It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Boulder, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My husband looked forward to visiting with his caregivers. The people who stayed with my”
“Raphael and Tenzin were so kind and caring to Robert. Thank you so much.”
“Stephanie was beyond perfect, and Sandy loved her!”
“Thank you ALL for your excellent care!”
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative,”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding,”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are”
“My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me.”
“I am a current client of this provider The most helpful part is getting him in”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I”
“The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They”
“Always best care is one of the best companies I have worked for. Best people”
“Always Best Care is the best! I loved working here. Everyone cares about you and”
“I have worked as a caregiver for over 3 years now, this being the third”
“I am a current client of this provider They have a huge impact. They help the”
“We are getting ready to have a girl leave right now. Marla is wondering if”
“Always Best Care was there with caring, knowledgeable staff, ready to meet me and discuss”
“My husband looked forward to visiting with his caregivers. The people who stayed with my husband were kind to him. I appreciate that so much!”
“Raphael and Tenzin were so kind and caring to Robert. Thank you so much.”
“Stephanie was beyond perfect, and Sandy loved her!”
“Thank you ALL for your excellent care!”
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I can only comment on what I learned from a distance. Always Best Care staff, Holly as care manager, was always prompt with reports, caring in her reporting. The staff said Chloe had Mike out involved in activities which contributed to his improved cognitive. Too bad he fell but sadly nothing to be done about Mike's falls. They sometimes just happen no matter how many aids there are in place. I appreciated the ability of Always Best Care to provide a caregiver in 24'. Thank you.”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative, caring, and fast at responding. The care that we receive is always amazing and everything that we have been looking for.”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much for taking care of my brother.”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so far seem kind and genuinely interested in their client.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful. You have a great team, it's recognized and appreciated. Everyone has made me feel welcome and it was nice visiting with everyone on your caregiver appreciation lunch you had. Keep up the good work and try not to work too hard.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider is perfect for our needs. She is professional, thoughtful, and proactive. The case manager and community liaison are also personable and responsive. We highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions and all staff at the office is always available.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding, emphatic service in helping move a family member into a new residence, making possible a higher level of care for her than previously available. In addition to supporting her prior to and through this highly stressful process, ABC, and particularly Madison and Michelle, provided extremely useful advice to us, including recommendations for movers and for a pet fostering service that will care for some of her pets until their new homes can be identified. Throughout the process ABC gave us abundant time and attention. Their recommendations and support were spot-on. We highly recommend them.”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay in his current living space. They were great with communication, and overall had a wonderful experience!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always Best Care. The case management that provides oversight for the caregivers is what set them apart. I would highly recommend!”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these hospitalizations happened. It would have had a really nice impact we just weren't able to use it for very long. They were great. Their service was wonderful and the communication was great. I was very happy with the kindness and care.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we cannot do ourselves. Everyone we have had has been exceedingly pleasant and easy to get along with.”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best Care. My experience was positive because they were attuned to the time with everything I needed to do. If there was a paper I needed to be signed, they were helpful. I don't have any memory problems, but they were very friendly. We laughed and talked. They were just like a best friend who took me where I needed to go. I have always told people about Always Best Care and the people working there. I have referred people. Always Best Care is the best. I like how they were attentive when I called. Laura, she knew exactly what I needed. And the timing, they were perfect about the timing. Always Best Care was attuned to what I needed.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are prompt and always on time. They are always on top of everything when we call.”
“My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me. This agency will keep in touch with us.”
“I am a current client of this provider The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They are very good about if something happens like if someone doesn't come they will get someone out here.”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me. This agency will keep in touch with us.”
“The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They are very good about if something happens like if someone doesn't come they will get someone out here.”
“Always best care is one of the best companies I have worked for. Best people and co-workers. They truly care about their clients and caregivers. I love working here!”
“Always Best Care is the best! I loved working here. Everyone cares about you and they are very compassionate. As a student, they were able to work with my schedule from part time to full time. They are reliable and great listeners. Natalie was the best! Anyone looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend it here :)”
“I have worked as a caregiver for over 3 years now, this being the third agency I have worked for. This is by far the best agency I’ve worked for or been around, I would highly recommend them to anyone. As a caregiver, I feel completely supported by all of the office staff and case managers. Communication is a key when it comes to home care, and this office makes that one of their priorities. I’ve never had any issues working for this company. I would recommend them for your family members, or as a caregiver looking for a new job. As a college student they are very flexible with time and accepting of what my needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have a huge impact. They help the most by driving us since I do not drive. They also help change the bedding and make the bed since it is difficult for us to do. I think that they have been excellent. I am very fond of the person I am assigned to.”
“We are getting ready to have a girl leave right now. Marla is wondering if she did something wrong. I told her that was not the case. The turnover of people is massive right now. It's not good when you're dealing with a dementia patient.”
“Always Best Care was there with caring, knowledgeable staff, ready to meet me and discuss all of the care options available, including in-home care, local facilities, etc. They know their stuff and are kind and patient with great follow-through!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Flagstaff House or visit Mork Mindy House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Boulder, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Boulder, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Boulder, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Some photographs capture a landmark. Others capture the spirit of a place. Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day brings together the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall and the Flatirons towering behind it—a pairing that feels unmistakably Boulder.The appeal goes beyond the mountain backdrop. The Dining Hall gives the scene warmth and a human scale, while the sweeping rock formations reveal the extraordinary landscape surrounding it. Together, they connect Boulder’s community history with a much older geological story....
Some photographs capture a landmark. Others capture the spirit of a place. Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day brings together the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall and the Flatirons towering behind it—a pairing that feels unmistakably Boulder.
The appeal goes beyond the mountain backdrop. The Dining Hall gives the scene warmth and a human scale, while the sweeping rock formations reveal the extraordinary landscape surrounding it. Together, they connect Boulder’s community history with a much older geological story.
The Chautauqua Dining Hall has been a Boulder tradition since 1898. Built in just 40 days for $11,000, it originally seated 400 people. Its Victorian-style architecture and welcoming porch remain central to its character.
The Dining Hall and Auditorium were among the original buildings serving Colorado Chautauqua’s first summer visitors. Many guests stayed in tents, making a communal dining facility essential. It provided meals while reducing the dangers associated with cooking around temporary accommodations.
Its first manager was Oliver T. Jackson, a Black entrepreneur who later founded Dearfield, Colorado, in 1910. His connection adds another important chapter to the building’s history.
Over the generations, the Dining Hall has become a place to gather before concerts, celebrate milestones, and share a meal after exploring the nearby trails.
The mountains behind the building tell a story measured in millions of years.
According to the City of Boulder’s geology guide, the Flatirons belong to the Fountain Formation. Their rock layers formed from sand and gravel deposited approximately 280 million years ago as the Ancestral Rocky Mountains eroded.
Those layers began relatively flat. Later mountain-building forces, around 65 million years ago, tilted them sharply upward. Erosion helped sculpt the dramatic slabs that now define Boulder’s western skyline.
That contrast makes this scene especially compelling: a historic gathering place beneath rock formations whose origins stretch far beyond human history.
For longtime residents, this setting can evoke porch meals, family outings, concerts, and familiar trail mornings. For first-time visitors, it offers an immediate introduction to Boulder’s outdoor beauty.
The photograph brings those experiences together without needing an elaborate explanation. The Dining Hall anchors the scene, and the Flatirons give it scale and identity.
Today’s picture celebrates a lasting Boulder connection: people gathering at the foot of the mountains, finding inspiration in a landscape that continues to reward a closer look.
Boulder already knows how to eat the season. The trick in late September is turning what catches your eye at the farmers market into something you will actually cook—and enjoy again tomorrow.A harvest bowl makes that easy. Roasted squash, onion, apples, and greens come together over a warm grain, with lemon and toasted seeds bringing everything into focus. It is a satisfying meatless dinner and a useful Sunday batch for the week ahead.Start With What the Market HasThe Boulder Farmers Market takes place d...
Boulder already knows how to eat the season. The trick in late September is turning what catches your eye at the farmers market into something you will actually cook—and enjoy again tomorrow.
A harvest bowl makes that easy. Roasted squash, onion, apples, and greens come together over a warm grain, with lemon and toasted seeds bringing everything into focus. It is a satisfying meatless dinner and a useful Sunday batch for the week ahead.
The Boulder Farmers Market takes place downtown on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November 21, 2026. Wednesday hours are 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. through October 7. Leave pets at home; service animals are welcome.
Fruit shopping requires some flexibility this year. Steve Ela and the team at Ela Family Farms reported that the April 17 freeze destroyed their entire 2026 tree-fruit crop. The farm is limiting market appearances while continuing to offer preserved fruit products, including applesauce, fruit butters, jams, and dried fruit.
That does not mean every Colorado orchard lost its apples. It means asking growers what they have and letting availability shape dinner. Fresh apples work beautifully here, but a little unsweetened applesauce can provide the same gentle sweetness at the finish.
For more shopping inspiration, explore the variety of fall produce at Boulder’s farmers market. Choose sturdy vegetables you enjoy eating rather than trying to follow a rigid shopping list.
Serves 4. Allow about 50 minutes, plus grain cooking time.
If fresh apples are unavailable, substitute ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, added after roasting.
Fresh squash, apples, greens, grains, and simple toppings come together for a Boulder-inspired sheet-pan harvest bowl.
Heat the oven to 425°F. Seed the squash and cut it into roughly ¾-inch pieces. Delicata skin can stay on; peel butternut squash.
Toss the squash and onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Spread across a large rimmed sheet pan. If using cabbage, coat it with some of the remaining oil and add it now, placing a cut side against the pan.
Roast for 20 minutes. Turn the vegetables, then add the apple wedges, lightly coated with the remaining oil. Roast another 15 to 20 minutes, until the squash is tender and the apples soften while holding their shape.
If using greens instead of cabbage, toss them with a little oil and add during the final 5 to 8 minutes. Use a second pan if necessary: crowded vegetables steam instead of browning.
Spoon the vegetables and apples over warm grain. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and add lemon juice to taste. If substituting applesauce, stir it into the grain now. Finish with seeds or nuts and optional cheese or yogurt.
Add a drained can of white beans or chickpeas to make the bowl more substantial. For a vegan version, choose maple syrup and skip the dairy. The toasted seeds and lemon still give it plenty of flavor.
Keep the grain, roasted vegetables, and toppings separate if you prefer assembling each serving fresh. Reheat for dinner, tuck leftovers into a wrap, or add a fried egg for breakfast. For a trail lunch, pack the bowl chilled with an ice pack.
The pleasure is in the flexibility. Buy what the farmers brought, give the vegetables room to roast, and let one good cooking session carry you into the week.
OK, let's not pretend this is a marquee matchup on paper.Colorado stumbled out of its Big 12 opener with a 23-13 loss to Baylor, dropping Coach Prime's Buffaloes to 2-2 and looking like (potentially) the worst team in the conference. That's on the heels of a 41-7 blowout at Northwestern that was ugly enough for Deion Sanders to dismiss a handful of players for conduct detrimental to the team days later.Texas Tech, meanwhile, rolls into Boulder undefeated at 4-0, ranked No. 12, and looking every bit like the defending Big 12 cha...
OK, let's not pretend this is a marquee matchup on paper.
Colorado stumbled out of its Big 12 opener with a 23-13 loss to Baylor, dropping Coach Prime's Buffaloes to 2-2 and looking like (potentially) the worst team in the conference. That's on the heels of a 41-7 blowout at Northwestern that was ugly enough for Deion Sanders to dismiss a handful of players for conduct detrimental to the team days later.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, rolls into Boulder undefeated at 4-0, ranked No. 12, and looking every bit like the defending Big 12 champs they are.
(Getty Images)
So no, the Buffaloes probably aren't pulling off the upset. But the vibes in Boulder remain immaculate, and this might be the single best outdoor city on the entire schedule this season.
Whatever happens at Folsom Field, fans in town for the game still get to enjoy some of the best terrain in the country.
The single best trailhead in Boulder, and it's basically in town. Options range from the easy 1.3-mile Chautauqua Trail loop to the legendary Royal Arch hike — 3.3 miles, steep, a 4.8-star rating from over 20,000 AllTrails reviews, ending at a natural stone arch overlooking the city. If your group has wildly different fitness levels, this is the one trailhead that can handle all of them at once.
Runs right through downtown, so there's no real "drive time" to speak of. Rent a bike from University Bikes or B-Cycle and ride the paved path, or just walk down and watch people tube, fish and wade in the creek itself. The lowest-effort option on this list.
(Denver Post via Getty Images)
Boulder's rock-climbing mecca, and a legitimately beautiful canyon even if you're not the one climbing. The Eldorado Canyon Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back along South Boulder Creek, 4.7 stars, with towering sandstone walls the whole way.
The free alternative to Eldorado, running along the same corridor. Climbing, fishing and creekside scenery without the entrance fee — a good pick if you'd rather not pay to park.
The obvious star of the show.
This one runs a little past our usual drive-time window for game day, but c'mon — it's Rocky Mountain National Park. Just don't try to squeeze it into a pregame window. Between the drive and the sheer size of the park, this isn't a two-hour detour before kickoff. It's a half-day minimum, and honestly a full day if you want to do it right.
If you're only in Boulder for the game itself, save this one for another trip. But if you're turning the weekend into a longer stay, or tacking on an extra day before or after, this is exactly where you want to be.
Heads up: Between late May and mid-October, driving into RMNP during peak hours (9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for general park access, or 5 a.m. - 6 p.m. for the Bear Lake Road corridor) requires a Timed Entry Permit reserved in advance on Recreation.gov ($2 reservation fee) in addition to the standard entrance fee.
Last year, Boulder kept everyone waiting.The city’s first measurable snowfall did not arrive until November 29, 2025. The official total was just 0.3 inches, barely enough to decorate the grass. But that little dusting made a big entrance: BoulderCAST reported it as Boulder’s latest first measurable snowfall on record.It also ended a 223-day stretch without measurable snow, just one day short of the record set in 1992. That is a long wait for a town where snow is part of the scenery, the conversation, and occasional...
Last year, Boulder kept everyone waiting.
The city’s first measurable snowfall did not arrive until November 29, 2025. The official total was just 0.3 inches, barely enough to decorate the grass. But that little dusting made a big entrance: BoulderCAST reported it as Boulder’s latest first measurable snowfall on record.
It also ended a 223-day stretch without measurable snow, just one day short of the record set in 1992. That is a long wait for a town where snow is part of the scenery, the conversation, and occasionally the commute.
According to NOAA’s first-snow statistics, Boulder’s historical average first measurable snowfall date is October 17.
Think of that as a reference point, not a reservation.
Boulder can move from patio weather to snow-brush weather with remarkable speed. An October arrival would fit the familiar seasonal rhythm, but last year showed how far the calendar can stretch. As October begins, there is no reason to assume another record-late start.
For longtime residents, the anticipation is part of fall. For students and newcomers, it raises a practical question: Is today the day to finally put an ice scraper in the car?
A white mountain skyline does not automatically mean Boulder has recorded its first snow.
High peaks, foothill neighborhoods, and the city can experience very different conditions during the same storm. Snow visible in the distance might accompany rain downtown. Even flakes outside your window do not necessarily produce measurable accumulation at the official station.
For this guessing game, the milestone is at least 0.1 inch recorded at Boulder’s official weather station.
As BoulderCAST’s recap of last year’s first snowfall demonstrated, the season’s opening act does not have to be a major storm.
Sometimes a thin coating is enough to send people outside with cameras, give campus a different look, and turn the Flatirons into the morning’s main attraction.
Unlikely friends bond in the original comedy “Drag Queen Magic,” produced by Local Theater Company at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Friday through Oct. 17, at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $56; localtheater.org.VampireBuntport Theater dug through some Boulder County mythology when it created “The Vampire of Lafayette,” a new comedy based on the lore of a former denizen who haunted a local cemetery after his death, and it plays at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturd...
Unlikely friends bond in the original comedy “Drag Queen Magic,” produced by Local Theater Company at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Friday through Oct. 17, at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $56; localtheater.org.
Buntport Theater dug through some Boulder County mythology when it created “The Vampire of Lafayette,” a new comedy based on the lore of a former denizen who haunted a local cemetery after his death, and it plays at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Friday through Oct. 25, at 717 Lipan St., Denver; name your price; buntport.com.
Some call them the future of jazz music, and Domi and JD Beck bring their brainy, sophisticated keyboard-and-drums sound to town for a show at 8 p.m. Friday at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder; $37-$48; bouldertheater.com.
Thirty-five bands, eight stages and one big party is in store during the Lafayette Music Fest, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at various venues in Lafayette. Visit lafayettemusicfest.com for all the dates.
Seventies cover band Pet Rock plays disco, funk and rock hits for your dancing pleasure at 6 p.m. Saturday, at Bricks on Main, 471 Main St., Longmont. Visit bricks.retail for more info.
Doug Martsch’s ongoing musical experiment, Built to Spill, continues as the current incarnation, a three-piece lineup including Martsch, Teresa Esguerra and Melanie Radford. The trio plays at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder; $57; bouldertheater.com.
Compass Resonance welcomes Dover Quartet cellist Camden Shaw for “Cello Monk,” a program setting J.S. Bach’s music beside that of his son C.P.E. Bach, with Shaw as orchestra player, chamber musician and soloist, plus flutists Ysmael Reyes, Katy Wherry and violinist Zachary Carrettin, at 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $23-$83; thedairy.org.
Hailed by some critics as the movie that woke up a sleepy franchise, 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” finds James Bond (Roger Moore) ski-jumping his way to save the day, and the International Film Series screens it at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Muenzinger Auditorium, 1905 Colorado Ave., Boulder; $8-$11; internationalfilmseries.com.
No fewer than 11 local writers who specialize in bodice rippers share their secrets during the Romance Author Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Longmont Public Library, 355 Emery St., Longmont; free; longmontcolorado.gov.
Dancers from Boulder Ballet preview this year’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet during their Nutcracker Storytime presentation at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder; free (registration required); boulderbookstore.net.
Teens can explore crafty activities, snacks and good company during the Teen Craft and Create Club, which meets from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, Longmont; free (donations accepted); longmontcolorado.gov.
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