Colorado Adventures

Alexis:We haven't actually been here for a concert but it is absolutely beautiful. We have visited multiple time and it is likely one of the prettiest, most naturally beautiful and renowned concert venues in the United States.

Alexis:Pikes Peak is one of the only 14ers that you can drive all the way to the top. This drive will take a decent amount of time but allows you to oversee all of Colorado Springs. Plus, you get to experience the thrill of driving all the way to the top on this steep mountain. Once you get to the top, you have beautiful views but be sure to layer up; it is very cold at the top. Then when driving down, we suggest driving in low gear to keep your speed low and know that halfway down your brakes will receive a temperature check.

Alexis:The Royal Gorge is a deep canyon, nearly 1300 feet deep, in Canon City. This gorge can be traversed in numerous ways based on your comfort level: walk the bridge, take a gondola from above, take the train from below or go ziplining across. But this is not for the faint of heart. The heights are quite a lot here and can scare even the bravest of souls. Just sayin!

Alexis:The Garden of the Gods is a must see if coming to Colorado. This free park allows visitors to drive and hike through the red rocks, which offers stunning views of Pikes Peaks. Pikes Peak is a 14er in Colorado Springs and is one of the few 14ers that has a paved road all the way to the top.

Alexis:Take a bird or lime around Downtown Denver to take in all the sights of Denver in a quick and easy way. Make sure to pass this beautiful building but don't stay long and go during the day. This area is less safe than others, so take a photo and move on.

Alexis:An icon in Downtown Denver. The Big Blue Bear is peaking into the convention center and is nearly 40 feet tall. The artist wanted to erect a work of art that was more nuanced than the typically Rockies and flatirons. So, the Big Blue Bear was created in 20005. Other fun facts about the bear: -It weighs nearly 10,000 pounds -Meant to represent "wildlife meeting everyday life" in Colorado -Originally the bear was designed to be painted in earth tones and by accident was painted blue. After the artist saw the blue on the bear, he loved it and kept it. -Lastly, the Big Blue Bear cost $424,400

Alexis:Downtown Boulder is a quick trip from Denver and is known for being a cute mountain town. It's downtown area, known as Pearl Street Mall, is a quaint outdoor mall that is in the heart of Boulder. It has original shops and offers you beautiful views of the nearby mountains.

Alexis:When in Dillon, take a quick drive to the Sapphire Point Overlook. This overlook is a quarter mile or so from the road and has gorgeous views of the Dillon Reservoir.

Alexis:A historical landmark that signifies that you have arrived to Denver. We have taken the train from the Denver International Airport to Union Station. It is from there where you disembark and explore the city. The station itself is over 100 years old. Near and around this station you can experience wonderful restaurant and you can quickly access key sights in Downtown Denver.

Alexis:A small waterfall outside of Boulder that was off of Boulder Canyon Drive, aka 119. We were able to climb in the creek and get right up to the waterfall; definitely a fun but small adventure.

Alexis:If you're in the town of Dillon, take a pitstop to this scenic overlook of the Dillon Dam. You can even take a stroll on the paved path next to the Dillon Reservoir.

Alexis:Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a hike/trail in Colorado Springs. It is a city park that offers nearly 1500 acres of open land. You can climb on the red rocks or even take a hike through the area. Very cute and would be a great place to bring kids.

Alexis:Downtown Littleton is a slice of heaven. It offers quaint shops with unique, artisan made goods and provides a couple great restaurant options. We typically like to visit The General Store 45, Willow and Tulaire, Conservatrice, In-Tea, The Chocolate Therapist, and The Olive Branch. Park on the street, grab a tea and walk the downtown.

Alexis:A local park that is ten minutes from our home. This park does require an entrance fee of $10 but allows you to access to 26 miles worth of trails across 5,300 acres. This park overlooks Chatfield Reservoir and the Front Range.

Alexis:The Broadmoor, a prestigous hotel, took over Seven Falls a number of years ago. The Broadmoor itself is gorgeous and these falls are a sight to see. As you can imagine from the name, there are a total of seven falls located here. These cascading waterfalls are located in Cheyenne Canyon and overlooks the entire canyon as you climb to the top. There are just over 200 stairs that will bring you to the top of the falls. Warning: for those with a fear of height, these stairs could be challenging.

Alexis:Lookout Mountain is a quick pit spot from the highway. You can either climb the trail to get to the top of the mountain, or take the route more traveled and travel to the top by car. The hike is moderate and four miles in length but the more stellar views are from the trailhead or from the top of the mountain. The hike itself is decent, but we suggest saving your steps and hike elsewhere. However it is worth noting, that once you arrive at the top you can visit a little café and visit the grave of Buffalo Bill if that suits your fancy. Plus, their is a museum dedicated to him at the top. If you're unfamiliar with who Buffalo Bill is, read up. He was a very progressive man back in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Alexis:Old Colorado City was the former capitol of Colorado and served as one of the earliest settlements in Colorado near Pikes Peak. This historic city has a cute little downtown and has the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop. Make sure to save some room for fudge when visiting this quaint little town. History lesson: The Old Colorado City was originally founded in 1859 and served as the first capital of the Territory of Colorado and the center of early settlement in the Pikes Peak region. By 1873 Colorado Springs de-throned Colorado City as the county seat of El Paso County. Nonetheless, Colorado City did its share of growing during the 1890s.

Alexis:An upscale restaurant in Downtown Denver that offers amazing cuisine and an intimate experience. Although $$$, it is worth the cost and the calories.

Alexis:An exclusively breakfast restaurant in Downtown Denver that serves delicious coffee beverages and offers green chili on their amazing burritos. On average they serve nearly 60 gallons of green chili everyday and serve about 22,000 eggs a week to customers. From their website: Sam’s No.3 has been a Denver staple since 1927 when Sam Armatas, an immigrant from Lefkada Greece, opened on Curtis Street in Downtown Denver. Spero (son of Sam), Alex, Patrick, and Sam (Grandson’s) re-established their first brick and mortar Sam’s No.3 in Aurora in 1998, in Downtown Denver—back on Curtis Street and across the Street from the original location, in 2003, and in Glendale in 2013.

Alexis:Ultreia is a restaurant at Union Station that allows for indoor and outdoor seating. They are primarily known for their tapas and their generous hospitality. The restaurant and the menu are rooted in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. From their website: The word Ultreia has its roots in Latin, loosely translates to “onward” and refers to the words of encouragement shouted to pilgrims on their Camino de Santiago – a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It seemed a fitting name for a restaurant located in a transit hub.

Alexis:A cute teashop in Boulder that is ornate, friendly and provides a fun break from the active days of hiking. They have an extensive tea list and their appetizers are worth the money and the calories. We definitely recommend this teashop if you're in the area!

Alexis:This donut shop is on one of the oldest roads in Downtown Denver, Colfax, and at one time this area was alive and thriving. Now it is a little sketch. So, order these delicious donuts and move on. No need to linger here but definitely need to grab these donuts. Voodoo Donuts originated in Portland, Oregon and have gained popularity due to their amazing and crazy donut concoctions.

Alexis:A local restaurant that overlooks the Front Range. This restaurant has four different locations and each of them offers a specular view of the Front Range. Even better - the food! Nearly everything on the menu has received high praise from locals and tourists alike. Fan favorites include: wings, cauliflower bites, and nachos, but you really cannot go wrong with the food at this place.

Alexis:Our local favorite for Chinese food. This restaurant offers a number of vegetarian options and of course has stuff for all the carnivore lovers. It is located in Littleton and is one of our go-to spots if you're looking for something reasonably priced and casual.

Alexis:This place is the bee's knees!!! Capriotti's has delicious meat subs and offers a number of vegetarian subs as well, which is pretty much unheard of. The food is to die for and the staff is always very friendly. This is our go-to spot after hiking because we feel a little less guilty eating all of these delicious calories. Best sub according to Tommy, The Bobbie. Best sub according to Alexis, The Impossible Cheese Steak.

Alexis:A delicious wine bar that is complimented by flavorful bruschetta. Also, has great happy hour specials. Just order the whole bottle and make it worth your while.

Alexis:Italian food that feels homemade and isn't pompous or pretentious. Rather it offers authentic and hearty meals. Make sure to call ahead, or be prepared to wait!

Alexis:A wholesome restaurant in Fairplay, Colorado that offers cactus fries and a decent meal. We would definitely recommend this place and explore the little downtown before or after.

Alexis:A shipping container that offer two levels of food options. The food is good and the views aren't too bad either. We recommend eating from the rooftop to get the scenic view.

Alexis:An upscale bar that is supplies their guests that beautifully crafted cocktails and scrumptious small plates. Be prepared to be wined and dined. More formal attire is recommended here.

Alexis:If you're looking for an eating experience, look no further. This restaurant is one of those spots where you go for special occasions and when you want to have a lavish meal. This restaurant serves a course meal that starts at $150 a person, which includes a 6 course meal and wine pairings. However, you might be looking at the price and think we are crazy people. We are but this meal was worth that price. The chefs make all the food in front of you and converse with your throughout the dinner. Overall, this is an immersive eating experience and if you're looking to spend some money, this is the place to do it. Lastly, they have a seasonal menu and make sure to make reservations months in advance. Their are only two dining options, early or late, and the restaurant has limited seating capacity (likely no more than 20 seats in the restaurant).

Alexis:Beaver Ranch is one of the best disc golf courses in Greater Denver; maybe even the best in the state. While it may not be as scenic as other courses, this course is amazingly well kept. The holes are brilliantly technical and have great distance.

Alexis:This is one of the coolest places we have ever stayed before. Glen Eyrie is a castle in Colorado Springs and is surrounded by red rocks and big horned sheep. While the prices can be expensive, it is an experience that you won't get that often. How cool would it be to stay that you stayed at a castle? Also, they do offer a complimentary breakfast. :)

Alexis:The Westin in Downtown Denver is located in the heart of the Denver and allows you to access most of the city by foot. This hotel has reasonable rates and offers amazing views of the city and of the mountains. It is near Union Station, 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square.