MAGAZINES 
Stephen White’s Guide to Boulder
Every year thousands of tourists flock to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, mainly because it was the setting for Stephen King’s The Shining. Well, King is not the only author inspiring tourism and local interest in Colorado. In fact, he’s not even the only Stephen to do so.
Since 1991, mystery author Stephen White has showcased Boulder in most of his 18 novels. In a 1997 Denver Post interview, White called Boulder the ideal setting because it is a “gorgeous, intellectual, liberal fantasy world.”
I moved to Boulder not long ago for exactly those same reasons.
Discovering a town’s cool places is in some ways like unraveling a mystery, and I revel in White’s clues. Because he is both more passionate and less politically correct than any Chamber of Commerce is allowed to be, I decided to use his books in a way he never intended: as my Boulder newcomer’s guide.
White’s 15 years of Boulder residency and his previous career as a clinical psychologist combine to give him insight into both this town and the workings of the criminal mind. Channeling his observations through the voice of main character Alan Gregory—who also happens to be a clinical psychologist—he imparts intimate knowledge of Boulder’s history, culture and local hot spots.
Newcomer’s guide stop No. 1 was the Pearl Street Mall. Alan Gregory had told me this four-block “oasis” was closed off in the mid- 1970s to create an “upscale pedestrian sanctuary” and give Boulder’s “peculiar locals” a place to gather. It’s impossible to be uninspired, bored or lonely on this eclectic avenue.
Following Gregory’s recommendations, I’ve frequented West End Tavern, Antica Roma, Salt, Centro and Snarf’s—Sunflower Restaurant too, before it closed—and enjoyed a “guilty indulgence” at Mustard’s Last Stand. I went to The Kitchen because in Kill Me Alan Gregory praised their French toast, but I ended up a big fan of their Bloody Marys instead. (Secret ingredient: cucumbers!)
Gregory’s enjoyment of the “lively, energetic” Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery helped spark field trips to other Boulder breweries. At the Avery Brewery I tasted “The Beast,” a beer so high in alcohol content (16.8 percent) they only sell it in single bottles—no sixpacks. Cheers!
Gregory’s praise of the beauty of Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons led me to a lifetime first: a black-bear encounter. While hiking the Enchanted Mesa Trail, I spotted a small bear and its mama in a ravine. More thrilled than terrified, I snapped a shaky cellphone picture that resembled a Sasquatch sighting and failed to convince my out-of-state relatives that bears abound here.
My other favorite thing about the Flatirons is the debate in The Last Lie about whether Devil’s Thumb looks like a thumb or something else entirely. It makes for great cocktail-party conversation.
The fatal scene from Harm’s Way, set in the Boulder Theater, compelled me to see this historic venue, where I took in an extreme-skiing movie. The heady mix of vintage architecture, oh-my-god entertainment, and chocolate-covered bacon at the adjoining George’s Bar added up to a memorable evening.
So, thanks to White and his intrepid sleuth, I have fallen a little more in love with Boulder with each new sight, taste and sound. And because several of his books have hit the New York Times bestseller lists, I imagine countless people all over the country are doing the same—at least vicariously.
Time is running out to see Boulder through the eyes of Stephen White. Rumor has it his next two books will be the last of the series. u
Sue Price, a freelance writer, lives in Boulder.
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