I’m in DENVER!
I know, I don’t think I even mentioned this trip! It really snuck up on me, too.
I am here to spend a long weekend with my college BFFs! We had been planning this for months and there were a few false starts so it’s wonderful that it’s actually happening.
Full disclosure: I will admit I had some trepidations/angst about this trip as it approached because this is the 3rd time I’ve been away for at least part of the weekend since late September (Boston, BLP Live, and now this — those first two had major work components but this one is purely for fun). This is actually the only trip that spans the entire weekend (and I’m flying out at 6 am on Sunday). I don’t feel guilty (not really, anyway) and I know that Josh can handle things. BUT I do feel like I’m ready for a longer stretch at home. Josh and I will be away for one night for the marathon but otherwise I think I will have had my fill of adult travel for a while.
ALLLLLL that said, I’m excited to spend time with my college friends, relax, and maybe regress a little (lol, just kidding about that last part). I do plan on running – our hotel is close to the Cherry Creek Trail so I think that will work. And I did pack every warm item of clothing I could find including my Patagonia down sweater.
(I debated my ski jacket which is my warmest coat but decided that would look ridiculous).
I finished TWO books on the plane — the ending of Florence Adler Swims Forever and then all of Chemistry by Weike Wang (it’s a novel, but a quick read – just over 200 pages). There were major Bell Jar vibes which is not an insult as that was my favorite book as an angsty teen.
Recs for what we should see / eat / do here? I leave EARLY Sunday morning but that still provides 2 full days and we did not do a lot of advance planning (I know – shocking right? But I didn’t want to commandeer the group and also sometimes even I can embrace some spontaneity espeically since the main point of this trip is just to spend time together).
14 Comments
I live in Denver. Cherry Creek North is nice for shopping/eating, and if you have a car, my suggestion is to go to Golden, a town about 25 minutes from Denver, and walk along Clear Creek, stop in for a beer at Mountain Toad (the back patio), and have dinner at Sherpa House, the best Nepalese food I’ve ever had. You can’t go wrong with the Sherpa Stew. Golden has great mountain/Western vibes. Have fun!
I also live in Denver. Totally agree with the Golden recommendation. Red Rocks is not far from Golden. Bonfire Burritos in Golden is the BEST for breakfast burritos (just deal with the line). Near Cherry Creek I like Jax–a seafood restaurant which doesn’t sound like Denver but is really good. Cherry Creek is close to Washington Park which I think is more enjoyable for a run than the Cherry Creek trail (would just drive there and park). If you are looking for sushi, Sushi Den (or their sister restaurant Izakaya Den) is near Wash Park and is the best however might be difficult to get into last minute (maybe go early?).
Ok–realized I may have misread and you are not staying in Cherry Creek just near the trail. If you are downtown, recommend going to the REI flagship store near Confluence Park. It is a short walk over the Highlands bridge at 16th street to an area of Denver known as the Highlands. Linger, Root Down, and El Five are all favorites of mine there. Little Man for ice cream (it is supposed to be in the 60’s tomorrow!).
yes! Just near the downtown start of the trail!! we are totally going to that REI area. ty!!!
I still think about the bagel sandwich I had at Rosenberg’s 2 years ago (located in the 5 points neighborhood).
Long time reader, BLP listener and now happy BOBW patreon member commenting here for the first time 🙂 I was in Denver a month ago for the first time for a conference and saw the sunrise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which was only about 20 mins from downtown. Spectacular view that was a highlight. You can also fit in a run/workout around there. Saw many people/groups working out. Hope you have a fun trip!
That is a great rec for Chemistry and now I’m intrigued! I still remember that I wrote my AP English Lit essay on The Bell Jar and scored a 5, and as soon as I read the prompt I knew that’s the book I was going to use, and was shocked that it wasn’t one of the suggestions! I’m guessing it wasn’t required reading for a lot of high school students which is part of how I recognize how sneakily feminist my all-girls Catholic high school was.
This is going to sound really weird, but it’s not. There is a church/attraction in the city of Denver called the Church of Cannabis. I am not a cannabis user and I do not judge those who are, but it could be a fun outing. When I took my son to Colorado for college visits, it was rated in the top 10 Denver attractions on Trip Advisor, so we went. Smoking marijuana is not allowed on the property and it is very family friendly (there were small kids running around). The attraction is that the church sanctuary is beautiful, with colorful glass windows and fun decorations. Every hour they run a laser light show in the sanctuary, set to music, which is just so much fun. The music is great, they have sofas and pillow cushions to lie down on so that you can enjoy the laser light show and music (it projects all around the room, including the ceiling). We had a great time! The entire excursion lasts about an hour. My 17 year old and my late 40’s self both enjoyed it very much, it was almost like a meditation session with the music and the light show. Definitely different!
How many times have you been on an airplane this year? Seems like a million!! haha! I’m jealous! Have so much fun!! I’m sure Josh is holding down the fort perfectly fine. 🙂
I agree, it seems like many! so many very short trips too!!
Denver Film Festival is happening this weekend! Lots of cool indie films, with lots of time slots to choose from (my cousin’s partner produced one of the documentary shorts, so I’m going to see those!)
Denver Art Museum, cocktails or afternoon tea at the Brown Palace. If you have time for 30-40 minute drive, Boulder is the best! Awesome restaurants, and the mountain backdrop is stunning.
I remember you mentioning this trip when we met up earlier this year, glad it came to fruition! For recs, most of mine are food related 🙂 Avanti in LoHi is a great food hall with lots of different options and fun views of downtown. Leven Deli is my all time fave sandwich in town (also get the tahini brownie OMG) and is right next to the art museum so a fun place to walk around. Will second the rec to head to Cherry Creek North area and stroll around, grab a cocktail at Ay Papi or Forget Me Not on the patio since the weather is supposed to be really nice! Have a great time!! Trips with old friends are good for the soul 🙂
OH, have the best time. Those trips are good for the soul 🙂