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Best Swimming Destinations in Boulder, Colorado

Swimming might be an activity enjoyed all year long, but summer is when it truly shines. If you live in Boulder or the surrounding areas, finding an optimal place for a little splishing and splashing is not hard. From waterparks to reservoirs, consider diving into the following: Spruce Pool Spruce Pool on Spruce Street features a leisure pool, a lap pool, and swim lessons. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It offers a friendly environment for all ages and is a popular spot for summer birthdays. Rentals are available for groups, swim teams, and party throwers. Boulder Reservoir Boulder Reservoir features one of the largest swim beaches in the state. It’s open daily through September 2nd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, although it closes a half hour earlier on Thursdays for Stroke and Stride events. It caters to younger kids through its shallow areas and accomplished swimmers who want to take the plunge into deeper waters. Children under 13 must pass a test to swim past the first rope. Scott Carpenter Pool Scott Carpenter Pool is a leisure pool located on 30th Street. It offers water play areas, a lazy river, slides, deep water areas, and zero-depth areas. The pool is open seven days a week until 6:00 p.m. and is available for group rentals and pool parties. Great Outdoors Waterpark While technically in Lafayette, this park is Boulder-adjacent and easily accessible down South Boulder Road. The Great Outdoors Waterpark features multiple slides, a lap pool, a lazy river, a whirlpool, and a shallow-depth pool for toddlers. It’s open daily through August 11th and on weekends until September 1st. If you don’t want to spend your entire day poolside (and anger your dermatologist), take advantage of the park’s sunset swim (available five days a week via a $5 admission fee). Community Centers and Rec Centers When swimming excites you, but micromanaging your SPF does not consider swapping the great outdoors for the covered indoors. The indoor pools in Boulder are located at the East Boulder Community Center, North Boulder Recreation Center, and South Boulder Recreation Center. Focusing on lap swimming, they’re ideal for serious swimmers hoping to get in a workout. The hottest months of the year are the perfect time to dip in and soak up the summer. Choose from one of the nearby options to help ensure these scorching days go swimmingly. The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this spring.

Seasonal Produce Recipes for Summer Dining

Whether you go wild for a ripe bunch, stick with carrots, turn up for turnips, or hale the kale, tons of seasonal produce recipes just taste like summertime. Grab your grocery cart, stock your fridge, and try the following: Farmers Market Farro Salad This healthy and hearty bowl infuses your meal with ingredients that count. It's an ideal lunch or light dinner made with farro (an ancient, fiber-packed grain), sweet corn, cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, basil, dill, feta, and lemon vinaigrette. True to its name, it’s a beautiful dish to make after a visit to the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. Asparagus Pasta This asparagus pasta recipe is an easy-to-make, quick dinner. It takes roughly 30 minutes to throw together and serves four. It's the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor, made with pasta, shallots, garlic, heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper, basil, parmesan cheese, and a pound of asparagus. Watermelon Feta Salad Bites You probably won’t eat watermelon feta salad bites for dinner (although we can’t judge you if you do!). Still, this dish is terrific for toting to a neighborhood potluck or tossing together for a mid-afternoon snack. Packed with ingredients that include mint, onion, feta, pepper, olive oil, and watermelon, these bites can be made roughly 20 minutes before feasting. Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler Cobbler is the quintessential mid-to-late-season treat as peaches become ripe for enjoyment. This recipe takes around an hour to make and expertly balances the juiciness of peaches with a savory, biscuit-like dough, topping it all off with cinnamon. It’s a filling dessert, but the rebels eat it for breakfast, too. Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Pine Nuts If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, try sauteed kale with garlic and pine nuts . This nutrient-rich recipe is as good for your health as it is for your taste buds. Even if you don’t fancy yourself much of a kale fan, adding olive oil, garlic, sundried tomatoes, apple vinegar, salt and pepper, and lemon juice might change your mind. With so many fruits and veggies in season, you can easily find a recipe that thrills your palate. Try one of the above to make lunch, dinner, and snacktime productive! The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel, providing convenient shopping access in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this summer.

Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival

The Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival will be held at the Dairy Arts Center from July 11th through July 14th. It will showcase four days of narrative films, documentary features, and short films from around the world. Among the events featured include opening and closing night receptions of live music, food, and drinks (at the Hilton Garden Inn and Embassy Suites); screenings at the Boedecker Cinema and Gordon Gamm Theater; and Q&As with film creators, scientists, media personalities, government regulators, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Here’s what you should know: A Celebration of the Natural World The Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival pays homage to the wonders of the natural world, celebrating everything from the mountains to the ocean to the air we breathe daily. The showings featured include long and short-form films packed full of various perspectives on environmental challenges and topics from across the globe, such as climate change, clean energy, outdoor exploration and adventure, nature appreciation, and topical issues. Many films include interaction with the audience afterward, allowing participants to gain more insight into the film’s inspiration. You can get your tickets here and select from a festival pass (which includes access to all parties and films) or individual tickets. A Zero-Waste Event In keeping with environmental concerns, this film festival is a zero-waste event and strives to use only reusable, compostable, and recyclable materials. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and use the water-fill station. They’re also encouraged to carpool, take a bus, walk, or bike to the festival. Whether you went green long ago or want encouragement, the Boulder Environmental/Nature/Outdoors Film Festival is a great way to learn something new, celebrate community, and make a difference for the planet. The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel, providing convenient shopping access in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this summer.

Best Road Trip Routes in Colorado

There is something about hitting the open road on a Colorado summer’s day. With the wind in your hair and the radio blaring, it’s the quintessential time to put the pedal to the metal up the Rocky Mountain highways. Whether you’re looking for a destination close to home or one that gives you plenty of time to finish your audiobook, there are many places to choose. Here are some of our favorites: Frisco Frisco is a small mountain town with a lot of heart. It’s well known for its art scene, dining options, and quaint Main Street. Tucked next to Dillon Reservoir, it is also the perfect launching pad for outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, climbing, and rafting. It’s a short drive from the Front Range with a laid-back atmosphere and many lodging options. Telluride Getting to Telluride from Boulder takes around six hours, but the scenic drive is worth the fuel (or charge). A Victorian mining town, Telluride sits among stunning peaks and historic houses. It’s also home to Colorado-typical outdoor activities and festivals, including the Telluride Balloon Fest and a hopping Fourth of July bash. UFO Watchtower One of Colorado's most unique road trip destinations (or anywhere else), the UFO Watchtower makes an exciting stopover on your way to the Great Sand Dunes. Located along State Highway 17 (nicknamed the “Cosmic Highway”), this 10-foot-tall watchtower is used by UFO enthusiasts to spot ET. The area’s remote location only adds to the intrigue, increasing the odds of an alien abduction. Grand Lake Grand Lake is about 2.5 hours from Boulder. It’s a majestic getaway sandwiched between mountain peaks and home to the largest natural lake in the state. People flock there during the summer months to take in the scenery, enjoy outdoor activities, stroll along the boardwalk, and explore the varied trails. The local wildlife is a particular draw, too, especially moose, which are known for making an appearance. Crested Butte Crested Butte sits roughly four hours from Boulder. While it’s best known as a wintertime playground, it also thrives in the summer. It’s an incredibly thrilling road trip for bike riders; the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park is useable for all skill levels and offers downhill trails and cross-town rides. The camp caters to traditional mountain biking, but class 1 e-bikes are allowed on specific trails. Whether you’re looking for a cliff to climb, a river to raft, or a lake perfect for a quiet day and a trashy romance novel, there are all sorts of Colorado destinations worth your time. Make it a summer to remember without ever leaving the state. The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel, providing convenient shopping access in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this summer.

Bands on the Bricks: June 12th to July 31st

Bands on the Bricks , Boulder’s outdoor summer concert, is returning to Pearl Street for eight weeks of free and festive music. Taking place every Wednesday night from June 12th through July 31st, this series features an eclectic lineup geared to all kinds of tastes. Each concert starts at 6:00 PM, with the opening acts taking the stage. Headliners perform from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The onsite beer garden opens at 5:30 PM, giving concert-goers time to socialize, kick back, and relax. There are several reasons to make Bands on the Bricks part of your summer plans, including the following: It Offers the Perfect Mid-Week Reprieve Bands on the Bricks acts as a half-time show for your week, taking place smack dab in the middle and giving you a chance to refuel. Whether you want to get out in the sunshine, have a few drinks with friends, dance the evening away, or do little more than sit on a planter and take in the scene, it makes the work week less mundane. It Gives You a Chance to Discover New Bands and Old Favorites Bands on the Bricks features a wide range of musical genres, stretching from reggae, soul, 80s music, rock, and Latin to R&B, blues, alternative, and an Eagle’s tribute band. The scheduled headline acts include the following: The Reminders (with Disco Witch) ZiMBiRA Afro Fusion Band (with DJ Musa Starseed) Hazel Miller and the Collective (with Jackie Hadley) Foxfeather (with Eramis Fontenot) The 5280s Band (with Derek Warwick) Mighty Mystic (with Wylie Jones) Roka Hueka (with Amaryllis) The Long Run (with Dylan Kishner) See a group you’re familiar with or experience something entirely new. After all, you can never have too many favorites when it comes to music! It Allows You to Do Good for the Community Stopping by Bands on the Bricks is an excellent way to do good for the community by patronizing local businesses and buying from mom-and-pop establishments. Of course, you don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want to, but for many, not buying anything on Pearl Street is as difficult as not purchasing anything inside Target. If you want to go out to dinner, grab dessert, or buy a Father’s Day gift, spend locally and support your friends and neighbors. Bands on the Bricks is a Boulder summertime tradition that knows how to bring the fun. Stop by for a song, a set, or the entire show. The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this spring.

Best Hiking Trails For Your Pet

Hiking with your furry friend is a favorite for Coloradans; heading toward the Flatirons without Fido just seems wrong. Fortunately, Boulder and the surrounding areas are full of pet-friendly trails that you’ll enjoy and that your dog will, obviously, love unconditionally. Here are a few of our favorites: Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake are located near Ward and offer a route that’s sure to challenge you and wear out your pooch. It’s roughly 6.5 miles round trip (with plenty of altitude) and takes over three hours for the average hiker to complete. It’s a fairly crowded area, so expect to see other outdoor adventurers. To go during optimal times, wait until June. Walker Ranch Loop Walker Ranch Loop is a moderate trail packed full of woodsy beauty and canyon creations. At eight miles, it’s not a quick trip but one that’s full of views (for you) and smells (for your dog). When the conditions are right, you might spot a few waterfalls along the trail and you’ll certainly spot people; it’s popular for hiking, biking, bird watching, and general Mother Nature shenanigans. Wonderland Lake Park If your dog isn’t among the hardiest of breeds (perhaps they’re a chihuahua, a pug, or a toy poodle) and you don’t have a front pack in which to tote them, Wonderland Lake Park might be a better option. This trail is wide and flat, more of a stroll than a climb. It’s easily accessible from the streets of Boulder, making it an ideal option for those who love the great outdoors as long as the great indoors are nearby. Royal Arch Trail The Royal Arch Trail is a difficult steep trail to traverse. It starts at Boulder’s mother ship of hiking (Chautauqua) and goes for four miles. It’s highly popular, so it’s not a perfect option if you or your pup aren’t keen on crowds. The main feature of the hike is a natural arch hard to find elsewhere in the state. Mount Sanitas While considered another fairly challenging hike, Mount Sanitas isn’t all that long. At three miles, most people can complete it in roughly two hours. The hike not only allows dogs, but horses as well. It’s full of playful boulders and roaring rock formations. Given its easy access, it’s also full of people. Go during less popular times (such as the middle of the week) if you’re hoping to find some solitude. Colorado is well known for both hiking trails and dog-friendly places. The two merge together all over the state to offer unique outdoor outings you and your best friend can enjoy together. The Habitat Apartments is located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots this spring.