Colorado - Wild Color Macrame

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

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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January 25, 2018June 24, 2018

South Broadway Brewery Crawl, Denver

Cheers!

A couple of weeks ago, six of my closest friends and I went for a brewery crawl on South Broadway in downtown Denver. This crawl has been on my bucket list for awhile now, after our successful crawl in Denver’s RiNo District (read all about that here).

Colorado has some of the best breweries in the nation, and there are well over 100 in Denver, it’ll be impossible for me to try them all! Or is it…

Brewery Crawl Map

Here’s the brewery crawl. You’ll be starting at Lowdown Brewery, then Banded Oak Brewing Company, on to Baere Brewing Company and ending at TRVE Brewing Company. The total walking time one way is 15 minutes, roundtrip 30 minutes if you park near Lowdown Brewery like we did. There is a parking lot next to Lowdown between 7th and 8th Ave that had $2 weekend parking. Score. The longest walking distance is from Lowdown to Banded Oak, you could catch an Uber/Lyft to get from one to the other, or, move your car. Banded Oak has a parking lot, as does Baere. TRVE had some meter parking alongside it.

Lowdown Brewery

The first stop on our brewery crawl at Lowdown Brewery didn’t disappoint. We started with a flight to get a feel for what they had to offer (always a good choice). I especially enjoyed Golden Shower (first beer on the right). The names of their beers and food had us all laughing.

One of our friends ordered the Two Balls. One Bowl meatball appetizer. He said it was incredible. It definitely looked good!

The bar had a fun, laid back vibe. It was large enough for big groups, fitting the seven of us perfectly. They had a few games behind the bar that were available to play as well. I’m always impressed to see people working on their computers in a brewery, but there were a couple of people just chilling, working away.

Banded Oak Brewing Company

I loved Banded Oak Brewing Company and can’t wait for summer so I can try out their patio. The inside is great, but a little small for a large group. Our party fit on their largest table, and there were a few additional small tables and a bar top with stools. The bartender was incredibly kind, and really laid back.

They didn’t have food trucks so he said it was cool if we brought food in. We snagged a 24″ pie (IT WAS HUGE) from Cosmo’s Pizza with a side jar of spicy ranch and it was the perfect addition to our sampler. I appreciated their labeling system for their samplers, because at this point, we all needed it.

This bar came with board games, too. After a couple of rounds of Mancala, we had lost track of time. We definitely spent the more time at this brewery than we did the others.

Baere Brewing Company

I loved the atmosphere of this place, I can’t wait to go again and try a couple more beers. Baere Brewing Company has a cabin feel to it, despite its location in an unassuming strip mall on South Broadway. The beer was really good, from what I tasted, but at this point I couldn’t partake in a sampler, I was winding down. One of our friends brought What Do You Meme? Which is a new game, similar to Cards Against Humanity, where you ad captions to popular memes. There was a a great mix of people in the brewery, young and old, and it was getting pretty packed! The space was plenty big enough for a large crowd and it seemed to just get more fun as the night went on.

TRVE Brewing Company

We lost four people in our party at this point, they hit their limit and decided it was best to call it quits. Boy did they make a mistake, TRVE Brewing Company was RAD. First things first, we asked the bartender how to pronounce the name. “True,” she said. “But it’s a V….” “Yeah but it’s pronounced ‘True.'” Rad brewery, confusing name.

This brewery had a great selection of beers, there was something for everyone. I can’t remember the name of the one I ordered…and I didn’t get a photo of my glass full. BUT I did get a picture of our empty glasses. That’s a win. There is one very long table running through the middle of the brewery as well as a couple of standing tables on the sides. I can imagine it gets a little crowded, so I’d recommend a group of 4-6 max.

Our adventure started at 2:00 p.m. at Lowdown Brewery, and ended at 6:30 p.m. at TRVE Brewing Company. That’s a lot of beer. I suggest sipping slowly, adding some water into the mix and having food along the way.

Are you a fan of Colorado breweries? Which is your favorite? I’m already planning my next crawl.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

December 28, 2017June 11, 2020

Colorado Hikes For People Who Get Bored Easily

If you’re like me, you appreciate the exercise from a good hike, but you want a big pay-off at the end for all of your hard work.

I expect my hikes to end with a BANG! Let’s go on a hike that allows me to hike along dinosaur tracks, leap over craters, swim through waterfalls and get a sweeping view of mountains.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one hike that offers all of that, but you can see all that and more, right here in The Centennial State.

Dotsero Crater

This is one of my favorite type of hikes: short with a cool ending. Located on the Dotsero-Ute Trail just before Glenwood Canyon on I-70 (exit 133) is the Dotsero Crater and volcano. If you want to hike to the top of the crater, it’s 1.25 miles round trip. You can also hike to the bottom of the crater, which is a longer trek. The nearby volcano last erupted some 4,000 years ago, but it’s still hot, and could technically erupt at any moment. However, the United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program and the Global Volcanism Program do not have this volcano on their watch list -which is super comforting. This hike is 2.5 hours from Denver.

Gold Camp Road

1555488_10153711414445338_52200972_n — Photo credit: Emma Heirendt

Yeah, it’s haunted… but this hike is perfect for those that get bored easily! Around every corner is a pitch black tunnel perfect for freaking out your hiking partner. 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. It’s located 2 hours and 15 min from Denver.

Purgatoire River Track Site

dino tracks — Purgatoire River Track Site by U.S. Forest Service

Dinosaur tracks! This 17.6 mile round trip hike is worth the trek. You’ll literally be walking the same path as the dinosaurs. The Purgatoire River Track Site is one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. If you get bored, try to jump from track to track while you ogle at the view of Picketwire Canyon. This hike is 3.5 hours from Denver.

Paint Mines

Totally an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Calhan, Colorado. A hike at the colorful Paint Mines in unlike anything you’ve done before. Get your hands dirty with the chalk from the rock and explore deep into the caverns. Read my tips for hiking the Paint Mines here. This hike is 1.5 hours from Denver.

The Incline

Get ready to sweat. This verticle mile staircase in Manitou Springs is not for the faint of heart! The view at the top is worth it, but boy, this is a tough one! I’d recommend The Incline to someone who gets bored with level trails and is looking for a fun, unique-to-Colorado challenge. This hike is 2 hours and 15 minutes from Denver.

This photo of Manitou Springs Incline is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hanging Lake

25299889_10212605567266907_7889814216995348451_o — Photo credit: Janelle Devores

Considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake has become a popular tourist attraction in the state. Recently, the White River Forest Service has limited the amount of people who hike to Hanging Lake everyday to preserve the land. The hike is short and fairly steep and the view at the end is beyond worth it. This hike is 2.5 hours from Denver.

Mesa Verde National Park

See a piece of history at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. Visit the Pueblo people’s dwellings under the overhanging cliff. Tickets sell out very quickly, I recommend purchasing online two days in advance. This hike is 7 hours and 15 minutes from Denver.

Paradise Cove

brqvkj90qtipzmnk5dhe — Photo credit: Mark Donoher

This place is a real life Casa Bonita! Paradise Cove (or Guffey Cove, as some call it), is a mile hike that finishes with a little cliff jumping. Water levels vary, jump at your own risk (or watch someone else take the jump, first)! This hike is located in Cripple Creek, about 2 hours south of Denver.

Garden of the Gods

25157981_10214928044175962_6388083017338814408_n — Photo credit: Kara Pannulla

I’d consider this one of the top attractions in Colorado Springs and one of the most interesting hikes in the state. There’s always something to look at as you meander through the bright red rocks. Garden of the Gods offers many different hikes, all of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Read more about Colorado Springs here. This hike is 1 hour from Denver.

Great Sand Dunes

18739140_10158823106480338_8848113042433643585_o — Photo credit: Emma Heirendt

You can’t beat a giant sand box for adults. Grab your sleds and get out to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, Colorado. The dunes are deceivingly difficult to hike up, you will definitely get a good work out in! See more photos from my trip here. This hike is about 4 hours from Denver.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal

Deer in Denver — Photo credit: Emma Heirendt

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is located at 6550 Gateway Rd in Commerce City and offers many easy walking trails. There are over 330 species of wildlife here, perfect for the human who is easily distracted. Read more about my trip to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal here. This hike is only 20 minutes from Denver.

I’m interested to hear, which hike would you choose? Remember to share this post with your friends by clicking on one of the social media buttons below!

Thanks for reading,

Emma

December 26, 2017July 18, 2018

The Story Behind “The French Fry Statue” In Denver

It’s a pile of french fries! It’s a stack of Post-It notes! No… it’s the Articulated Wall.

Standing at a striking 85 feet, the Articulated Wall is one of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks. However, when a Denver resident is asked what it is or where it is located, they seldom know the answer.

The Articulated Wall was originally designed as a 25 foot statue to welcome people to the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Denver liked it so much, they asked for their own; Denver even went a step further, requesting a sculpture over twice the size of the original. You know what they say, everything is bigger in Tex..Colorado.

Location

Located within the Denver Design Center complex at 595 South Broadway, the Articulated Wall is visible by more than the neighboring buildings. The sculpture transforms a driver’s view heading northbound on I-25. Out-of-towners gawk at the bright yellow sculpture, which looks especially eye-catching against a bright blue sky. Some have said that the piece should be moved to the Denver Art Museum, because DAM owns the piece. To do so would be against the artist’s wishes. Bayer wrote (in his typical typographic style) in 1968: “i have long considered the highway an issue worth the attention of the artist…up to this point we have only known how to disgrace a highway with advertising.”

Design

Standing at 85 feet and weighing over 2 million pounds, the Articulated Wall demands attention. The sculpture is designed with gravity in mind, featuring a steel mast in the middle and horizontal bars situated one on top of the other, relying on the weight of one another to stay still. No wonder climbing is prohibited!

About the artist

Herbert Bayer was a painter, photographer, architect, graphic designer, and typographer. He attended the Bauhaus, an influential German art school at the age of 21 and went on to create stylized posters to aid the American war effort of the 1940s. Unfortunately, Bayer was too ill to attend the erection of the Articulated Wall in 1985. He was in California as aircraft carrier’s assembled the statue, piece by piece. He passed away later that year. Over 8,000 of Bayer’s pieces are inside the Denver Art Museum for visitors to enjoy.

Have you ever seen this sculpture in Denver? It’s so iconic, I’m using it for my cousin’s daughter’s Flat Stanley Project. Now her 1st grade classmates will know all about this sculpture and why it is considered a Denver landmark.

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Thanks for reading,

Emma

December 21, 2017May 28, 2020

Best Breweries In Denver’s RiNo District

With hundreds of breweries popping up all over Colorado, it can be difficult to know which ones to visit or where to bring your out of state guests. Thankfully, Denver’s RiNo District offers eight breweries all within a 19 minute walking distance that are perfect for an afternoon of beer tasting.

The RiNo District also offers ample street parking, making this excursion all the more simple. Below is a suggested brewery crawl, as well as a description of each brewery on the list. Enjoy!

The Perfect RiNo Brewery Crawl

A couple of weeks ago, my husband, father, and I did a modified version of this list. From 3-6:30 p.m., we visited Bierstadt Lagerhaus, C Squared Ciders, Ratio Beerworks, Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company, 14er Brewing Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Company Denver. We appreciated a “well deserved” dinner at 10 Barrel after our 14 minutes of walking and 3 hours of drinking. For an extended version of our day, add in 3 more breweries and 5 more minutes of walking. See a map of your crawl below.

About the River North (RiNo) District

The River North or “RiNo” District is known for a few things: street art, jazz bars and microbreweries. Keep an eye out for rhino designs in the wall murals throughout town, as the rhino has become the official logo of the RiNo District. Lonely Planet even listed the RiNo District on their Hot ‘hoods in the US: 10 neighborhoods you need to visit. For more information on the RiNo District, click here.

Beryl’s Beer Co.

Located at 3120 Blake St in Denver, Beryl’s Beer Co. ages many of their hand-crafted brews in, you guessed it, barrels! They are especially proud of their 1876 Ale which is their take on an American style ale with 100% Colorado grown ingredients. Open 7 days a week, Beryl’s Beer Co. offers a range of theme nights and specials including $3 beers on Mondays with adult coloring to unwind after a day at the office.

Epic Brewing Company

Epic Brewing Company is just a hop, skip and jump away from Beryl’s Beer Co (3001 Walnut St in Denver) which is why it is recommend second on the RiNo District brewery crawl. Inspired by microbreweries in their home state of California, entrepreneurs David Cole and Peter Erickson opened Epic Brewing Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. The beer makers expanded to the RiNo District to distribute a larger quantity of beer, penetrate a new market and experiment with new brews such as a line of sours. Welcome to CO, boys.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus/C Squared Ciders

Once upon a time, a small-batch cider tasting room (C Squared Ciders) and a traditional German style brewery and taproom (Bierstadt Lagerhaus) decided to join forces at 875 Blake St in Denver’s RiNo District. The result? A perfect opportunity for cider and lager lovers to coexist harmoniously.

Side note: They offer workout classes on Wednesday evenings at 5:45 p.m. All fitness levels are welcome, and a drink afterwards is encouraged. Obviously.

Our Mutual Friend Brewing

Located at 2810 Larimer St, Our Mutual Friend Brewing is a must see on this list. With a colorful exterior, amazing patio and excellent beer selection, this was one of our favorite stops on our LoHi brewery crawl. This brewery got its start in 2012 with just one head brewer and a 31 gallon system. Boy, how things have changed. They now operate on a seven-barrel brew system and have won several awards for their brews.

Ratio Beerworks

Currently one of my favorite microbreweries in the RiNo District, Ratio Beerworks offers exceptional brews and an equally impressive tasting room and dog-friendly courtyard. Located at 2920 Larimer St, Ratio Beerworks is conveniently located in the middle of the other RiNo breweries making it an easy stop on your crawl. My favorite is the Hold Steady with Novo Coffee (pictured below), a twist on their Hold Steady scotch ale.

Stem Ciders

After getting a taste at C Squared Ciders, cider enthusiasts can look forward to another fantastic assortment of ciders and live music at Stem Ciders, located at 2811 Walnut St #150. With unique brews such as Coffee Apple Cider, Stem Ciders in certainly not afraid to think outside of the box, but their goal is to deliver a product made with very few ingredients, keeping the taste as authentic as possible.

14er Brewing Company

Another winner on Walnut! Located at 2801 Walnut St, 14er Brewing Company is located in an unassuming building. Don’t let that fool you, 14er holds their own amongst the greats. Founded by Colorado natives, Andrew Kaczmarek and Nato Francescato of Wheat Ridge, 14er Brewing Company is an example of how a couple of beer lovers can take their passion and turn it into a growing success.

10 Barrel Brewing Company

A great place to finish your brewery crawl is 10 Barrel Brewing Company at 2620 Walnut St. With a spacious venue, full menu and 24 beers on tap, this brewery is a perfect spot to unwind and rate your previous stops. I’d also recommend this place for a large crowd. We once invited 20 friends out for drinks and comfortably sat the whole pack at a table in the lower dining area.

Crooked Stave

As a bonus, I’m mentioning Crooked Stave in the list of RiNo District breweries. While it is quite a walk away from the others, it is considered one of the best in the RiNo District. If you’d like to add this to your brewery crawl, it would be a great first stop. Then, you can drive closer to the others and find street parking. Crooked Stave is located in The Source at 3350 Brighton Blvd, one of Denver’s hip new dining warehouses. They are known for their Artisan beer selection.

Do you enjoy a good brewery crawl? Share this post with your friends by using the social media buttons below.

Tip: Drink plenty of water, and stop for snacks in between. Remember, Colorado is at a higher elevation so you will be feeling it a lot quicker.

Cheers,

Emma