Best of the West: Reader’s Poll [Entertainment & Retail]

Best of the West is back! The people have spoken and these are the best entertainment and shopping in BOCO.

Fair / Festival: Peach Fest

Take a cue from the Allman Brothers and eat a peach. At the annual Lafayette Peach Festival, you can expect 30,000 pounds of the state’s sweetest fruit. Try them in pizza, ice cream, smoothies, infused into honey, or the way nature intended them. This year will mark the festival’s 20th anniversary, it’s sure to be a show-stopper.

Live Music Venue EC: Nissi’s

Love live local music? Nissi’s curates the best lineup of Colorado musicians in an atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting with Wednesday night blues from bands like the Delta Sonics to regular dance nights. It’s a great place to bust a move.

Live Music Venue Boulder: Boulder Theater

For over 100 years the Boulder Theater has continuously transformed with the community. Today it’s the place to be for music, film, comedy, and cocktails. This art deco time capsule has hosted some of music’s biggest acts throughout the years: B.B. King, George Clinton and P-Funk, Johnny Cash and Bonnie Raitt; it really can make you forget you live in a time like this.

Movie Theater: AMC Flatirons

AMC has mastered the best parts of movie watching at home and in a theater. Grab a drink from the full-service bar, a big bucket of popcorn and lean back in the roomy recliner for any of the highly anticipated 2019 films or just another superhero movie, whatever your guilty pleasure.

Art Gallery: Phil Lewis Art

Artist, Phil Lewis, takes the already spectacular scenery Colorado has offered him and turns it into dreamland art you’ll get lost in. He also makes some cool stickers you can gift to all your super heady friends for their water bottles.  

Museum: Boulder History Museum

A must-see if you are new to this city. Learn about the legacy of the Arapahoe Tribe, see just what it took to reintroduce wolves to Colorado, or exercise your mind by building a robot in the Google Garage, discover what made and makes Boulder unique at the Museum of Boulder.

Theater: Curious Theatre

The artistic folks at the Curious Theatre follow the philosophy of “No guts, no story.” And with that, they are telling award-winning stories that challenge the status quo from diverse voices.

Salon (B): Voodoo Hair Lounge

The stylists at Voodoo Hair Lounge are trained to bring put your personality on a pedestal through your hair, it’s some kind of magic I tell you. That means vibrant color without damage, the curls of your dreams, dreadlocks, extensions, fairytale wedding styles. . . we could keep going.   

Pumpkin Patch: Anderson Farms

Anderson Farms in autumn is synonymous with wholesome family fun. Cut your own pumpkin from the vine, hop on a hayride, or try and find your way through the 30-acre corn maze (which is even more spectacular if you get a chance to view it from above).  It’s better than any pumpkin spiced latte.

Bike Shop (EC): Louisville Cycles

Whether biking is your hobby, your ride to work, or the reason you live and breathe, the Louisville Cyclery is ready to get you on the perfect bike. Stop in for a test ride and pet the shop dog, Doogal.

Bike Shop (B): University Bikes

Nothing will turn a person off of cycling faster than the frustration of fiddling with a seat that is too high or low, pedals sitting just slightly out of reach, or awkward handlebars.  University Bicycles will make absolutely sure you leave with a bike fitted just for you whether you’re a serious cyclist or a casual rider.

Ski Shop (EC): Fox Trot

Shred the gnar! For the pros looking to service their skis and snowboards: Foxtrot Wheel and Edge does all their finishing by hand for better, more detailed results. For the dabblers and weekenders: one-time and seasonal rentals are very affordable!

Ski Shop (B): Crystals Ski Shop

Crystal Ski Shop has it all (except for actual crystals (notice to hippies and healers):  a knowledgeable staff, top brand rentals, full-service tunes and repairs and even discounted lift tickets to Loveland Ski Area. Don’t let another ski season go by without stopping in.

Sporting Goods (EC): JAX

Winning by a landslide, it appears that most of our residents know the joy of walking through JAX and finding just what you were looking for and a bunch of other stuff you didn’t know you needed. It’s like the Target of sporting good stores, you can never just spend $20.

Sporting Goods (B): REI

Getting ready to hike, bike, ski, climb, camp (we could go on)? REI has the outdoor gear you need for your next adventure.  

Shoe (EC): Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. cares about the style of the shoe (of course), but mostly they care about your feet (not in the creepy foot fetish way). Their staff will do whatever it takes to make sure you leave with shoes that make your feet feel good from heel to sole.

Shoe (B): TIE Pedestrian Shop / Two Sole Sisters

We all know that person who is addicted to buying shoes. Lucky for them, Boulder has two of the best shoe stores around. The Pedestrian Shop specializes in classy and comfortable, while Two Sole Sisters carries trendy and vibrant shoes.

Eyewear (EC): Optical Centre

There’s lots to see inside the Optical Centre with the fabulous eyeglasses brands they carry and brightly painted walls and ceilings. And thanks to Dr. Whitmire’s expertise, you’ll be able to see it all!

Eyewear (B): Aspen Eyewear

It’s 2019, and four eyes are better than two. Glasses are in, even fake ones, but sometimes it can be a real challenge getting glasses that won’t slide down your nose or pinch the sides of your head. Aspen Eyewear is praised not only for their amazing selection of glasses and sunglasses, but in their staff’s attention to detail in fitting the frames.  

Jewelry (EC): Anspach’s

Sick of all the cheesy engagement ring commercials? If you’re shopping for that life changing piece of jewelry, go to Anspach’s in Lafayette. This local jeweler will work with you to find (or make) you the real perfect ring.

Jewelry (B): Angie Star

Angie Star Jewelry’s signature look is recycled hammered metal mixed with a dazzling gemstone. It’s both flashy and down to earth, just the way we like it.

Women’s Fashion (EC): Ivy Rose

Ivy Rose specializes in women’s fashion for every age. That makes it a great place to shop whether you’re out with your girlfriends or having a girls day with family.  

Women’s Fashion (B): Barbara & Co

You may get sick of people asking, “Where’d you get that?” after shopping at Barbara & Company. The clothing they sell is from local designers, as well as from Europe and Israel, creating a collection that isn’t found anywhere else. And, honestly, do we ever get tired of looking good?

Men’s Clothing (EC): JAX

Get your flannels, fleece, and footwear in all the top outdoor brands at your local JAX and really nail that local look.

Men’s Clothing (B): Weekends

For the men who can’t wait to get home and rip of their tie, who daydream about their Friday night plans, Weekends has the casual-wear to help them unwind in style. We’re living for the weekend baby.

Consignment Clothing (EC): Found Underground

Found Underground is a one-of-a-kind consignment experience. Not only do they buy and sell today’s top brands, they also have a collection of retro and vintage clothing you can’t find elsewhere.  

Consignment Clothing (B): Rags

This is Rags Consignments’ eighth YS win since 2007. Since then they’ve also opened their warehouse where you can get even better deals. With a generous sale policy and a long list of our favorite brands, who wouldn’t love selling and shopping there?  

Bookstore (EC): BookCellar

Though it looks small on the outside, the collection of books inside the BookCellar is remarkable. You’ll go to find that must-read novel but stay for the addicting aroma of old books and the company of the knowledgeable staff.

Bookstore (B): Boulder Bookstore

You could spend hours perusing the multiple levels at this Boulder staple, which has been in the community for over 45 years. The real treasure is the extensive events calendar filled with book clubs, readings and author signings. Book nerds, this is your haven.

Old Town: TIE Lafayette / Longmont

We don’t blame our readers for not being able to choose a clear winner between Old Town Lafayette and Old Town Longmont. They’re both charming and diverse and just the perfect place to stroll on a warm spring or summer evening.

Shopping District (EC): Flatirons Crossing

There is no greater joy than tackling all of your shopping in one place, like you can do at Flatiron Crossing. Whether it’s the holidays, back-to-school, or just a just a self-indulgent “me” day, this mall has delighted the BOCO community for nearly 20 years.

Shopping District (B): Flatiron Crossing / Pearl Street

In a state with four seasons, it’s nice to have the option to shop indoors at Flatiron Crossing when the weather is foul and outdoors on Pearl Street when mother nature is looking her looking its best. Each offering something different, you can pick where you’re going to drop serious dollars every day of the week.

Pet Supply (EC): Struttin Pup

Hey, dog person, meet dog people! The staff at Struttin Pup know what it takes to keep a dog well-fed, well-groomed, and well-loved.

Pet Supply (B): PC’s Pantry

We’ve covered “Treat Yo Self,” now it’s time to “Treat Yo Pet.” We love the baked fresh goodies PC’s Pantry has to offer and of course, the Barkday Cakes – it makes the perfect Instagram moment, and aren’t cute dog photos are what the internet is for?

Musical Instruments (B): HB Woodsongs

This isn’t the first time our readers voted HB Woodsongs the best place in Boulder to buy instruments. They continue to help our community make the music that fills our soul and it’s apparent why they are so loved.

Musical Instruments (EC): Wildwood Guitars

Customers of this exceptional guitar shop give high praise for the diverse inventory, but even more for the incredible customer service that feels vintage in this era of ecommerce.

Kid Store (EC/B): Grandrabbits

Just as it should be, playtime and learning are intertwined at Grandrabbits. This is more than just a toy shop, check out their blog for useful parent tips on how to make learning more fun.

Gift Shop (EC): Purple Poppy

Purple Poppy is here to fill your knick-knack need.  Get lost in the treasure trove of candles, cards, and coffee cups and become a part of their world.

Gift Shop (B): Jacque Michelle

Go ahead and decorate your whole life (home, body, and soul) with the trinkets and décor from Jacque Michelle – we know you want to.

Grocer: Lucky’s Market

The Lucky’s Market model is simple: Healthy food for a good price.  Their bakery is also off the chain. Now, who’s cooking dinner?

HM Best Kids / Book Store: Time Warp

Shopping at Time Warp truly does feel like you’re bending space and time as kids (big and small) can go down the rabbit hole to find modern and vintage titles as well as mainstream and niche comics.