In springtime, usually in April, downtown Boulder blooms with 15,000 tulips. There are flower beds all up and down brick-paved Pearl Street. Bring your camera!

As snow melts off the Colorado mountains and runs clear and cold down to Boulder, wildflowers make their appearance in the foothills. Head out for a hike to see mountain bluebells, heart-leaved arnica, golden banners and wild irises.

Springtime is when the Flatirons, and the Chautauqua Meadow in their foreground, are at their most emerald green (in summer, the meadow turns a golden brown). The average high in April is 63F.

The BolderBoulder, a famous 10K footrace, is one of Boulder's spring events that draw big crowds. The event happens on Memorial Day. Join in the fun or watch from the sidelines — either way it's a kick.

The Boulder Farmers Market returns each spring on the first Saturday in April, weekly 8am-2pm. The Wednesday market starts up the first week in May, 3:30pm-7:30pm. Come for the festival atmosphere, with foods to sample, flowers to admire, live music and a food court for to-go bites that you can enjoy on the lawn of adjacent Central Park.

Family activities abound in the summer in Boulder. From chasing giant bubbles at the Boulder Farmers Market (shown above) to riding bikes along the Boulder Creek Bike Path.

Boulder's farms are in full splendor over the summer, a great time to get tickets to a farm dinner. You can also visit farm stands, take a scenic drive, volunteer on a farm or pick your own produce.

The Boulder Reservoir is Boulder's beach, perfect for cooling off, picnicking, sunbathing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or renting a boat for the day.

While it varies every year, fall foliage in Boulder tends to be at its peak from the end of September through mid-October.

Temps can be quite warm in fall, with plenty of sunny days perfect for outdoor pursuits. The average high in October is 66 F.

Fall harvest means Boulder's chefs are serving up the best of the year's bounty. Wash it down with a hearty, Boulder-brewed porter or stout.

Autumn is the time to catch a University of Colorado's football game. The CU Buffaloes play at stunning Folsom Field. Go Buffs!

Boulder's performing arts scene ramps up in fall. Get tickets to music, dance, theater and other events, like the Boulder Philharmonic and Frequent Flyers® Productions collaboration at Macky Auditorium (shown above).

Do as the locals do: Throw on a few more layers and head out for some fresh winter air. No need to go far for recreation. You can cross-country ski right in town at North Boulder Park (shown above), hike miles of winter trails, ice skate downtown or just build a snowman out your back door.

Boulder's historic Pearl Street is lit with twinkling lights and colorful window displays around the holidays. Duck into a coffee shop for a latte or hot cider, stroll the pedestrian promenade and browse indie boutiques and shops.

What better time to browse the stacks, warm inside Boulder's independent bookstores? Purchase a new page-turner and find a seat in the cafe — like the one attached to Trident Booksellers (shown above) — to sip coffee and read. You'll be right at home in this college town.

Boulder will be your perfect home base for a ski vacation. Eldora Mountain Resort is about a 35-minute drive up Boulder Canyon. When you've spent your energy on the slopes, come back for a cold craft beer, cocktails and award-winning cuisine.