My trip to Denver feels like forever ago but I like reminiscing about this little getaway and want to have it documented so I can always look back on this amazing experience. I am getting more and more excited to go back as I type. After spending months at home amidst the pandemic, I was itching to travel somewhere safely. With work being remote, I got to spend the entire week exploring Colorado with one of my best friends, Erin in her new city! Lucky for me, Erin moved out over the summer for a gap year before medical school and gave me the perfect excuse to cross Denver off my bucket list.
Colorado was everything I hoped it would be and more. After spending months at home in quarantine, I was craving being outside in nature and was excited to see somewhere new. Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the country and visiting during early October was perfect.
My first day in Denver was jam-packed. I flew in early so Erin and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at Vert Kitchen. We ordered these huge sandwiches; I had a yummy curry chicken sandwich with peanut slaw and Erin decided on roast turkey, fig, jam, and goat cheese. Sitting outside on the adorable back patio made for a great start to the day. After lunch, Erin and I just laid in Washington Park minutes from Erin’s house. There is a lake with paddleboats, walking trails, and tons of dogs. I loved catching up here in the sun.
Later in the day, Erin, her roommates, and I piled in the car and drove to Vail for a spontaneous overnight stay. A couple of their friends from UNC had rented an amazing cabin in the mountains for the weekend and invited us for the night. My parents have always raved about their time in Vail and I have wanted to go ever since.
When we arrived we went to Pepi’s, a cool Austrian restaurant for a few beers, a soft pretzel, and charcuterie. I loved walking through the little ski shops and storefronts while taking in the amazing views. Vail is very posh; it was interesting to people-watch and to walk the cobblestone streets. Fingers crossed that one day I can come back and hit the ski slopes.
After a short stay in Vail, we headed back to Denver just in time for the Sunday farmers market in Erin’s neighborhood. The unique artisans lined the streets and we were able to pick up a few cool knick-knacks. We also walked in and out of a few thrift shops where I was able to score a beautiful navy blue Vince dress. As we continued down Pearl street, we passed lots of food trucks before sitting at Hoja, a cool vegan Mexican restaurant.
It has been really cool to explore different cities during the week by working at different coffee shops. I really loved working at Wash Perk, a cute cafe with outdoor seating within walking distance from Erin’s house. I was able to get a lot of work done while enjoying a morning coffee and blueberry scone. It is also a few blocks from Washington Park, where I was able to set up a blanket and connect to my hotspot to work for a few hours out in the sun. I really lucked out with the weather in Denver; the sun was shining for my entire stay. After the park, I picked up a few Voodoo Doughnuts for Erin, her roommates, and me to sample.
Later that night, we went to Red Rocks Amphitheater which absolutely took my breath away. I couldn’t stop imagining what being there for a full-blown, crowded concert would be like. The views and the colorful sunset are a must-see when visiting Denver. This experience was one of my most favorite parts of the trip. Just sitting on the amphitheater stairs, eating charcuterie, and catching up with Erin made my whole day. On the way home, we stopped at Dang Soft Serve Ice Cream, a unique little spot with cool flavors and toppings on the outskirts of the city.
Erin and I drove to Boulder the next night to do some more exploring. We started off at Avanti to get a good view of the sunset and the mountains before heading to The Post Brewing Company, a stop on one of my favorite shows, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for Moscow mules and a delicious crispy brussel sprouts appetizer. For dinner, we went to the Rayback Collective and I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s a casual little food truck park with outdoor seating, cheap drinks, and really yummy tacos.
The next morning I headed to Fox Run Cafe right near City Park to get some work done. I highly recommend coming here for brunch or for working in a quiet place. Later in the day, Erin and I did yoga in Washington Park before heading to Lookout Mountain Park, a beautiful spot right outside of Golden, Colorado.
The next coffee place I decided to try was The Bardo Coffee House. It was nice to be able to sit inside to catch up on emails and enjoy one of my favorite orders, an oat milk matcha. For lunch, I walked next door to pick up Illegal Pete’s, a popular Mexican chain that reminds me a lot of Chipotle. On Thursday night, we bar-hopped in Rino starting at Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company and Finn’s Manor before meeting Erin’s UNC friends for dinner at Cabana X at Bar Helix, a popup restaurant just down the street. I just remember this night was filled with funny stories and lots of laughs.
On Friday, I took the day off and we started out our day with perhaps the best friend chicken sandwich I have ever had. Erin and I still talk about this place. If you’re ever in the city, you must go to Denver Biscuit Company for one of their incredible biscuit chicken sandwiches. It truly speaks for itself.
After we devoured our breakfast, we drove out to Golden to go for a hike. If you know me, you know I am not really into hiking but I wanted to get the full experience in the mountains. I surprisingly loved being out there surrounded by the aspens and getting to take in the views.
After our hike, we drove to my cousin Maureen’s house to say hello. Her new home was amazing and after spending a week in Colorado, I totally understand why people would want to move out here full-time. After our hike, we walked down South Broadway, stopping for drinks at Canopy.
Visiting Denver was definitely one of the highlights of an otherwise difficult year. This trip also really opened my eyes to the idea of moving somewhere other than the east coast. I loved being in the mountains and the overall energy of the city. I could not have asked for a better tour guide. Erin and her roommates are genuinely such cool people and helped to make my stay so laid back and fun. I am so happy Erin is getting to experience this city at such a great time in our lives and I am hoping I am able to get back to Colorado before her lease is up this summer. Either way, it definitely won’t be the last time I visit and I cannot wait to explore more of this special place.
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