Eric Hansen
From Every Day with Rachael Ray November-December 2005
Slide Show
Make your way to Boulder, Colorado, for incredible views, vivid flavors and smooth beers.
Boulder is just about perfect for a weekend escape from the holiday madness. The downtown is easily walkable and home to eclectic cuisines you might expect in a city twice as big--top-notch Cajun breakfasts, healthful Nepalese lunches, brewpub dinners with local hemp-infused beers. Six ski resorts are within a two-hour drive, and the college kids keep the prices low. So, quick, round up some pals and head for the hills.
More than 100 breweries call Colorado home. Here are three stellar picks from the experts at Boulder's Liquor Mart, a warehouse with the largest alcohol selection in town. (1750 15th St., liquormart.com, 303-449-3374)
5 Barrel Pale Ale from Odell Brewing Co. in Fort Collins: "Smooth, with a hoppy floral aroma."
Pinstripe Red Ale from Ska Brewing in Durango: "A more malty amber, easy drinking."
Out of Bounds Stout from Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder: "Similar to Guinness Extra Stout (not Draught), with flavors of chocolate and roasted coffee."
Stay there The St. Julien Hotel
The fanciest spot in town, this hotel and spa offers rooms with dramatic views and a wide selection of splurges, including a piñon- powder massage and a pedicure with a cocktail included. (Doubles start at $265; 900 Walnut St., stjulien.com, 720-406-9696)
The Bradley
This 12-room inn is intimate and convenient. It's located in a residential neighborhood downtown and feels like a wealthy aunt's home--Aveda products in the bathrooms, 400-thread- count sheets, wine and cheese served in the evenings. (Rooms start at $175 before January 1, $155 after; 2040 16th St., thebradleyboulder.com, 800-858-5811)
Foot of the Mountain Motel
The value can't be beat at this rustic gem. Twenty clean, quaint, cabin-style rooms built in the '30s are tucked between the wooded foothills and meandering Boulder Creek. (Doubles start at $60; 200 Arapahoe Ave., 866-773-5489)
Best Slopes Eldora Mountain Resort
Just 35 minutes up Canyon Boulevard, this local hill boasts a respectable 680 acres, ranging from mellow groomed runs to double black-diamond tree shots. (eldora.com, 303-440-8700)
Keystone
This full-fledged resort shares the same multiday lift ticket as Vail, but lies 25 miles closer (90 miles from Boulder). Beginners and intermediates will find enough suitable runs to keep them occupied for days. (keystoneresort.com, 800-427-8308)
Vail
Voted North America's favorite ski resort by SKI Magazine readers, this 5,289-acre behemoth is all things to all people. If your group has some advanced skiers, or if Vail is getting more snow than other resorts (check onthesnow.com), then brave the heavy I-70 traffic. (vail.com, 800-404-3535)
