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Outdoor activities

Sunset at Lost Gulch Overlook

Located off Flagstaff Road southwest of ������ý����, the Lost Gulch Overlook is one of the most scenic spots along the Flatirons. Watching the sunset (or sunrise, if you want to wake up nice and early) along the mountains will take your breath away.

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Hike to the Royal Arch

If hiking is your style, the Royal Arch trail is a must. The trailhead is accessible from Chautauqua Park but know that this popular trail is quite rugged with steep steps, making it a moderate to difficult hike. Once you reach the Royal Arch itself, a natural stone arch surrounded by trees and a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains, the hike is well worth it.

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Pack a picnic for North ������ý���� Park

The grassy expanse in North ������ý���� Park is the perfect spot to relax on a warm spring day. Take a break from campus and do some people watching for an hour or two, made even better by a delicious picnic lunch and friends.

For some picnic lunch recommendations, stop by , or the , which starts in early April.

Attend a city of ������ý���� nature program

The city of ������ý���� regularly hosts free learning opportunities, programs and hikes. These range from stargazing to trivia nights to sunrise yoga. Part of living in ������ý���� is getting involved, and these free, open to the public activities are an excellent entry point—and fun!

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On campus

Stargaze at the Sommers-Bausch Observatory

Located next to Fiske Planetarium, the Sommers-Bausch Observatory hosts free open houses nearly every Friday evening when the skies are clear. Look through a telescope on the observing deck and be immersed in our starry skies.

Check out the open house schedule here.

Attend the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

While this is a trickier one to accomplish for out-of state students, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is one of the longest-running programs on campus and the second longest-running Shakespeare festival in the nation. Hosted by CU Presents at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, the festival takes place from May to August.

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Play games at the Media Archaeology Lab

Did you know CU ������ý���� has a Media Archaeology Lab, home to classic games and gaming consoles? Located on the northwest side of campus, swing by to take a look at “vintage” technology and maybe play a game on the original Nintendo Entertainment System console from 1985.

Review the before visiting.

Listen to your professors jam

On most Tuesdays during the academic year, CU Presents hosts Faculty Tuesdays at the College of Music, where faculty members perform chamber music recitals alongside students and colleagues. This free series is available in person at Grusin Music Hall or via livestream.

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Sunbathe on Farrand Field

This is a classic activity among CU ������ý���� students, and these upcoming spring months are the best time to partake. Bring a blanket, some snacks and your homework and spend some of the afternoon soaking up the sun.

Explore the town

Tour the Celestial Seasonings Factory

Celestials Seasonings, known for their delicious teas, is based in ������ý����. Factory visitors can partake in a fun and informative tour of the facility and taste test a variety of tea. Even if you aren’t interested in the tour, the Tea Bar and gift shop are open to everyone.

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See a Friday Night Weird film at the Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center hosts a weekly program to spotlight the best in new and classic films, especially from marginalized voices. Catch a Friday Night Weird film and expand your cinematographic horizons. Plus, student tickets are only $11.

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Peruse ������ý���� Bookstore

������ý���� Bookstore has been a Pearl Street staple since 1973. This massive literary hub is filled to the brim with books, informative staff, author events, book clubs and more. Spend a couple hours selecting your next read, then maybe take it with you to North ������ý���� Park for that picnic.

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Take a bite

Enjoy teatime at Dushanbe Tea House

Every day between 3 and 5 p.m., ������ý���� Dushanbe Tea House hosts afternoon tea. Slip into this timeless ritual with a delicious, curated meal accompanied by freshly brewed teas. Alongside your sandwiches and treats, you can admire the gorgeous interior of the tea house, created by more than 40 skilled artisans in Tajikistan.

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Dine at a local favorite restaurant

������ý���� has a strong foodie culture and is even home to a few Michelin distinguished restaurants, like and . To dine like a local, check out some of these favorite spots, especially among students: , , and .

Lastly, senior year at CU ������ý���� isn’t complete without a stop at

Do a tour of local coffee shops

������ý���� is host to a plethora of tea and coffee shops—there’s one on practically every corner. If you’re a caffeine fanatic, you could spend each weekend visiting a new coffee shop throughout the academic year. Some must-visit stops include roasteries like , and , and local shops like , and .

Make a day of it at The Rayback

������ý����’s only food truck park is also a hub for community events, people watching, puppy playdates and more. You could spend an entire afternoon relaxing in the sun with a great meal, a drink and some friends.

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