My First Time at a Buc-ee’s I hadn’t heard much about Buc-ee’s. Then, a store opened in Colorado in March 2024 and suddenly it seemed to be all anyone was talking about. Last fall on a road trip with Justin between Florida and South Carolina, we kept seeing the signs for a Buc-ee’s and decided […]
A Stop at Buc-ee’s Read More »
Each year for our birthdays or anniversary we try to go out to a nice dinner. We’ve been to some great spots around Denver like Fruition (now closed), Borolo Grill, Venice (a great Italian place), and some interesting vegan places. But this year, for my birthday, a craving hit me that I just couldn’t ignore:
A Yummy Birthday Dinner at My Neighbor Felix Read More »
When you think of Colorado, what comes to mind? Likely, it’s snow-capped mountains, vibrant ski towns, and breathtaking alpine vistas. But beyond the iconic Rocky Mountains lies a vast and often-overlooked landscape: the Eastern Plains. Recently, I embarked on a two-part road trip that offered a look at this expansive and sparsely populated region. The
A Scenic Drive Through Colorado’s North-Eastern Plains Read More »
When you’re driving across the American heartland, it’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of the open road. If you are looking for unique, unforgettable things to do in North Platte NE, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Our recent weekend getaway was anchored by one very specific and uniquely Nebraskan bucket-list
Fun Things to Do in North Platte NE: A Weekend Guide Read More »
For about eight years now, a rather unique image has floated around in the back of our minds – a picture Justin stumbled upon in a magazine while we were making vision boards: people floating serenely down a river in what looked like a repurposed stock tank. It seemed utterly whimsical, perfectly quirky, and immediately
Tanking the North Platte River Read More »
Since Telluride is only about an hour for Ouray, it make sense for us to go check it out, plus my friend really wanted to go – thus part of the basis for the long weekend. While a work issue delayed our morning, we eventually grabbed a quick breakfast and hit the road. The drive
A Half Day in Telluride, CO Read More »
The idea for my most recent long weekend in Ouray was born over a casual breakfast with two girlfriends. When asked where in Colorado I’d love to go, my answer was immediate and heartfelt: Ouray. It’s a town I’ve long admired from afar, but its distance from home has always made it feel just out
A Long Weekend in Ouray, CO Read More »
Well folks, this post might not be as exciting as other food posts. The simple truth is, we found ourselves gravitating toward the same two spots in Ouray, and our other culinary excursions were a bit of a mixed bag. Ouray Dinners: The Outlaw & Ouray Brewery Ouray Brewery was a highlight, largely due to
Eating Around Ouray, CO Read More »
Just a short, 15-minute drive on winding dirt roads from the historic downtown of Silverton, Colorado, lies a portal to the past: the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. While Silverton itself is a testament to the region’s mining heritage, this tour offers a truly unique experience, taking you into the heart of the Galena Mountain
A Quick Journey into History at the Old Hundred Gold Mine (Silverton, CO) Read More »
I’m no stranger to the restorative power of hot springs. Over the years of living in Colorado, I’ve dipped into about ten different mineral-rich pools, from rustic riverside soaks to more developed resorts. Each one offers its unique charm. However, my recent visit to Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado, marked a significant first: my
My First Clothing-Optional Hot Springs Experience at Orvis (Ridgeway, CO) Read More »
Ouray, Colorado, often dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” lives up to its majestic reputation with stunning mountain scenery and a rich mining history. Eager to explore beyond the paved roads, we booked a Yankee Boy + Governor Basins tour with Alpine Scenic 4×4 Tours. This 4-hour excursion turned out to be a fantastic way to
A Backcountry 4×4 Adventure in Ouray, CO Read More »
Back in early 2015, not long after I moved to Colorado, A girlfriend, brimming with excitement, insisted I experience this “Colorado institution,” a “must-go.” with her and her two young kids. I walked in with an open mind, but what I found was… bewildering. It was cafeteria-style back then – grab a tray, order your
Lunch at Casa Bonita, Lakewood, CO Read More »
We like to travel with carry-ons, it offers us a greater flexibility, should we need it, to change our plans at the last minute. Like many others, I spent a while looking up what other people brought on this similar trip. Everyone said to layer to give the most flexibility – and that is definitely
My packing list for 2 weeks in Alaska in May Read More »
While I liked the feel of Fairbanks, a small town, I wasn’t loving the food. I am sure there are wonderful places and menu items places, just not really what I happened to order. Bahn Thai We heard that Fairbanks had a lot of Thai restaurants, its a common cuisine there. And there were for
Eating Around Fairbanks Read More »
Lat65 – Our first day in Fairbanks we decided to walk to Lat65 to get some fresh air and the lay of the land. Lat65 had lots of seating, a good selection of beer, and BBQ. It looked like the area was either expanding or being remodeled. I ordered the Pilsner sunrise and Justin had the
Breweries in Fairbanks, AK Area that we tried Read More »
Justin’s 50th State! Woo-hoo. This trip, which doubled as our 33rd state explored together, was a two-week adventure designed to hit the highlights of the Railbelt region while balancing his initial work commitments with our favorite travel formula: a few essential pre-booked tours, plenty of flexible exploration, and necessary rest days. If you’re planning a
Memorable 14 Day Alaska Itinerary (Anchorage, Seward, & Fairbanks) Read More »
We enjoy eating out when we travel. We tried to utilize the hotel free breakfast for 60% of the time since food in Alaska tended to cost more. These are the places we went and what we thought — of course your experience my vary. Alaska Chopped and Chowdered – Justin got the Alaskan Rustic
Eating in Anchorage Read More »
We made it to five breweries while in town. Onsite Brewery Company – We walked from our hotel to this mid-town climbing themed brewery. While it had both indoor and outdoor seating, it was a nice day and we took advantage of sitting outside on a picnic table. Denise ordered the Rappel Lager and Justin
Anchorage – Breweries we tried Read More »
Denali National Park & Preserve, home to North America’s tallest peak, is a monumental landscape that beckons adventurers from around the globe. Yet, on our recent Alaskan trip, my enthusiasm for National Parks somehow didn’t translate into prioritizing a long stay here. Having heard mixed reviews about the full-day bus tours (and already committing to
Two Hours in Denali National Park & Preserve Read More »
When you’re in the Denali area, conventional tours are great, but sometimes, you crave something a little… more. That’s precisely what led us to Denali Fat Truck Tours, and their incredible SHERP excursion. This off-road ride helped us dive into the Alaskan wilderness, facilitated by a truly remarkable machine, and guided by someone whose passion
Our 3hr Fat Tire Truck Adventure Near Denali Read More »