Boulder

Set between the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Boulder has a rugged appeal and a longstanding love affair with the outdoors. The city boasts wide open spaces and an abundance of parks and bike trails that teem with locals with a love for a green lifestyle. The iconic Flatirons, a series of slanting limestone formations, set the scene for outdoor adventure and invite mountaineers and hikers to explore their trails. Boutique shopping, gourmet and brew-pub hopping are a step away at vibrant Pearl Street while those with a penchant for exploring nature can head to Chautauqua Park or the lesser known Eldorado Canyon. Home to the University of Colorado, the town has a young-at-heart vibe that's hard to beat.