weeklong colorado visit (outsider view) (Denver, Boulder: hotel, live, restaurants)

[ssampier]

I spent one week in Colorado, the time was split between Denver and Southwest Colorado (Cortez). I am a native Utahn, born and bred, but ironically never spent much time to our neighbor to the East.

First impressions, very green. I like that. My area of Utah is very dry and brown. Elevation wasn't a problem, I live at 5,957 ft. Most areas seem to have a variety of Christian denominations, obviously more diverse in Denver. Most areas of Utah have a LDS (Mormon) majority.

The first day, June 6th, we stopped half-way in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Nice little town. The round-abouts in town were confusing at first, but I quickly got used to them. We ate at the local pizza place near the Target, but didn't do much else because it was late and we were tired.

It rained the next day, so the tram-ride to the caverns was out. We drove on to Denver. Luckily we missed the tornados and hail. It did snow briefly in Frisco.

Denver area traffic was busy, as most urban populations are. I spent quite a bit of time getting lost in the Cherry Creek area, near our hotel; good times.

We spent most the Denver trip with tourist traps, including zoo, Museum of Nature and Science, and Downtown Aquarium. We stayed pretty close to the hotel for the most part, except for one drive out to Stapleton. Yahhh Famous Dave's.

We were planning on exploring Boulder and Golden, but my timing was off and we didn't get started soon enough. I wish I had researched things more so I didn't spent most of my time in tourists traps and/or chain restaurants.

The remainder of the trip was in Southwest Colorado, based in Cortez. Cortez reminds me a lot of Utah's San Juan county; many Natives and loads of beautiful outdoor activities--not a bad combination. This is not surprising since it located 80 miles to the west.

I got a sense that Colorado alcohol laws were more liberal than Utah; big surprise. I haven't seen beer at a fast-food joint before (Moes at Glenwood Springs).

Overall I enjoyed my trip. I am already planning my second trip to Colorado in my head. I would like to explore the Denver area, especially.

[lalahartma]

Thanks for the report!

[Katarina Witt]

You're not too far away. Come back again!