Dana & Benjamin
Things To Do/To Eat/To Drink
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
We HIGHLY recommend an outting to Red Rocks during your visit to Colorado. You can go during the day just to check out this beautiful venue, join one of the many others who make use of the steps to get in their morning workouts, visit the Colorado/Red Rocks Music Hall of Fame, enjoy one of the lovely easy to moderate trails in the park or go in the evening for surely one of the best concerts of your life (just make sure it's not on Saturday night :) )! Distance: 5-15 minutes from hotel blocks
Chimney Gulch Trailhead
Trailhead that is walking distance from The Eddy, this is probably Dana's most frequently trekked hikes due to its proximity, efficiency, and great pay-off. You can take this steady and moderate out and back hike up 2.2 miles to Windy Saddle Park where you can decide to continue on if feeling adventurous, or come back the way you started for a fun and rewarding work-out! Length: 4.4 miles though easily longer if desired Distance: walking-10 minutes from hotel blocks
Clear Creek White Water Park
Walking distance from The Eddy, this is one of the best tubing areas close to Denver with varying levels of excitement. You can purchase and bring your own tube (buy from Walmart or Walgreens) or use one of the many adventure companies to rent a river tube, kayak, SUP, or fly-fishing equipment. Perfect for a warm spring day! Distance: walking-15 minutes from hotel blocks
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
This beautiful state park has approximately 35 miles of hiking trails with options for horseback riding and/or mountain biking. Keep an eye out for moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, beavers, foxes, and Golden eagles! Length: 0.25-7.4 miles Distance: 25-30 minutes from hotel blocks
Echo Lake
Just up the road from our wedding venue you can find this beautiful lake and short hiking trail. Definitely kid friendly If you are looking for somewhere to picnic or go on a quick hike! Length: <0.25 miles Distance: 40-50 minutes from hotel blocks
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
Just down the street from Echo Lake, Mount Evans is the 14th tallest 14er in Colorado at 14,264 feet. It also happens to be the highest paved road in North America (so you can reach the top of a 14er without even needing to hike)! Incredible views your entire way up, but be weary of altitude sickness with the quick ascent! Also, please note that online reservations (via the above link) are now required for timed slot entries. Distance: 25-30 minutes from hotel blocks
Chief Mountain Trailhead
Another one of Dana's favorite hikes that is fairly close to the wedding venue. This moderately challenging hike has great views and an awesome pay-off at the end! Length: 2.8 miles Distance: 35-45 minutes from hotel blocks
St Mary's Glacier
Check out this hike if you are looking for something relatively quick and beautiful! This hike will take you up to the base of St Mary's Glacier where there is a nice lake for lunch or relaxing. Length: 2.4 miles Distance: 40-50 minutes from hotel blocks
Chautauqua
Head up to Boulder to check out the beautiful Flatirons with multiple options for easy to challenging hikes. At the base of the trail is Chatauqua Park, which is a fun place to hang out. Maybe even check out Boulder's Farmer's Market while you're there! Length: variable Distance: 35-40 minutes from hotel blocks
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are planning to stick around Colorado before or after the wedding, this is an incredibly beautiful place to visit. Feel free to ask Dana or Ben their favorite hike(s) if you choose to go! Length: variable Distance: 1.5 hours from hotel blocks
Holidaily Brewing Company
100% gluten-free brewery in Golden that both Dana AND Ben love. This place is amazing with so many gluten-free beer options and awesome food trucks on the weekends. Definitely a local favorite.
New Terrain Brewing Company
Another favorite brewery and beer garden with tons of delicious local beers on tap and where oftentimes the number of dogs > number of humans. Typically 1-2 food trucks to choose from as well.
Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center
The perfect place to eat for a hearty meal after a nice hike, set to resemble a Mount Everest base camp run by Nepalese cooks.
Bonfire Burritos
A go-to local establishment for incredible tacos and burritos where everything is made fresh on-site by four local Golden boys and was named Denver's "2022 Best Breakfast Burrito". Bonus: Bonfire also serves a mean spicy Bloody Mary.
Tributary Food Hall & Market
Walking distance from The Eddy, this food hall has plenty of options for both eating and drinking including favorites such as poke, tacos, gyros, pizza, and more!
The Golden Mill
Another great food hall in Golden with self-pour tap walls including beer, wine, ciders, sake, and house-made cocktails
Kona Bowls
Quick and delicious smoothie-bowls, smoothies, chia puddings, oatmeal bowls and salads located in downtown Golden.
Cafe 13
Located in downtown Golden, this place is great for a quick bite, coffee, and/or gluten-free treat!
Denver
If planning to spend some time in Denver, ask Dana or Ben their favorite things to do/to eat/or to drink (too many to list)!