things to do - Wild Color Macrame

There is something so enchanting about going to the farmers’ market on a weekend morning. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a blast trying samples and talking with the locals.

Well, time is of the essence, people. You have about a month left to visit the Farmers’ Markets across the Denver Metro area as most are open from early May to late October.

While it’s great to grab fresh, local produce at the Farmers’ Market, I prefer to grab locally made jams, honeys and unique to Colorado products. I save most items and hand them out as thank you, Christmas, or housewarming gifts.

I’ve visited five Denver Farmers’ Markets this summer, here is what I thought about them.

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

East 1st Ave. and University Blvd.

I was thrilled to find out that parking was free at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market! We pulled in the Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot at 2500 E 1st Ave, Denver CO 80206 and found a spot immediately. This market is huge. It took my husband and me a good 45 minutes to visit every booth. I was thrilled to see made in Colorado cleaning products as well as flowers, fresh pastries, organic produce and more. This farmers’ market is a great option for those living or staying in the Cherry Creek area.

WHEN: Saturdays, May 6–Oct. 28, 2017, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Wednesdays, June 14–Sept. 27, 2016, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market

East Colfax Ave. and Columbine St.

The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market is conveniently located in a semi-circle at 2504 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206. I love that this market has a beautiful fountain and manicured lawn nearby – perfect for lying in the grass and enjoying your homemade treats. The parking was fairly easy. We snagged a spot a few blocks away at 14th Ave. and Elizabeth Street. A vendor was selling fresh squeezed lemonade infused with lavender that we just couldn’t refuse. YUM.

WHEN: Sundays, June 4–Oct. 29, 2017, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Farmers’ Market at Highlands Square

32nd Ave and Lowell Blvd.

Parking was a little trickier at the Farmers’ Market at Highlands Square. This market is located in a cool part of Highlands featuring Highlands Cork and Coffee (awesome patio) and Mead St. Station bar (featured on my What is your Happy Hour type? Take the quiz. blog). The live music at this market was phenomenal, the band had the attention of everyone sitting nearby.

WHEN: Sundays, June 11 – Sept. 24, 2017, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Union Station Farmers’ Market

Denver Union Station Plaza

It doesn’t get much more picturesque than a Farmers’ Market outside of iconic Union Station. This may be my favorite market in Denver because it has a selection of locally made cheese, chocolates and breads as well as fresh produce. While you’re here, make a reservation at Snooze, a restaurant located inside of Union Station that made my Best Brunch in Denver list.

WHEN: Saturdays, June 3–Oct. 28, 2017, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market

1500 block of old South Pearl St., between Florida Ave. and Iowa Ave.

It was so tricky to find the Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market! We put 1500 Florida Ave. in navigation – don’t do that. Just go to the cross streets of Pearl St. and Iowa Ave. Once we arrived, parking was a breeze. We snagged a parallel spot less than a block away. This is probably the biggest farmers’ market we visited in Denver and likely the best selection. They also had a ton of food trucks – save room for lunch!

WHEN: Sundays, May 21–Nov. 19, 2017, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

It should be noted that most farmers’ markets have the same vendors set up at each location. Choose the market that is closest to you. Bonus points if you walk or bike to it. Remember to bring your reusable bags!

Solving your traveling dilemmas,

Emma

Colorado Springs holds a special place in my heart. This was where my husband and I fell in love; my first home away from my parent’s house. This was where I went to college and met some of the greatest people I’ve ever known.

Here is an insider’s guide to 12 fun things to do when you’re in Colorado Springs, all of which are college student approved.

Garden of the Gods

photo credit H. Michael Miley

Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. It has been ranked the number 1 park in the country based on 3,000 reviews on Trip Advisor, ahead of New York’s Central Park and Chicago’s Millennium Park. My husband and I often hike here because it is a free park with ample parking. I recommend Ridge Trail which is a moderate ½ mile loop winding over a rocky pathway with beautiful scenery.

Pikes Peak

photo credit Brian Gautreau

There are three ways to get to the top of Pikes Peak: hike, take the cog-railroad or drive. Well, I’m sure there are more ways if you’re creative. If you are up for hiking a fourteener, do it. If not, opt for driving instead of taking the cog-railroad because it’s cheaper, you can go at your own pace and you can take photos along the way. We made our ascent mid-October and were thrilled to find out that the top had just been cleared of snow. Many times the top will be closed off to drivers because the last couple of miles of road is dangerous when slick. Tip: Bring warm clothes, even if it is warm down the mountain it is always cold and windy at the top.

Cave of the Winds

photo credit Jon Roberts

Cave of the Winds is a local attraction in Manitou Springs where you can tour a variety of caves at different levels of hiking difficulty. There are tours for all ages. My parents brought me to Cave of the Winds and it was one of the coolest things we have ever done and that’s according to a high schooler who was particularly difficult to impress.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

photo credit mrwynd

Giraffes! The coolest thing about Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is that you can hand feed the giraffes. This is an excellent opportunity to get that giraffe selfie you’ve always wanted. Other than that, it’s exactly what you’d expect from America’s only mountainside zoo: gorgeous and on a huge hill. Wear your best walking shoes!

Rudy’s BBQ

photo credit Jeff Keyzer

If you’re a fan of good old-fashioned Texas BBQ you’ll love Rudy’s. The restaurant is a large barn with a little general store attached. You order your meat and your fixings in the barn and watch them carve it off right there in front of you. Then, you find a picnic table, douse your meat in sauce and dig in! This place is full of character and known by the locals as the best BBQ in town.

Glen Eyrie Castle

photo credit David Shankbone

Glen Eyrie is an English Tudor-style castle built in 1903 by the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer but I fondly remember it as, “the castle Grandma and Grandpa worked at.” My grandparents volunteered at the castle when I was a child and I often walked the grounds arm in arm with them. I later found out that you are required to pay for morning or afternoon tea, book a tour or stay overnight and that you cannot just simply walk through the castle whenever you’d like.

Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs

photo credit Bradley Gordon

Manitou Springs is a small town full of art, music, theater and gift shops. One of the coolest things in Manitou Springs is the Penny Arcade. Spanning across several store fronts they have arcade games like pinball, skeeball, air hockey and more. I don’t remember the games actually costing a penny but it is always a fun cheap date activity.

Old Colorado City

photo credit Paul Sableman

Old Colorado City is a national historic district in Colorado Springs. It sits on about 8 acres and is full of adorable little shops and restaurants. I often confused Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City because they have a similar look and feel to them. Old Colorado City has excellent restaurants and coffee shops. I prefer to go here when I’m looking for that small-town Gilmore Girls vibe.

Graffiti Falls

photo credit Mark Byzewski

Graffiti Falls, also known as Rainbow Falls or Cascade Falls, is a waterfall surrounded by canyon walls covered in graffiti. I was skeptical when my husband told me about it because it seems like there’s no way it could be beautiful. On the contrary, this is a beautiful site full of personality, life and color. There are usually a few left spray paint cans so you can leave a tag of your own. The hike in is moderate and only a half a mile. However, there isn’t a designated path so most of it is unsteady river rocks.

The Broadmoor

photo credit Kari Sullivan

Who doesn’t love a good swanky hotel? Even if you can’t afford to stay at The Broadmoor it is definitely worth a visit. I suggest wearing your fanciest clothes and walking around like you own the place. Truth is, I could hardly afford a cocktail here when I visited in college, but it was fun to pretend.

US Olympic Training Center

photo credit Marc Goebel

For aspiring Olympic athletes I’m sure the US Olympic Training Center is the bee’s knees. For us regular folk, it’s a tour of a bunch of gyms and pools. Regardless, it’s pretty inspiring to know that some of the greatest athletes in the world trained here and it’s fun to point at workout equipment and ask the tour guide if Michael Phelps’ butt has been here…or here…or here.

The Money Museum

photo credit David Shankbone

I can’t write about Colorado Springs without mentioning the museum where I had my first internship. You don’t have to be a numismatist to enjoy looking at money. The Money Museum has an extensive collection of currency as well as it’s very own mini-mint where you can see how coins were made starting in the 1500s. Another perk – admission is only $5 a person.