I was able to get some ridiculous photos at Green Mountain Reservoir near Silverthorne, Colorado, the other weekend, thanks in part to Mother Nature, who decided to drop a double rainbow right on top of the reservoir, the pot of gold seemingly within sight of our campsite (although I was recently told rainbows don't have ends, apparently each person sees a different end). A mixture of light and dark clouds spread out over the tops of the nearby hills, spreading the direct sunlight and providing a backdrop that, when you're standing there looking at it, appears fake (in a good way).

There was a large group of us, the occasion an annually held lobster boil. Nearly 200 lobsters were flown in from New England for the feast, with kegs of beer and over fifty people rounding out the party. It was simply glutenous - there's no way to sugarcoat it - but it was one hell of a good time, especially given the scenic conditions. When you enter Green Mountain Reservoir, be sure to drive the entire loop around the park. It's beautiful, and there are cliff-jumping opportunities on the far west side of the reservoir. Bring your boat and fishing pools, too.

Here are a few photos of Green Mountain Reservoir:

After I checked out St. Mary's Glacier outside of Denver (which I will tell you about next post, photo on Facebook), I drove over to Boulder - the rock climbing capital of the world - and accepted an invitation to spent a night at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.

When gold was discovered in the mountains near Boulder in 1859, the town became a supply center for the new mining communities that began to pop up. Trains would begin their journey up into Boulder Canyon from the center of the city, eventually climbing over 4600 feet in elevation to reach the towns of Eldora, Ederland, and Ward via a path known as the Switzerland Trail. It operated for almost forty years until 1919, and today the St. Julien sits on the site of that old rail yard on Walnut Street between 9th and 10th.

That location won't just please history buffs - it will certainly put a smile on the faces of most. The city of Boulder is built around Pearl Street, which houses dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The hotel is a block south of Pearl and a five-minute walk from its four-block pedestrian mall. One of only two hotels in town to offer a spa, the St. Julien provides great views of the Flatirons, spa-made shampoos and bath products in the room, and comfortable, luxurious beds. Jill’s Restaurant, located off the side of the lobby, serves American and French cuisine in a modern bistro setting, preparing many of its dishes tableside. The St. Julien is regarded as one of the top properties in the city and I found the entire experience to be welcoming and pleasant, especially the location which, as mentioned, is ideal. You’re right there by Pearl Street but a block removed for a view of the incredible Flatirons (see photo below). Request a room on the south side with a balcony to take it all in.

One thing I learned about the people in Boulder this trip is that they do not dress up. Rarely am I the one to be overdressed, I strolled into Oak at Fourteenth on the Sunday night of the long Labor Day weekend and noticed my khaki pants felt out of place. Not because of the restaurant itself – it was actually quite khaki-worthy, with a shiny wooden bar and an open kitchen highlighted by a wood-burning stove – but because no one seems to go further than a pair of jeans and a clean shirt in Boulder. I dig the casual and relaxed vibe – no complaints here – but I wish I had known. Now, you know.

For a town of its size (99,000 people), the options when it comes to dining and entertainment are rather impressive, places that cater well beyond the college crowd to residents and visitors looking for something more hip and contemporary. Oak at Fourteenth fits right in to that latter category, serving what they refer to as New American cuisine that focuses on its oak-burning oven and grill to add a trademark flavor to every meal. The peach & burrata cheese bruschetta and shaved gala apple & kale salad were great starters, and the oak-wood roasted chicken over basil whipped potatoes was my entrée choice. The waiter told us when the basil arrives from the local farmer, the restaurant becomes consumed by its smell. The flavors certainly came through in the potatoes, and it was a great complement to the smoky chicken. Check it out if you're in town - it's a great date spot.

I'm in route from Colorado to Washington D.C. today (mi hermana se va a casar), ending my two-week stint out west.  I received word that I'll be headed back out to the southwest on assignment in a few weeks - I'll fill you in on the details next week. I hope to get a post in tomorrow, if not, St. Mary's glacier and the inspiring story surrounding Oskar Blues Brewery to come early next week.

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