A 5280 Guide to Boulder

Skip the hubbub on the Pearl Street Mall and spend an afternoon off Broadway. You’ll still find stunning views of the Flatirons, minus the college hordes.

Drink

Stop into the quaint Radda Trattoria for aperitivos and house-mixed peach bellinis, made with puréed white peaches and Prosecco. Stay for the view. 1265 Alpine Ave., 303-442-6100, raddatrattoria.com

Dig

Get your hands dirty (May through early June) at Long’s Gardens, where you can pick your own iris plants. The family-owned farm specializes in bearded irises; snag a pot of bright yellows, royal blues, and deep purples. 3240 Broadway St., 303-442-2353, longsgardens.com

Play

Take the kids (or just yourselves) to Gateway Park Fun Center for an adrenaline kick on Colorado’s longest go-kart track or life-size maze. 4800 N. 28th St., 303-442-4386, gatewayfunpark.com

Hike

Pull on the sneakers for an accessible four-mile trek through the Wonderland Lake trails. The paths aren’t steep and the lake loop, a flat 1.5 miles, makes for a mellow pre- or postmeal walk. 4201 N. Broadway St., 303-441-3388

Shop

Jacque Michelle is a one-stop shop for gift-worthy trinkets and accessories like funky socks and colorful scarves. Our pick: A charm necklace by Colorado artist Deb Fine. 2670 Broadway St., 303-786-7628,
jacquemichelle.com

Taste

Picky eaters in your party? The Hungry Toad Pub & Restaurant’s menu has options: Twenty-two burger
combos (with playful names like the Toadzilla) and 27 types of sandwiches. 2543 N. Broadway St., 303-442-5012, thehungrytoad.com

Treat

Cyclists crowd Amante Uptown for that postride caffeine fix (made from imported northern Italian coffee beans) and ample TVs where bike races fill the screens. 4580 Broadway St., 303-448-9999, amantecoffee.com

Mingle

During the summer months, the North Boulder neighborhood hosts a cooperative NoBo Nite Out every first Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet local artists and listen to live music while perusing Colorado-made artwork and merchandise. facebook.com/noboniteout

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