Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: 2018

Monday, December 10, 2018

From the Springs to the Source

On our last day and night in Colorado, we checked out of the Hotel Chateau Chamonix and decided to make a detour. It was a rainy, foggy day but because we hadn't been to the Springs together, we headed South. There are so many places here that I want to show the BF so it only made sense. We arrived in time for lunch so our first stop was The Loop. Located in the heart of Manitou Springs, it's a local favorite of mine serving up great Mexican food and thirst quenching margaritas. After lunch, we strolled downtown checking out all of the cool shops.

Coffee, we needed coffee before we headed to our next destination; Garden of the Gods. We stopped by 13 Trees Coffee, a small-walk-up coffee shop located right on Manitou Ave. They are known for their butter-infused cup that is made fresh and smooth. A perfect choice for a chilly day. With our cups of java in hand, we made our way to the park; and even though it was definitely not the ideal weather forecast, I had to show him the beauty of this place. The low-hung fog hid the tops of the towering rock formations, but it was still a site to see. We made our way around the loop and I was excited to point out the different rock formations and where I had been hiking this past June. Slowly, as we drove along Juniper Way, a mule deer ventured across the road. He was beautiful and I instantly sent a picture of him to my Dad, because well, he loves Colorado and he loves deer even more.

Before leaving town, I had to see my Colorado Bestie. So, we made a trip to Bass Pro on our way out of town. They finally got to meet the BF and we were able to catch up for a bit before heading onto Denver. We had decided to book a room at The Source Hotel, located in the heart of the ultra-cool art district of RiNo. With views of the Denver Skyline and the Rocky Mountains, welcome beers upon arrival, a rooftop pub, concrete floors, and modern decor, it was the perfect place to stay. We met up with some of the BF's friends at The Woods and enjoyed rooftop cocktails before calling it a night. We had an early flight back to KC but our time in Colorado was one for the books. We can't wait to return and adventure to some of the new places we spotted as we went off the beaten path.

For Now, Colorado...Peace
Shona

Follow Me ↠ #kcgypsea

Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels

Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

Monday, December 3, 2018

Down Those Loveland Slopes

The sun was shining, there was snow on the mountain, the ski's were fast, and the beer was cold. If that doesn't sound like perfection to you, then maybe try snowboarding. But really, I couldn't have been happier turning 38 and getting back on a pair of ski's. The feel of the wind blowing through my hair as I made my way down the runs over and over again was a bit of heaven on earth. Each time, I was able to relax a bit more; getting back into my groove. It makes my heart so happy.

Loveland Ski Area located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest's is a gorgeous place to ski. It offers 9 different runs with views of the Continental Divide and those Black Diamonds reaching over 13,000 feet. The snow is fresh and the scenery is fresher. The Basin is great for intermediate and advanced skiers, but if you are a newbie, head to the Valley. It has over 1800 acres of ski-able terrain that's full of snow but not full of people. It's located right off I-70 about 50 miles West of Denver. But, make sure and have plans to stay elsewhere, this is a ski area only! I highly recommend Georgetown, located about 13 miles back East and the perfect place to unwind after a snow day! Even Goldie enjoyed a quick snap on my ski's. We took a quick break for lunch at the Loveland Wedge Bar; enjoying a pile of Poutine and a cold Blonde Ale by Tommyknocker Brewery. It was the perfect way to warm up and rest for a bit. Fact: I run a half marathon from Loveland to Georgetown every June, the views at this time are just as amazing, but the only snow you will see is high upon the ridge.

I have to give a shout-out for the sweet hook-up the BF and I got while we were visiting. All of the performance gear we needed plus lift tickets was a "cool" surprise by my friend Dustin, who works at the Basin and whom I met last June after running my marathon. Even though he wasn't able to meet up with us because of the ski expo in Denver, he made sure we had everything we needed. Next time, we will cheers our beers; and Parker the Snow Dog sits next to me!

We ended the day making the drive around the beautiful Dillon Reservoir, seeing the sunset at Clear Creek, and dinner at Coopers on the Creek. Thank you to the BF for always wanting to adventure with me! It was a good day!

Loveland was the perfect snow day!
Shona

Follow Me ↠ #kcgypsea

Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels

Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Woke up in Kansas, Had Breakfast in Colorado

It's my birthday and I'll fly if I want to...I just had to. We left on an early flight to Denver, landing at 7:30 MST, grabbed our bags and our rental car and we were off to Denver. I wanted to stop by Snooze AM Eatery, one of my favorites places for breakfast for two reasons; I was hungry and I had to show the BF a must-stop place in Denver. It's our first time together in one of my favorite states, so I felt obligated to introduce him to what I like to call Colorado gems.

After breakfast we headed off to Golden, mainly to walk the cute little downtown area and explore the shops. Because we like to take the more off-the-beaten-path roads anywhere we go, we didn't see any reason not to do the same in Colorado. We jumped on US HWY 6 through the Clear Creek Canyon on our way to Idaho Springs. Once we arrived we stopped by the Visitors Center to get more info on camping and hiking in the area then made our way over to the Charlie Tayler Waterwheel and Bridal Veil Falls. This cascading frozen waterfall is made by water pouring over from Soda Creek. It plummets into Clear Creek which runs right along I70 and this time of year, is completely frozen. The Charlie Tayler Waterwheel was built by none other than the man himself in 1893. He used the wheel for his gold mining operations in Ute Creek. It was moved to it's current location after being restored and dedicated to Idaho Springs during their Gold Rush Days of 1988.

As we left Idaho Springs, we weren't quite ready to stop exploring so we headed into the Arapaho National Forest up to Echo Lake. Although the roads were closed once we hit the lake, we were still able to see the beautiful views. The lake was completely snowed over but made for a gorgeous winter scene being highlighted by the bright Rocky Mountain sunshine. On the way down, we stopped so I could do a little "rock climbing" because how can you not want to climb higher in Colorado?

As we made our way into Georgetown we checked into our little French home for the next 3 days, The Hotel Chateau Chamonix, located right on Clear Creek. We dropped off our bags, drove through downtown and headed up Guanella Pass. The views from the drive were breathtaking and if you want to see Georgetown from a different perspective, this is a must. As the sun was starting to set we made our way back to our room and enjoyed a little relaxation in the hot tub before heading to dinner at Alpine; a restaurant known for their pizza and mac-n-cheese. I highly recommend it!

By the way, did I mention I spotted a Big Horn Sheep high upon the cliff's along I70? With eyes like a hawk, I am always on the lookout! That day was not only my 38th Birthday, but definitely one for the books.