These Are the Must-Visit Spots in Boulder, According to a Local Expert

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.

Photo by Teal Thomson

Meet the Insider: Lauren Bates, founder of Wild Terrains

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Lauren Bates is the founder of Wild Terrains, a travel company that collaborates with women hoteliers, chefs, artists, and designers for global itineraries that include trips throughout the Western United States and Mexico. Because the busy entrepreneur spends so much time on the move, she relishes quiet moments spent outdoors in her home of Boulder, preferably on a trail or paddleboard with her two dogs, Milo and Ollie. Here, she shares some of her favorite women-led brands in this charming Colorado town.

EAT

Courtesy of Shawn Campbell

Boulder has a pretty impressive lineup of restaurants for a city its size. One of our favorites is Oak at Fourteenth. I literally dream of its apple and kale salad with candied almonds, grana padano, and togarashi. In the summer, I enjoy venturing outside the city for magical dinners under the stars. Mirasol Gomez and Nicole Carrillo of the Forage Sisters host a summer dinner series that allows you to visit some pretty epic locations in Colorado, all while supporting local farmers.

DRINK

Elleseye

I love popping into Jess Liu’s Creature Comforts Cafe for an afternoon pick-me-up or a glass of wine at happy hour. In the evenings, she uses her space to host fun cultural events that support the local community, like the annual Chinese New Year dinner party, a nod to her heritage. After a morning hike, my favorite stop is Wonder Press, a women-owned cold-pressed juice shop with delightfully healthy juices, smoothies, and elixirs.

DO

Cavan Images/Getty Images

Boulder is all about being outside and soaking in all the nature. Chautauqua Park is the most iconic viewpoint in Boulder at the base of the Flatirons, and it’s a favorite place to hike for locals and visitors alike. In the summers, we also love driving 40 minutes north to Brainard Lake Recreation Area with our paddleboard and dogs. My husband and I got married here this summer because the location is so special. Most of the locals are fitness enthusiasts, so there are also tons of great workout studios and classes to take. I’m addicted to Tate Cohen’s Lagroove Pilates classes. Somewhat of a local secret is the Eldora Women’s Program. Located about 21 miles west of Boulder, it offers an incredible ski clinic, which is taught by all women ski instructors. I took my first lessons last year, and it was such an amazing experience.

SHOP

Brooks Freehill

What began as a pop-up exhibition for female-identifying artists to show their work in 2019 has grown into The New Local, a nonprofit art gallery and shop. It’s a gorgeously curated place to pick up a gift. I also really enjoy visiting Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary & Supply, a beautiful shop that stocks herbs and teas in bulk and is a lovely place to learn about herbal medicine and remedies.