Down Memory Lane

Along with the site’s rustic auditorium, the 1898 dining hall is one of two original buildings at Boulder’s historic Colorado Chautauqua, which was created at the turn of the last century as a summer stopover for a then-vigorous Chautauqua Movement circuit that brought entertainment, lecturers and artists to pastoral resorts across the nation. One can hardly imagine how many people seeking culture, nature and community have passed through the old wood-frame dining hall — a National Historic Landmark nestled against the foothills with its lovely wraparound veranda-with-a-view — since then. But it’s certain that the flow of humanity over the decades has, like the Chautauqua Movement itself, had its highs and lows.

The highs have returned to the Dining Hall, first turned around by the dishes of now-departed chefs Bradford Heap and Greg Keesy. It’s a popular place to dine al fresco after a hike, before a Colorado Music Festival concert, or just because it’s there. In the past two years, notes owner Rick Stein, the menu’s been reworked to appeal to families and a more casual crowd, giving it a balance between easy and more intimidating fare.

Yep, the good times are here, 110 years after the fact, and it’s time to celebrate with the family-style Chautauqua Dining Hall Day, today from 3 to 7 p.m. From a culinary viewpoint, there’ll be burgers, brats and the usual barbecue suspects available for purchase from the outdoor grill, as well as a special in-house-blended 110 Ale; partiers of all ages are invited to participate in field day activities and listen to the sounds of Phat Daddy for free. Colorado Chautauqua hugs the edge of Boulder at 900 Baseline Road; for more information, visit www.dininghall.net or call 303-440-3776.
Thu., July 3, 3-7 p.m., 2008