Mile High City

I made my annual trip to Colorado recently and it was amazing even though when I arrived it was 100 degrees...what the heck Colorado? I could have had that weather in Kansas! But this time I changed it up a bit by staying one night in the Highland Ranch area with a friend...and get this, we had never even met in real life!!  ...sidenote, my sister was very concerned that I was staying with someone I had never met..."what if she tries to murder you?"  Me rolling my eyes...Shelli, I'll be fine, I'm packing..." Anyway, we became acquaintances through none other than Beachbody and so I reached out to her when I found out she had moved to the Denver area and figured we may as well meet up for lunch! Leah is a real peach and she offered up her new pad, allowing me to stay with her! I'll be honest, I wondered how "uncomfortable" it may be never having met...but it became real comfortable pretty quick as we both stood at the bathroom mirror getting ready like roommates for the evening out!  Makeup, hair, outfits, life, love...you get the drift.  Some friends of hers invited us to a Movie Night to support the Special Olympics, but first we headed to grab some dinner at a local place called Lola's for Coastal Mexican. Our selections: Cochinita Pibil which included waffles and Smoky Chicken Enchiladas...happy plates!  BTW, when I told Leah what my sister had said, she replied with, "The only I might try to do is make you eat unhealthy"...goal accomplished!

After dinner we met up to watch The Sandlot at a local bar, Recess.  And because it was ridiculously hot..we ended the evening at a famous ice cream place, Little Man...we waited in line for like 40 minutes...on a Wednesday night...but it was worth it.  The next morning we decided breakfast was a must so we ventured to a very popular place called, Snooze.  Coffee, Bloody Mary's and Pancakes...and bacon.  Enough said, this place was amazing! Food coma for sure!  I took off shortly after, thankful for the new friendships!! 

I was meeting a friend for lunch later that day, but wanted to make a quick stop at Red Rocks and explore before heading back to downtown Denver.  I have definitely gotten over the fear of doing things alone...and was glad I had the chance to wander around this beautiful place.  The views were incredible.  Literally so many "red" rocks.  I need to return and do a bit more exploring as I found a tap house while driving around the cute little town that I am sure would be worth stopping for! Colorado has some amazing beer! 

Katie and I met for a light lunch at Highland Tap...and by light I mean a hamburger and fries...and two amazing beers.  The favorite, a Ginger Cider, from a local company in Colorado.  I should have asked them to bottle that up for me.  I am not usually a huge Cider fan but add Ginger and hello! 

I made my way to Colorado Springs...where more adventures would begin! Stay tuned for the next blog post about traditions and a few new experiences I shared with my Colorado Bestie.  

To new friends and new experiences!

Shona

Joshua Tree National Park

Another adventure I can check off the bucket list! A self-guided, convertible-top down drive through this amazing park filled with more Joshua Tree's than you will ever see in your life in one spot!  We cruised around, stopping to explore the vastness of this beautiful desert landscape and  the dozens of rugged rock formations. There are miles of hiking trails and one can even camp there...we were there during the day but I hear the views of the stars at night are unforgettable.  This park is nestled between the Colorado and Mojave deserts and at higher altitudes inside the park, the temperature becomes cooler.

We made sure to head to Key's Point, a high point in the desert that overlooks Coachella Valley, the San Andrea's Fault and the peaks of  San Jacinto and San Gorgonia.  The views here were amazing! We drove around mostly, you could definitely spend an entire day or days there exploring, but bring your hiking shoes and pack water! Flip flops won't cut it!

We ended the day with a visit to Twentynine Palms and stopped for a quick bite at Pie for the People before heading back to Palm Springs. It was a great day to explore more of beautiful California with my BF.

Until our next adventure!
Shona

Desert, Palm Trees, and Palm Springs

California...desert, palm trees, sunshine, and days of adventure.  I have never experienced Cali, other than passing through LAX which was an experience all in itself, but I am so glad I was able to get away for a few days with my BF.

We flew into John Wayne National Airport, grabbed our bags and took off to get the car...a convertible of course. We had open highways to cruise!  Top down, shades on, wind blowing through our hair, music, and venturing our way down the 111 to Palm Springs.  It was the perfect beginning to our vaca. We stayed at the Riviera Palm Springs and this resort is nothing but amazing.  We had a great view of the pool, brightly colored orange lounge chairs, palm trees, mountains, and plenty of room to soak up the sun.  

We explored downtown driving along Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drive. Think a lot of local shops and eateries but ended that evening having cocktails at Melvyn's, a local joint just off the beaten path.  We strolled along the streets and did some shopping before heading back to the resort. The weather here is warm, but no humidity so it's very enjoyable from sunrise to sunset.  

The next day we headed back downtown to grab brunch at Lulu's California Bistro before spending the rest of the day poolside.  The food was amazing and they had some of the best coffee I have ever had. I went with the infamous Strawberry Crepes, with a side of bacon of course, and he had the California Norwegian Benedict.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool, reading our books, and enjoying the warm sun and water.  That evening we went to Village Fest, a traditional downtown event of arts, crafts, a farmers market, and for us, people watching.  

Friday morning we grabbed a few snacks at the local 7-11; you know the essentials, water, mini-tacos, mozzarella sticks...and of course I got a Coke Slurpee..not to be confused with the original "Icee" and we headed to Joshua Tree National Park.  It was a relaxing drive while enjoying the desert scenery.  I will share more of Joshua Tree and our experience there in the next blog post :) 

Friday evening we spent our last night getting all dressed up. First things first, cocktails at the resort lounge. A Cosmopolitan for me and a Negroni for him. We then headed to Trio, a restaurant filled with vibrant splashes of colors, for a light dinner of Calamari and Wild Mushroom Linguine followed by a cocktail at Eight4Nine, which boasted a chic and swanky atmosphere.  

Saturday morning, we hit the road early, stopped for a quick bite at In-N-Out burger...I can check that off the list, and caught an early flight home to get prepared for the rest of our weekend that we would spend at the lake.  California delivered all that I expected and I would definitely return again. I love the architecture, the desert and mountains, the sunshine, the breeze, no humidity, great places to dine, great cocktails, and mostly experiencing it with the one person who loves the adventure as much as me!  

Until next time Cali...

Shona