Colorado – Part 2
After getting the flat tire on our van fixed in Colorado Springs, we headed to Boulder. We were all very tired by the time we got there.
My aunt Nina and her husband, Cathan have a duplex they let us stay in from Monday-Friday. Nina’s adult children (my cousins) Siera and Dwight live next door, and we enjoyed seeing them while we were there. Dwight showed us a bunch of art projects he is working on and let us pick a few treasure to bring home. Siera gave the girls each a new pair of crocs (pictured below)
On the first full day in Boulder, it was 85 degrees. We walked the Chitagua Trail to see the Flat Irons (a nickname for the 5 large, flat rock slabs on the side of Green Mountain).
We got about half way up and decided to turn around because of the heat. That night we drove to Denver for a Colorado Rockies baseball game against the St Louis Cardinals. Mark is always his happiest self in a sports stadium. We came along for the fun.
Boulder is a college town, the largest being the University of Colorado Boulder. It has the feel of a charming small town, but with big city perks such as great public transportation, award winning breweries, and a thriving downtown. We had some really good gelato at Gelato Boy on Pearl Street (a walkable street lined with cute shops, cafes, and art galleries).
We visited the Red Rocks Amphitheater, a world renown concert venue located about 40 minutes from Boulder. We didn’t see a concert, but did go to check out the place.
It was gorgeous. The closest town to Red Rocks is called Morrison.
We met an old college friend, Tony, and his son at The Cow Eatery for dinner. It was a great time of reconnecting after not seeing each other for many years.
Another cool place we found through my favorite google search “Free Family Activities in ___________ (wherever we happen to be)” was Hammonds Candies in Denver, CO. We took a tour of the factory and got to see ribbon candy, candy canes, and taffy being made. Every piece of candy is handmade and hand packaged in this one facility before being sent all over the U.S. Here is a video I made to remember a fun afternoon at this unique place.
We still have some time left in Colorado. We are back in Colorado Springs for a few days and then on to Greeley for a few days before we move on to South Dakota. Stay tuned!