Boulder has dealt with growth much better than most - due to far-sighted citizens who taxed themselves to buy a greenbelt long ago.

It sits at the base of the Rocky Mt. foothills with the Front Range peaks a nice drive away. That includes actual wilderness.

To the East are the plains. The Airport sits well outside Denver. You cab drive the freeway routes - including what used to be the Boulder Turnpike before the bonds were paid off. It became free - how often does that happen. Else, you can work your way around to miss Denver, but urban sprawl is marching outward at a rapid pace.

I go there once in a while on business and used to like the rustic motels at the mouth of Boulder Canyon. You sound like that isn't right for you.

I would encourage you to take a least a short hike in the mountains, but maybe you're better suited for the over built by gambling towns of Blackhawk/Central City.

Factory tours - take your pick. Celestial Seasonings in Boulder or Coors in Golden.

As to driving - be sure to yield to bicycles and pedestrians - they actually have them in Boulder!