mission: denver/colorado springs

this past weekend, i ventured to denver on the tails of patrick's business trip. i had never been out to colorado, and so i was super excited to visit a new state. we made plans to visit friends of ours from college who currently live in colorado springs, and then decided to spend at least one night together in denver at the westin hotel. whenever i stay in a westin, it is a comforting experience. every westin smells the same, and i can always count on them providing fruited water to refresh my dry palate. anyway, i digress.

after spending the first leg of my trip in first class, i flew into denver in coach. looking out the window, i was dazed and confused thinking to myself, "where are the mountains? i thought denver had mountains." of course i was facing east which is completely flat! so i turned my head and strained to find a view facing...mountains! they do exsist! they were snow capped and glorious. denver didn't let me down after all.

feeling excited about my quick tour of colorado, i met up with patrick in our terminal and then picked up our rental car for saturday and sunday (thanks tori, my darling sister who is an amazing travel agent that took care of our travel plans...she works for liberty travel and will totally hook you up on an amazing trip!) and we were off to colorado springs. for those of you who have never been to this part of the country...go!!!! it is definitely on my top 10 fave places to visit in the u.s.a. and there is so much to see and do. when in colorado springs check out the following things to do:

1. garden of the gods- it is an amazing rock formation. and nearby is a sheep preservation on a sloping hill. it is really cool and provides great pictures. you can just drive along or stop and hike the formations. look for the kissing camels and the balancing rock.
2. pike's peak- even though we did not get to go up this famous mountain of the west, i am pretty sure i will get back there to do so. you can drive up the precarious roads, hike it, or take a relaxing gondola ride up to the top. the locals suggest either or all ways to experience the mountain.
3. the broadmoor hotel- this is an old hotel with many nooks and crannies to explore. go to the golden bee, a reconstructed 1800's english pub. a ragtime singer/ piano player sings well known tunes every night and the patrons are encouraged to sing along with him. the beer is aflowing and the fish and chips are delish! you even get a little bee sticker to remember your visit.
4. taste the natural springs- if you love perrier or peligrino you might like the taste of these springs. i did not! but i tried it and the taste of iron flooded my mouth, but i was warned. it is called iron srpings so i got what i supposed to get! there are other springs in the mountains and are naturally fortified with the nutrients you need.
5. josh and jon's ice cream parlor- yum! i heart ice cream and this is the best of have ever had! i ordered the oatmeal cookie and it was bursting with flavor! it is a local favorite and we caught up with some fellow asburians (that's where i went to college...asbury in wilmore, kentucky). you can sample any of the flavors and, you will fall in love.

there are many other things to do in colorado springs, but these are the ones that made a lasting impression on me. of course spending time with our dear friends, josh and jenn whiteman, made our experience so great. we are looking forward to spending more time with them out there.

after leaving the whiteman's on sunday afternoon, patrick drove us back up to denver. i didn't get to stay there very long, but what i did see, i loved. here are some fun things to do and see in downtown denver:

1. larimer street- this street has many restaurants to tempt you. it is a lovely street to stroll down while strands of lights sway romantically above your head.
2. the keg- we went to this restaurant located on 19th street. try the goat cheese appetizer! it is so creamy and delicious, and it is not too filling. paired with crunchy pieces of garlic toast and a tomato basil salsa, it was the perfect way to begin dinner. for your entree, get the filet mignon, it is what they are known for! they also have keg sized wine glasses, which is 9 oz, and a good size if you don't want that full second glass of wine. the atmosphere is industrial, rustic, and has a large fireplace to add a homey feeling to the restaurant. the service was also great...we had an amazing waitress named autumn.
3. the coors brewery- take a tour and inhale the beer throughout your visit. i didn't get to go, but i hear it is a fun time if you like beer.
4. 16th street mall- this is an outdoor pedestrian mall to satisfy avid shoppers. i almost turned my car down that street, but quickly realized that was not allowed. the westin is located next to this mall. i love westin!

so that is a quick overview of what to do and see. i loved my trip and i hope to get out there again soon.
that is all for now, this is beth signing off.
mission accomplished on october 19th

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