Fall is nearly here and there are so many things to look forward to! Changing leaves, fall festivals, harvest time at some of Boulder’s favorite local farms, outdoor fun, and seasonal foods & drinks. Here are five fun things to look forward to this season.
#1 Fall Colors
Experiencing Colorado’s breathtaking fall colors is an obligatory seasonal activity for locals. The peak of leaf-peeping season begins in late September and continues through October. Mountain viewing tends to be earlier in the season, while spots along the front range begin changing in Early October.
Boulder’s Historic Mapleton Neighborhood
There are a handful of gorgeous fall driving tours to see the changing aspens, including the Peak to Peak Highway, the more secluded Brainard Lake, or locally, taking a walk around Boulder’s historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood. Don’t forget the Autumn Gold Festival in Estes Park, or better yet, take a drive on Trail Ridge Road — yet another place where you will be wowed by the beauty of Colorado’s natural world.
Photo Courtesy Boulder Hiker Chicks, by Alli Fronzaglia
#2 Harvest Time
Much-anticipated tomatoes, chiles, corn, and pumpkins will fill the tables at the Boulder Country Farmer’s Market as well as local farm stands. Pumpkin patches will open in October, and along with them come all the fun of fall farms—corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos, and spooky haunted houses.
#3 Outdoor Activities
As creek levels fall, Boulderites begin to shift the focus of outdoor activities from the creeks and reservoirs to trails and playgrounds. Hiking is a year-round favorite, but it is particularly sweet in the fall, with temperatures dropping to a more comfortable level for hikers and their canine companions. Fall colors are especially beautiful along the Mesa Trail, and around Wonderland Lake.
Photo Courtesy Boulder Hiker Chicks, by Karen Jacot
Cyclists will also take advantage of the mild weather on bike paths around town at Valmont Bike Park. Fall in Boulder is also a great time to go rock climbing, trail running, or slacklining.
Photo Courtesy Full Cycle Bikes
#4 Seasonal Drinks
Fall in Boulder is the perfect time of year for a hot drink, and for coffee lovers, there are plenty of delicious seasonal favorites, including The Unseen Bean‘s brown sugar and mocha Sweet Dreams Latte, and The Point Cafe‘s classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Or spend the afternoon sipping delicious teas & fall favorites at the beautiful Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Photo Courtesy Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Fall isn’t official until you’ve had a pumpkin spiced-something. Even if pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, seasonal holiday favorites begin to pop up as soon as football season starts. Boulder’s craft beer scene features everything from Oktoberfest lagers to pumpkin ales.
Photo Courtesy Four Noses Brewing Company
#5 Seasonal Foods
Looking for something delicious to pair with your pumpkin spice coffee? Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery offers delicious pecan sticky buns as well as Palisade peach fritters. Shamane’s Bake Shoppe is featuring fresh nectarine brioche and, local peach “First Fruits Organic Farm” & fresh berry tart (pictured below).
