Skip to Main Content

3 Ways to Soak Up Autumn in Downtown Boulder

Category: Boulder Blog

Photo of fall colors downtown

Post Date: October 10, 2022

Hey Downtown,

There is hardly a debate that fall is one of the best times of the year in Colorado. Chilly mornings, sweater season, leaf peeping, the anticipation before the first snowfall…there is something a little magical about October in Boulder. If you’re anything like me, then you want to soak up all the autumn vibes before they are gone. Here are three things to add to your weekend to-do list in downtown Boulder to enjoy this season!

1. Grab coffee at a local shop.  

Before beginning any day downtown, coffee is a necessity. And with so many shops to choose from, getting your caffeine fix will be a tough decision! If you’re looking for a pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin and warm spices, stop at Boxcar Coffee Roasters on the East End. Feeling a little hungry? Visit downtown’s newest coffee shop, Süti & Co, and enjoy delicious Danish shortbreads paired with a perfectly-sweetened honey latte. If you walk towards the Pearl Street Mall, stop by Ozo Coffee Company and choose a beverage from one of the largest menus around. A few other classic spots include Brewing Market Coffee just a few steps off the bricks, Amante Coffee on Walnut Street and Wonder on the West End (order their creamy matcha latte)! To explore all the coffee shops downtown, check out our coffee trail

2. Hunt for fall fashion items at retailers. 

Now that yo’ve had your morning coffee, it’s time to hit Pearl Street for a little retail therapy. It’s no secret that fall is one of the best seasons for fashion, and downtown retailers have you covered from black heeled booties at Two Sole Sisters to flowy maxi dresses at Flower Wild. Build up your winter capsule wardrobe with sustainable neutrals at Jones + CO, or find a statement sweater at Weekends. No matter what your closet is missing, local shops have what you need to feel your best this fall - explore all downtown retailers and check out October shopping specials. And don’t forget about greenery! Now is the perfect time to spruce up your indoor space with some pops of green before winter hits. Be sure to stop at Terracotta and pick up a few plant friends to take home.  

3. Explore an exhibit. 

The perfect end to any chilly day is to spend an afternoon taking in art. Visit the Museum of Boulder this month to browse the Open Studios Exhibit, featuring over 150 pieces representing local artists in the community. Plus, enjoy the ongoing Boulder Experience exhibition and engage with innovation that was developed in Boulder and its impact on the world through interactive multimedia displays. After perusing this museum, head over to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) to admire many beautiful displays, including Kristopher Wright: Just As I Am. This exhibit features 16 new, large-scale works that capture moments within places of sanctuary - communal backyard barbecues, sitting around the kitchen table or time together in the living room after a satisfying meal. After an afternoon spent engaging with art, stop by the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for a meal and pot of tea (I highly recommend a London Fog latte). This gorgeous teahouse is the perfect spot to reminisce on an autumn day downtown. 

No matter how you decide to spend your time downtown this fall, there is no shortage of coffee to drink, shops to explore and art to see. And if you want a few last minute suggestions, be sure to check out our daily event calendar to see what’s happening downtown! I hope to see you around!

-DBP Emi


Mentioned in this Post: Amante Coffee, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boxcar Coffee Roasters, Brewing Market Coffee, Flower Wild, JONES + CO Modern Mercantile, Museum of Boulder, Open Studios, OZO Coffee Co. (East Pearl), Süti & Co, Terracotta, Two Sole Sisters, Weekends, Wonder

Tagged:   Art,   Coffee,   Dining,   Shopping

We've been called
the Happiest Place
in the United States