Blog Posts

How to Create the Perfect Cozy Night In

September in Boulder has a way of sneaking up on you. The afternoons can still feel like summer, but once the sun goes down, there is a little chill in the air. Suddenly, staying home with a blanket, something good to eat, and nowhere else to be sounds pretty appealing. Living at Habitat Apartments gives you a comfortable home base for exactly that kind of evening. You do not need an elaborate plan to make an ordinary night at home feel a little more special. Here are a few ways to create the perfect cozy night in this fall. Start With a Quick Reset It is hard to relax when yesterday’s coffee mug is still on the table, and there is a pile of laundry staring at you from across the room. Before settling in, give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to reset your apartment. Clear off the coffee table, put away anything that is out of place, fluff the couch pillows, and take care of the dishes. You are not deep cleaning. You are simply creating a space where your brain can switch out of chore mode for the evening. Trade the Overhead Lights for Something Softer Lighting might be the easiest way to change the mood of an apartment. Turn off the bright overhead lights and use table lamps, floor lamps, or other softer lighting instead. Add a flameless candle or candle warmer if you enjoy them. Even a small change in lighting can make your living room or bedroom feel warmer and more inviting. As the days get shorter in Boulder, good lighting becomes even more important. A few thoughtfully placed lamps can make your apartment feel cozy without requiring any major decorating. Make Something That Feels Like Fall A cozy night deserves something good to eat, but that does not mean spending two hours cooking. September is a great time to bring some fall flavors back into the kitchen. Make a pot of chili, bake a simple sheet-pan dinner, warm up some soup, or put together a snack board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and something sweet. If cooking is not happening tonight, that is fine too. Pick up takeout from one of your favorite Gunbarrel or Boulder restaurants and call it dinner. For drinks, try hot apple cider, tea, hot chocolate, or your favorite fall beer or nonalcoholic option. The point is not to create a picture-perfect meal. It is to make something you actually look forward to eating. Give Yourself Something to Do Besides Scrolling You sit down to relax. You pick up your phone for “just a minute.” Suddenly, an hour has disappeared. For a night that actually feels restorative, give yourself another option. Start the book that has been sitting on your nightstand. Put together a puzzle. Play a board game. Work on a craft. Call a friend you have been meaning to catch up with. You can also make it a movie night and finally watch something that's been on your list for months. Add popcorn and a blanket, and you are set. Make Your Space Extra Comfortable Grab your softest blanket. Change into comfortable clothes. Add a few extra pillows to the couch. Put on a playlist that fits the mood. If the evening is cool enough, crack a window for a little fresh Colorado air. You do not need to completely redecorate your apartment for fall. A throw blanket, a few seasonal touches, or even a vase with late-summer flowers can be enough to make your space feel different. Invite Friends Over Without Making It a Whole Thing A cozy night in does not have to be a solo event. Invite a couple of friends over for pizza and a movie, cards, a game night, or dessert. Keep it casual. Nobody needs a formal invitation, complicated menu, or perfectly clean apartment. Some of the best nights at home are the ones that require almost no planning. Put Your Phone Away for a While If you really want the evening to feel different from every other night, give yourself a break from your phone. You might be surprised by how much longer and more relaxing the evening feels when you are not checking notifications every few minutes. End the Night Slowly One of the best parts about staying in is that you do not have to drive home afterward. Make another cup of tea. Take a shower. Read for a little while. Open the window and enjoy the cooler evening air. Give yourself a little space between whatever you were doing and going to sleep. Tomorrow will still be there in the morning. Find Your Cozy Corner at Habitat Apartments A great night in starts with a home you actually enjoy spending time in. At Habitat Apartments, thoughtfully designed living spaces give you room for quiet evenings, dinner with friends, movie marathons, and all the everyday moments in between. Ready to find a space that feels like home? View our floor plans and find the layout that fits the way you want to live in Boulder.

September 2026 Events in Boulder, Colorado

From college sports to marathons to cultural celebrations, one thing is certain: Boulder isn’t boring come September. Whether you’re looking for community events or athletic adventure, several things are coming down the pike, including the following: Pearl Street Stampede Football season is here again, and that means the Buffs are back! One of the most enduring gridiron traditions takes place long before kickoff. The Pearl Street Stampede is held the night before CU home football games on Pearl Street Mall. Hundreds of fans, CU’s spirit squad, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, and members of CU’s athletic team come together to revel in the promise of another season. The first stampede takes place on September 11th, starting at 7:00pm. Buffalo Bicycle Classic Grab your helmet on September 13th for the Elevations Credit Union Buffalo Bicycle Classic . CU’s largest scholarship-fundraising cycling event takes riders up scenic Boulder Canyon (closed to vehicles from 7:00am to 9:00am). This event offers nine courses for all ability levels, including a kid-friendly option for the tiniest riders. Festival Del Sol Head out to Chautauqua for the sixth annual Festival del Sol on Sunday, September 20th. Free to attend and bilingual, this event features live music, food and drink, Latin dance lessons, and family-friendly games and activities. It’s a great way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place each year from September 15th to October 15th. Mapleton Hill Porchfest The Mapleton Hill Porchfest is a free community event held on the third Sunday in September from noon to 4:00 pm. It features 50+ bands playing on the porches, yards, and driveways of the historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood as well as a variety of food trucks. It’s free to attend, although tipping is encouraged. Boulderthon Lace up your running shoes for Boulderthon . Taking place on September 27th, this is our state’s premier autumn race; USATF-sanctioned and Boston Marathon-qualifying, it welcomes thousands of runners from across the nation and offers full-marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids' fun run options. Founded in 2019, it's one of Boulder's newer races, but it’s quickly gaining in popularity and offers a great option for those still pining for the Bolder Boulder. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in 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.

Fall in Love With Boulder: Seasonal Activities to Try This Autumn

There is something about fall in Boulder that makes it hard to stay indoors. Maybe it's the cooler mornings, the changing leaves, or the fact that hiking suddenly feels enjoyable again after the heat of summer. Whatever the reason, autumn is one of the best times of year to get out and explore. Living at Habitat Apartments in Gunbarrel puts you close to some of Boulder's favorite fall spots without having to spend your whole weekend in traffic. Whether you're looking for a quiet morning outside or a fun afternoon with friends, here are a few ways to make the most of the season. Watch the Leaves Change at Twin Lakes One of the nicest things about living in Gunbarrel is that you don't always have to drive across town to enjoy nature. Twin Lakes Open Space is just minutes away and is especially beautiful once the cottonwoods begin turning yellow. The trails are mostly flat, making them perfect for an easy walk, a morning run, or an evening stroll after work. Bring your camera because the reflections on the water can be stunning this time of year. Spend a Saturday on Pearl Street Pearl Street has a different feel in the fall. Sidewalk cafés stay busy, local shops start decorating for the season, and the cooler weather makes wandering downtown much more enjoyable. Pick up a coffee, browse a few bookstores, listen to the street musicians, or grab lunch on a patio before sweater weather disappears. Take a Scenic Drive You don't have to travel far to enjoy Colorado's famous fall colors. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of our state's most beautiful drives, especially from late September through early October. Pack a few snacks, roll the windows down, and enjoy an afternoon exploring mountain towns like Nederland or Ward. It's an easy weekend adventure when you live in Boulder. Get Back on the Trails If summer hiking isn't your favorite because of the heat, fall is your season. Nearby favorites include Chautauqua Park, the LoBo Trail, and Sawhill Ponds. The cooler temperatures make longer hikes much more comfortable, and you'll often find yourself sharing the trails with fewer people than during peak summer months. Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch Fall wouldn't be complete without pumpkins, apple cider, and a little nostalgia. Several farms around Boulder County offer pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal treats throughout September and October. They're a fun outing whether you're visiting with family, friends, or simply looking for the perfect pumpkin for your apartment. Cozy Up at Your Favorite Coffee Shop One of the simplest ways to enjoy the season is slowing down for an hour with a warm drink. Lucky for Gunbarrel residents, you're just a short drive from plenty of great coffee shops. Find a comfortable chair, bring a book, or catch up on work while enjoying the change of seasons outside. Enjoy Boulder Before Winter Arrives One of the best parts about autumn is that it feels a little less rushed. The busiest tourist season has started to wind down, the weather is comfortable, and it's easy to appreciate everything that makes Boulder special. Living in Gunbarrel means you can decide on a last-minute hike, dinner downtown, or scenic drive without spending half your day getting there. Fall has a way of bringing people outdoors. From nearby trails and open space to downtown Boulder and weekend mountain drives, you're never far from your next favorite fall tradition. If you're looking for an apartment that keeps you connected to both nature and the city, explore Habitat Apartments and see why so many people love calling Gunbarrel home.

Late-Season Gardening Guide

Gardening is among the most popular summer hobbies, but it doesn’t have to end as fall beckons. There are several ways to help your flowers flourish, your beets blossom, and your turnips turn up day after day. Consider the following: Water Wisely Colorado might not be desert-dry, but it’s not exactly bathing in humidity, either. Hot days in August or early September often require an irrigation plan, one that doesn’t violate water restrictions. Instead of watering more often, aim to water more deeply (as this encourages roots to grow). Watering in the early morning, when temperatures are low and the sun is on its best behavior, also helps minimize evaporation and reduces the risk of fungal disease. Focus on Cool-Weather Vegetables The late-summer weeks are the ideal time to plant crops that flourish in the fall. Some of the crops most likely to thrive as temperatures drop include: Lettuce Spinach Swiss chard Arugula Radishes Kale Beets Turnips Some of these can even withstand frost, developing hints of sweetness when topped off with a little freeze. Beware of Seasonal Pests With wasps crashing barbecues and mosquitoes feasting on your precious plasma, pests seem like they’re everywhere during the summer. But they don’t disappear as autumn nears. In fact, some pests are more prominent in changing climates. Be on the lookout for the following creepy crawlers and wigglers: Grasshoppers Aphids Squash bugs Spider mites Worms (especially on tomatoes and cabbage) Addressing minor pest issues early keeps them from becoming major infestations. Heed the Hail The late summer months have a way of hailing hail, with surging storms doing a number on your roof and your radishes. Hail season can extend into September, making you feel like you’re starting your garden over from square one each time Mother Nature throws a tantrum. To protect your hard work, check the weather forecast daily and keep lightweight row covers, shade cloths, and frost blankets on hand to shield flowers and vegetables. Even some protection is better than none! Participate in a Community Garden If you don’t have a yard to set up a garden, there’s no need to fret about fennel or stress about snow peas. Growing Gardens has spent nearly 30 years offering community gardens to people across Boulder County. It now operates seven garden spaces, provides 800 people with space to grow their own food, and donates roughly 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to food banks each year. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel, with convenient access to shopping in 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.

August 2026 Events in Boulder, Colorado

Days are getting shorter, and summer is slinking away, making room for fall festivities. But it’s not over yet; plenty of warm-weather adventures are coming down the pike, milking the season for all it’s worth. If you’re looking to take advantage of summer’s last push of the year, consider the following: Arts in the Park 2026 Arts in the Park (a blend of the arts and cultural performances) takes place at various times during the summer, including several Sundays in August. Stop by the Boulder Bandshell (on Canyon Blvd) to enjoy the following lineup: August 2: Beyond Academia Free Skool August 16: Boulder Summer Lyrics August 23: Arts Hub While some events are free, others require tickets. First Friday First Friday is an arts-appreciation tradition that takes place in various locations across the Front Range, including Pearl Street. Head out on August 7 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm to celebrate this monthly magic. Connect with your community, shop or dine at local businesses, and explore the talents of local and not-so-local artists. Boulder Taco Fest Boulder Taco Fest takes place on the afternoon of August 22nd. Featuring dozens of local kitchens, live music, creekside margaritas, and Lucha Libre wrestling, it’s like Taco Tuesday... but on a Saturday! Come early to participate in a fun run along Boulder’s most popular paths; build up an appetite before you dig into hard-shelled heaven. Wheels and Walls Wheels and Walls is a guided bike tour that takes you through downtown Boulder, featuring vibrant street art and a chance to get some exercise. Discover murals created by local, national, and international artists, including those brought to life with augmented reality. Use your smartphone to discover the creativity hidden inside. Boulder Sunset Run The Boulder Sunset Run, ironically, kicks off a few hours after sunrise. Starting around 7:15 am on August 29, it features both 5K and 10K events and bids summer a proper farewell. It invites leisure and serious runners to stretch their legs amid the incredible scenery of Boulder Reservoir. The out-and-back course is fast and flat, with a slight downhill slope near the end (so you can sprint your way across the finish line). Summer might be winding down, but it’s not over yet. Whether you venture out to one of the above or something else, there’s tons of enjoyment still to be had. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel, with convenient access to shopping in 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.

Pet-Friendly Summer Adventures Around Boulder, Colorado

Summer in Boulder is hard to beat, especially when you have a dog that loves getting outside as much as you do. From scenic walking trails to dog-friendly patios, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season with your four-legged companion. If you live in Gunbarrel, many of these local favorites are just a short drive away. Take a Walk Around Twin Lakes One of the perks of living in Gunbarrel is having easy access to Twin Lakes Open Space . The trails around the lakes are perfect for a casual walk with your furry friend, and the mountain views make it easy to forget you’re only minutes from home. It’s a great spot for a morning outing before the day heats up or an evening walk after work. Check Out Boulder’s Open Space Trails Boulder has no shortage of trails that welcome leashed dogs. Davidson Mesa Open Space is a popular option thanks to its wide paths and incredible views of the Flatirons. If you’re looking for something a little longer, the trails around Boulder Reservoir offer plenty of room to explore while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Remember to bring water for both you and your pup, especially during the warmer months. Let Your Dog Burn Off Some Energy Sometimes dogs just need a place to run and play. The Twin Lakes Dog Park is a favorite among local pet owners because of its convenient location and open space. It’s a great place for dogs to socialize while owners catch up with neighbors and fellow dog lovers. Valmont Dog Park is another popular choice if you’re looking for a larger off-leash area. Grab a Bite on a Dog-Friendly Patio One of the best parts of summer is spending time outside, and many Boulder-area restaurants and breweries welcome dogs on their patios. After a hike or walk, consider stopping at a local spot where your pup can relax by your side while you enjoy a meal or a cold drink. Many businesses even keep water bowls available for visiting dogs, making patio season a little more enjoyable for everyone. Spend a Day by the Water If your dog enjoys being near the water, Boulder Reservoir is worth a visit. The surrounding paths provide plenty of space for walking, jogging, and taking in the views. Nearby Waneka Lake Park in Lafayette is another peaceful option for a relaxing afternoon stroll. These locations are especially beautiful during the early morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Enjoy Summer Close to Home One of the advantages of living at Habitat Apartments is being close to so many outdoor destinations. Whether you’re heading out for a quick walk around Twin Lakes, exploring a new trail, or meeting friends at a pet-friendly patio, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer with your dog nearby. Sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones, and around Boulder, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of the season with your favorite companion by your side. At Habitat Apartments, it's easy to enjoy Colorado's outdoor lifestyle with your pet by your side. From nearby trails and open spaces to local dog parks and pet-friendly hangouts, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of every season in Gunbarrel. Explore our available floor plans and see why Habitat Apartments is a great place for both you and your four-legged companion to call home.