Yasmeen Gurmendi is passionate about all things outdoors. The Boulder-based dentist developed a love for hiking early on in life. Growing up in New Mexico, Yasmeen was surrounded by mountains and natural beauty and says that one of the things she loves most about her new home in Colorado is its accessibility to incredible outdoor activities. A desert girl at heart, Yasmeen just tried skiing for the first time this year! We’re proud of you, girl!

When she’s not taking up new (and incredibly difficult, might we add) snow sports, Yasmeen is hanging out with her dog and taking advantage of all that Boulder has to offer. The summertime is one of the best times of year to visit this charming town. The flatirons sparkle above Pearl Street and the banks of the Boulder Creek are filled with twenty-somethings drinking and soaking in the sheer joy that is summer in Colorado. Boulder is recognized by many as the place to be, with U.S. News ranking it the No. 1 place in America to call home two years in a row, and National Geographic named it ‘The Happiest City in America’. This small city has so much to rave about and is the perfect place for your next summer getaway. We chatted with Boulder local Yasmeen to get her top recs, and we just know you’re gonna love them!

Where to Eat Breakfast

Before a packed-full day of checking out all that Boulder has to offer, you’re definitely going to want to fill up on some delicious breakfast. Luckily, this town has options on nearly every corner. Boulder has a wide variety of delicious options for that first (and most important!) meal of the day, so we’re sure you’ll find something you love.

Dry storage

Yasmeen’s number one breakfast recommendation is Dry Storage. This adorable restaurant and bakery have a great patio space with incredible views of the flatirons. Yasmeen highly recommends trying the croissants and avocado toast, but you really can’t go wrong at this joint, where the coffee is delicious and the pastries are made in house!

@dry_storage

The Chautauqua Dining Hall

If you’ve spent any time in Boulder, you may have strolled by this unassuming spot as you headed into Chautauqua for a hike. The Chautauqua Dining Hall, located right at the base of the notorious Chautauqua Park, comes highly recommended by Yasmeen. This quaint restaurant was built in 1898 and is full of old-school charm. Yasmeen’s favorite is the breakfast burrito, which she says is excellent!

@chautauquadininghall

Although Mt. Baldy borders sunny Los Angeles County, its high elevation (8,600 ft at the highest point!) makes for great fresh powder days all season long. The mountain has terrain for all ability levels, boasting over 800 acres of ski and board terrain, and you’ll never get tired of the sprawling views!

Where to Eat Dinner

The delicious dining options in Boulder don’t stop at breakfast. There are so many great spots to have dinner in this town, many of which are located on the quaint, pedestrian-only downtown hub, Pearl Street. Residents of Boulder are known for their commitment to healthy eating, so you can feel good knowing that you’re getting the best ingredients! With so many options, it can feel overwhelming planning out each meal of your vacation, so we asked Yasmeen for her top two favorites.

Blackbelly

This farm-to-table spot is Yasmeen’s number one dinner rec. Blackbelly has an upscale farmhouse vibe, serving locally sourced meat and vegetables that are simply to die for! They even have an in-house, whole-animal butchery program, so customers are sure to be getting the freshest cut of meat possible. The rotisserie chicken is Yasmeen’s favorite, but you really can’t go wrong at a place like this!

@blackbellyco

Sherpa’s Adventure

Check out Sherpa’s Adventure if you’re in the mood for some hearty Nepolese food. Located right off Pearl Street, this authentic spot offers the best of the best as far as curries and dumplings go. Right next door is Yasmeen’s favorite bar (more on that later!), making Sherpa’s Adventure her go-to spot for a bite before she hits the town for some drinks!

westword.com

After Dinner Spots

Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty cocktail or a scrumptious dessert, your after-dinner plans in Boulder are covered. Pearl Street is always bustling with tourists, college students, and families, so there is no shortage of post-dinner, late-night fun here! Check out Yasmeen’s go-to after-dinner spots below.

Bitter Bar

Bitter Bar is Yasmeen’s all time favorite cocktail bar. With an upscale vibe and an ever-changing drink menu, Bitter Bar is a definite crowd favorite. Yasmeen always gets their version of a margarita, ‘The Silver Coin’, but have no fear if you’re not into margs, as Bitter Bar’s cocktail menu has 20 unique drinks to choose from!

@thebitterbar

Gelato Boy

If you’re in the mood for some creamy and delicious after-dinner treats, Gelato Boy is your spot. Located right on Pearl Street, the founders of this authentic gelateria pride themselves on their commitment to sourcing the best ingredients. Gelato Boy offers a number of vegan and dairy-free options, and their menu is ever-changing, so you can bring the whole crew along and be sure there’s something for everyone. Be sure to have a taste of Yasmeen’s favorite flavor, salted cookies and cream!

@gelato.boy

Where to Shop

There’s so much great shopping in Boulder, you could spend an entire day browsing the unique boutiques on Pearl Street. With outdoor gear shops, upscale clothing boutiques, and vintage stores, you’ll be sure to find something you love. Yasmeen gave us her top two Boulder shopping highlights, and they sound amazing!

Apocalypse Vintage

If you’re in the mood to search around for that perfect vintage piece, check out Apocalypse Vintage, Yasmeen’s favorite shop in Boulder. This place is full of incredible one-of-a-kind gems, and Yasmeen notes that everyone who works there is super friendly! Be sure to check out this vibey vintage shop, we just know you’ll find something amazing.

@disco.apocalypse

Haven

Yasmeen loves the upscale boutique Haven. The shop is packed full of swoon-worthy brightly colored dresses, luxury skincare products, and fun beach bags. Haven is definitely on the pricier end, but their inventory is beyond splurge-worthy. Pop into this cute shop, if even just for a quick browse!

@shop_havencollective

Other Activities

A trip to Mt. Baldy can include a little bit of everything, and this versatility doesn’t stop at food. With so many choices, Natalie had a tough time picking just two of her favorites. You can dine on-mountain or head down to quaint Claremont, but be sure to take advantage of the outdoor seating offered at nearly every restaurant.

Breweries

Boulder is full of awesome breweries, all of which offer their own distinct vibe and unique selection of craft beers. Yasmeen loves Upslope and Avery Brewing Co, and she tells us that dog owners will love Avery; There’s a dog park right next door, so you can tire your pups out and then hit the brewery for some drinks!

@upslope

Boulder Farmers Market

The Boulder Farmers Market is notoriously spectacular, and for good reason. Yasmeen says of it, “10 out of 10 recommend!”. The market takes place on a tree-lined street, right next to a park and the Boulder Creek, so you can grab a snack from one of the food trucks and enjoy a little picnic in the grass. Bonus- there’s often live music!

@boulderfarmersmarket

Yasmeen Gurmendi

Halfdays community member and Boulder local Yasmeen Gurmendi is originally from New Mexico, and just tried skiing for the first time this year! She’s a dentist in Boulder and spends a ton of time with her adorable dog. Both Yasmeen and her pup are loving Colorado life!