Colorado in the Fall: Fireplaces and Quieter Spaces

I admit- it's been a minute. And another, and many strung together, but... I've visited Colorado in the fall, and it is magnificent. 

Imagine: Less crowds. Fewer lines. More one on one time. More exclusive access. More front row. We all know Colorado's captivating- and it's even more so in the fall!

How 'bout a ride on an old steam locomotive for that real-deal feel of old Colorado? The Durango Train is the best known, and close by, but there are many to choose from. Check out the Colorado Railroad Museum if you're so inclined. It's filled with old photos and articles and artifacts- it's a railroad lover's dream. With close to 12 acres of railcars and locomotives to check out, you'll have plenty to see. 

It may not seem sexy, but the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a great exhibit about the Colorado Gold History, and there are other mines not far away, ready to welcome the gold miner- or panning curious. (and that's me!). It's a big state, with plenty to explore. Want an old mining town? Central City sits adjacent to the casinos at Black Hawk. What a great place to stay a few nights, visit, maybe play some games.

Want more? Colorado is more colorful in the fall, too: The changing leaves are spectacular!  Wide, open views actually frame the landscape and allow you to soak in the magnificent colors. That bright yellow? That's a stand of Aspens. Nice, eh?

The atmosphere in Colorado just lends itself to nature. Self reliance. Resilience, even. It's hard to not get caught up in the western-ness of it all. That little swagger comes over you- and maybe a new pair of boots become a souvenir. If shoppings what you want, Denver delivers. Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood boasts a huge, indoor shopping mall, "The Mall", for year round indulgences, and outdoor shopping connected by lovely paths and walkways used year round. Cherry Creek is known for its vast selection of stores, restaurants, and its accessibility. If you're a shopper, Cherry Creek is an absolute must! Check out the list of stores!  And yes- as you would expect, the dispensaries are all rated "highly". (Sorry- I tried not to do that, but anything less would have been lame.)

Dispensaries are located throughout the state, and Central City boasts several well worth a visit, one being a wellness care resource. It's a perfect companion visit if you're doing cooking classes and cuisine type tours. Regardless, you'll have access to great flower, edibles, and all the goodness. You'll love the laid back vibe and natural surroundings found throughout the state. 

Like art? You need to check out the art scene. The Denver Art Museum has expanded, and includes a large collection of Colorado artists' work. The art scene is next level. Plan your trip for a first Friday at The Art Scene on Santa Fe,  and enjoy a lively open house atmosphere and a whole lotta' extraordinary art - of all kinds. 

If you are so inclined, there are some great breweries and stills to visit. In fact, Stranahan's  welcomes you in to taste their delicious single malt whiskey, created right on location. Go ahead- schedule the Top Shelf Tour. What a great gift to that awesome bestie, wedding party, birthday, or any occasion: there's no occasion required to enjoy this next-level experience- it actually IS the occasion. You can always wander up to Aspen to check out those Aspen trees and visit Stranahan's new Aspen Whiskey Lodge. Go ahead. It's special there, too. Aspen and Stranahan's are well worth visiting. 

Whatever you decide to do, you find it easy to embrace the essence of Colorado. Enjoy the culture, the vibe. Take some time away from the grind and go-enjoy all there is to do and see, but also enjoy the still. The calm. Grab a private dispensary tour, maybe do a garden tour, enjoy a couple massages, take in a show at Red Rocks,  then head to someplace quiet (we have a few in mind). Enjoy the bigness, and the intimacy, of beautiful, definitely never-ever boring, absolutely gorgeous, amazingly cannabis friendly, breathtaking, beautiful Colorado. 

If you haven't been before, you'll love it. If you have been, isn't it time to go back?