Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Entertainment (Places and People)

Golf Course
Indian Peak Golf Course, Lafayette
Come and see why Golf Digest magazine gave this course 4.5 stars. Indian Peak includes 18 holes, six lakes and mass amounts of fun for the golf lover.

Colorado Ski Resort
Winter Park
Winter Park is the ultimate in-state getaway. Between taking gnarly (but safe) turns while mountain biking, skiing, lodging and dining, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Fair/Festival (E. County)
Louisville Street Fair
There’s just something so classic and charming about the Louisville Street Fair: food, music and lots of neighbors getting together to hang out on a summer night.

Fair/Festival (Boulder) 
Boulder Creek Festival
Among the hundreds of vendors that set up along the banks of the creek for this event, you’re sure to find something you never knew you needed—or wanted—that you just can’t live without. Plus, the vibe is just so Boulder.
 
Live Music Venue (E. County)
Nissi’s, Lafayette
If you want to have your finger on the pulse of local music, Nissi’s is the beating heart of the East County scene. It’s where we find the best local acts in the best local venue.
 
Live Music Venue (Boulder)
Boulder Theatre
Big acts or small, there’s nothing like seeing them in this intimate Boulder institution. Whether it’s a jam band or an oldie but goodie, Boulder Theatre makes every show unique and uniquely Boulder. And don’t forget to check out George’s next door.

Theater Company (E. County)
Jesters Dinner Theater, Longmont
They call Jesters “the little theater that could.” And we say, “Yes they can!” This downtown Longmont theater puts on some beefy shows—they just finished Aida and they’re opening Godspell—and, with a strong crew of local actors and singers, they pull them off with rave reviews.

Theater Company (Boulder)
Boulder Dinner Theater
Dinner theater is a noble art form—balancing song, dance, acting and waiting tables is no easy feat. At Boulder Dinner Theater, they do some impressive juggling (not literally) and always put on a fine show.

Gallery (E. County)
Muse Gallery, Longmont
Muse is a sweet, unfussy gallery—and it serves as an anchor for the entire Longmont arts scene. Take your time pondering the work of local creatives, from paintings to sculpture. And the gallery is manned by its members, so you’re likely to bump into an artist.

Gallery (Boulder)
Art and Soul Gallery
Art and Soul has an uptown vibe with contemporary pieces that are often playful and spirited. This Pearl Street gallery shows both national and international artists.

Museum (E. County)
Longmont Museum, Longmont
About 10 years ago, Longmont overhauled its city museum. And today, we celebrate the victory. With changing exhibits, programs and classes, and a sunshine-filled space, it’s the gem of Longmont.

Museum (Boulder)
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Funky and dynamic, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is an art-lovers dream and it’s always a bit of an adventure. Plan a docent-guided tour to get an “in the know” experience.

Chef
Hosea Rosenberg
Where is Hosea Rosenberg? Ever since the Jax chef won Bravo’s fifth season of Top Chef, Rosenberg has been traveling the world and hasn’t been too specific on what he’ll do with his winnings. Still, no matter where he ventures, locals will still crave his seafood inventions. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing a celebrity chef in your own backyard.

Radio Personality
Bret Saunders, KBCO
KBCO’s Bret Saunders is the king of local radio. He’s funny and personable and makes us feel a bit cooler and a bit more music savvy every time we turn on the radio. And while KBCO is no longer “local,” we tend to believe that Bret will always have our back.

Politician
Jared Polis
Within the last year, Rep. Jared Polis has introduced some groundbreaking legislation, stood strong in support of health care policy and other progressive issues and did a beer bong on The Colbert Report. Could he represent us any better? Answer: Nope, he’s practically perfect in our eyes.