Travel - Page 2 of 3 - Emma Heirendt

May 8, 2018May 8, 2025

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 8, 2025

Crabs in Yelapa

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, 2018May 8, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

March 8, 2018May 8, 2025

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, 2018May 8, 2025

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, 2017May 8, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 25, 2017May 8, 2025

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 8, 2025

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 THIS LOCATION CLOSED AS OF 2025

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 PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Burrito Giant, 4501 W 38th Ave, Guerilla Garden — Burrito Giant, 4501 W 38th Ave, Artist: Guerilla Garden

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

June 3, 2017May 8, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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 8, 2025

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, piñata’s, 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