Denver, Colorado

Follow along my recent jaunt through Denver. This trip was only five days long so this is definitely just a highlight reel of all this city has to offer. During our trip, we visited Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. All within short drives of one another. I definitely plan on returning to take in more of what Colorado has to offer and continuing my “Rocky Mountain High”.

I’m sure you expected the first round of pictures to be of mountains and snow which is where your mind typically jumps to when you think of Colorado. Not for this city gal - clearly, it’s their impressive street art scene that left a memorable impression on my mind. Also, the days we visited served up weather in the ’70s! See for yourself below. These pictures were taken during walks through the Five Points and RiNo neighborhoods.

Of course, food & beverage spots are one of the first rounds of research when planning any trip. Pictured below is an awesome cocktail bar called “Room for Milly” in LoHi (Lower Highlands). Definitely add this one to your list. The ambiance, the decor, curated art, and cocktails... all thumbs up for me!

The second round of research is typically shopping. Vintage & thrift shops for Closet Sol. If you don’t know what Closet Sol is, head to my Instagram page @shopclosetsol for more details.

I also stumbled upon this 5,500 square foot warehouse which is comprised of 10 small businesses that are all locally owned, self-funded, and first-time business owners. It’s called Modern Nomad and is located in the RiNo neighborhood.

During my travels, I make it a point to shop either vintage or artisan/locally made. Trust me, every time you wear or look at that piece it will bring you right back to that trip. Such a great feeling.

First Row: the streets of LoHi, Lower Highlands.

Second Row: LoDo, Lower Downtown where you will find the Denver Convention Center and the larger-than-life, Big Blue Bear peeking inside.

Third Row: a short walk away you will find Sculpture Park where “The Dancers” were on display. Denver has a great art scene.

Fourth Row: We visited some friends in Colorado Springs and while there we took the opportunity to visit “Garden of the Gods”. A registered national natural landmark with 300’ sandstone rock formations that are truly majestic and magical.

The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater truly blew my mind. I need to return to experience a concert here but, honestly, you don’t need to see a show to visit. It is open daily and free to the public. A simple visit to just sit and stare out past the open-air amphitheater is thrilling in itself. Or perhaps get in a workout but don’t forget to drink plenty of water, it’s located at an elevation of 6,450 feet.

Another great dining spot to visit is Wildflower Bar & Restaurant located in the lobby of Lifehouse Hotel in Lower Highlands. Upon entry, it has the coolest self-check-in area. If the crudo dish is on the menu when you visit, be sure to order it.

Oh and no, that isn’t tea in that teacup;-) They know how to serve up a cocktail too.

Union Station in LoDo is on everyone’s list to check out when visiting Denver. You wouldn’t automatically think of a train station when searching for cool bars and restaurants but I was pleasantly surprised to find exactly that here. We enjoyed the cocktails at Terminal Bar and Tapas at Ultreia.

Another cool bar worth checking out close by is The Cruise Room located in the Oxford Hotel. It’s actually Denver’s longest-running bar. It serves up that, art deco/prohibition-era/mysterious vibe. If you don’t drink martinis, you will start here.