Boulder, Colorado: Consider Teahouses on Your First Date

Of the country’s small cities, Boulder is certainly one of the most charming. Mountains, rivers, cafes, a pedestrian mall that displays a rainbow of flowers during the summer months, a Shakespeare festival âÂ?¦ the list goes on and on! So there’s no shortage of inspiring locales, supportive of romance and delight, or simply getting to know that special someone a little better. One wonderful option is a cup of tea in one of our premier tea-houses, followed by a walk along Boulder Creek.

The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House (http://www.boulerteahouse.com) is, hands-down, the most exotic and visually inspiring of the Boulder offerings. It’s located downtown, on the east side of 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon, and has outdoor patio seating right along Boulder Creek. The Tea House itself was a gift from our sister city, Tajikistan (located just west of China & north of Afghanistan). It was mailed from Tajikistan to Boulder in pieces, and then re-constructed here by Tajikistan artisans. The indoor space is centered around a fountain, and displays a wide array of exquisite carvings and paintings. A message carved in the ceiling reads: “artisans of ancient Khojend whose works are magical.” And it is indeed a magical place âÂ?¦ perfect for tea or more! Seating includes not only standard tables with chairs but also ~ in two of the corners ~ raised “short” tables with cushions (similar to what one finds in some Japanese restaurants). A full breakfast, lunch & dinner menu is offered, as well as a tantalizing array of tea snacks (including a “tea-for-two” selection presented on a tiered tray resembling a pagoda). Along with their extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, the Tea House brews what is ~ in my palate’s humble estimation ~ the city’s best chai.

If visual abundance of this sort is not your thing (or if you’re in the mood for a more simple elegance), walk down the street to The Tea Spot (http://www.the-tea-spot.com), which is located on the west side of 13th Street between Canyon & Walnut. You’ll be greeted here by a smooth-flowing ten-foot waterfall/fountain, which hugs the northern wall like a sheer silk gown. The owners of the Tea Spot pride themselves on being true connoisseurs, and my experience is that they are indeed just this: they offer a wide variety of custom blends, and water for steeping the tea is pressure-heated to the perfect temperature. One of my favorite blends is “Meditative Mind” ~ a white tea with a gentle infusion of rose and jasmine âÂ?¦ sublime! Along with tea and a variety of pastries, The Tea Spot also serves Dim Sum, the Chinese equivalent to French hors d’oerves. The Dim Sum (whose literal translation is “to touch your heart”) come in both sweet and savory varieties: a delightful selection of dumplings, steamed dishes and custard tarts. The menu includes several tea & Dim Sum “combos,” which allow for sampling these delicacies, with your tea, at a very reasonable price. Not to be missed!

After your tea, take a stroll down to the pedestrian path along the north side of Boulder Creek. (If you’re at the Dushanbe Tea House, it will be right across the street, if you’re at The Tea Spot, just a block south.) Walk west (toward the mountains) along the Creek, which will be gentle or roaring or partly-frozen, depending on the season. There are delightful places to pause, all along (in sun and shade) âÂ?¦ If you go far enough (about a half-mile from the Tea House) you’ll arrive at Eben G. Fine park, which has some excellent big boulders to sit on, along and in the water’s currents. From there, you can follow the walking-path under Canyon Blvd., to the base of the Red Rocks trail: another beautiful hike.

Enjoy!