A Unique Conference in a Beautiful Setting

STRAT USA took place in beautiful Boulder CO. Boulder is an amazing town with the picturesque Flatiron mountains just on the edge of town, the world famous Pearl Street pedestrian mall, lots of open air dining, and many easily accessible hiking trails. We purposely schedule the conference adjacent to a weekend for people that would like to combine some amazing leisure time with the best in design strategy and innovation. Here's a Boulder Visitor Guide that describes many of the offerings that contribute to Boulder consistently ranking in the USA's top places to live.

Hotels

We didn't have an official conference hotel, because preferences typically vary widely depending on the Boulder experience our attendees are seeking. There were two hotels walking distance from our venue: Hotel Boulderado (classic, old-fashioned) and the St. Julien (upscale hotel, more expensive). About a mile away near 28th St. and Canyon there are a number of hotels that are much newer and also less expensive (Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, etc.).

Transportation To and From the Airport

The Denver airport is about 45 miles from Boulder. Rental cars are an option, but if you’re staying near Boulder Theater, a car may turn out to be unnecessary because Pearl St. Mall restaurants, bars and shops are just a block away. Uber and Lyft are active in the Denver/Boulder area. There is a very low cost city bus that goes from the Denver airport to downtown Boulder and back. You need exact change to use this option ($11 last year).

Restaurants and Bars

A wide variety of restaurants and bars are just a few steps from Boulder Theater in the world famous Pearl St. pedestrian zone, including lots of outdoor and rooftop options with a panoramic view of the nearby mountains.

Things to explore

Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park: Unveiling Nature's Majesty in Boulder's Hidden Gem

Chautauqua Park, an integral part of Boulder's heritage, has safeguarded wild lands for over a century. Dating back to the late 1800s, when residents voted to acquire 80 acres for a "Chautauqua," the park now stands beside OSMP trails, the Chautauqua Dining Hall, Auditorium, and Ranger Cottage. With its playgrounds, tennis courts, and sprawling turf, Chautauqua Park offers families a haven of recreation. Open Space Mountain Park trails grant children the chance to engage with nature, as they freely explore the lush turf against the backdrop of the iconic Flatirons.

Address: 900 Baseline Rd &, 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, United States

Pearl Street

Pearl Street: Where Culinary Delights and Urban Energy Unite

Brimming with energy, Pearl Street stands as Boulder's vibrant heart, a dynamic hub for over four decades! At the core of historic downtown, the brick-paved pedestrian walkway buzzes with life as locals and visitors explore. Sunlit benches and inviting restaurant patios beckon, while shops offer endless delights. Street performers captivate, making it a truly Boulder experience. While four blocks are traffic-free, the excitement radiates, stretching far and wide!

Address: On Pearl Street

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park: Explore the Wild Beauty and Thrilling Adventures!

Nestled against Boulder's foothills, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a treasure within the Colorado State Park system. Since its establishment in 1978, the park's 885 acres have been split into two distinct areas – the Inner Canyon and Crescent Meadows. This captivating expanse offers a playground for adventure enthusiasts, with over 1000 rock climbing routes and 11 miles of picturesque trails for hiking and mountain biking. Eldorado Canyon's rich history echoes through the ages, from Ute Indian inhabitation to its glamorous stint as a resort for the elite in the early 20th century. Amidst billion-year-old rocks and the legacy of Ivy Baldwin's tightrope feats, today's visitors enjoy both climbing and admiring the breathtaking vistas.

Address: 9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025, United States

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: A Captivating Journey of Taste and Tradition

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a haven for tea connoisseurs. With an authentic Persian teahouse handcrafted and imported from Tajikistan, it's the sole one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Here, patrons revel in over 80 premium teas, relishing the enchanting ambiance beside a serene creek-side patio. This unique sensory experience transcends the ordinary, transporting visitors to a distant world. Beyond the impressive selection of teas, delectable breakfast, lunch, and tapas-style dinner dishes beckon. Whether for quiet contemplation or shared moments with friends, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse offers a warm and welcoming escape, where the heartwarming chai – a harmonious blend of spices, black tea, milk, and honey – tantalizes the senses.

Address: 1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, United States

Boulder Farmers Market

Boulder Farmers Market: Unleash Your Culinary Adventure!

Bypass the brunch rush and embrace a sunny Boulder Saturday at the Boulder Farmers Market. This vibrant outdoor haven, a community hub for nearly three decades, proudly showcases Colorado's finest. Discover local chefs sourcing their week's ingredients, residents making this market their cherished ritual, and visitors indulging in shopping, eating, and basking in Boulder's natural splendor. Amidst sights, sounds, aromas, and flavors, the market becomes a sensory feast.

Address: 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, United States

Museum of Boulder

Museum of Boulder: Embark on a Timeless Journey of Discovery

Explore the fascinating journey of Boulder's evolution at The Museum of Boulder, located within The Tebo Center. Opened in 2018, this revamped former Masonic Lodge immerses visitors of all ages in hands-on technology and exhibits. A highlight is the Boulder Experience Gallery, a dynamic space for firsthand exploration of Boulder's rich history, present, and future. Escape the bustle of downtown on the museum's rooftop, where breathtaking Flatirons views await, offering a serene pause amidst your Boulder adventure.

Address: 2205 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, United States

Wonderland Lake Park

Wonderland Lake Park: Nature's Playground for All to Explore

Discover the captivating beauty of Wonderland Lake, Colorado. The peaceful waters reflect the clear skies, and the surrounding trees hold stories of time. Stroll along the calm shores, experiencing both calmness and excitement. When the sun sets, the mountains cast a warm glow, creating a truly memorable experience in this natural wonderland.

Address: 601 Poplar Ave, Boulder, CO 80304, United States

Betasso Preserve Trailhead

Betasso Preserve Trailhead: Where Trails Lead to Thrilling Discoveries

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at Betasso Preserve, an absolute gem among Boulder County Park System's trail offerings. Nestled along Boulder Canyon and Sugarloaf Roads, this preserve boasts not one, not two, but three dynamic trails. Imagine a dumbbell layout, connecting two loops with a thrilling connector trail. On this hike, we'll dive into the Canyon Loop trail, a captivating 3.5-mile journey adorned with restful benches and breathtaking panoramas of the Four Mile Canyon region. Known as one of Boulder County's most picturesque and impeccably maintained trails, it's a must-explore hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts!

Address: Betasso Rd, Boulder, CO 80302, United States

Avery Brewing Co.

Avery Brewing Co.: Savor the Legacy of Flavor

Step into an exhilarating craft brewing adventure at Avery Brewing Company in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. Since 1993, their vibrant innovation has delighted beer enthusiasts globally, crafting an array of year-round and seasonal brews that shine in competitions. Imagine the acclaimed White Rascal Belgian-Style White Ale, a star of the 2015 Great American Beer Festival. Led by visionary President Adam Avery, the brewery's journey started small with a seven-barrel tank and flourished into producing 50,000 barrels in 2015. With their groundbreaking $30 million brewery in 2015, dreams of 500,000 barrels annually soared. Despite growth and shifts, Avery remains a fiery trailblazer, welcoming you to savor their remarkable craft and redefine your beer experience.

Address: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301, United States

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Igniting Creativity in Every Corner

Welcome to BMOCA, a thrilling haven dedicated to showcasing the art that shapes our era. Bursting with regional, national, and international exhibitions and performances, this dynamic venue ignites inspiration and sparks curiosity. With a rich history of cultural vibrancy, BMoCA stands as a cornerstone of its community, inviting you to join its adventurous journey through thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging educational experiences. Dive into a world of diverse aesthetics, perspectives, and dialogues, and explore the evolving realm of contemporary art like never before.

Address: 1750 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302, United States