here, there, and everywhere
Grab your dancing shoes…
and your hiking boots to explore amazing Colorado
Golden
You can spend a whole day just popping into shops, restaurants, and breweries in Downtown Golden like New Terrain Brewing or - more famously - the Coors Brewery. Sherpa House will transport you to the Himalayas, while Miners Saloon will paint a picture of the town's namesake gold rush era. For some adventure, try rafting at Clear Creek Canyon or going further back in time at Dinosaur Ridge.
Morrison
We are anxiously awaiting the 2024 event calendar from Red Rocks Ampitheatre. A concert under the stars here should be on everyone's bucket list. Visit during the day for completely unique hikes, yoga, or to check out rock history in the visitor center. Downtown Morrison is a great place to grab a meal before or after. And if you have a 7 yr old nephew who loves car racing (just me?), be sure to bring them to the Bandimere Speedway.
Denver
There is so much more to Denver than Mile High Stadium and Coors Field, and an almost endless amount of neighborhoods to check out. In Downtown, stop by Union Station, then Dairy Block, then Larimer Square. Make your way a bit West to the neighborhood of Highland, where you can grab drinks in hip spots like Lady Jane, The Family Jones, or brunch at The Fox and the Hen. Finally, you'll find awesome breweries and art in RiNo. We could spend all day drinking greet beer at Ratio Beerworks and Improper City in their laid back courtyards - food trucks + dog/people watching all day.
Boulder
Boulder is a bustling small city encapsulated by unique rock formations, namely The Flatirons. Shelby has hiked the area surrounding these structures on every trip to CO, taking her sisters and Marty over the years. For a less challenging hike with even crazier views (of the continental divide!), check out Eldorado Canyon State Park. A perfect day from there looks like beers in Rayback Collective's backyard, a stroll and shopping along Pearl Street, and a rooftop bite from one of many vendors in Avanti F&B.
Estes Park
"Come and play with us... forever and ever and ever." Only in Estes Park can you drink spirits and visit them at The Stanley Hotel. Stephen King and redrum not your thing? Beer and addicting chicken and biscuits await at The Post right next door. The biggest reason to visit Estes, however, is for Rocky Mountain National Park. Shelby would love to create an itinerary for you! Some favorite stops of ours include: Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Bierstandt Lake/Storm Pass, Moraine Park. This is one of the most car-friendly national parks in the country, and we highly recommend a drive up to 12,000 ft on Trail Ridge Road.
Breckenridge
A perfect day in Breck might actually start with a visit to nearby Frisco. Grab some breakfast and take a stroll through this town, developed in the late 1800s during the silver boom (not gold, surprisingly). Then, rent a kayak and paddle around the Dillion Reservoir to take in the mountain scenery. Beside the reservoir, you can hike a short loop to get to an incredible view point often visited for elopements - Sapphire Point Overlook. Make your way over to Breckenridge proper for the second half of the day. Recommendations include: beers at Broken Compass Brewing and RMU Brewery + Bike Shop, Breckenridge Distillery for tastings and fine dining, and exploring the resort and all on-mountain activities.
Beaver Creek
The minute we win the lottery, we will be buying a second home here (after supporting our families, buying a Florida house, and donating to many charities, of course). We'd be remiss not to share our favorite thing to do here - riding horses up to Beano's Cabin for a fine dining experience like no other. More low key town favorites include: concerts at Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon, taking in art and shopping at Eagle's Riverwalk, and relaxing by a fire in the yard of Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek's annual Oktoberfest happens to be right around our wedding weekend, too - you have to check out some yodeling by local legend, Helmut Fricker. Prost!
Vail
We can't gate-keep the most magical place we've ever been from you - if you're up for an adventure, you MUST visit Piney Lake at Piney River Ranch. This hidden gem is harder to get to and a bit removed from Vail Village, where you could spend days exploring the mountain's many activities. Jam out to free concerts all summer long at Gerald Ford Amphitheater, and stroll through the Betty Ford Gardens on your way there. Amazing restaurants, spas, shopping can all be found right in the village. Vail's Oktoberfest is as fun and delicious as Beaver Creek's... you may have to try both and let us know which town wins.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an amusement park on top of a mountain. Ever dream of doing an alpine coaster? Swinging off the edge of a cliff while your partner looks on with pure fear? This is your chance! While in the area, be sure to check out Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Hanging Lake Trail, and downtown Glenwood Springs - you may run into the ghost of Doc Holiday.