This week's Colorado itinerary takes you to 'The Hill' in Boulder. For those not familiar with the University Hill, it refers to the neighborhood around Colorado University. Full disclosure, if you visit during a semester, there will be a fair amount of college students around. Personally I like the energy and the pace of the area. A 1/2 off Groupon featuring
Fiske Planetarium 
was the inspiration for this collection of places to visit. Please leave feedback and let me know what you think of this day trip. For the most part, all the below suggestions are in walking distance of each other. In addition to some of the recommended restaurants, I have also included a links for other restaurants in the area that currently have deals.
Cafe Aion - Brunch 11 am
Cost: $6-$15
http://www.cafeaion.com/
Start your day with brunch at Cafe Aion. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing. Spanish and Moroccan flavors are apparent in the menu. The fried cauliflower is surprisingly one of the stand out Tapas - fair warning, you may not want to share. In addition to coffee and juice, they also have a full bar. I am particularly fond of their Bloody Mary's, made with chili infused vodka and crispy bacon.
Fiske Planetarium - CHECK SHOWTIME AND GET TICKETS
Cost: $11 for 2 tickets with
Groupon (Reg. $10 per ticket)
The Fiske Planetarium features the Ziess, one of the most advanced stargazing machines in the world. Furthermore, CU has recently invested in an all-new fully immersive theater system, making it one of the most sophisticated planetariums in the country. Since the planetarium was the inspiration for this day trip, I suggest that you select what show you would like to go to, as there is different programming throughout the day.
https://fiske.colorado.edu/beta/events
Use the below suggestions to fill the time in before or after the planetarium show.
Shopping on the Hill
Cost: Varies $-$$$
http://www.thehillboulder.com/businesses/
- Meininger's - Go get your craft on! Actually if you time your trip right, you can take a free art class with part of the Demo and Dialogue series that is hosted at Meininger's in conjunction with the Art Student's League. As a bonus feature, a coupon is usually given to those who participate in the class- http://www.meininger.com/demo-dialogue/
Colorado University: Natural History or Theater
Cost: Free - $$ (admission to some theater events)
Since you are pretty much on CU's stomping grounds, you might as well check out some of the culture on campus. Two points of interest are the Natural History Museum and the University Theater.
Restaurant Deals - Up to 40% Off
Here are just a few food options that are reasonably priced and in the area. A couple of the recommendations are neighborhood favorites and the other three have good Yelp reviews and Groupons!
- Terra Thai - No coupon on this one, but with most of the menu ranging from $3-$8, why would you need one? Great food here, however, they are not open on Saturdays
- The Sink - What does Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain have in common? They both ate at this burger joint when they were in town.... not together, of course ;)
- Tibet Kitchen - $12 for $20 worth of food for two or more people with Groupon
- Mimi's Kitchen -
$13 for $20 worth of Mexican cuisine for two with Groupon
- The Cheese Course
- $15 for $25 worth of bistro menu items and drinks for two with Groupon
- Pachanga and Plango are the same thing... If you take Pachanga at 24 Hour Fitness, it's just called Palango. These classes are incredibly popular and for good reason. The simple, intense, and fun workouts torch calories while you hardly notice.
.... because, hey it's Billy! Who doesn't remember Tae Bo?! This 7 disc set is actually worth $80 and comes with resistance bands and gloves!
