kittyroze
11-11-04, 03:38PM
Here are the ten articles I wrote for our local paper. I just got assigned the children's holiday gift guide, so that's coming up too :)
BEST RECORD / CD STORE
Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop
1015 Pearl St., Boulder – 303.447.8150
www.bartscdcellar.com
Despite the raging onslaught of downloadable music and satellite radio, Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop remains a major contender in the Boulder County music scene. From old classics to the hottest, newest bands, to even the most obscure underground artists, Bart's world-renowned collection of vinyl and CDs has something for even the most eclectic tastes. For those who would like to test-drive their musical selection before taking it home with them, Bart's provides a listening diner so that you can determine whether or not "The Muppets Greatest Hits" is right for you. If, by chance, you can't find that old Skankin' Pickle CD or Lee 'Scratch' Perry's last recording, the friendly and quirky staff is more than happy to special order it for you. They can even ship your special order anywhere in the world - in case you happen to plan a lengthy trip to Ghana anytime soon. If you've been considering asking where to find the latest Jessica Simpson CD, don't worry, they won't judge you - but we might.
Runners Up: Second Spin
1335 Broadway, Boulder – 303.444.6688
www.secondspin.com
BEST PLACE TO SHOP WITH ONLY $20 IN YOUR POCKET
Target
2800 Pearl St., Boulder – 303.449.3400
551 S. Hover Road, Longmont – 303.684.0701
400 Marshall Road, Superior – 303.209.0106
www.target.com
Chapstick? Check. Rainbow toes socks? Check. Puppy chow? Check. Whether you're looking for a new pair of shoes or a set of multi-colored Play-Dough, Target is the best place to drop 20 dollars. Besides, Target isn't just good to your pocket book. Target is an industry leader of Climate Leaders, a voluntary EPA industry/government partnership. They are dedicated to recycling, reusing and rethinking their impact on communities. Other than having a dedication to preserving the environment, they also offer grants to projects that promote anything from early childhood education, to the arts, to family violence prevention. So, whether you're digging its cheap digs or its community-conscious contributions, Target is a fantastic place to shop when you're on a budget.
Runner Up:Rockin' Robin's: Retro and Resale
136 2nd Ave., The Emporium, Historic Downtown Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.rockinrobins.net
BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR DISTRICT
The Pearl Street Mall
Downtown Boulder (from 700 to 2200 Pearl St., between Spruce and Arapahoe) – 303.449.3774
www.boulderdowntown.com
The sun is out, the sky is brilliantly blue and you have nothing to do on Saturday - what to do, what to do? For the average Boulder County resident, a trip to Pearl Street is the perfect weekend diversion. You never know what you'll see on this diverse strip of land in the heart of Boulder. Some days there are drummers, violinists, contortionists, jugglers, poets and even Mayan musicians. Other days the rich smells of organic cooking, gooey pizza and other delicacies waft through the air as countless students, parents, children, politically passionate activists and many other sorts of people peruse the treasures on Pearl. Pick up a lemonade and wander in to one of the many local art galleries, or perhaps browse the out-of-print bookstore. Just hop in your car (or onto your bike) and head on down to an eclectic local adventure with countless distractions and amusements to be found. You'll find something for everyone, and everyone with something unique to offer.
Runner Up: Old Town Niwot
2nd Ave., Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.niwotco.com
BEST VIDEO STORE
Video Station
1661 28th St., Boulder – 303.440.4448
www.thevideostation.com
For Friday nights at home with a big bowl of air-popped popcorn and a box of Twizzlers, even the most discriminating movie buff can find something to view at Video Station. With over 40,000 titles, the average person could be overwhelmed by its unbelievable selection. But with the help of a friendly staff member, often times a film student from the University of Colorado, you'll be walked through the largest selection of videos in Colorado step by step. Whether you're hoping for a fantastic French film such as "Amelie," or would rather try out a cult classic like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," chances are the Video Station will have what you need - and perhaps open your mind a little bit. Go ahead, branch out and pick up a copy of the B horror film "The Plutonium Baby," you just might learn something. Example: "Never mess with radioactive squirrels."
Runner Up: Blockbuster Video
4800 Baseline Road, Boulder – 303.494.8419
2400 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder – 303.413.0952
3135 28th St., Boulder – 303.413.0750
1610 Pace, Unit 100, Longmont – 303.772.0653
1751 North Hover Road, Longmont – 303.651.1343
1020 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont – 303.651.1293
976 Dillon Road, Louisville – 720.890.7828
1335 South Boulder Road, Louisville – 303.665.0550
1691 East Coalton Road, Superior – 303.554.1300
BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOWS / WINDOW TREATMENTS
Innovative Openings
1672 30th St., Boulder – 303.449.6465
637 S. Pierce Ave., Louisville – 303.665.1305
www.innovativeopenings.com
Been hunting for a fabulous Roman shade for your windows? Maybe some solar screen shades? Or perhaps you just know you want something, but have no idea what that something is? Innovative Openings can help you through the window-treatment-buying process. Offering both functional and beautiful window furnishings, as well as an amazing sales staff with impeccable taste, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised by the variety and style offered in any of their locations. Innovative Openings offers design, installation and repair services to fit your needs.
Runner Up: Cloth Constructions
2087 30th St., Boulder – 303.449.2102
www.clothconstructions.com
BEST SCUBA STORE
Top of Page Scuba Joe's
3015 Bluff St., Boulder – 303.444.7234
www.scubajoe.com
Few things rival the beauty of the ocean. The soothing sound of waves lapping against a beach, the way light flickers in shallow water and the really nifty sea life all make for an amazing, soul-soothing experience for scuba enthusiasts. Scuba Joe's provides travel agency services and equipment rental, and it has earned the highest level of recognition awarded by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors for their accomplishments in dive education, dive retailing and dive opportunities at all levels of instruction. They also have received recognition for exemplary efforts in educating customers about the importance of conserving the aquatic environment from the Project AWARE Foundation. If you have been considering learning the basics of diving or would like to hone your already excellent scuba skills, Scuba Joe's is the place for you.
Runner Up: Weaver's
637 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.499.8500
www.weaversdive.com
BEST RUNNING STORE
Boulder Running Company
28th & Pearl, Boulder – 303.786.9255
www.boulderrunningcompany.com
The right running shoe is essential to a pain-free run. In fact, a properly fitted and customized running shoe prevents not only blisters, but also future back problems and other skeletal muscular injuries - whether you're running in the Bolder Boulder or scampering away from your overzealous admirers. At the Boulder Running Company, the highly experienced and well-trained staff performs thousands of gait analyses per year. They'll help you find the perfect shoes, apparel and other accessories for your own personal needs. Video gait analysis is the staple of their footwear fitting process. Just hop on their treadmill for a quick jaunt and they'll record a video of your feet in motion as you road test different types of shoes.
Runner Up: Active Imprints
629 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.494.0321
www.custominsoles.com
BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION STORE
R.E.I.
1789 28th St., Boulder – 303.583.9970
www.rei.com
Love the smell of s'mores roasting over an open fire? So does this year's winner for Best Outdoor Recreation Store. REI isn't one of the most trusted names in camping, backpacking and multiple outdoor adventure sports for nothing. They carry nearly every sport-related doo-dad imaginable, and for the typical Boulder County resident, that's a dream come true. REI even offers adventure travel services, which feature more than 90 different trips of all ability levels. They offer your choice of hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing and adventure cruises to all corners of the globe. Whether you simply want a shiny new pair of goggles or you want to escape to a horseback-riding trip in Chile, REI has something for everyone.
Runner Up: Eastern Mountain Sports
Arapahoe Village Shopping Center, Boulder – 303.442.7566
www.ems.com
BEST PET STORE / BAKERY / DELI
Deli PC's Pantry for Dogs and Cats
2600 30th, Boulder – 303.245.9909
www.pcs-pantry.com
For the ultimate in pet-pampering experiences, bring your precious pooch or feline into Deli PC's Pantry For Dogs and Cats. With a loving staff, which includes several furry friends, a trip to P.C.'s is fun for everyone in the family. Their deli is the perfect pet friendly experience, with fresh-baked, nutritious biscuits and meatloaves in fun flavors like P.C.'s pizza and pumpkin. If you've been planning your pet's birthday extravaganza, consider treating them and their closest pet pals to one of PC's custom barkday cakes. The seven- and nine-inch cakes come in beef, salmon, chicken, turkey and liver flavors - for the most discriminating of tastes. Visit their Web site for a list of upcoming events and pet seminars, which in the past have included pet massage, canine behavior, and a volunteer information session for the Humane Society.
Runner Up: PETsMART
2982 Iris Ave., Boulder – 303.939.9033
402 Center Drive, Superior – 303.543.6060
www.petsmart.com
BEST RECYCLED GOODS / THRIFT STORE
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE
Top of Page Play It Again Sports
653 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.499.2011
www.playitagainsports.com
For almost 15 years, Play It Again Sports has been Boulder County's premier locally owned sports store. Under new ownership since July 2003, Joy Rochester and her incredibly knowledgeable staff offer excellent customer service to athletes of all ages. The newly expanded and remodeled store offers a huge selection of new and used sporting equipment. From hockey to disc golf to skis and snowboards, Play It Again Sports has you covered for an affordable price. Its services go even further with a new DupliSkate sharpening machine, the same skate sharpener that is used in the NHL. Local involvement includes sponsoring Rocky Hockey In-Line and providing equipment to South Boulder Little League and the YMCA Lacrosse League. Even though 65 percent of the items in the store are brand new, Play It Again Sports will buy, sell, trade or consign your quality used sports gear. From season to season, Play It Again Sports is on your team.
Runner Up Best Recycled Goods / Thrift Store: Rockin' Robin's: Retro and Resale
136 2nd Ave., The Emporium, Historic Downtown Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.rockinrobins.net
Runner Up Best Sporting Goods Store: Gart Sports
3320 N. 28th St., Boulder – 303.449.9021
2251 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite C, Longmont – 303.772.0133
301 Marshall Road, Superior – 303.554.0161
www.gartsports.com
Runner Up Best Locally Owned Store: Walters & Hogsett
2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder – 303.449.2626
BEST RECORD / CD STORE
Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop
1015 Pearl St., Boulder – 303.447.8150
www.bartscdcellar.com
Despite the raging onslaught of downloadable music and satellite radio, Bart's CD Cellar & Record Shop remains a major contender in the Boulder County music scene. From old classics to the hottest, newest bands, to even the most obscure underground artists, Bart's world-renowned collection of vinyl and CDs has something for even the most eclectic tastes. For those who would like to test-drive their musical selection before taking it home with them, Bart's provides a listening diner so that you can determine whether or not "The Muppets Greatest Hits" is right for you. If, by chance, you can't find that old Skankin' Pickle CD or Lee 'Scratch' Perry's last recording, the friendly and quirky staff is more than happy to special order it for you. They can even ship your special order anywhere in the world - in case you happen to plan a lengthy trip to Ghana anytime soon. If you've been considering asking where to find the latest Jessica Simpson CD, don't worry, they won't judge you - but we might.
Runners Up: Second Spin
1335 Broadway, Boulder – 303.444.6688
www.secondspin.com
BEST PLACE TO SHOP WITH ONLY $20 IN YOUR POCKET
Target
2800 Pearl St., Boulder – 303.449.3400
551 S. Hover Road, Longmont – 303.684.0701
400 Marshall Road, Superior – 303.209.0106
www.target.com
Chapstick? Check. Rainbow toes socks? Check. Puppy chow? Check. Whether you're looking for a new pair of shoes or a set of multi-colored Play-Dough, Target is the best place to drop 20 dollars. Besides, Target isn't just good to your pocket book. Target is an industry leader of Climate Leaders, a voluntary EPA industry/government partnership. They are dedicated to recycling, reusing and rethinking their impact on communities. Other than having a dedication to preserving the environment, they also offer grants to projects that promote anything from early childhood education, to the arts, to family violence prevention. So, whether you're digging its cheap digs or its community-conscious contributions, Target is a fantastic place to shop when you're on a budget.
Runner Up:Rockin' Robin's: Retro and Resale
136 2nd Ave., The Emporium, Historic Downtown Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.rockinrobins.net
BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR DISTRICT
The Pearl Street Mall
Downtown Boulder (from 700 to 2200 Pearl St., between Spruce and Arapahoe) – 303.449.3774
www.boulderdowntown.com
The sun is out, the sky is brilliantly blue and you have nothing to do on Saturday - what to do, what to do? For the average Boulder County resident, a trip to Pearl Street is the perfect weekend diversion. You never know what you'll see on this diverse strip of land in the heart of Boulder. Some days there are drummers, violinists, contortionists, jugglers, poets and even Mayan musicians. Other days the rich smells of organic cooking, gooey pizza and other delicacies waft through the air as countless students, parents, children, politically passionate activists and many other sorts of people peruse the treasures on Pearl. Pick up a lemonade and wander in to one of the many local art galleries, or perhaps browse the out-of-print bookstore. Just hop in your car (or onto your bike) and head on down to an eclectic local adventure with countless distractions and amusements to be found. You'll find something for everyone, and everyone with something unique to offer.
Runner Up: Old Town Niwot
2nd Ave., Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.niwotco.com
BEST VIDEO STORE
Video Station
1661 28th St., Boulder – 303.440.4448
www.thevideostation.com
For Friday nights at home with a big bowl of air-popped popcorn and a box of Twizzlers, even the most discriminating movie buff can find something to view at Video Station. With over 40,000 titles, the average person could be overwhelmed by its unbelievable selection. But with the help of a friendly staff member, often times a film student from the University of Colorado, you'll be walked through the largest selection of videos in Colorado step by step. Whether you're hoping for a fantastic French film such as "Amelie," or would rather try out a cult classic like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," chances are the Video Station will have what you need - and perhaps open your mind a little bit. Go ahead, branch out and pick up a copy of the B horror film "The Plutonium Baby," you just might learn something. Example: "Never mess with radioactive squirrels."
Runner Up: Blockbuster Video
4800 Baseline Road, Boulder – 303.494.8419
2400 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder – 303.413.0952
3135 28th St., Boulder – 303.413.0750
1610 Pace, Unit 100, Longmont – 303.772.0653
1751 North Hover Road, Longmont – 303.651.1343
1020 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont – 303.651.1293
976 Dillon Road, Louisville – 720.890.7828
1335 South Boulder Road, Louisville – 303.665.0550
1691 East Coalton Road, Superior – 303.554.1300
BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOWS / WINDOW TREATMENTS
Innovative Openings
1672 30th St., Boulder – 303.449.6465
637 S. Pierce Ave., Louisville – 303.665.1305
www.innovativeopenings.com
Been hunting for a fabulous Roman shade for your windows? Maybe some solar screen shades? Or perhaps you just know you want something, but have no idea what that something is? Innovative Openings can help you through the window-treatment-buying process. Offering both functional and beautiful window furnishings, as well as an amazing sales staff with impeccable taste, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised by the variety and style offered in any of their locations. Innovative Openings offers design, installation and repair services to fit your needs.
Runner Up: Cloth Constructions
2087 30th St., Boulder – 303.449.2102
www.clothconstructions.com
BEST SCUBA STORE
Top of Page Scuba Joe's
3015 Bluff St., Boulder – 303.444.7234
www.scubajoe.com
Few things rival the beauty of the ocean. The soothing sound of waves lapping against a beach, the way light flickers in shallow water and the really nifty sea life all make for an amazing, soul-soothing experience for scuba enthusiasts. Scuba Joe's provides travel agency services and equipment rental, and it has earned the highest level of recognition awarded by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors for their accomplishments in dive education, dive retailing and dive opportunities at all levels of instruction. They also have received recognition for exemplary efforts in educating customers about the importance of conserving the aquatic environment from the Project AWARE Foundation. If you have been considering learning the basics of diving or would like to hone your already excellent scuba skills, Scuba Joe's is the place for you.
Runner Up: Weaver's
637 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.499.8500
www.weaversdive.com
BEST RUNNING STORE
Boulder Running Company
28th & Pearl, Boulder – 303.786.9255
www.boulderrunningcompany.com
The right running shoe is essential to a pain-free run. In fact, a properly fitted and customized running shoe prevents not only blisters, but also future back problems and other skeletal muscular injuries - whether you're running in the Bolder Boulder or scampering away from your overzealous admirers. At the Boulder Running Company, the highly experienced and well-trained staff performs thousands of gait analyses per year. They'll help you find the perfect shoes, apparel and other accessories for your own personal needs. Video gait analysis is the staple of their footwear fitting process. Just hop on their treadmill for a quick jaunt and they'll record a video of your feet in motion as you road test different types of shoes.
Runner Up: Active Imprints
629 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.494.0321
www.custominsoles.com
BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION STORE
R.E.I.
1789 28th St., Boulder – 303.583.9970
www.rei.com
Love the smell of s'mores roasting over an open fire? So does this year's winner for Best Outdoor Recreation Store. REI isn't one of the most trusted names in camping, backpacking and multiple outdoor adventure sports for nothing. They carry nearly every sport-related doo-dad imaginable, and for the typical Boulder County resident, that's a dream come true. REI even offers adventure travel services, which feature more than 90 different trips of all ability levels. They offer your choice of hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing and adventure cruises to all corners of the globe. Whether you simply want a shiny new pair of goggles or you want to escape to a horseback-riding trip in Chile, REI has something for everyone.
Runner Up: Eastern Mountain Sports
Arapahoe Village Shopping Center, Boulder – 303.442.7566
www.ems.com
BEST PET STORE / BAKERY / DELI
Deli PC's Pantry for Dogs and Cats
2600 30th, Boulder – 303.245.9909
www.pcs-pantry.com
For the ultimate in pet-pampering experiences, bring your precious pooch or feline into Deli PC's Pantry For Dogs and Cats. With a loving staff, which includes several furry friends, a trip to P.C.'s is fun for everyone in the family. Their deli is the perfect pet friendly experience, with fresh-baked, nutritious biscuits and meatloaves in fun flavors like P.C.'s pizza and pumpkin. If you've been planning your pet's birthday extravaganza, consider treating them and their closest pet pals to one of PC's custom barkday cakes. The seven- and nine-inch cakes come in beef, salmon, chicken, turkey and liver flavors - for the most discriminating of tastes. Visit their Web site for a list of upcoming events and pet seminars, which in the past have included pet massage, canine behavior, and a volunteer information session for the Humane Society.
Runner Up: PETsMART
2982 Iris Ave., Boulder – 303.939.9033
402 Center Drive, Superior – 303.543.6060
www.petsmart.com
BEST RECYCLED GOODS / THRIFT STORE
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE
Top of Page Play It Again Sports
653 S. Broadway, Boulder – 303.499.2011
www.playitagainsports.com
For almost 15 years, Play It Again Sports has been Boulder County's premier locally owned sports store. Under new ownership since July 2003, Joy Rochester and her incredibly knowledgeable staff offer excellent customer service to athletes of all ages. The newly expanded and remodeled store offers a huge selection of new and used sporting equipment. From hockey to disc golf to skis and snowboards, Play It Again Sports has you covered for an affordable price. Its services go even further with a new DupliSkate sharpening machine, the same skate sharpener that is used in the NHL. Local involvement includes sponsoring Rocky Hockey In-Line and providing equipment to South Boulder Little League and the YMCA Lacrosse League. Even though 65 percent of the items in the store are brand new, Play It Again Sports will buy, sell, trade or consign your quality used sports gear. From season to season, Play It Again Sports is on your team.
Runner Up Best Recycled Goods / Thrift Store: Rockin' Robin's: Retro and Resale
136 2nd Ave., The Emporium, Historic Downtown Niwot – 303.652.4144
www.rockinrobins.net
Runner Up Best Sporting Goods Store: Gart Sports
3320 N. 28th St., Boulder – 303.449.9021
2251 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite C, Longmont – 303.772.0133
301 Marshall Road, Superior – 303.554.0161
www.gartsports.com
Runner Up Best Locally Owned Store: Walters & Hogsett
2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder – 303.449.2626