Camping = True Colorado Culture!

Anyone who knows anything about Colorado knows Colorado is an outdoorsmen's (or women's!) state. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, rafting, hiking, biking and of course camping are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outdoor activities in this beautiful state.

This weekend was my first camping trip of the season, albeit a little later then in other years. Due to my work schedule (pre-layoff) and vacation schedule (aww, shucks!) I simply haven't made it.

For this trip, we decided to keep it close to home and scooted up Hwy 119 to an area just south of Nederland, CO (famous for it's infamous Frozen Dead Guy Days activities - http://www.nederlandchamber.org/events_fdgd-home.html). Even though we left earlier then in the past, we fell into our usual routine of not being able to find an available campsite where we wanted to go in Golden Gate Canyon State Park (http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/goldengatecanyon) . So we decided to continue our trek along 119 and look for a place to crash. We ended up in the Kelly Dahl Campground (http://campincolorado.com/federal/arapaho_roosevelt_nf/kelly_dahl/kelly_dahl.html) in the Roosevelt National Forest, technically in Gilpin County - but just barely! It's not our usual kind of place. We generally prefer slightly off the beaten path, tent-only camping. But this fit our needs and for $17 a night, we settled in comfortably with our dog Jackson the Wonder Mutt. If you want to discuss the true Colorado experience, a dog is a must. But I will visit that in a later blog...

The campground was not large, but we were well surrounded by trees and has a view of a ridge with wildflowers across from us...once you looked past some of the RV's parked nearby. It was probably the most social camping trip I've ever had, as everyone who passed by had to comment and visit with the mutt. Camping always tends to help me tune out the world and even though this was a more social experience, it was no exception and exactly what the doctor ordered!

Friday afternoon we drove into Nederland to pick up firewood, which was cheaper by the bundle at the grocery store. Then we headed back to the site for a walk around the campground and a yummy meal. That evening, we immersed ourselves in another Colorado Culture activity - having our dog join us in the tent! He did well, even joining us in the sleeping bag to stay warm.

Saturday, we decided to hike at the Magnolia West trailhead. I can't tell you which trail(s) we were on, as they seemed to intertwine and ramble. I tried to pull up a site on this trailhead with no luck, but essentially it's about 3 miles south of Nederland. The trails started off heavy with mountain bikers, but once we made our first trail switch off the main route, we rarely ran into folks. The area was a beautiful lush green with all the recent rainfall and the area was gorgeoud - wildflowers everywhere! We discovered some great free campground sites and hiked for about 2 hours or so, before returning to our car with a super pooped pup.

Fast forward through an afternoon of rain and what became the equivalent of a 5 hour nap in our cozy tent as the storms blew through. That night we heated up some homemade chili we had frozen and enjoyed our small, short campfire before decided we were still tired and heading off to bed.

Sunday we opted to swing through Nederland, where our puppy stole the show and I got to pop into a few of the very cool shops in the quaint downtown (http://town.nederland.co.us/). We didn't buy, but we did stop to take a few pictures before rambling home via Boulder.
It was a truly relaxing weekend, Colorado Culture style. I was digging it!

Coffee Shop Heaven

I love coffee shops. I don't know what it is about them that attracts me so, but there is almost nothing better in my mind than the coffee shop experience - unless it includes a coffee and book shop! I love the smell, the sense of contentment when holding a hot (or cold!) beverage in my hands and the ease of conversation that seems to permeate the coffee shop experience.

Coffee shops always seem to host a wonderful mix of students, 1st time dates, girlfriends and business liaisons. It makes for fascinating people watching. And if you are smart, it can be a cheap form of entertainment where you can kill hours looking at art work, reading or conversing with colleagues, friends or significant others.

I admit I am not a coffee shop snob. I will sit at a Starbucks as easily as I will visit an independent shop. And truly, I am a tea lover if I have my druthers. But I do have a special place in my heart for supporting small businesses and some of my favorite Colorado shops include:

St. Mark's Coffee House - http://www.stmarkscoffeehouse.com/ - St. Mark's is an eclectic coffee place on 17th and Race, near the Thin Man. They have a small patio out front and a crazy mix of chairs and tables (even a pew!) inside to host anyone who needs a place to sit for their coffee consumption. You'll notice a lot of the patrons walk or bike to St. Mark's, which is great because occasionally it's a pain to park there.

St. Mark's seems to be quieter during the day - at least that's been my experience - and busier at night. It's a great alternative for hanging out if you need a break from the bar scene and tends to attract a more alternative crowd over a lot of other coffee houses in the area. I love to go with some of my more creative friends for a good drink and great conversation - St. Mark's seems to invite that kind of unique experience.

One of the other things I enjoy about St. Mark's is they yummy snacks and interesting artwork on the walls. So get a steamer, grab a seat and take a gander at all St. Mark's has to offer!

Stella's Coffeehaus - http://www.stellascoffee.com/ - Now that I am - gasp! - getting more mature, I find I spend a lot more time lately at Stella's on Old South Pearl. Not to say that Stella's only attracts a more mature crowd as you will always spy the requisite college students in there, but it does seem to attract a slightly more down-to-earth crowd than other coffee houses I visit regularly. Now, by mature I do not mean stodgy. I more mean the type of folks who seem to live a more holistic lifestyle and listen to NPR. For example, I had an interesting conversation today with a gentleman who felt strongly that Stella's would make a great segment on This American Life. Taking a good look around through his eyes, I'd have to agree.

Stella's is typically very busy any time I go by, but the rambling rooms and large deck areas offer a plethora of seating so I've never not found a place to park myself for an extended period of time. And each area seems to have it's own vibe - study areas, a meeting room (reservations can be made!), in the sun, out of the sun or in the huge side room filled with tables and complimented by the oddest little bathroom. The toilet sits slightly crooked so that your knees don't hit the sink and the trash cans sits in what used to be a little triangular shower.

Yep, you guessed it - Stella's used to be an old house, converted to cozy coffee shop. It's got bookshelves in odd corners, tables, chairs and couches stashed everywhere and appears to be extremely supportive of independent businesses and community activities (check out the main hallway and areas around the bathrooms!). Nothing like a little local culture to soothe the soul and stem the need for caffeine!

Cafe Europa - http://cafeeuropa.givingtechnology.com/ - Cafe Europa is in a sweet spot of Denver, tucked away on South Pennsylvania Street by Carmine's on Penn and The Spot. There's limited outdoor seating, but the space inside is plentiful. There's a nice mix of tables and random velvet couches making up seating vignettes. And don't forget the pet goldfish hanging out by the counter! I came to love Cafe Europa the last time I was unemployed, as I killed hours there and escaped the prison that was my apartment. My love affair continued during the winter of the blizzards, as it was easy for me to get to and feel like I was "getting away from it all."

Cafe Europa also has more than the typical coffee menu available. Their food is typically delish and the atmosphere is just funky enough to feel off the beaten path of chain coffee shops. The artwork changes regularly and feel free to grab a little blanket if you have a chill!

Longs Peak Coffee and Paper House - http://longspeakpaper.com/Location.html - As a little deviation from my Denver haunts, I'd like to also mention my favorite coffee house in Estes Park, CO. About an hour and a half from Denver, right off the riverwalk between Riverside Dr. and Moraine Ave. in downtown Estes Park there is an unusual little paper shop that has a coffee bar as an asset. The space is tight for seating (make sure to head upstairs once you have your drink!), but the feel is homey and the variety of goods for sale is fascinating. If you are ever up in Estes, I highly recommend you check it out!

Other honorable mentions for coffee and tea - Java Creek in Cherry Creek North! I have a hard time getting there when their doors are open, but the delicious chai and delectable dishes make it a place I like to frequent on a lazy weekend!

There's tons of other great coffee shops in Denver. This is just a small collection of my favorite places and a low cost option for some Colorado Culture.

Laid-Off - Living the Free Life

I was laid off from my job last week. It was both a good and bad situation, but ultimately I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. So much opportunity has presented itself and honestly, I look forward to seeing where I land! I had started this blog a while back (i.e. 2007), but got so busy I never really got it going. A shame I think, as I love to travel, explore and rejoice in all that is around me. So I got to thinking today; this blog is one of those "opportunities" that I haven't followed through on in the past. So here I go! Step one in my new life.

One of my first projects as a laid-off lass was to sit down and create a calendar of all the things to do in the Denver Metro area for free - or super cheap. Summer is a wonderful time in Colorado - the hiking, camping and cultural events abound, so what better time to take advantage of all there is to offer and save my funds for the doldrums of Oct.?

Below is a collection of some of my favorite free things to do in the Denver area during the summer months. I will continue to add to this list, but this will get you started! Please let me know if you have other activities you recommend - I'd love to add it to the mix.

City Park Jazz - http://www.cityparkjazz.org/- City Park Jazz has been the highlight of my week for the past 3 summers. There is nothing better than wrapping up a wonderful Colorado weekend - as you prepare for a busy week ahead - with some jazz in the park. I love packing a picnic, grabbing our camp chairs and heading off to join one of the most culturally diverse events in Denver.

Everyone comes out for City Park Jazz - the wealthy, the poor, Caucasians, Hispanics, African Americans, the healthy, the frail, the young and the old. Even the dogs! I have always felt there is a sense of unity in music and this event proves that point to me repeatedly. So clear your Sunday evening calendar and join us by the Pavilion in the City Park! I promise, you will only regret not doing it sooner.
Cost: Free Location: City Park

Movies in the Park - http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/626/documents/MIP2009%20(2).pdf - My first Movies in the Park experience left quite an impression on me. We took off one night to join a friend and her niece and nephews, expecting my boyfriend's daughter to hang out with the other kids watching "Happy Feet" while the adults got a chance to chat. No go - we all got to enjoy this family experience!

We stretched out on the hillside behind the clock tower in downtown Denver, comfy on our blankets and impressed with the entire set-up, including a huge blow-up movie screen. Then we discovered the free popcorn, sno-cones and cotton candy and we were hooked. This year, there are 10 screenings, additional park locations and a wide variety of movies to view. We'll be joining the community for at least 3 of them! That's a way cheaper experience than paying $40 (including popcorn and drinks) for 2 at a big screen. What a way to spend a weekend night!
Cost: Free Location: Varies

Colorado Free Days - http://www.scfd.org/?page=home&sub=4- There is nothing like being a Colorado resident. I say that for a variety of reasons, but one of my favorite things is the investment in culture! One of those investments includes the SCFD funds used to open up museums, botanic gardens, performances, etc. to the public several times a year free of charge. Summer tends to be a quieter time for the Free Days, but the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has several free days approaching, so check out the schedule and we'll see you there!
Cost: Free on designated days Location: Varies

Colorado Symphony Orchestra - http://www.coloradosymphony.org/ - I fell in love with the CSO experience a few years ago when they played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. They were my first concert at Red Rocks and I swear, the 1812 Overture will never be the same for me. They take pity on souls like mine during the summer month and bring classical music to the masses with a series of free events. There are two events still scheduled in the Denver Metro area, so I highly recommend checking it out and coming out to embrace a unique musical experience! P.S. Want to get the schedule earlier next year? Sign up for their free newsletter!
Cost: Free on designated Days Location: Varies

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - http://www.cdbf.org/ - If you can handle the heat, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most unique cultural events I have attended in the Denver Metro area. There's nothing quite like sitting by Sloan's Lake and joining the crowd cheering their favorite dragon boat team across the finish line. There's food, store vendors, performers and of course the infamous dragon boats - totally worth checking out if you are looking to do something different at the end of July!
Cost: Free to attend Location: Sloan's Lake Park

I love Colorado. And Living the Free Life here is a great way to spend the summer in my beloved state!