Boulder is a vibrant place known for many things. It’s the home of more than 150 years of history. It’s a mecca for some of the top professionals in the food and beverage industry. It’s framed by a mesmerizing scenic backdrop straight out of a Bob Ross painting. And it’s filled with health-conscious people that take advantage of Boulder’s natural beauty and abundant sunshine as often as possible. The following tours showcase the diverse attractions that routinely convert tourists into residents each year.
Whether you’re a resident of the city of Boulder, or planning on spending time in the area this year, make 2016 the year of exploration and check out one of the many unique tours offered by local businesses.
Happy exploring!
Local Table Tours
For years, Local Table Tours has been the go-to guide service for exploring Boulder’s celebrated culinary scene. The intimate walking tours feature restaurants located in the downtown area and highlight dishes, chefs, mixologists, brewers, ingredients, trends and more. Tour options include a Coffee & Chocolate Tasting Tour, a Happy Hour Tour, a Boulder Dining Tour, a Boulder Cocktail Tour and Farmers’ Market Tours. Custom tours can also be arranged. More info and a calendar of tours can be found at localtabletours.com.
Banjo Billy’s Bus Tours
Without a doubt, Banjo Billy’s bus tours are one of the most unique ways to explore the city. The old school bus purchased on eBay, turned eye-catching tour bus cruises through the streets of Boulder as an eccentric guide shares stories of Boulder’s historic roots, funky past, and status of the city’s current state of mind. Boulder History Tours run each Saturday of the month and ticket prices fall between $14 and $25 dollars. Visit banjobilly.com for more info.
Boulder Brew Tours
More than twenty breweries call Boulder home, and while each brewery typically hosts their own daily or weekly brewery tours, touring Boulder’s award-winning and always expanding beer scene is no easy task. That’s where Boulder Brew Tours comes in. The sudsy local guide company offers daily walking tours of downtown Boulder’s breweries for $32. The two-hour tours begin with a tasting at the GABF medal-winning brewery at Shine Restaurant and Gathering Place, and continue to two other breweries within walking distance. The ticket price includes an educational look into the local craft beer scene and tastings at each brewery, plus a pint of choice. Custom van tours to breweries outside of Boulder’s downtown area are also available. boulderbrewtours.com.
Boulder Bike Tours
The dirt trails that surround Boulder define the city just as much as their asphalt counter-parts within the city limits. Boulder Bike Tours uses both to offer a unique way to explore the city from the seat of a bicycle. Both road biking and mountain biking tours are available—all led by experienced cyclists, riders and bike advocates that call Boulder home. All skill levels are welcome and each tour includes an expert local guide, a standard bike rental, helmet, water, trail snacks, and a packed lunch. Tour options include a Half Day (4 or more people = $109/per person; 3 people = $129/per person; 2 people = $149/per person), and a Full Day (4 or more people = $139/per person; 3 people = $169/per person; 2 people = $199/per person). More info can be found at boulderbiketours.com.
Boulder Walking Tours
If you’re looking for a an all-encompassing tour of Boulder that sheds light on the city’s history, architecture, food, artwork, folk lore and legends, a tour with Boulder Walking Tours is probably just right for you. The “Best of Boulder Tour” takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. during the warm weather months, as well as a tour of Chautauqua’s “Living History” which takes place on Sundays at 10 a.m. In the off season (December through March) private tours can be arranged. Tickets are $18 to $20 for adults. For more info visit boulderwalkingtours.com.
Image credit: Creative Commons license, image by Max & Dee Bernt on Flickr