Susannah & Joe
ColoRADo!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
One of the most iconic music venues in the world, Red Rocks is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars to Grateful Dead and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage. Aside from the mecca of music venues, Red Rocks is an astounding sight to see, full of history from musical icons to dinosaur fossils and more! A magical place to see, day or night. Fun fact! Susannah and Joe used to live right down the street from the iconic venue! Joe was a manager at Red Rocks for over 5 years. Not only has he seen most any major artist on tour over the past few years perform here, he also has hosted many private back stage events for artists. He has seen everything from the secret walls and grafiti-ed hallways of every major artist to walk the stage to the secret meeting places of the ancient Ute Indian Tribe hidden in the rocks. Ask him about the Fish Bowl!
Stanley Hotel
If you're staying a few extra days and want to take a day trip, Estes Park is incredible in so many ways!!! The beautiful mountain town is a sure way to see plethora of Colorado Elk and the home to the one and only Stanley Hotel. Confirmed to be one of the most haunted sites in the world, the Stanley Hotel is where Stephen King stayed the fateful night that inspired his writing of The Shining. Many mistake The Stanley as where The Shining was filmed, but make no mistake, Room 217 and the entire hotel is the real haunted deal which inspired the book based on Stephen and his family's stay. (However, Dumb & Dumber WAS filmed here!) We highly suggest taking the guided tour to learn the true history and all the spooky ins and outs of the haunted grounds, definitely worth the price. Ask Susannah about her picture of a ghost she has when visiting the hotel!!
Garden of the Gods
"A place fit for the gods to assemble". Garden of the Gods is a National Historic Landmark, 480 acres donated to the city of Colorado Springs by a private owner, Charles Elliot Perkins, and his family. It is a natural wonder and absolute stunning sight to see. You can drive through the park to take in the scenery or hike through the many trails to learn about the historic sights and native Indian Tribes that once inhabited the land.
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
With multiple locations in the Denver area, Snooze has become a Denver breakfast staple for locals and visitors alike. We can't suggest one thing off the menu because we've never been disappointed by a single thing we've ordered, and therefore recommend everything!
Sassafras American Eatery
Hands down Susannah's favorite brunch spot. Three locations in the metro area: Highlands neighborhood, Cap Hill neighborhood, and Susannah's favorite, the Golden location. The mimosa or bloody mary flights are must haves and the Cap'n Crunch milkshake hits the sweet spot. Oh, did we mention bison benedict? Yeh, you're in Colorado!
Torchy's Tacos
Our favorite taco joint and go-to low key date night. Multiple locations around the city but we think the Broadway location always delivers best. Be sure to check out their taco of the month and pro tip: google for their secret menu online! Don't skip the avo-queso and be sure to get a frozen swirled marg with a sugar rim. Yummmm.
New Terrain Brewing Company
Our favorite local brewery, nestled in the Foothills just a bike trail away from our home. Hands down our favorite brewery offering amazing scenery, delectable Colorado craft brew, and an incredible atmosphere. Food trucks are always parked outside and they even have a small amphitheater stage on the back patio for some great local pickin' n grinnin'. If you're in to sour beers, the Terra Firma series is our favorite. Each brew is a different flavor than the previous and they don't last long, so snatch one if they've got one on tap. To go 4 packs are available of most beers and if not, ask for a crowler of anything on the tap wall.
Golden
Joe and Susannah's former place of residence for the past few years, Golden holds a special place in our hearts. The first capital of Colorado, Golden is former gold-rush town nestled in the foothills, full of charm and charisma. Home to the infamous Coors Brewery, you can taste the rockies right at the end of Clear Creek. We recommend making a reservation though, as lines can get pretty long! Golden is full of every type of recreational outdoor activity with some of the nation's best rock climbing in Clear Creek Canyon, incredible hiking and mountain biking trails in North and South Table Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and 253 acres of parks with thousands of acres of nearby publicly owned open space. You can even rent some free bikes from the Golden Bike Library! Some of our favorite spots around town are New Terrain Brewery, Bottles & Barrels, Miner's Saloon, D'Deli, and Woody's Pizza. Try the Colorado local's favorite: honey on your crust. Sounds odd, but trust, it never disappoints!
River North Art District
RiNo District is a fun, art-filled area right outside of downtown Denver comprised of amazing restaurants, food halls, breweries, wineries, and murals galore. The district is home to some of the city's hippest places, including Denver's newest concert venue, Mission Ballroom, already host to big names like Bob Dylan and his Band, Weezer, Wu Tang Clan, Trey Anastasio, The Lumineers, and Ludacris since opening in August 2019. Lonely Planet name RiNo Distrcit one of the top 10 neighborhoods to visit in the U.S. “Even as The Mile High City expands, RiNo still clings to its punk-rock roots. You’ll find it in the street murals that seem to pop up overnight, in the experimental galleries that play open house on Friday nights, and in the innovative food halls and rockabilly microbrews that play host to the city’s young, bold and tattooed. RiNo is playing center stage for the resurgent arts and cultural scenes that have transformed D-Town into the cultural dynamo of the American West.”
Glenwood Hot Springs
Enjoy the world's largest natural hot springs located right here in Colorado! Located about 3 hours from Denver, Glenwood Hot Springs offers beautiful scenery and calming, healing waters. Native American's referred to hot springs as Yampah, or Big Medicine. After a soak, you'll know exactly why. Each natural hot spring has it's unique blend of minerals and temperatures leaving you with a different feel from each spring. Glenwood is a beautiful little mountain town that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Pagosa Hot Springs
Hands down one of our favorite hot springs. The "Great Pagosah Spring" holds the title for the World's Deepest Measured Geothermal Hot Spring. On August 20, 2011, this "Mother Spring" was measured to an astounding 1,002 feet deep. But no one really knows just how deep it is because no plumb line has ever reached the bottom! They just don't make them long enough! While the mother pool is much too hot for a soak, this natural hot spring feeds geothermic mineral water to each of the 24 soaking pools with varying temperatures ranging from 83-114 °F (28-46 °C). Full of history and healing waters, the town of Pagosa is a great stop if you've got a little extra time here. (Located 5 hours SW of Denver).
Hot Springs Galore
Colorado is home to close to a hundred naturally occurring hot springs. Some are developed in to beautiful resorts and spas, and others are clear in the wild for only the adventurous to find. A little google digging and you're bound to find some of the most beautiful, incredible healing waters our state has to offer. We won't tell you the ones beyond the mainstream ones though. Often the best kept secrets lead to the greatest adventures. Keep nature wild and leave no trace.