chautauqua

This is a very nice choice for hiking and other outdoors activities near the city of Boulder! At higher elevations, there is a fantastic view of the foothills, campus and downtown Boulder. There is quite a bit of traffic, so get there early!

Dined here with my husband & her sister & family (7 adults) on a Saturday evening. Unfortunately it was dark so we were unable to hike the trails or appreciate the beautiful view (as described by my sister). SO I want to return in daylight hours.We did have reservations, but it was not crowded that evening so would not have been trouble to get a table -- a nice change from the mob scene on Pearl. The restaurant is a charmingly preserved structure from 1800's, originally built to serve for summer training for teachers from Texas. There are a number of photos depicting the opening and earliest visitors. The decor may or may not be original, but it is representative of that time and so charming: sparse and uncluttered but very welcoming with two stone fireplaces, both ablaze. Our service was prompt. Server was attentive but not hovering (he did say "right on" frequently, which was odd....). We had the flatbread (pizza-like, so-so) and brussels sprouts (roasted, well seasoned, delicious) as shared appetizers AND sides. Serveral of our party had the salmon which they declared very good, although portions were somewhat small. I chose the trout. The portion size was generous and it was moist and delicious. Normally I preferred fried trout and this was steamed, I think, but still quite good--just not as attractive on the plate.My husband and I shared the simple salad, which was perfection--fresh was not too much of a simple v/o dressing. A couple of our diners had special requests, all of which were accomodated. We had one vegetarian diner, who had a little trouble finding an entree since many of the non-meat items still contained meat in their preparation. We did not have dessert although the offerings were tempting.It was quiet enough to talk -- a very pleasant atmosphere. I will try to make it back here for SURE on my next trip to Boulder.

Few miles away from city center and after 10 minutes walk, i had already a nice view of Boulder area. The trail is running inside the fir tree. Snow was everywhere but the path is well indicated. I've seen some squirrels. Nice place to walk in the nature.

Great place to start a hike and enjoy grazing at flatirons while listening to the wind rustle the tall grass.

This restaurant is situated in one of the most spectacular mountain parks in Boulder. The park will take your breath away. Plan on spending extra time exploring the surrounding area. Eat here before a concert, film, talk or eat here after a hike. The restaurant- menu and building have been recently updated. The menu and service can be hit or miss but the atmosphere makes up for it. The building is old and historic. I recommend their Sunday brunch which has a wide offering and is always fantastic!

This used to be such a nice place - particularly to sit on the porch for breakfast or lunch. Now it has been "upgraded" and the interior IS more attractive but the food had deteriorated sadly - sent the last meal back to the kitchen! Too bad.

If you only have a day in Boulder--and the weather is not downright awful, spend at least some of it at Chautauqua. Sure, Pearl Street has some pretty entertaining buskers, but if it's the weekend or summertime, most of the people-watching on the Mall will be of other tourists. By all means check it out, but don't decide you can't make it to Chautauqua because you absolutely have to stop in an American Apparel, Starbucks, or Cheesecake Factory almost identical to the one you have back home.Tucked just below the Flatirons, on the edge of Boulder's Mountain Space Parks, Chautauqua offers a sampling of historical, natural, and a non-commercial side of Boulder. First, there are the rolling lawns. If you are old enough to remember the sitcom "Mork and Mindy," this is where Robin Williams and Pam Dawber flew a kite in the opening of each show. These lawns are also the jumping-off point for a network of hikes of varying length and difficulty to suit any fitness level or time constraints--I've done everything from strolling through wildflowers with seniors to roping up to climb the First Flatiron with some of my more adventurous friends.Next, there's the history--too much to do it justice here, but know that the Chautauqua concept was once nationwide: providing educational and cultural experiences by bringing together thinkers, teachers, artists, and experts. Only a few survive, and Boulder is one of them that still fulfills the original goals. The Chautauqua Auditorium features music of all kinds, topical lectures, comedy, and even silent films during the summer, and the original cottages behind the dining hall might just be housing a conference of writers or artists while you are there.There is also a historic dining hall next to the auditorium with a huge porch for dining al fresco. For a long time, the food was pretty mediocre, but the concession changed hands a couple of years back. I have had lunch or dinner there several times under the new ownership and have been very pleased with the quality and service. You can always picnic on the lawn, if you prefer--Frisbee and black Labrador recommended but not required.One tip: the tiny parking lot fills up very early, and even the street parking along Baseline can't be guaranteed on a beautiful summer day--unless you want to hike before your hike just to get to the park. Go early to hike in the cool of the morning--and lay claim to a good parking spot--and then stick around for lunch and further exploration.

Chautauqua is a Boulder institution. It has great physical beauty, with its views of the foothills and many great hiking trails nearby. It has a good (not great) restaurant with one of the best outdoor patios in the spring, summer and fall. And a great, grassy picnic area. Plus it is rich in history and you can hear well known and not-so-well-known musical acts at the Auditorium. It's a "must see" if you come to Boulder.

Early summer, a couple of custom sandwiches and salads from the local Alfalfa grocery, a small cooler with icy beverages and we had the perfect picnic at Chautauqua. The shade of mature trees and a cool breeze with blue skies made a real nice setting to soak in the majesty of the Flatirons range. Get there early enough for good parking and a prime spot. The hiking trails start at the west side of the park and head straight into the foothills.

Up close to the Flatirons, spectacular views, beautiful hiking trails, biking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing are some of the adventures that await you.The rentals are great, rustic and accommodating. The restaurant is also rustic and the food is great. Only a few minutes drive to downtown Boulder and CU, Boulder. Great family adventure.

A lot of classic Boulder trails start west of Chautauqua.The place is recognized by its historic buildings, restaurant, famous venue for music festivals (summer) ad public lectures. Playground, landscaping, picnic: it is a beautiful park full of choices.

This is a great hiking place with lots of options for difficulty level. Be careful though that areas close for raptor breeding over the winter, so check ahead. Also can be icy so good to have shoe chains and walking poles. Overall great hiking with lot of wonderful views

Chataqua is really gorgeous. You can walk dogs on leash. Historic buildings, gorgeous hike below the flatirons. Really nice

Stunning views and awesome food! What a great historical place but still so trendy feeling, in the best of ways. Well worth a visit, and perhaps a hike beforehand.

Loved the trails and scenery. Worth driving up the mountain road. Parking was a bit of a pain, but doable.