There's No Community In Colorado More Enchanting And Historic Than Chautauqua Boulder
By Christy Articola|Published July 25, 2023
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
Do you know about the Chautauqua Movement and/or have you heard of Chautauqua in Boulder? This neighborhood was established as a progressive community way back in 1898. The Chautauqua Movement was an adult education and social movement that was quite vast in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It brought entertainment and culture to people in rural areas; speakers, teachers, and musicians visited Chautauqua all over the nation during this time, and the Colorado Chautauqua was one of the dozens of Chautauquas established all over the USA.
The movement declined, but it still exists. Today, the Colorado Chautauqua still stands, as do 20 other locations in the USA and Canada.
Colorado Chautauqua is a wonderful little neighborhood at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder. Most of the property is now cottage-style accommodations, but visitors can enjoy walking through the community and will enjoy viewing the historic homes throughout it. It also still hosts events, and it's at the base of the spectacular Boulder Flatirons.
The cottages here were all built at the turn of the 20th century. People rented these cottages for entire seasons to immerse themselves in the offering of the Chautauqua community here.
These cottages are in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. It's easy to see how so many people who spent time in this community long ago were so inspired to write, create art and music, speak, and learn.
Colorado Chautauqua still inspires its visitors today.
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The Chautauqua Dining Hall is a great place for a meal, whether you are staying in this community or not. It serves farm-to-table meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's open all year.
The Missions House, shown here, was built in 1911. It sleeps 16 people in eight rooms. It also has a common area, a stone gas fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests love relaxing on the screened porch.
The cottages come in many different shapes and sizes. Most have screened porches. Some are studios, but others have bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchen facilities.
It's easy to imagine how lively and interesting, yet at the same time serene, this place was when the Chautauqua Movement was at its peak.
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Events are still held in this historic community. Weddings and meetings are common. Also, famous musicians from all over the world come to play at the Chautauqua Auditorium.
Some famous performers that have played at Colorado Chautauqua include Joan Baez, BB King, Lyle Lovett, Wynton Marsalis, and The Indigo Girls to name a few.
There are also numerous exceptional hiking trails in Chautauqua Park. Colorado Chautauqua is a very special place. You can feel the history as soon as you step onto the property.
Colorado Chautauqua is amazing! This is such an interesting part of Boulder’s history and you can still enjoy its charm today. Many people who live locally don’t even know about the Chautauqua Movement, but now you do!
If you’re interested in staying in one of the historic cottages on-site at Colorado Chautauqua, you can reserve one on Booking.com.
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