size to state of Rhode Island, the San Luis Valley is an amazing place where fourteen thousand foot peaks (8 in all)rise out of the Valley floor. In addition to the Great Sands Dunes National Park (the country’s largest Dune complex), the Valley has some of the best rock climbing and mountain biking opportunities in the state. www.slvguide.com/

Scenic and Historic Train Rides throughout Colorado These Colorado train rides will allow you to see parts of the state that just can't be seen any other way. http://www.colorado.com/Train.aspx

Ski or Snowboard at one of Colorado’s Ski Resorts Enjoy the slopes at any of the state's great ski areas! http://www.coloradoski.com/

White Water RaftinRaftingggg Colorado river rafting trips range from mild to wild on the Arkansas, Colorado, Clear Creek and Eagle Rivers! http://www.coloradorafting.net/

Hungry? Try a Restaurant Recommended by one ooff our Alumni!

Price Legend Approximate Cost Per Person

$ --- under $10 $$ --- $11 --- $30 $$$ --- $31 --- $60 $$$$ --- $61 +

Boulder

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse $$$$$$ A beautiful Turkish-style teahouse right in the middle of Boulder. Great selection of exotic teas and a full menu. http://www.boulderteahouse.com/

Brasserie Ten Ten $$$$$$ Classic French cuisine, romantic ambiance. http://www.brasserietenten.com/

CCCentroCentro Latin Kitchen $$$$$$ Relaxing atmosphere, great happy hour, vibrant Latin cuisine. www.centrolatinkitchen.com

Frasca Food and Wine $$$$ This James Beard nominee features impeccable Italian cuisine. http://www.frascafoodandwine.com/

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar $$$$$$ With four locations in the Boulder-Denver area, Hapa Sushi offers a fresh and eclectic sushi selection. http://hapasushi.com/

The Med $$$$$$ Fusion of Italian, French, Spanish, and Greek cuisine. http://www.themedboulder.com/

Pasta Jay’s $$$$$$ Classic Italian food laden with (just enough) garlic and cheese. http://www.pastajays.com/\

The Sink $$$$$$ If Obama stopped by here, you should too. Local CU-Boulder hangout. http://www.thesink.com/

Tahona Tequila Bistro $$$$$$ Great Mexican food, and of course… tequila. http://www.tahonaboulder.com/

Breckenridge

Blue River Bistro $$$$ Contemporary Italian-American cuisine, featuring live jazz and excellent martinis. www.blueriverbistro.com/

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina $$$$$$ Authentic Mexican food and hand-shaken margaritas. http://www.micasamexicanrestaurant.com/

Motherloaded Tavern $$$$$$ Cozy family-style restaurant with a great hour and delicious comfort food. http://www.motherloadedtavern.com

Colorado Springs

Jack Quinn’s Pub $$$$$$ Traditional Irish fare, live music, and a running club on Tuesdays! http://www.jackquinnspub.com/

Jose Muldoon’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar $$$$$$ Popular Tex-Mex destination that once created the World’s Largest Margarita! http://www.josemuldoons.com/

La’aus Taco Shop $$$ Hawaiian inspired Tex-Mex… intriguing! http://www.laaustacoshop.com/

Poor Richard’s Restaurant $$$ Part of Poor Richard’s Complex, which features six unique businesses under one roof. Great soup/salad combos. http://www.poorrichardsdowntown.com/

Shugas RestRestaurantaurant $$$$$$ Casual and funky atmosphere, great service. Try the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Soup. You won’t regret it. http://shugas.com/

Smiley’s Bakery & Café $$$ Delicious homemade treats, sandwiches, and coffee. http://www.smileysbakerycafe.com/

Tony’s Downtown Bar $$$ Cheap beer and classic bar food. http://www.tonysdowntownbar.com/

Denver

Cherry Creek Cherry Creek Grill $$$$$$ Classy, upscale restaurant that specializes in perfectly cooked meats. http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/cherryCreekGrill/

City Park/CityPa rk/City Park West St. Mark’s Coffeehouse $$$ Popular coffee/snack spot with free wi-fi and plenty of teachers working on the weekends! http://www.stmarkscoffeehouse.com/

The Thin Man $$$$$$ Right next door to St. Mark’s Coffeehouse (both are owned by the same person), The Thin Man is a cozy, casual bar with delicious infused vodkas. http://thinmantavern.com/

Vine Street Pub $$$$$$ Delicious beers (they brew their own) and a top-notch menu. Great location for family and friend get-togethers. Cash only. http://www.mountainsunpub.com/

Capitol Hill Bones $$$$$$ Asian fusion cuisine with a great lunch special. http://www.bonesdenver.com/

City O’ City $$$$$$ Tasty meat-free menu that appeals to vegetarians and carnivores alike! http://www.cityocitydenver.com/

Potager $$$ Organic farm-to-table style food. http://www.potagerrestaurant.com/

Snarfs $$$ After eating a sub here, you’ll never eat at Subway again. http://www.eatsnarfs.com/

Table 6 $$$ Classic American bistro. High-end food but none of the pretension that usually accompanies it. http://www.table6denver.com/

FiFiFiveFi ve Points Snooze $$$$$$ One of Denver’s favorite breakfast locations. http://www.snoozeeatery.com/

Highland Little Man Ice Cream $$$ Delicious milkshakes, malts, and gelatos! http://littlemanicecream.com/

Lola $$$$$$ Located in a former funeral parlor, Lola serves family-style tapas from all over the world. http://www.lingerdenver.com/

RoRoRootRo ot Down $$$$$$ Delicious contemporary menu, customizable for gluten-free or vegan needs. Great cocktails. http://www.rootdowndenver.com

LoDo Bistro Vendome $$$$$$ Hidden in a nook of Larimer Square, Bistro Vendome offers delicious classic French cuisine. http://bistrovendome.com

ChoLon $$$ Asian style tapas for sharing. http://www.cholon.com/

Lime $$$$$$ Delicious margaritas and $1 tacos on Tuesdays! http://www.eatatlime.com/

Osteria Marco $$$$$$ High-end Italian eatery. Delicious and varied pizzas. http://www.osteriamarco.com/

Tag $$$ Eclectic American cuisine with highly-lauded fish and seafood entrees. http://tag-restaurant.com/

Vesta Dipping Grill $$$ Warm ambiance that complements a contemporary American menu. http://www.vestagrill.com/

Zengo $$$ Zengo fuses Latin-American and Asian style flavors. Great for special occasions. http://www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver/index.php

Southeast Liks Ice Cream $$$ Toe-to-toe with Little Man in the competition for best ice cream in Denver. http://www.liksicecream.com/

Southwest New Saigon Restaurant $$$$$$ Often hailed as the best Vietnamese restaurant in Denver. http://www.newsaigon.com/

JJ Chinese $$$$$$ A local favorite, JJ’s serves authentic Chinese food. http://www.jjrestaurant.com/