Boulder Metropolis, Nevada is an enthralling and idyllic neighborhood perched above Lake Mead and the dam that created the city. Established in 1931 to deal with the builders of Boulder Dam (later modified to Hoover Dam), Boulder Metropolis will not be removed from its neighbor recognized for glittering neon lights and excessive stakes gaming. Whereas simply 30 miles from Las Vegas, Boulder Metropolis is a world away from town that by no means sleeps. There aren’t any vivid lights or playing allowed in Boulder Metropolis. As an alternative, it’s a peaceable place to walk the streets and go to classic outlets, vintage shops, peruse the general public artwork or its many parks. Boulder Metropolis is the gateway to many close by actions, from the Hoover Dam, water sports activities, lake excursions, ghost cities to mountain climbing trails and extra.
Like most individuals coming from Phoenix, I sometimes simply bypass Boulder Metropolis en path to Sin Metropolis. Nonetheless, this time, I made a decision to spend three nights absorbing the historical past and close by actions.
Whereas there are a selection of locations to remain on the town, I opted for the historic Boulder Dam Resort, which is situated within the coronary heart of downtown, strolling distance to outlets, eating places, museums and extra. In-built 1933, the Boulder Dam Resort has preserved its appeal and traditional type of the period. The foyer is a big and open area inviting company to congregate in a wide range of seating configurations. My companion and I loved the wingback chairs subsequent to the expansive hearth within the evenings with a cocktail in hand.
There are three lodging ranges to select from. We stayed in one of many suites which was 420sf and included a big toilet, king mattress, seating space and kitchenette. The usual rooms have a queen mattress at 210sf they usually have king rooms which are 100sf bigger. Additionally they have an on-site restaurant for breakfast and lunch, and a basement bar that always has stay music. There’s additionally the Hoover Dam museum situated on the primary flooring which is admittedly price testing, and admission is free.
The tempo in Boulder Metropolis is far slower and extra quiet than Las Vegas, and the one ringing you’ll hear are from the church bells offering the time of day. The principle drag by means of city is Nevada Means, from which every thing stems. Inside historic downtown are fantastically preserved brick houses from the early 30s when the dam was being constructed.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BOULDER CITY
We tried a number of eating places whereas on the town, however since we have been off exploring within the afternoons, we ended up having late breakfasts and early dinners, skipping lunch.
Breakfast Locations
- Espresso Cup Cafe – That is in all probability probably the most well-known eating places on the town due to visits by Man Fieri of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. They’re additionally well-known for his or her Bloody Marys and engaging down-home cookin’. The decor and structure are traditional diner type with partitions adorned by water-skis and different memorabilia paying homage to the world.
- Southwest Diner – That is one other Boulder Metropolis establishment specializing in home-made meals like Grandma used to make. That is an reasonably priced place for breakfast or lunch. A lot of their menu objects, like fresh-made banana bread, pies and even their scorching sauce, can be found for take-home buy.
- The Restaurant at Boulder Dam Resort – Good venue, modest and informal eating at this historic lodge.
Dinner Locations
- Milo’s Cellar – In all probability referred to as one of many nicest locations on the town for dinner. Beautiful environment with outside patio. Nice wine choice and menu objects that complement the vino expertise.
- Momo Sushi – A incredible hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant run by a neighborhood Japanese household.
- The Dillinger – Provides gourmand burgers, scrumptious salads and craft beer.
- Cornish Pasty Co. – The Cornish Pasty originates from Cornwall England which is legendary for its pasties, a sandwich of types made with a thick crimped edge alongside one facet making them simple to eat. The venue is admittedly cool, however the meals and repair was fairly mediocre. I want to give this place a second likelihood sooner or later as they’ve a couple of different areas in Arizona.
There are a few BBQ and Mexican eating places on the town that seemed good, however we didn’t get an opportunity to examine them out on this journey. In case you have any suggestions, please go away them within the feedback beneath.
TOP THINGS TO DO NEAR BOULDER CITY
- Hoover Dam in fact is likely one of the important points of interest, this engineering marvel is to not be missed. When you’ve by no means been, I extremely suggest spending a couple of hours touring this unbelievable achievement. Take the tour that takes you down into the depths of the dam, see the huge turbines, peer out of the vents of the dam trying down the Colorado River and study concerning the historical past of constructing the dam that created the most important man-made lake within the States. Don’t miss strolling the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for an unparalleled view of the dam.
- El Dorado Canyon Ghost City in Nelson – Situated about half-hour south of Boulder Metropolis is a spot that encapsulates Nevada’s wild west roots. It is a privately owned ghost city obtainable to pursue by yourself, or you’ll be able to take a tour, which features a take a look at the Techatticup Mine that after produced hundreds of thousands in treasured metals.
- Hemmenway Valley Park – There are numerous great parks in Boulder Metropolis, however this one is especially fascinating. This park is simply 10 acres and contains playground gear, gazebos, basketball courts, horseshoe pits and two lighted tennis courts with incredible views of Lake Mead. The park’s important points of interest although is the Bighorn sheep that come down from the mountains to water and graze. The sheep are very used to people, you’ll be able to sit on a park bench and watch them graze throughout you.
- Railroad Tunnel Path – It is a great scenic hike that takes you alongside the outdated railroad tracks that served to assemble the Hoover Dam. You’ll discover views of Lake Mead alongside the best way as you cross by means of a number of tunnels that have been chiseled out of the rock. You possibly can stroll all the best way to Hoover Dam and again, which is about 9 miles. The scenic half stops about midway while you run throughout a rest room, which additionally makes an excellent turn-around spot and is half the gap.
- Lake Mead – It is a incredible leisure lake providing cruises, all types of water sports activities, fishing and extra. The drive alongside Hwy 167 affords some spectacular views. When you drive far sufficient, you’ll be able to go to the fascinating ghost city of St. Thomas, which was underwater for many years earlier than the lake start to recede. A contact farther is Valley of Fireplace, which is simply an hour away from Boulder Metropolis.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
- Boulder Metropolis Artwork Guild Gallery – Situated within the historic Boulder Dam Resort, this artwork gallery options the works of native artists and is a must-visit for artwork fans.
- Boulder Theater – This classic movie show, in-built 1932, has been absolutely restored and now serves as a venue for movies, concert events, and different occasions.
- Nevada State Railroad Museum – Situated in a historic depot, this museum encompasses a assortment of restored locomotives, passenger automobiles, and different railroad gear.
- The Olive Department – This store affords a wide range of olive oils, vinegar, and different specialty meals objects, in addition to tastings and cooking courses.
- The Chocolate Nugget – This artisan chocolate store affords a wide range of handcrafted sweets and different sweets, in addition to chocolate-making courses.
Many will ask why Boulder Metropolis has no gaming…it’s as a result of town was based as a federal reservation for Nice Despair-era staff constructing the Hoover Dam, and because it was on authorities land on the time, playing, in addition to consuming, was unlawful. It wasn’t till a decade after the federal authorities gave up possession of town within the 60s that liquor was even allowed. Native leaders have continued to withstand playing in Boulder Metropolis to maintain it a respite from the remainder of the state.
In case you are planning on visiting Las Vegas, do your self a favor and carve out a pair three days and spend it in Boulder Metropolis, it makes a beautiful house base to discover the sights listed above, in addition to a reprieve from the hustle of Sin Metropolis.
In case you have any questions on visiting Boulder Metropolis, go away a remark beneath. In case you have any recommendations, similar to locations to see or eating places to go to, please share beneath. So till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the street…
