20-hours in Boulder

All the times I am quoting are arrival times. Your experience my vary.

Land at DEN at noon. This isn't so much a recommendation for Avis (though I use them with much satisfaction) as it is to register for your rental car company's preferred program. The last thing you want to do after your 2+ hour flight and 45+ minutes to get to the actual rental car counter (i.e., disembark, train to main terminal, luggage, shuttle to rental car row) is to have to wait for another 30" to get your car. Take care of this stuff before you get on the plane so you can go straight to your car and get on with your trip.

1:30 p.m., 39.956300, -105.168176 - I know, I know. You're hungry. You're on vacation, so treat yourself with some snacks from those uppity-foodies from Austin. Suggesting this instead of a restaurant b/c: a) sitting for another 45 minutes is probably the last thing you want to do, b) there are picnic tables and benches at your next desitnation, and c) you need munchies for your up/coming roadtrip.

2:30 p.m., 39.929545,-105.290197 - Just when you think, "Where is that crazy 'txtxyeha' sending us?", then you are almost at the entrance of the park where it costs you $8 per vehicle (credit cards accepted). More specifically you are looking for Fowler Trail. This is a wheelchair-accessible trail so we're talking easy-peasy; however, if you are VERY afraid of heights then be warned. Half-way down the trail be prepared the exclaim [in your best Eunice voice], "How...in...the...HELL did they get in that spot?!" as you look across the canyon at the rock climbers. All-in-all this is about a two-hour detour before you get into Boulder.

5:15 p.m., Pearl & 13th Streets - If you thought the Whole Foods idea was good, then you are going to love this unique home and kitchen shop on the Pearl Street pedistrian mall. They close up at 6 p.m., and yes, you'll probably be the last ones out the door.

6 p.m. to dusk, Pearl and 13th Streets - Again, this isn't as much of a recommendation for the Boulder Cafe (though this is one of my favorites) as a good place to see street performers on the pedestrian mall. Enjoy your stroll on the mall, probably can't make a mistake regarding where you choose to eat, and enjoy the creativeness of the street performers.

10:00 a.m., 40.059142,-105.218881- I'm throwing in this one because: a) if you sleep late, b) it's the most popular attraction in Boulder per TA, and c) it's on your way out of town if you are heading north to Wyoming.