Maybe I am not a perfect judge of the quality of each of the United States and my word is not reliable, as I have not yet had the privilege to visit all 50 of them, but let me just say: Colorado is my favorite state in the entire United States. You basically had to drag me kicking and screaming to the airport in Denver earlier this week, patting my head, shushing me, trying to assure me that having to go back into the office in DC was not the end of the world, and then stabbing me in the arm with an elephant tranquilizer (just kidding, I sprinted willingly into the airport with my gigantic duffel bag so that I wouldn’t miss my flight because I have recently somehow morphed into a responsible adult, but in my head I was definitely kicking and screaming and in need of a tranquilizer).
I was lucky to have spent my first decade in Colorado, close to my family there. Now all that remains is my grandmother and my uncle, and it is so nice to go back to visit with them both. Colorado, and Denver especially, has changed a lot since I was a pocket-sized resident: housing prices are soaring, population size has skyrocketed and caused the amount of traffic on the roads to subsequently skyrocket as well, and unique, misunderstood, and definitely not mainstream hipsters flock there from all over the country to partake in the marijuana legalization excitement. And regardless of all the change over the past 15 years, there are several things that have not changed: the natural beauty of the mountains, the endless opportunities for skiers and adventure-seekers, and the sense of affability that is Coloradan in its own unique way.
The past week has been fantastic, having had ventured from Denver to both Boulder and Fort Collins and accompanied my brother to different college campuses in all of them, all while enjoying the perfectly sunny weather that Colorado is known for. Here are some of my favorite things about each northern Coloradan city.
Boulder
Pearl Street
The Pearl Street Mall is probably one of the most popular destinations in Boulder: four blocks of restaurants, shops, street performers, and art. Plus, Food & Wine has praised Pearl Street for its excellence in restaurant quality, so this is a perfect place for foodies to stop for lunch (or anybody to stop for lunch, if we are being honest).
CU Campus
Even if you’re not helping your little brother to decide where to pursue his higher education, this campus is still worth a visit, if for nothing else than the absolutely breathtaking experience of standing in the middle of it and looking around you. Not only for the mountains, but for the architecture! If you can make it to a football game, CU Boulder is one of the only schools that still has a live mascot, a buffalo named Ralphie, who they run around the field before the game (this is a fact of which Boulder-dwellers are extremely proud because I think I heard about it about eight times). Overall: a GORGEOUS campus. Makes me kick myself for not considering going to school out in Boulder while I was perusing the tiniest colleges Pennsylvania had to offer seven years ago.
Bookstores
A fun fact: per capita, Boulder has the most independent used bookstores out of all cities in the United States. That’s an exciting fact for someone who is still a big fan of bookstores and holding fresh-smelling tangible books in your hands as you read. I personally have not yet completely fallen victim to the electronic era and still love books, and could explore bookstores for hours. And many of them are located right on the Pearl Street Mall, so have at it!
Flatirons
It is a vigorous hike, but it is one of the most popular activities in Boulder and what the city is known for: its flatirons. Head over to Chautauqua and choose from one of their trails, ranging from relatively flat and easy to a trail that gains 1000 feet in one mile. One of my favorite things about Colorado is how the landscape itself encourages outdoor activity and exercise, and the flatirons are something you won’t want to miss out on if you are looking for the full Boulder experience and to appreciate the natural wonder that is this gorgeous state.
And to munch…
Lindsay’s Boulder Deli
Sandwiches, soups, salads, and employees who are genuinely happy to see you: this is my pick for a quick and tasty lunch before jetting off to experience more of the town and the mountains. Every bite is deliciously flavorful, and you can finish your meal off with a scoop or two of Haagen Dazs.
Rocket Fizz
For even more of a sugar fix, head into Rocket Fizz Boulder, selling a massive variety of candies and bottled sodas, as well as some funky (and sometimes dirty) little knick-knacks.
Fort Collins
Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth is a distinctive summit of the Rocky Mountains and a reservoir that is well-known in the Fort Collins area and visited frequently by people looking to hike, camp, horseback ride, mountain bike, sail, kayak…you catch my drift? There’s a lot to do, and a lot of pretty to look at while doing so.
Breweries
Fort Collins is the hub of many Colorado-based brewing companies, including New Belgium and (shockingly!) Fort Collins. Also be sure to check out Funkwerks, Equinox Brewing, and Black Bottle Brewery. Beer fans, eat some pasta, pocket some ibuprofen, and clear your schedules because you are going to be going to town.
And to munch…
Walrus Ice Cream
How lucky that we stumbled across this delightful little ice cream shop, which has been open for about thirty years in downtown Fort Collins. The ice cream was perfectly creamy and tasty, with tons of flavors and mix-ins to choose from. And as a bonus: it is located in Historic Old Town, which boasts a multitude of other eateries, shops, and bookstores to explore.
Denver
Museums
There is no shortage of places in Denver in which to fill your brain with art, history, and science. Seriously, there are museums galore. Anything from the History Colorado Center, a gigantic history museum downtown, to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to the Molly Brown House, dedicated to the unsinkable survivor of the Titanic and Denver activist, and the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys, located in the historic Pearce-McAllister Cottage and full of tiny doll exhibitions…there is something for absolutely everybody, no matter your mood.
Run through Cheesman Park
This is a great way to put your lungs to the test, especially if your lungs are weak little sea-level lungs like mine. They don’t call this the Mile High City for nothing. In the eastern part of the city, Cheesman Park is beautiful, large enough where a few laps will be a nice, long workout that will spare you from boredom, and literally brimming with fellow runners. This is one of my absolute favorite things about this city in general — it is one of the most active cities in the entire country, and you can’t go anywhere without seeing at least one runner pounding the pavement. After living in the middle of Pennsylvania for four years during college and getting leering stares every time I went for a run, it is nice to run somewhere where there is an innate sense of runner camaraderie. And this park is the perfect place to do so.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
Okay, so you caught me. I love bookstores. And this bookstore is historic, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country, with its original location in Cherry Creek. It hosts book signings for famous authors, holds over half a million books, and has big comfy chairs for you to lounge and read to your heart’s content. Even those who are not avid readers will find comfort and warmth within the walls of The Tattered Cover.
Check out Red Rocks
Even if you’re not a book lover, you probably love music, and if not, then you at least love the mountains (why else would you be reading about cool things to do in Colorado?). In any case, Red Rocks is an open-air amphitheater about ten miles outside of Denver that is naturally formed and considered one of the coolest venues in the world. Even if there aren’t any shows playing, it is still open to the public for free year-round, for anyone who wants to check out this world famous site.
And to munch…
Tokyo Joe’s
Always one of my absolute favorites. Is it fast food? Maybe. The preparation is fast. You order at a counter, sure. But does it taste like fast food? Or leave you running for the bathroom in a sweat after you finish it? Absolutely not. It’s something our mother introduced us to from her youth, and which we are always extremely excited to descend upon when staying in Denver.
Snooze
For breakfast lovers: Snooze is an AM eatery that is adored by all. My grandmother says that nearly every day, be it Saturday, Sunday, or a weekday, there is always a line extending out the door of people hungry and eager for food and corn hole. That’s always a good sign, but be sure to get there early.
Yums
This is Colorado, and I am aware of what some of the draw of Colorado is these days, so I cannot complete a post without mentioning the marijuana (I’d also like to mention that this has no bearing on my love for Colorado and that I have loved this place for decades, WELL before the legalization of marijuana, though I think it has become a popular destination for visitors in the past several years in part because of this legalization, in addition to its incredible landscapes. However, don’t think that this is in any way the main thing the state has to offer. A very conservative and condescending guy I used to work with and hate once rolled his eyes and said, in response to me saying I love Colorado, that he’s never been anywhere but inside the airport for a layover, but when he looked outside the window, all he could see was smog from the marijuana that is being smoked all around the state. I am fuxking sorry, but WHAT? It’s not like every single resident is standing at the street corner smoking all day long. Give me a break, drama queen. This is the same guy who, after hearing about a party I went to in college, sneered at me and asked “How did you even get this job?” Hmm, maybe it has something to do with working two different internships and studying my ass off while I was in college? I don’t know. Just a guess. Sorry I went to a few parties and am not terrified of marijuana, dumb twit.)
Anyways, if you do decide to partake in Colorado’s forward thinking, just keep in mind that though dispensaries are plentiful and full of smiling faces, you’ll be paying almost double the price of their product due to the heavy taxation by the state. And you cannot legally fly with marijuana, even if you’re flying to a place where it is also legal. So be a smart cookie before munching on your yummy special cookies.
I apologize to my lovely grandmother for having to read this section.
For those who have never been to Colorado: get off your butt and get there right this instant. For those who have been and love it: what is your favorite city in Colorado? What is your favorite thing to do or eat? Suggestions are welcome, because I will be back before too long, without a doubt.
