Blog Posts

Wicked Wanderings: What You Need to Know About This Spooky Event

The season of ghosts and ghouls features many spirited activities for excitement seekers. Wicked Wanderings by Patti Murtha, a hiking meets open arts series that takes place in Chautauqua and falls into autumn spookiness, is among the most unique offerings in the area. Read on to learn more about how to reach your apparition aspirations, get in a hike, and enjoy time in the beautiful Colorado sunshine. What is Wicked Wanderings? Wicked Wanderings is an adventure in the woods that explores how dark and mystical the forest can be. With all sorts of scary things lurking between the trees, from witches to werewolves, participants are invited to lace up their hiking boots and tap into their imagination. You’ve heard of dinner and a show; this is hiking and a show (several shows). These moderate-paced hikes last approximately two hours. A hiking guide leads participants down a trail to different scene locations. Participants watch each scene before moving down the trail to the next scene. When is Wicked Wanderings? Wicked Wanderings occurs every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM beginning September 21st and running through October 27th. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM, and participants are encouraged to arrive early as the hikes tend to start right on schedule. Where is Wicked Wanderings? Wicked Wanderings is located at 900 Baseline Road in Chautauqua Park, with a starting point at the picnic shelter. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing, proper hiking shoes, and sunscreen, and bring water, snacks, hats, blankets, and lightweight camping chairs (if desired). Due to the potentially scary nature of this event, Wicked Wanderings is reserved for those ten and over. Participation is limited, so buy your tickets early! 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.

What You Need to Know About the Firefly Handmade Fall Market in Boulder, Colorado

Whether you’re looking for artisanal coffee, clothes, decor, ceramics, jewelry, accessories, wine, outdoor gear, or something else, the Firefly Handmade Fall Market offers a one-stop shopping extravaganza. It takes place September 13th to 15th on Pearl Street in Boulder as part of a three-day festival that welcomes autumn with a celebration full of food booths, a wine and cocktail garden, family-centric activities, live music, creative demonstrations, and, of course, plenty of shop-til-you-drop chances. An annual tradition with free admission, this event honors local and far-away artistry and features over 100 arts and craft vendors from across the region, country, and globe. This year, many vendors are new to the market, giving attendees fresh goods and wares. 2024 Featured Artisans The featured artisans sell eclectic products from a wide range of areas. A few of those featured include the following: Accessories/Apparel from Lyman & Brown Leather Goods, Stitchback Stories, Pop of Neutral, LPL, Designs by Elle, Foxlilie Studio, Yat Cat Print Co., and more Alcohol Samples and Bottle Sales from Boulder Spirits, Branch and Barrel Distilling, and Uncle Tim’s Cocktails Artisanal Food and Beverages from Rich Brownies, Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, and Peak State Coffee Ceramics from EJ Studio, Premadasa, Cedar Sun Ceramics, Pazful Designs, Friend Assembly, Animal & Mineral, and House Americana Home Goods and Decor from Renegade Lamps, Glow Candle Co., Concrete Poppy Design, Cat Schmitz Art, Mindful Works, Wax Crescent, Colorado Smell Goods, and HAPPY WARPS Jewelry from Fox & Lupine, Brianna Hoyt Jewelry, KarenEdgeStudio, Clockwork Traveler, Westry, Dante Perozzi Jewelry, Desert Moon Jewelry Co., Slices of Citrus, and more Kid and Baby Toys, Apparel, and Accessories from Urpibaby Outdoor Gear from Adventurist Backpack Co. and Topskirt Pet Goods from Buddy Scrub Puzzles from Goodfit Skincare & Wellness from Mera Wellness, Oakwell Cosmetics, Butter & Me, Merigold, Verde Collection, FoCo Organics + Grass Paws, Wit & West Perfumes, ROOTFOOT, and Adventurist Soap Co. Whether you stop by for an hour or plan a three-day outing, the Firefly Handmade Fall Market is handmade for a community-focused, productive, and creative time. 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.

Upcoming Shows at the Dairy Arts Center

When it comes to arts and culture in Boulder County, the Dairy Arts Center is the mothership. From movies to revues, comedy shows, and musical performances, you can find an event that tickles your fancy no matter how specific your taste. A few of the upcoming fabulous happenings include the following: Dandelion Dandelion tells the tale of a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter spiraling toward rock bottom. After she takes an impulsive gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota, she meets a nomadic group of wayward musicians and finds her place among kindred spirits. Dandelion plays at the Boedecker Theater from August 28th through September 1st. Out of Control Comedy Hypnosis Out of Control Comedy Hypnosis is precisely what it sounds like: a show that explores humor through hypnosis. Hosted by Heather Jay with special guest Matt Farrell, it empowers the audience to tell hypnotized people what to do. This show might change your mind if you don’t believe people can become hypnotized. It plays at the Gordon Gamm Theater on August 31st. Motus Music to Restore the Heart with Anthony Salvo If you’re looking for a musical experience as meditative as melodic, experience this tranquil adventure that helps attendees reflect, relax, and rejuvenate. This is a fairly limited event, with room for 30 people to lie down and listen and seating for another 49 people (on a first-come, first-served basis). Arrive early to get a prime spot! It takes place on the afternoon of September 7th at the Grace Gamm Theatre. BaoBao Festival: Akoma Ntoso Whether you’re an ardent fan of West African arts or simply looking to expand your taste, this event is music to your ears! Centered on West African music and dance, it features visiting Ghanaian master drummers, Boulder’s Mokomba Ensemble, and guest stars from Mi Chantil studio. It takes place at the Gordon Gamm Theater on the night of September 13th. Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet: Rush You don’t have to trek to downtown Denver to enjoy the ballet! Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet is in its 25th year and features innovative and whimsical work to bring traditional ballet into the modern era. You can check out their new performance at the Gordon Gamm Theatre on the night of September 14th or stop in for a matinee on September 15th. Whether you’re looking for comedy, music, dance, or more, the Dairy Arts Center offers many events. Choose one of the above or visit its site to explore more of Boulder’s cultural and artistic offerings. 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.

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.