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September 13, 2018April 25, 2021

Grape Harvesting and Stomping in Sonoma County

I am continually blown away by the activities available in Sonoma County. It feels like every weekend we have something new and fun to try.

This past weekend, we checked off one of our California bucket list items and joined Old World Winery in their grape harvesting and stomping. If you’re planning a trip to northern California in September, you’re just in time, many wineries are picking and stomping this month. You should have no trouble finding a fun event like this to participate in!

Grape harvesting

If you’re going to do the fun part (stomping) you’ve got to participate in the hard part (harvesting). We got up at 5:15 a.m. on a Saturday to meet a couple dozen strangers at Old World Winery. Darek Trowbridge, the owner, rallied everyone together for a run-down of the day’s events and then we drove over to the vineyard to begin our day.

The sun was rising as we drove to the vineyard, and by the time we got there the lighting was spectacular.

Choose your weapon

Upon arrival, you had a choice to make: Are you going to cut the grape vines with a serrated knife, or use the pruner?

Darek, the owner, explained that seasoned grape harvesters use the knife, but that the knife is a little tricky to work with and even the most experienced harvesters still cut themselves on occasion. I chose the pruner, Michael used the knife.

Three hours of harvesting

We arrived at the vineyard around 7:00 a.m. and were driving back to start the stomping by 10:00 a.m. This will vary, however, based on the winery and the week you participate in harvesting.

Following the harvesting, we were at the vineyard for about two and half more hours, stomping and eating lunch.

Stomping

We enjoyed grape harvesting far more than we expected we would. But the real highlight of the day was the stomping! I was the second person of our large group to hop in, and it was cold.

We learned a few good tips for grape stomping, should we ever come across this opportunity again:

Start in the bottom corner, and smash one layer of grapes at a time. Otherwise the entire batch just settles on top and you pack it into sections, like a triple layer cake.
Hold onto the corner of the tub at all times. It’s slippery in the middle!
Step out occasionally to thaw your feet. It’s about 45 degrees in the bucket.

Clothing tips

If you’re harvesting, wear a waterproof jacket. Everyone left the vineyard wet from the waist up. You’ll also want to wear tennis shoes when walking through the vineyards.

When stomping, you need to wear shorts that are at your knees or higher. I recommend bringing a pair of sandals to change in to.

How much stomping?

After 30 minutes we were all out of grapes and produced something that resembled a sangria.

One attendee remarked that the stomping is really just for the enjoyment of the guests and that no matter what, the vineyard has to put it through the usual production methods. Old World Winery is unique. They use every bit of what we stomped, after cleaning our foot germs out of it, of course.

Old World Winery likes to involve the community in their harvesting and stomping because they say the good vibes from the residents make the wine taste better.

The picnic

After the stomping, Darek invited the group over to the patio to enjoy some good food, good conversation and amazing wine. Next year, what we stomped will be poured into the glasses of those that helped with the 2019 stompings.

I have been raving about this experience to all of my friends. If you’re in northern California is September, grape harvesting and stomping is an absolute must. You can’t beat a day like this. Then again, this seems to be a very typical weekend activity in Sonoma County.

Sign up for the Old World Winery Wine Club to be invited to member events like this one, and be sure to check out their Facebook page.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

September 6, 2018April 25, 2021

California Redwoods Near San Francisco

When we moved to California a couple of months ago, I figured that the famous redwood trees could only be found near the northern border of the state. Imagine my excitement when I discovered Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve just 30 minutes west of our place in Santa Rosa.

To top it off, parking was FREE, the weather was ideal and the hike was simple. Dare I say it was a Hike For People Who Get Bored Easily.

The trees

Yeah, this is a great location to see redwoods, but are they as spectacular as they are up north?

They’re close.

The tallest tree that you will see at Armstrong Redwoods SNR is The Parson Jones tree at 310 feet in height. It’s just a 0.1 mile walk from the park entrance. The tallest tree in California is the Hyperion in Redwood National Park measuring at 379.1 feet.

The oldest tree at Armstrong Redwoods SNR is the Colonel Armstrong Tree, 1,400 years old. This doesn’t come close to the oldest tree in California, estimated at 3,500 years old, and located in Giant Sequoia National Monument. But hey, what difference does a couple thousand years make, really?

The hikes

We were looking for a short hike before an afternoon on the coast, and this fit our itinerary perfectly. If you scroll about half way down this page, you’ll see the full list of hikes. We went on the Pioneer Nature Trail hike (1.7 miles) and it was easy. They have several easy to moderate hikes and then a couple strenuous hikes, up to 9 miles with a 1500’ climb in elevation.

For being such a stunning park, it was incredibly quiet. We were often the only ones in sight and only saw a couple dozen people the entire time. Maybe it was just a unique Sunday.

Getting there

The drive was simple and on level, paved roads the entire way. If you’re coming from San Francisco, you’ll head straight north on US-101 and take River Rd to Armstrong Woods Rd.

We were able to easily grab free parking outside of the main entrance (as described on their website here). We stopped at the restrooms before heading in and spotted our trail with ease. It feels a little wrong visiting such a beautiful park without paying, donations are accepted at the Visitor Center.

If your time in California is limited and you can’t make it from the Redwood Forest, to the gulf stream waters (sorry – I had to), Armstrong Redwoods SNR is an excellent alternative. You’ll see plenty of humongous trees and many, “WOW” moments. Oh, and if you have kids, they’ll really love this place. There’s tons of fallen over trees that are perfect for climbing.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

August 23, 2018April 25, 2021

A Gloomy Day at Point Reyes

I love the fog in Northern California. We didn’t have much fog in Colorado. I remember one foggy morning when I was in elementary school. It was so foggy I couldn’t see the stop sign down the road. I thought, ‘The sky is falling! The world is coming to an end.’

I was a little melodramatic.

The fun part about being new to a state is that every weekend is an adventure. We heard Point Reyes was stunning, so off we went to explore another piece of our new paradise.

Getting there

Point Reyes National Seashore is located on the coast of Marin County, about an hour north of San Francisco (an hour west of us over in Santa Rosa). The drive is fairly easy, but the entire time you’re wondering, ‘Where’s the beach!?’ Oh, it’s there. It’s just too foggy to see. As you pass through Inverness Park, the roads get rougher. (This is where we discovered we needed new shocks on the car.)

Hiking

We missed the alert on the National Park Service website that said that the Lighthouse was being renovated. We couldn’t get near it! I was so bummed. The restorations will be taking place from August to October, 2018. However, we did park at the Lighthouse parking lot and explore a few small trails.

I was blown away by the beauty. Truly. For the first time since we returned from Europe, I had one of those, ‘Wow…’ moments. Point Reyes really took my breath away.

Weather

The Northern California coast has unpredictable weather (says the girl who has lived here two months). All two times we’ve visited the coast the weather has gone from breezy and chilly (multiple clothing layers required) to sunny and comfortable. We packed for both possibilities and I finally found a use for my hooded sweater dress.

The one year mark

Point Reyes was exactly what I needed on this particular day. It was the one year anniversary of my mom’s passing (read more about that here). I didn’t know how to spend the day. My mom and I loved to shop together, but a crowded mall was the last place I wanted to be.

My husband Michael and I decided on Point Reyes because we wanted time alone together to reflect on my mother’s life and our past year without her. It felt like the scenery was mirroring our emotions, perfectly setting the stage to grieve and say goodbye and good riddance to a painful 12 months.

Let me tell you something about the one year mark of a loved one’s passing: day 365 feels no different than day 364. I had been building it up for a year like it would be the second hardest day of my life. Truth is, it just reminded me of how far I’ve come, and how missing her will never go away.

The beach

After we explored the area near the Lighthouse, we went to Drake’s Beach. The water was refreshingly cold and totally unswimable. But the beach was long and flat, perfect for a peaceful walk. We saw a handful of seals out in the water — it was my first time seeing seals in the wild! They look like little water cats and I immediately fell in love.

I adored Point Reyes and I can’t wait to explore it some more. Next time I’ll be sure to check out Cowgirl Creamery and the Cypress Tunnel. I was so bummed to have missed them on my first visit!

By the way, my husband and I are gonna bring back kiting. Ya know, the act of flying a kite? No one kites anymore. So we’re bringing it back. Join us if you dare.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

July 18, 2018August 3, 2018

Hidden Gems In Colorado Springs

One last shoutout to the place I once called home

As most of you know, I am no longer a Colorado resident. I have betrayed my fellow native Coloradans and switched over to the dark side….California. Before we moved, I had to pay one last visit to Colorado Springs, the place I called home for all of my college years.

I have written another more comprehensive post titled Top 12 Things To Do In Colorado Springs that is worth giving a look if you’re visiting for your first time. But for you seasoned Colorado Springs visitors, I have prepared a list of the hidden gems. These are the things that don’t appear first on your typical Colorado Springs guide.

Willowstone Antique Marketplace

Willowstone is a giant warehouse full of antique goods from independent vendors. You can find anything from 25 cent postcards to $40,000 couches shaped like dinosaurs. You could spend hours getting lost up and down the aisles of this vintage wonderland.

Marigold Cafe and Bakery

Back in the day, my now husband and I would stop in Marigold to split a homemade crème brûlée. Today, our entire family makes a point to stop in to Marigold for lunch in Colorado Springs. The food is remarkable and the restaurant is just off the beaten path enough to get away from the hustle and bustle of the college crowd.

Paint Mines

Located just 45 minutes east of Colorado Springs is Paint Mines Interpretive Park, an excellent place for hiking. The hike is unlike any other in Colorado — flat, easy, colorful and chalky. Check out my full post to learn more about this awesome place.

America The Beautiful Park

For as outdoorsy Colorado Springs is, they sure do lack open grassy parks. If you’re looking for a spot to spread out a picnic blanket and chill, head on over to America The Beautiful Park. You’ll know you’re there when you reach the giant circle statue which is also a water feature you can play in.

Bristol Brewing Company

To this day, Bristol Brewing Company remains the coolest brewery I have ever been to. Bristol is located inside of Ivywild School, which is also home to a coffee shop, office space and bakery. Bristol has gone along with the school theme and incorporated composition book menus and clipboard check holders. Grab a spot on the patio for a sweet view of Pikes Peak.

Manitou Springs Incline

The Manitou Springs Incline is hardly a hidden gem at this point, because it is becoming so well known. Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning because it should make your list of non-touristy things to do in the city. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it’s over 3,000 steps up to the top, but the view is great and the locals cheer you on each step of the way.

Gold Camp Road

Yeah, it’s haunted… but this hike is perfect for those that get bored easily! If you’re looking to park closest to the collapsed tunnel, use the upper lot past Helen Hunt Falls on Cheyenne Canyon Road and head northwest down Upper Gold Camp Road. This hike is a little dangerous due to the loose rock and ghosties.

I’m really going to miss being a short drive from Colorado Springs. It’s such a fun town with so much to explore. I’m thrilled that Colorado Springs is becoming more of a tourist destination, and that people are journeying away from Denver to see more of beautiful Colorado. Enjoy your journey!

Thanks for reading,

Emma

May 29, 2018May 28, 2020

Most Instagramable Places in Denver

Did you even visit Colorado if you didn’t get a sweet Instagram photo?

Denver is full of iconic landmarks. The Mile High City has many places to snap a photo that screams, “DENVER.”

Below are a few places that I’d recommend if you’re looking for good Instagramable photo opportunities. If you want a great shot of the city, check out one of my latest blogs Where To Go For The Best Views Of Denver’s Skyline.

Articulated Wall

The Articulated Wall is visible by more than the neighboring buildings within the Denver Design Center complex at 595 South Broadway. The sculpture transforms a driver’s view heading northbound on I-25. Visitors gawk at the bright yellow sculpture, which looks especially eye-catching against a bright blue sky.

Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Schedule a private tour of the Broncos stadium or go on a group tour of Sports Authority Field at Mile High. For an Instagramable photo opportunity like this — call (720) 258-3000.

Sports Authority engagement — Photo courtesy of Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Colorado Wall

This is a hidden gem along East Colfax in Denver near Tattered Cover Book Store. Stop by and take a photo that literally says, “Colorado,” no Instagram caption needed.

Coors Field

You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a great photo from Coors Field. I took this picture after paying for $4 seat tickets and heading up to Coors Field rooftop bar. The beer is great and the views are spectacular.

16th Street Mall

Taken from the 3rd floor of the Denver Pavilions, this photo captures the 16th Street Mall when it’s at its most magical — nighttime. Insider tip: Parking at the Denver Pavilions is free when you see a movie at UA Denver Pavilions Stadium 15. Park in the parking garage below and validate your parking stub in the theatre.

Punch Bowl Social

An Instagramable spot on South Broadway is Punch Bowl Social, a large bar featuring lawn games, arcade games and a bowling alley. As you round the corner to head upstairs, you’ll come across this sweet mural and bright red chair. Search “Punch Bowl Social” on Instagram and you’ll find others who have snapped a shot at this iconic spot. Read more about the new location in Stapleton here.

Colorado Convention Center

Arguably one of the most iconic spots in downtown Denver, The Big Blue Bear is a must-see for Instagramable moments because of it’s enormous stature. Located outside of the Colorado Convention Center on 14th Street between California and Stout, the blue bear has hundreds of visitors a day. Read more about the bear here.

International Church of Cannabis

You wouldn’t think a church would be Instagramable, but this one definitely is. The International Church of Cannabis consists of a group of people known as Elevationists. Members join together in the church to smoke marijuana in a safe environment. No one under the age of 21 is permitted in the building. Learn more here.

Little Man Ice Cream

Little Man Ice Cream feels like summer. As a result, the place is always packed with a line wrapped around the building. Stop by for an ice cream cone and stay for the atmosphere and photo opportunities. Many nights, a live band will play on the Little Man Ice Cream patio while visitors dance the night away. Read more here.

RiNo District Street Art

Denver’s RiNo District is known for their incredible street murals and literally thousands of Instagramable spots. Wander up and down the district alleys to see beautiful works of art that change each year during the Crush event. Check out a full list of street art (locations included) on my post, Where To Find Denver’s Best Street Art.

Stanley Marketplace

One of the newest (and cutest) attractions in Denver is Stanley Marketplace. A photo outside of here says, “I visited one of Denver’s greatest hidden gems.” Stanley Marketplace is still somewhat unknown to out-of-state visitors, so you will probably be ahead of the curve when you post a photo to your feed.

Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Arguably the most noteworthy place near Denver, Red Rocks is visited by millions every year and is consequently a bucket list item for the majority of Coloradans. A visit to Red Rocks is a must, and a photo that documents your visit is practically required.

Union Station

Union Station may be the most iconic Denver landmark, as Denver visitors are sure to see it while exploring the LoDo area. A picture outside of Union Station from Blake and 17th is always a big hit, as is a photo inside of Union Station under the terminal sign.

As a Colorado native, I’m kind of obsessed with the Big Blue Bear. So obsessed, in fact, that I’m planning on buying this bear statue for my new office in California, just so I can have a piece of the city with me.

What is your favorite Denver landmark or Instagramable location? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends planning a trip to Colorado!

Thanks for reading,

Emma

May 15, 2018February 10, 2019

Where To Go For The Best Views Of Denver’s Skyline

There are a million places to get a good view of the Denver skyline. You can even get a nice view heading south on I-25 near Confluence Park, but snapping a photo from the highway is not realistic.

Below are some of the best places to get a view of Denver’s skyline, and they are far more enjoyable than standing in the middle of the road at 17th and Market, snapping shots of Union Station and the surrounding city buildings.

Ale House Denver

2501 16th St, Denver, CO 80211

Ale House Denver is an American bar and grill offering an incredible selection of beers on tap. These guys know their beer, and can recommend something that’ll pair well with your food selection. Visit their website to see what tasty bites they have to offer.

Downtown Denver Ale House at Amatos — Photo Courtesy of Ale House at Amatos

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202

While this is not a traditional view of Denver, it certainly shows that photos of Denver’s skyline do not only need to be taken from rooftop patios. This photo was taken outside of Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox downtown on our way to dinner.

Avanti

3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211

The upstairs patio at Avanti features this panoramic scene of the Mile High City. A similar view can be seen at Linger, a neighboring restaurant. At sunset, this scene is especially breathtaking. I recommend a reservation for two on the patio for a romantic date night.

Prost Brewing Company

2540 19th St, Denver, CO 80211

If you’re looking for a laid back evening with a rad group of people, consider Prost Brewing Company. This joint has massive tables, excellent beer, board games and views of Denver’s skyline. What more could you possibly need?

Prost Brewing view of Denver — Photo courtesy of Prost Brewing

El Five

2930 Umatilla, Denver, CO 80211

El Five offers a practically perfect view of downtown Denver and is one of the hottest Instagramable spots in the city. Stop in for tapas and dessert and take in the beauty of the city. I recommend going on a warm summer evening and asking for a seat on the patio — you won’t regret it!

El Five view of Denver — Photo courtesy of El Five

Ramada Denver Downtown

1150 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218

If you’re looking for a view of the city without actually going into the city, head on over to the Ramada Inn. All you need to do is cross the street to capture a gorgeous view of Denver, but their rooms offer pretty incredible views as well. If you’re looking for a place to stay near Denver, consider Ramada Denver Downtown!

Tap Fourteen

1920 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Located just a half a block from Coors Field, Tap Fourteen is one of the best places in downtown Denver to have a nice cold beer on a rooftop patio, overlooking the cityscape. If you’re already in the heart of the city, stop here for a good time.

Tap Fourteen Denver view — Photo courtesy of Tap Fourteen

City Park

2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

One of the most iconic views of Denver can be seen from City Park. Head to the back of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for this shot. This photo was taken just outside of the museum, but shots can also be taken from inside of the museum by walking through the Wildlife Exhibits on the 2nd or 3rd floor.

54thirty

1475 California St, Denver, CO 80202

A new spot in Denver for sweeping panoramic views is 54thirty, a rooftop bar and Denver’s highest open-air patio. This seasonal bar at Le Méridien Denver Downtown offers delicious cocktails and fun bites, and is a great place to bring out of town guests this summer!

54thirty view of Denver skyline — Photo courtesy of 54thirty

If you’re looking for additional views of Denver’s skyline and the Rocky Mountains, check out this article from Westword. Their list contains more areas outside of downtown Denver.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

May 8, 2018July 23, 2018

How To Spend One Day In Boulder, Colorado

Growing up, I spent a great deal of time in Boulder with my parents. We especially loved going to Boulder early on a Sunday morning. We’d start with a stroll along Boulder Creek Path, grab brunch at SALT (it was one of my mom’s favorites) and wander Pearl Street Mall for the remainder of the afternoon.

Boulder is fantastic for many reasons, one being its proximity to Denver. Visitors with a rental car can easily get to Boulder from Denver in 45 minutes, and those without a rental car can hop on the RTD Route FF1: Denver to Boulder flyer and get to Boulder just as quickly. Additionally, Boulder is an incredibly active town and boasts 155 miles of hiking trails and has a small town vibe despite its population of over 108,000.

Today, I don’t spend nearly as much time in Boulder as I’d like, but it’s a place I always recommend to people visiting Colorado for the first time because it captures the best of our state.

Below is a recommendation for one day in Boulder, Colorado.

A morning hike in Boulder

On the weekends parking is a bit of a nightmare at most of the places listed below. Beat the crowds and beat the heat by arriving at your trailhead early in the morning. Remember to bring water and sunscreen!

First and Second Flatiron Hike

If you’re looking for a view of the iconic Boulder Flatirons, the First and Second Flatiron Hike is great. Fair warning: It’s difficult, steep and often very crowded. I’d recommend this trail for seasoned hikers or rock climbers. For more information on this hike, visit AllTrails.com and sign in with your Facebook account.

Flagstaff Road Trail

A drive up Flagstaff Mountain alone is worth it, but hiking it is even better. The views of Boulder from Flagstaff are pretty incredible. If you are in from out of town and looking for a great view, consider Flagstaff. While it’s not nearly the elevation of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a good quick fix. Flagstaff Road Trail is a 3.9 mile moderately difficult loop.

Royal Arch Trail

The Royal Arch Trail hike comes highly recommended by Elora, a local to Boulder. She mentioned the trail in the Growing Up In Boulder, CO blog post last month in which I asked her about her favorite local spots. Elora says this hike is difficult, but the views are worth it.

For more trail options in Boulder recommended by a seasoned hiker, check out Avery Stonich’s post, A Quick and Dirty Guide to Some of Boulder’s Best Hiking.

Brunch or lunch in Boulder

After your morning hike, you may want a bite to eat. While Pearl Street Mall is full of dining options, I recommend staying away from the mall until you’re ready to commit; once you park near Pearl Street Mall, it’s a shame to give up your parking spot just to come back later to find another.

Chatauqua Dining Hall

I have fond memories of the Dining Hall next to the Chatauqua trails. We came here occasionally for weekend brunch and it always felt so fancy! As a teenager, I refused to dress up for Sunday brunch and wore a shirt with an ice cream cone on it that said, “Lick that shit.” Coincidentally, that’s the last time my parents took me to brunch at the Dining Hall.

Cheba Hut

I will always promote Cheba Hut because it’s one of my all time favorites. If you’re looking for a delicious toasted sub, stop by Cheba Hut on The Hill. I recommend The White Widow. Read more about Cheba Hut in my review.

Historical landmarks

While you’re driving around Boulder, be sure to keep an eye out for historical landmarks. Gold Seekers established the first non Native American settlement in Boulder County in 1858. Boulder built its first schoolhouse in 1860 at the corner of Walnut and 15th Street and the railroad depot was constructed on Canyon Boulevard and 14th Street.

JonBenet Ramsey House

For those who are unaware, JonBenet Ramsey was a young girl who was allegedly kidnapped from her parent’s home in Boulder. Her body was found the next day in the basement of their home. The case was controversial and highly publicized, making the home and the family a spectacle in the community. Today, the home has different owners and is not open to the public.

The University of Colorado

The University of Colorado is a large part of the community of Boulder, which is immediately apparent when you enter Boulder by the CU Buffs paraphernalia all over the city. You don’t need to be a prospective or current student to enjoy a walking tour of the campus; it’s fun to just wander through and marvel at the beautiful architecture.

For a list of places in Boulder County listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places, click here.

Tours

You’ll find a variety of walking and biking tours in Boulder, but very few indoor tours. If you’re one of the unfortunate few to visit Boulder on a rainy or snowy day, the Celestial Seasonings tour is a must-see. Otherwise, you will be pressed to find indoor activities in Boulder.

Celestial Seasonings Tour

I am a big fan of the free Celestial Seasonings tour. It’s great for all ages and is one of the few fun indoor activities in Boulder. Start by sampling several of their most popular teas and then watch an informational video. Finish with a brief tour of the factory and a pit stop in the mint room which is sure to clear your sinuses!

Front Range Ride Guides Ltd.

The Front Range Ride Guides bike tour of Boulder’s trails in a great activity for families. All experience levels are welcome as the tour can be tailored to your capabilities.

Breweries

The breweries in Boulder are all wonderful, but it’s difficult to get from one to the other without driving so we usually only visit one or two in a day. Below are a few of my favorite breweries in Boulder.

Avery Brewing Co.

Avery is dog friendly and has an incredible patio! The astroturf makes it very comfortable to sit on the ground, play yard games and treat it like your own backyard. Be warned — there’s little shade and it’s tricky to get a table on the weekends. We decided to offer half of our table to another couple and loved getting to know them. We even sampled each others beers!

Sanitas Brewing Company

This place is so fun! We love to go to Sanitas on a sunny afternoon for a couple of drinks and yard games. They have a pretty sweet bocce ball setup out back and my niece (who was 3-years-old at the time) loved to throw the balls and explore.

Twisted Pine Brewing Company

Twisted Pine is one of my favorite spots in Boulder. Their food is remarkable and their beer selection is great. I am still dreaming of their Mediterranean pizza – YUM. They also have a nice deck area for outdoor seating. Colorado tip: always opt for outdoor seating if the weather is nice!

Fate Brewing Company

Fate is one of my family’s go-tos when we’re in Boulder. The restaurant has such a wonderful vibe and everything on the menu is delicious. This is one of the few places that I don’t have a usual food and drink order, I just get whatever is sounding good at the time knowing I’ll be happy with it regardless.

Southern Sun Pub and Brewery

We just visited Southern Sun a few weeks ago and were very impressed! The atmosphere is really laid back. It was the perfect stop after a hike. Their hot wings were incredible, probably the best I’ve ever had. Remember to bring cash. Otherwise, you’ll need to take a trip to their ATM or request Karma Check — a take home check that mail back with your payment.

Boulder Beer Co

Surprisingly, I have never been to Boulder Beer despite hearing amazing things about it and loving their beer when I’m at local restaurants. Boulder Beer is conveniently located on Walnut close to the Pearl Street Mall — definitely worth a visit!

The Post Brewing Company

I’ve never been to Post, but I am recommending it because of its proximity to the Pearl Street Mall and its reputation for delicious home cooked food. Plus, it appeared on Diners Drive-Ins & Dives so that’s pretty cool.

Pearl Street Mall

Pearl Street Mall might be the most popular tourist attraction in Boulder. I’m always careful to recommend tourist traps… but it’s worth a visit during your trip. Yes, it’s packed with out-of-towners, but even the locals love a trip to Pearl Street Mall to people watch and experience the magic of Boulder.

Street Performers

The street performers are a big highlight of Pearl Street, and can be found on nearly every street at all hours on the weekends.

On our most recent visit to Pearl Street Mall we saw David “Zip Code Man” Rosdeitcher. He is one of my all time favorite street performers because he can recall zip codes from all over the country (and the world!) and can even identify restaurants known in the area. My husband has a particularly tricky zip code from a tiny town in California, so I begged him to volunteer to be a part of his act. You can see my husband on the left of the photo below.

Shops along Pearl Street Mall

When it comes to shopping on Pearl Street Mall, you’ll have a mix of unique to Colorado stores and chains. In the main Pearl Street corridor prices are a little inflated, but most everything is beautifully presented. Shopping on Pearl Street is an experience unlike shopping in a standard shopping mall.

A few of my must-see places on Pearl Street include Art Mart Gifts, Buffalo Exchange, Old Tibet and Peppercorn.

Restaurants and Bars along Pearl Street Mall

To be perfectly honest, I am not a big fan of dining on the Pearl Street Mall. I find it to be over-priced and overrated. However, I will say that grabbing a drink on the rooftop of Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill brings back happy memories of summer evenings with my family.

I also recommend stopping for ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s when the line is always out the door, or grabbing a boba tea at Ku Cha House of Tea.

The only restaurants I truly love along Pearl Street are Illegal Pete’s and SALT the Bistro.

This blog is a lot to take in, but I wanted to be as comprehensive as possible to give you many options for one day in Boulder. If you only have a few hours in the area, opt for a hike. You can drink and shop anywhere in the world, but the Flatirons are unique to Boulder and should be top priority for any visitor.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

April 12, 2018May 28, 2020

We’ve Got Crabs: How Our Voyage To Yelapa Went Awry

Back before I was a travel blogger, my husband and I spent our one year anniversary in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We had planned several activities for our trip, including a day trip to Yelapa, a fisherman’s village that couldn’t be accessed by car.

One of my biggest pet peeves about travel bloggers is the impression that their vacations are totally flawless. Purely by happenstance, they end up in the most luxurious hotels, they choose the perfect activities and they stumble upon the best restaurants the city has to offer.

In reality, this couldn’t be father from the truth. Bloggers have travel mishaps, too. They just seldom include them in their posts.

While planning our trip to Puerto Vallarta, we carved out a full day to explore the nearby village of Yelapa and hike to the waterfalls. There are two waterfalls within walking distance of Yelapa.

The first waterfall is just 15 minutes from the pier and includes a small pool at the base of the waterfall. The second one is more of an actual hike. To get here, follow signs to the right and follow the trail along the river. It is several miles to reach the waterfall. This waterfall includes several small pools interconnected by waterfalls.

This was the hike we were planning on doing, but our day didn’t work out that way.

The voyage to Yelapa was an adventure in itself. From the city of Puerto Vallarta, we took the bus to Boca De Tomatlan from Constitucion at Basilio Badillo for 7 pesos. Then, we took a water taxi from the bay of Boca De Tomatlan to Yelapa. The trip took about an hour and a half, one way.

It was fun being on the bus with the locals who were heading to work. At the Basilio Badillo bus stop, a local man was selling homemade breakfast burritos – very tempting, but we had already eaten breakfast.

The water taxi was a thrill. I’d recommend taking a water taxi at some point while you’re in Puerto Vallarta; it’s a great way to see the villages along the coast.

Beauty tip: Don’t bother styling your hair while in Mexico in June, the humidity will destroy it. I am beating myself up for getting “all done up” everyday in Mexico. I’d just end up throwing my hair in a pony-tail midday anyways.

We arrive at Yelapa and it’s a quiet, unspoiled beach, contrary to what I had read about the village being very touristy. We start our trek towards the waterfall hike and we are interrupted by a local with an iguana.

“This is Pedro,” he says.

“Hola Pedro,” we reply.

“Do you want a picture with Pedro?” he asks.

“No, thank you.”

“Oh, you make Pedro sad. He is 12 anos. Very long life for an iguana.”

*awkward silence*

Turns out, Pedro is quite famous in Yelapa, and many travelers mention meeting him upon arrival. See a video of Pedro, the famous Yelapa iguana, taken by another Yelapa visitor here.

As we approach the archway (the only path to the long waterfall hike, as far as we know) we notice something odd about the arch…it’s moving. The entire thing is inhabited by crabs! Large, beady-eyed crabs running back and forth along the floor and across the sides of the archway. Some even had their little claws in the air as if to say, “Come at me, bro.”

I girly screamed, and did one of those little half jumps – as if that would protect me from the crustaceous Yelapa waterfall bouncers.

I backed away from the archway with my arms crossed. We had come all this way; 1.5 hours by bus, water taxi and foot. We couldn’t turn back now. My husband offered to pass through the archway to prove that the crabs were harmless, what a gentleman!

As he walked through, a crab released itself from the ceiling of the arch and brushed against my husbands back. He manly screamed and jumped back.

“Nope. We’re done. We’re going back. Goodbye Yelapa and goodbye Pedro,” he said while brushing the heebie-jeebies off his shirt.

About the Crabs

During the rainy season (June-October), thousands of purple-and-yellow and red land crabs can be found along the beach and in the jungle in Yelapa. Land crabs are unique in that they do not live in the ocean. In fact, they aren’t swimmers at all and can drown in the ocean. They only go to the sea when releasing larvae. Otherwise, they burrow in the sand and hide under leaves, and apparently have a side-gig as Yelapa waterfall security.

In Yelapa, it is not uncommon to see land crabs under docks, inside of buildings and along walls. Land crabs are basically harmless to humans (unless you pose a threat to them, in which case they may pinch you), but they can damage homes, clothing and gardens.

I am embarrassed to say that this was the extent of our Yelapa adventure. We saw the beach, we greeted Pedro and we were bullied out of Yelapa by crabs.

Hopefully your trip to Yelapa is far more successful than ours.

To see photos from someone who actually got to the Yelapa waterfalls, visit Vi Warkentin Photography.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

March 15, 2018August 21, 2018

Where To Get The Prettiest Desserts In Denver

It’s fewer calories if it’s pretty, right?

My husband and I are all about purposeful splurges. Instead of stopping at McDonald’s for a McFlurry a few times a month, we opt for splitting a more decadent dessert once a month. If we’re going to have a treat, it better be worth it, right?

One of my favorite things about Denver is the incredible foodie scene. People who love gourmet food love Denver because we have such a great selection of top of the line restaurants. Many places have upped the ante and created one-of-a-kind desserts, perfectly crafted for those (like my husband and I) who want to taste something as wonderful as it looks. We are all about the presentation. I mean, if you can’t Instagram it, did you really eat it?

D Bar Denver

Literally named D Bar because of its delectable dinner, drinks and dessert. Below is the seasonal american dream, complete with funfetti cake, american buttercream and a mini sundae. This dessert is delightfully shareable and perfect for anyone who is a fan birthday cake flavored treats. Plus, the frosting on the beater just feels so wonderfully nostalgic.

Miette et Chocolat

2501 Dallas St Suite 176, Aurora, CO 80010

Located inside of Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Miette et Chocolat is the place to go for desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat. Each dessert is handcrafted with immaculate attention to detail. See that little bit of yellow at the top of the curl? That’s edible gold leaf. Even the piece of white chocolate on the side is stamped with cute little hearts. I’m in love!

Peteybird

3040 Blake St, 151, Denver, CO 80205

You know what’s better than ice cream sandwiches? Ice cream sandwiches with a flight of delicious hot cocoa! Peteybird is a Denver hidden gem. This fun twist on a classic treat is sure to impress. Below is an example of a variety box, perfect for sharing (or you can have them all to yourself – no judgement here). Peteybird also offers vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dessert options.

box of peteybird 2.jpg — Photo credit: Alison Emerick Photography

Rioja

1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

Rioja is a Mediterranean inspired restaurant in Denver with dishes that look as good as they taste. Below is the brandy snap cannoli with orange scented carnaroli rice pudding, passion fruit coulis and edible flowers. Another dessert on the menu is Rocky Road. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. Rocky Road includes dark chocolate spuma, banana chocolate ganache, cashew butter, brûléed bananas, Italian meringue and candied cashews. Rioja seems like a place you’d want to go for a fancy date. Hint hint: husband.

Sweet Action Ice Cream

52 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Sweet Action Ice Cream isn’t afraid to play with unique ice cream flavors! Featured below is their green tea chocolate chip ice cream. While their flavors frequently change, there’s always something good on the list. A couple of fun options currently on the menu are Maple Walnut Caramel and Dark Rum Raisin. This dessert is pretty because it’s daring.

Concourse Restaurant Moderne

10195 E 29th Dr, Denver, CO 80238

The Concourse Restaurant Moderne is in the spot which used to be the Stapleton Airport. The restaurant is known for more than their incredible desserts, due to entrees that people rave about! I would save room for the “Gold Bar,” which has hazelnut + chantilly on the inside and is covered with milk chocolate and topped with 24k edible gold leaf.

28872522_1991443597796089_5346023210116710400_o — Photo credit: Concourse Restaurant Moderne

Sugar Bakeshop and Coffee House

277 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Sugar Bakeshop and Coffee House is best known for their handmade vegan popsters. Poptarts for dessert? Yes. Do it. It’s genius. They make all of their goodies fresh, every morning, as a result this place smells amazing. From front to back below: vegan caramel apple, strawberry, Nutella, raspberry orange and blueberry.

Chocolate Lab

2504 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! You can’t go wrong with a restaurant that incorporates chocolate every chance they get. The Chocolate Lab even includes chocolate in their cocktails (or, a flavor that enhances the flavor of the chocolate already on your plate). Most noteworthy is their flourless chocolate cake, pictured below.

28685609_2206541669363480_1139553002286219264_o — Photo credit: Phil Simonson

The Inventing Room Dessert Shop

4433 W 29th Ave #101, Denver, CO 80212

The Inventing Room Dessert Shop is where sugar and science meet to make delicious treats! Most of all, you know a place has got to be pretty rad when the menu says, “All drinks topped with exploding whipped cream.” Below is the sticky toffee pudding with warm butterscotch soup, vanilla custard and pumpkin spice cotton candy.

28795157_962957073872492_5414328694955048960_o — Photo credit: Ian Kleinman

Vesta

1822 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Vesta owner Josh Wolkon believes that dining should be an experience, and boy is that the case at his restaurant! From the ambiance to the flavors, Vesta takes every aspect of the meal into account. Below is the tiramisu, composed of espresso sponge cake core, mascarpone mousse, apricot and currant conserves & chocolate honeycomb.

Yours Truly Cupcake

3047 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205

Yours Truly Cupcake prides themselves in adding touches of glamour to their treats. Their customized vanilla and chocolate mini-cupcakes below were created for a wedding. Many of their treats feature edible pearls, which just make you feel all sorts of fancy while eating them!

Copy of Chandelier 1.jpg — Photo credit: Meredith Harris

Denver is full of incredible treats. It seems all downtown restaurants are incorporating some sort of twist on a classic. What treat would you pick from above? I’m digging The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, personally. I love when chefs get creative with their production methods!

Thanks for reading,

Emma

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March 8, 2018May 26, 2019

The Story Behind Denver’s Big Blue Bear

I See What You Mean

To most, this sculpture created by the late Lawrence Argent is known as “The Big Blue Bear.” Few are aware that the formal name of the sculpture is “I See What You Mean.”

Location

Located outside of the Colorado Convention Center on 14th Street between California and Stout, the blue bear has hundreds of visitors a day. On any given afternoon, you will witness children climbing the bear’s feet, young adults posing for selfies and citizens and tourists alike snapping a shot of the striking 40-foot attraction.

Why Blue?

Artist Lawrence Argent intended for the piece to be eye-catching, but he didn’t plan for it to be vividly blue! In fact, the blue color was a complete accident. Originally, the bear was going to reflect the colors of Colorado in shades of sandstone, but a printing error showed Argent just how lovely this piece could be in a bold hue.

Popularity

Argent was shocked by the attention his creation has received. The bear is now a Mile High City icon and appears all over the internet with comments like, “Where is this bear located!? I NEED to see it in person!” In an interview, Argent said, “To me, it’s kind of like the bear needs the building, and the building needs the bear.”

So why is the bear so popular? Is it the bold color? Is it the huge-ness of it? (Yes, huge-ness is totally a word.) Or is it the whimsical, playful nature of the bear? It seems to be peering into the convention windows as if to say, “What’s going on today?”

My vote is the latter.

A City Landmark

Whatever the case may be, the bear is certainly a Denver landmark and is worth a visit on your next trip to the city.

Lawrence Argent completed this piece in 2005. He passed away at the age of 60 at Rose Medical Center following a liposuction procedure on October 4, 2017. I’d like to thank him for his beautiful contribution to the city. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

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