North America - Page 2 of 3 - Wild Color Macrame

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.

Share this story with your friends using the social media buttons below.

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

December 7, 2017June 11, 2020

Inside The International Church Of Cannabis In Denver

That’s so Denver.

Here’s another great find from Atlas Obscura. Seriously, if you’re looking for something fun and unique in your area, look no further than Atlas Obscura.

A few weeks ago my husband and I visited the International Church of Cannabis. The “tour” was really more of just an opportunity to sit in the chapel and admire the murals and take a quick look inside of their meeting room.

I couldn’t believe that this place really existed. Apparently, the government can’t either. They are actively trying to shut down the church. So if this place tickles your fancy, come quick, the International Church of Cannabis may not be open for much longer.

Now buckle your seat belt, I’m about to drop some knowledge about the International Church of Cannabis and what it means to be an Elevationist.

What is the International Church of Cannabis?

The International Church of Cannabis consists of a group of people known as Elevationists. Elevationists believe that it is their religious right to reach the greatest versions of themselves without political scrutiny or prosecution. 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.

What’s with the funky murals?

Artists Okuda San Miguel and Kenny Scharf designed the interior and exterior of the building. The church is colorful with vibrant mural across the ceiling. The murals have no meaning, but members claim that they discover their own meaning while smoking marijuana. The meeting room (pictured below) is adorned with quirky decorations, furniture, board games and a small gift shop.

Where is the International Church of Cannabis?

The church is located at 400 S Logan St, Denver, CO 80209 and is open for tours Thursday through Sunday 1:00-3:00 p.m. There is a $5.00 suggested donation. Marijuana consumption is not allowed in the church when it is open to the public.

Can I smoke inside of the church?

You must become a member to smoke inside of the church as smoking is not allowed during tour hours.

The History of Elevationism

Elevationism began in Denver, Colorado by a group of people who were tired of the restrictive nature of most religions. Some Elevationists believe in God but more generally they refer to a Universal Creative Force and allow members to decide what they believe. Elevationism did not begin as a replacement to faith. Instead, it was created to support the consumption of a plant that has positively influenced the minds of the individuals.

Members

Members of the church are known as Elevationists. During their service, they smoke weed and strive to reveal the best version of themselves and discover a creative voice. Elevationists claim that they do not attempt to convert visitors to Elevationism. According to their website, “[Elevationism] claims no divine law, no questionable doctrine, and no authoritarian structure.” People who believe that cannabis can and should be used in the one’s personal journey and search for meaning are encouraged to join.

People are always very curious about marijuana when they find out I live in Colorado. Yes, marijuana is legal in Colorado. All you need is a valid ID and you can purchase marijuana at one of the many shops across the state. There is literally a shop on almost every corner (similar to liquor stores, if not more prevalent). Colorado residents receive a slight discount. You must be 21 years or older to purchase marijuana.

What do you think about the legalization of marijuana? What about the International Church of Cannabis? How would you feel if one popped up in your neighborhood?

Thanks for reading,

Emma

November 25, 2017July 18, 2018

Denver Biscuit Company Review

Yay, comfort food!

If you’re looking for a hip breakfast place in Denver, Colorado, look no further than Denver Biscuit Company.

With three locations in Denver and one in Aurora, you are sure to get your fix of biscuits and gravy yummyness. Another perk: Each location shares space with Atomic Cowboy and Fat Sully’s Pizza.

So if your friend is like, “Ugh. I don’t like biscuits and gravy…” You can be like, “Cool. I’ll make new friends at Denver Biscuit Company/Atomic Cowboy/Fat Sully’s Pizza.”

You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

When to go

Denver Biscuit Company is open 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The earlier you arrive, the better. This place is packed on the weekends. Plan for a 30-90 minute wait on Saturday or Sunday morning.

What to expect

Be ready to parallel park at all Denver locations. Street parking can be tricky to find, you may end up parking several blocks away. Expect to wait for a table. There is very little space to stand inside and wait. Bring a jacket and hang out on the benches out front. Once you are seated, expect greatness. The food is so good, you will be back soon enough for more.

“I’ll die happy if I never have another biscuit sandwich again. I had the Winona and it was so good I’m left thinking about it hours later. Coffee was good and self serve. I always love that especially with how popular the place is, but the wait wasn’t bad. Service was awesome. I definitely recommend.” – Cassandra Matkin, Google reviews

What to order

Everything is good. If you’re looking for the classic, go with Biscuits and Gravy (pictured above). My husband gets this every time and I’m always jealous. I’ve also gotten the Chicken Biscuit Pot Pie (below, left). It was delicious, but I was missing that gravy that Denver Biscuit Company is known for. I’d also recommend the Cordon Bleu which has buttermilk fried chicken, Tender Belly ham, cheddar cheese & local Colorado honey butter (below, middle). On our first visit, we ordered a biscuit cinnamon roll (below, right) to split. Boy, that thing was big! We ate half and took the rest home.

You can also order from the Atomic Cowboy or Fat Sully’s pizza menu any time of the day.

Be sure to check out my Best Brunch in Denver list for more recommendations.

Thanks for reading,

Emma

September 26, 2017May 23, 2018

Best Breakfast Burritos In Denver

When I married my husband, I knew I was marrying someone who was hilarious, intelligent, strong-willed and remarkably kind. Little did I know I was also marrying a breakfast burrito aficionado. JACKPOT.

Seriously though, my husband loves his breakfast burritos and he knows quality when he tastes it. One of our favorite Saturday morning activities is trying a new breakfast burrito and ranking it against others we have tried.

Who ever said research was boring? Research is delicious, especially when served with a side of green chile.

Little Anita’s

CURRENT FAVORITE

Address: 1550 S Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80222

Hours: Mon – Fri 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Little Anita’s is located in an unassuming strip mall in Denver, as most local Mexican restaurants are, but what this restaurant lacks in curb-appeal they make up for in flavor. As I previously mentioned, my husband is the breakfast burrito whisperer while I am his trusty sidekick with little opinion and a lot of early morning sass. However, when trying this burrito I dropped most of my a.m. attitude and said, “Ok FINE, you’re right. This breakfast burrito is the bee’s knees.”

Our rating: 4.3/5

Presentation 5/5

Balance of ingredients 3/5

Sauce selection N/A

Overall taste 5/5

Building interior and comfort level 5/5

Building exterior and appeal 2/5

Staff friendliness and speed 5/5

Amount of food by cost 5/5

Breakfast burrito selection: Egg, chile and cheese, plus your choice of meat, potatoes and type of chile

Other ratings: Google rating: 4.1/5 , Yelp rating 4/5, Zomato rating: 3.7/5, Nominated for Best Breakfast on Denver A List

Taco Mex

Address: 7840 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220

Hours: Fri and Sat 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m., Sun – Thurs 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

If you’re looking for a dine-in breakfast burrito option look no further than Taco Mex. This location is full of charm and very comfortable for a fast food restaurant. Plus, they have a bar full of sauce options and taco garnishes which, according to my husband, meant a free “lifetime supply of green chile.” Don’t listen to him, guys, only take what you need.

Our rating: 3.8/5

Presentation 2/5

Balance of ingredients 5/5

Sauce selection 5/5

Overall taste 5/5

Building interior and comfort level 4/5

Building exterior and appeal 2/5

Staff friendliness and speed 5/5

Amount of food by cost 3/5

Breakfast burrito selection: Ham, bacon or chorizo

Other ratings: Google rating: 3.8/5 , Zomato rating: 3.5/5, Rated #4 best breakfast burrito by Westword

The Original Chubby’s

Address: 1231 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Hours: Mon – Thurs 6:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m., Fri and Sat 6:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.

Either The Original Chubby’s got a face lift or we were super drunk the last time we came here. Just kidding. Sort of. I’m obsessed with the new building. They even have an adorable little patio. The sauces are incredible too, if not a little misleading. The mild is SO MILD and the hot is SUPER HOT. There’s really no middle ground here.

Our rating: 3.75/5

Presentation 2/5

Balance of ingredients 5/5

Sauce selection 1/5

Overall taste 4/5

Building interior and comfort level 5/5

Building exterior and appeal 5/5

Staff friendliness and speed 3/5

Amount of food by cost 5/5

Other ratings: Google rating 3.7/5, Yelp rating 3/5, Zomato rating 4/5, Rated #7 on the Definitive Denver Green Chile Ranking on The Thrillist.

Burrito Giant

Address: 4501 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

Hours: Mon – Sat 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sun 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

I can’t understand for the life of me how this place received such a high rating from my husband. I think it may have something to do with the fact that we were incredibly hungry and I asked him to provide his ratings mid-bite. Let me put it this way, when my husband asked for a cup of water, they handed him a cup and said, “potable water is available in the restroom.” If you can ignore that and the gym equipment in the dining room, this place has decent burritos.

Our rating: 3.5/5

Presentation 4/5

Balance of ingredients 2/5

Sauce selection 5/5

Overall taste 3/5

Building interior and comfort level 1/5

Building exterior and appeal 3/5

Staff friendliness and speed 5/5

Amount of food by cost 5/5

Breakfast burrito selection: Egg and potato, plus your choice of chile and meat

Other ratings: Google rating: 4.5/5 , Yelp rating 4.1/5, Zomato rating: 2.8/5, Currently #5 Best burrito in Denver on Denver A List

Santiagos

Address: 10400 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010

Hours: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., closed on Sundays

Santiago’s is kind of a big deal in Denver. Almost every office building in Denver orders Santiago’s for their employees because it’s cheap, delicious and a crowd pleasure. My husband and I just haven’t been that impressed. It’s good, sure, but not nearly as good as some of the other whole in the wall restaurants.

Our rating: 2.6/5

Presentation 2/5

Balance of ingredients 5/5

Sauce selection 1/5

Overall taste 3/5

Building interior and comfort level 2/5

Building exterior and appeal 3/5

Staff friendliness and speed 3/5

Amount of food by cost 2/5

Other ratings: Google rating 3.9/5, Yelp rating 3/5, Zomato rating 2.7/5, Rated #11 on Where to Get Denver’s Best Breakfast Burritos on The Infatuation.

We plan on updating this list as we try more breakfast burritos across Denver. I personally can only handle about one breakfast burrito a month while my husband could eat one for breakfast, second breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Have you tried any of these breakfast burritos? Which is your favorite?

Solving your traveling dilemmas,

Emma

September 19, 2017August 21, 2018

The Best Farmers’ Markets In Denver

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

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

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

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

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

East 1st Ave. and University Blvd.

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

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

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market

East Colfax Ave. and Columbine St.

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

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

Farmers’ Market at Highlands Square

32nd Ave and Lowell Blvd.

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

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

Union Station Farmers’ Market

Denver Union Station Plaza

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

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

Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market

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

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

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

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

Solving your traveling dilemmas,

Emma

June 3, 2017May 23, 2018

3 Days Visiting Santa Fe, Taos And The Great Sand Dunes

We had a busy Memorial Day Weekend exploring northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado! We visit Santa Fe at least once a year and it never gets old. Taos and the Great Sand Dunes were new to us, but we are already planning on visiting again!

Heads up: If you do all of this in 3 days, you are going to need a vacation after your vacation to recharge. We’ve been back in town for almost a week and I’m still exhausted (but it was totally worth it)!

Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Santa Fe Plaza is a great place to shop. Be sure to check out the Native American artists selling handmade jewelry and other knick-knacks on the sidewalk outside of Palace of the Governors. When looking for a restaurant, you can almost never go wrong with a patio. The Pink Adobe, Coyote Cafe and Rooftop Pizzeria are all excellent. Browse in and out of art galleries and marvel at the beautiful pottery.

Meow Wolf

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Best described as an art instillation playground for all ages, Meow Wolf is unlike any “museum” you have ever seen. Enter a house full of clues that things are not what they seem and slip through the fireplace, the refrigerator, closets and more into a mysterious world full of neon lights, odd instruments and hidden passageways. You can spend upwards of 4 hours getting lost in here. To see more photos of Meow Wolf, click here.

Taos Plaza

Taos, New Mexico

The Taos Plaza is similar to the Santa Fe Plaza, with adorable boutiques, unique art galleries and incredible restaurants. Venture north to John Dunn Way and Bent Street for an overload of adorable shops.

Taos Pueblo

Taos, New Mexico

The Taos Pueblo was likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. The site consists of two buildings called Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house), which are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA. Photography of the inhabitants is forbidden, but their story can be seen through the doors of their homes; The homes that have been passed down for generations. To see more photos of Taos Pueblo, click here.

Earthship Biotecture

El Prado, New Mexico

The Earthship Biotecture Visitors Center is a glimpse into the world of off-the-grid, totally sustainable living. Earthships are created using recycled materials, passive solar architecture, thermal mass construction, renewable energy and integrated water systems that include indoor food growing. These are real homes with real people, so the guided tour is more of an informational slideshow.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Mosca, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest dunes in North America. Activities include playing in Medano Creek, sand sledding and hiking. Bring plenty of water and sleds and be prepared to play in the biggest sand box ever. To see more photos of Great Sand Dunes National Park, click here.

Have you been to any of this attractions? Do you have other tips for places to visit in New Mexico or southern Colorado? Leave a comment below.

Solving your problemas,

Emma

March 1, 2017May 23, 2018

Quiz: Should I Bring My Out Of Town Guest To Casa Bonita?

Casa Bonita is undoubtedly one of Colorado’s most unique attractions. This two-story Mexican restaurant features cliff divers, mariachi bands, puppet shows, magic shows, a cave, pinatas, caricature artists, an arcade and a gorilla chase skit.

It sounds like a great place, right? Your friend from out of town may not think so. Follow the flow chart below to see if you should take them to chow down on microwaved nachos or opt for a more traditional dining experience.

Have you taken an out of town guest to Casa Bonita? Tell me about your experience below.

Here to solve your problemas,

Emma