Don't forget to pack your swimsuits! Our Colorado adventure

Joseph and I recently celebrated his birthday in Denver, Colorado. This was our first time to ever visit Colorado and let me just say that we absolutely loved it! The views were amazing. We had such a wonderful time and we can't wait to go back. This was just a short trip, but we tried to pack in as much as we could with the time that we were allotted. 

We touched down in Denver around 9 p.m. on a Thursday night. We gathered our luggage and grabbed an Uber to the Crowne Plaza Downtown Denver. This is a great hotel because it is right in the midst of everything you would like to see and do in Denver. 

                              

The Crowne Plaza offers a wonderful breakfast. We ate there every morning. The staff was extremely friendly and offered many ideas on activities that we could enjoy while visiting. 

The 16th Street Mall is within walking distance from the hotel. There is a myriad of shops and restaurants, plus some fun photo opportunities. 

Downtown Denver 16th Street

We were tired from traveling so we rested Thursday night and decided to rent a car the next morning. The rental car business was also within walking distance of the hotel. 

We opted for a Jeep Wrangler. A vehicle with a 4 wheel drive is a must when traveling throughout Colorado. After getting our Jeep, we headed for Colorado Springs. This is about a 90 minute drive from Denver. The views will keep you entertained on your journey because they are stunning.

Once we arrived in Colorado Springs, we traveled to Garden of the Gods. This place has spectacular views and if you are into hiking, this place has got all the hiking trails you can handle and maybe more.

Joseph and I climbed and hiked all over this place.  

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. 

Garden of the Gods is family friendly meaning that children of all ages would enjoy this park. 

After hiking, we had worked up an appetite so we headed to downtown Colorado Springs. There were all kinds of shops and restaurants to choose. I always like to ask the locals about their suggestions on where to dine. A friendly shopkeeper recommended the restaurant Four by Brother Luck. Chef Brother Luck opened Four by Brother Luck in March 2017 in downtown Colorado Springs focusing on the four providers behind his cooking - hunters, fisherman, farmer and gatherers. He has received numerous accolades including "Best Local Chef" and "Most Cutting Edge Restaurant" by The Gazette Newspaper and Colorado Springs Independent. Ready for the next challenge, he is no stranger to competition after winning his episode of Beat Bobby Flay and appearing on Chopped. 

The food was really quite delicious and unique. If you are in the Colorado Springs area, I would definitely recommend eating there.

Joseph and I had originally planned to travel to Estes Park and Boulder on Saturday, but many of the locals did not advise that because of the fires. They did however, suggest that we go to Mount Princeton. A local shop owner told us all about the hot springs that we could enjoy and the views that we would see while getting there. And boy, was she right!

The only predicament that Joseph and I found ourselves in was that we had not packed swimwear. I mean, who would think that you would need your swimsuit in November in Colorado? Luckily, we were able to purchase some at TJ Maxx.  

The views on the drive to Mount Princeton were gorgeous. This drive was about 2 1/2 hours, but again, the views will keep you mesmerized. 

                          

Finally, we arrived at Mount Princeton. Mount Princeton is a resort. Cabins may be rented and there is a trading post and a restaurant on site, but you can just purchase day passes to the springs if you are just coming up for the day. 

I'm not going to lie, it was incredibly weird to put on a swimsuit in 40 degree weather and on top of that, it was snowing, but the springs felt wonderful! The water was so nice, warm and relaxing. 

                                

We really enjoyed the springs and the views weren't that bad either! Of course after relaxing in the springs, we were famished. We dined at Mary Murphy Steak House which is right on the resort. 

                             

Joseph had the special of the day, which was a grilled chicken sandwich with sliced apples and gouda cheese. I dined on the Bison Burger with cheese curds. By the way, if you haven't had cheese curds, you are definitely missing out.  

After lunch, we continued our journey to Breckenridge. The weather changed quite a bit and we had to pull out our coats. The scenery is just beautiful. (Sorry, I keep saying that, but the pictures don't do it justice.)

We walked around Breckenridge a bit before heading back to Denver for our dinner reservations. My mother actually suggested that we eat at the Buckhorn Exchange Steakhouse. This is the oldest restaurant in Denver. The entire colorful history of the restaurant can be found here.

The menus are newspapers, so of course, Joseph loved the place! The inside is very unique with all types of animals hanging on the walls. 

For our final meal in Colorado, we dined on quail and Elk. They were delicious. This restaurant is a must if you are in Denver. Reservations are required and children are welcome. 

Joseph and I are already planning a trip back out to Colorado. This time we will be taking our boys on the adventure with us. We had such a wonderful time seeing this part of the country.

As always, please feel free to comment or ask me any questions about our trip. Happy Travels, Ya'll!