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

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Spring Break!

It's almost Spring Break and you know what that means....vacation time!!!  It seems that most people enjoy getting away on Spring Break ~ it usually means a week off from school and right before Summer!!  When I think of Spring Break, I think of beaches, sand, and sun...but also about mountains, snow, and downhill skiing!  Swimsuits and Snowsuits....I wish I could do both!  Here are few ideas to get away, whether it be for a week or just a few days!!

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama ~ Sandy toes and Salty hair.  I love this place!! We visited there a few years ago, and although it rained a few of the days, we still found plenty to do and had a great time!  The beaches are great, Orange Beach in particular, the food is amazing...fresh seafood right on the beach, and close by is an outlet mall that will make shop-o-holics jump up and down. I usually wouldn't do much shopping while on vaca, but again, it rained and we had fun strolling the shops that day!

 

2. Breckenridge, Colorado ~ Ski baby Ski.  There is something so freeing about making your way down a mountain, the cool air against your face, the ski poles in your hands and a warm cup of hot chocolate waiting for you at the bottom.  Skiing is something that anyone can learn, take a lesson or try snowboarding.  This quaint, cozy town of Breckenridge is sure to please.

 

3. Dallas, Texas ~ Where everything is bigger.  Texas has always been a favorite destination of mine.  Dallas has so much to do and it's just cool city!!  Take a short drive South to hit Austin, a very unique city with a lot of history.  Visit the Dallas Aquarium, its amazing or hit the Dallas Zoo.  Visit the Fort Worth Stock Yards and watch the daily cattle drive.  The food is very good, from hamburgers to steaks to Mexican flare, there are so many options!  A definite must try is Maple and Motor, it used to be a car garage but is now serving up some of the best hamburgers and was featured on Guy Fieri's Top Spots of Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives.

 

 

4. Negril, Jamaica ~ Peaceful and Beautiful.  This vacation spot holds a special place in my heart. The  7 Mile Beach is gorgeous ~ white sand, clear blue water, and warm air. We stayed at an all-inclusive which I recommend because you will have everything you need, any time of the day.  We did venture off site to do a little local shopping and of course one must visit the famous Rick's Café, but if you choose not to leave your property, you won't regret with either.  A place for relaxation on Spring Break!

5. Virginia Beach, Virginia ~ History with a side of Beach.   Visit Jamestown, the first English Colony in America. Yorktown, where you can experience 300 years of history through Battlefields and 18th Century Homes or take a stroll on the riverwalk.  Norfolk is  home to the Chrysler Museum of Art, a Top 20 museum in the US. It features masterworks from every major civilization, historical period and 5000 years of culture.  Nauticus, the National Maritime Center is here too,  and features the USS Wisconsin, the world's largest battleship. Of course don't forget to visit Virginia Beach, with 38 miles of shoreline and the famous 3 mile boardwalk, you will want to make this stop!