The Stricklands | Est. 2024
Extracurricular Recs
Peep Leaves
"Leaf peeping" is a serious Fall pastime in Colorado. Predicted foliage maps will be widely available by September. There are plenty of day trips, hikes, or even just easy scenic drives near Denver!
Summit Pikes Peak via the Cog Railway
Climbing 14ers (a mountain whose summit is over 14K feet high) is a classic CO activity. There are only 2 summits that you can reach without hiking the whole way -- Mount Blue Sky and Pikes Peak. The former closes for the season on 9/30, but the cog railway to the summit of Pikes Peak is open year-round! Knock-out two must-see's with this activity as the leaf peeping of the aspens along the railway will be killer.
Explore RiNo Art District
Less outdoorsy, more artsy. This is a snapshot of the city life in Denver. Attempt to get a picture at every streetside mural, get a distillery tour, get snacks at Denver Central Market... you know, city things!
Cold Plunge in Clear Creek
Likely no medical benefit, but Cole still does it all the time and Erin does it sometimes. Makes you tough & good for an adrenaline rush!
Drink Colorado Kool-Aid (Coors Factory Tour)
The behind-the-scenes on the making of Colorado Kool-Aid. The tour is just $20 and includes a sampling of 3 beers in the lounge. Tour tickets sell out, so plan ahead!
Take a Hike
If Colorado is known for one thing, it's the hiking scene. We recommend downloading the All Trails app to find and filter routes that are a good match for you. A few nearby go-to's for locals: - North Table Mountain's "Mesa Top" trail right behind New Terrain Brewing (plus you can grab a beer after and maybe even get lucky with live music!) - Green Mountain's "Rooney Road" Trailhead - Apex Trail System in Golden - Matthew Winters Park in Golden And two iconic farther-away trails that won't disappoint: - Manitou Incline + Barr Trail (Erin's mom hiked this for her 60th birthday! Featured in the pic above. 💁🏻♀️) - St. Mary's Glacier (bonus: get Colorado mountain pizza at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs on your way out!) Remember that Colorado is probably high and dry compared to what you're used to. Go slow and pack water!
Visit Mother Cabrini Shrine
The Monday after our wedding (Oct. 7th) is Cabrini Day, which is a Colorado state holiday honoring St. Frances Cabrini. Her story is remarkable, but in short, she was sent by the Pope in 1880's to the US from Italy to assist with missionary work. She made 23 trans-Atlantic crossings and established 67 institutions: schools, hospitals and orphanages. Our favorite must-sees at the shrine are the miraculous spring and the heart of stones laid by Mother Cabrini and the orphanage children.
Support Our Favorite Coffee Shop
Mango Tree is dedicated to "coffee for good," and it's even good coffee. 👏🏻 Mango tree donates 100% of proceeds to relief projects to help kids in extreme poverty get stuff like food and education.
Dine at Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center
A sweet spot for Cole & Erin -- this was their first date! 🥰 Nepalese food is similar to Indian food. Think naan, curries, saags, vindaloo and the sort.
Drink at The Golden Mill
Views of the foothills from the creekside patio. Golden Mill is a top spot for food & drink, and they have outdoor heaters. This is "food hall" style dining. We especially like the serve-yourself tap wall -- a great way to taste test many local brews!