Colorado has always been on my bucket list and when I got an email amount a Flight FLASH SALE… I booked it! My husband and I went on a couples get away to celebrate my birthday. It was January and the day we arrived was also the first snow storm of the year!
Guess what??? Us Californians SURVIVED!!!
The Snow was beautiful, so clean and crisp white. The weather in Colorado was very different then I expected. It was cold, but a “different” type of cold. I was prepared for bone chilling coldness but this chill was very different. Not as cold as other places I have visited in the Winter.
I felt very spoiled though, because you know what I missed? My seat warmers- aka “bun warmers” and heated steering wheel! Third world problems right?!! ha ha Our little ‘roller skate like’ rental car got us from point A to Point B which I appreciated, but it also made me REALLY appreciate having these spoiled “luxury” items at home!
What to pack?
I packed different outfits because I wasn’t too sure how Cold it was going to be. I will let you know that a sweater with leggings and boots, or a heavy long sleeve shirt with jeans is fine. I do recommend getting a nice pair of winter boots and a good thermal winter jacket. They can be pricey but look on Nordstorm.com, Poshmark, Ebay and other discount retailers. You can score some good deals on brands like Patagonia, Columbia, North face and more! Also, bring a beanie or two!
Where to stay and what about flight?
The flight there was a short one, the airport is nice and the car rental depot is very nice! You have the option of renting a car or using the public transit system. The railway and the train are both very affordable.
I am crazy and even though its nice to stay put in one place, we like to see and do as much as possible when visiting a new place. So my husband and I stayed at a few different lodging options during our stay in Colorado. Two of my favorites were an airbnb and also a hip trendy motor lodge in Boulder called Base Camp.
I love staying at airbnbs because they are very affordable and comfortable. When traveling as a family it’s a must for us, at least a few days of the trip because you have the option of renting a place that has a kitchen so you can prepare some of the meals and save money by not eating out every meal and also I like having the option of a washer and dryer. If you are gone for more then 5 days it is nice to wash your clothes and not return home with a suitcase full of stinky clothes! Also, most airlines only allow you to bring on one small bag and lets face it ladies…. Girls pack alot! You can follow this link to save on your first airbnb adventure.
Base Camp Boulder
My husband and I really liked the vibe at Base Camp Boulder. Revamped Motor lounge that’s is super cool and hip. The rooms are “themed” and very clean and comfortable. At this location there was a craft beer bar, climbing wall and hot tub. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The lodging was comfortable and affordable. Base Camp Boulder is located in the town of Boulder and very close the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Enjoying a micro brew 
Motor style hip lodging 
clean & comfortable
You can sign up for their newsletter and get special rates. https://basecampboulder.comYou can book online from their website.
Or use another travel site to find the best deals such as “…”
Things to do..
During our stay in Boulder, it was snowing but still nice enough to enjoy the outdoors. We walked through the town and checked out some of the cool shops and enjoyed some tasty food at the local eateries. I fell in love with Boulder, I would move there in a heartbeat. But, unfortunately my budget says different! Homes are beautiful but very pricey in this area.
Try to make time to at least visit Boulder for a few hours when in Denver. It’s a short drive and worth it.
Lots of options available that are vegan, allergy and Paleo friendly in Colorado. The food selection is great. Of course, I cheated a bit!
University of Colorado-Boulder
The Campus is huge and beautiful. Just by driving around and viewing it from the car. I could see all the details of the craftsmanship. I was impressed by the beauty and upkeep.
The University of Colorado Boulder (commonly referred to as CU, CU Boulder or Colorado) is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado, United States. It is the flagship university of the University of Colorado system and was founded five months before Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876.
In 2015, the university comprised nine colleges and schools and offered over 150 academic programs and enrolled almost 17,000 students. Twelve Nobel Laureates, nine MacArthur Fellows, and 20 astronauts have been affiliated with CU Boulder as students, researchers, or faculty members in its history. The university received nearly $454 million in sponsored research in 2010 to fund programs like the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, and JILA.
The Colorado Buffaloes compete in 17 varsity sports and are members of the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. The Buffaloes have won 28 national championships: 20 in skiing, seven total in men’s and women’s cross country, and one in football. Approximately 900 students participate in 34 intercollegiate club sports annually as well.
Celestial Seasonings Tea Company
Ok, this may sound lame. Who wants to go on a tour of a Tea factory right? It was cold, snowing and we needed to find something to do. I am glad that I stubbled across this place. I highly recommend checking out the tour when you are in the area. It is FREE!
Free Tours and So Much More
Visit the Celestial Seasonings headquarters in Boulder, Colorado and unlock the mysteries of tea with a guided tea tour. During the 30-minute tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look how tea is made – from raw ingredients to finished products – plus see unique attractions like our famous Mint Room, Tea Shop and Celestial Café.
Celestial Seasonings is nestled in the Gunbarrel neighborhood of Boulder. Our campus is easily accessible from Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins and the Denver International Airport.
While children of all ages are welcome at the Tour Center, only children aged 5 and older are allowed to go on the factory portion of the tour.
5 reasons why you should go!
- It smells good!!!!!
2. Its free and you get to SAMPLE teas!
3. Informational
4. Cool to see how the tea is packed & processed
5. I actually learned a few things or two about Tea!
You can spend 2 hours here or longer. Enjoy your time and make sure to sample, sample , sample!!!
It was so snowy!!! 
Beautiful & the warm tea was nice!
You can find more info on their website…http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/
Coors Beer Tour
I grew up with my Dad drinking Coors. I remember seeing the commercials and how beautiful the crystal clear water looked and gorgeous mountains. As a kid and being from California, those Mountains were quite impressive! I told myself, “one day when I am an adult I am going to visit Colorado!”
As an adult I have to admit, I am a beer snob. My hubby and I are foodies but also love good craft beer! Traveling to new places does revolve around food and beer! We love to try out local beers and also enjoy tours.
The Coors beer tour was very different from your typical brewery tour. The company has been around for many of years. Lots of history and memorabilia in these buildings.
It is a little bit of a drive to “Golden Colorado” but its good for a half day trip from Denver to Boulder. We enjoyed seeing all the memorabilia and loved that we were rewarded with a bar or two at the end of the tour!
A Golden tourism rep greets you at the parking lot entrance, and at the tourism booth. You meet your Coors tour director, wait around 5 minutes for a shuttle bus that takes you to the welcome and tour center at the brewery. Along the way, they take you through downtown Golden and tell about its history.
Once inside, you will be assigned a tour group and can look around at memorabilia in the lobby/waiting area. The tour lasts 30-45 minutes and, of course, you need to take time for your 3 free drinks (if you are 21 or over), and the gift shop. Take the next shuttle bus back to the parking lot. The whole tour of the town and the brewery will take you from 1-1/2 to 2 hours on average. Enjoy!
So many Brands!!!!
Hours-M, Th-Sa 10-4. Closed Tu-W. (Call to verify) Phone:303-277-2337 Admission:Adults $10. https://www.millercoors.com/av?url=https://www.millercoors.com/breweries/coors-brewing-company/tours
Try “Native”!
At the end of the tour there is a tasting room where you can a sample a few of their beers on draft. Enjoy!!!
Cheers! I hope you enjoy your day there. Grab a bite to eat in town after and take in the beauty of the Mountains. Golden Colorado!
Cant forget to mention this…
Colorado is very 420 friendly. Denver is the home of the “International Church of Cannabis”. Stop by and check the place out. Website states that there is no fee, but donations are accepted in order to view the Museum. https://elevationists.org/
A few “touristy” places to try..
I had to try Dutch Bros when I was in Colorado and also in Oregon. We don’t have this coffee joint in SoCal.
Good Times is a Fast food chain that we also had to try.
And of course!! The famous Little Man ICE cream shop
Denver is the main hub and these small towns are just a short drive.
Boulder and Golden Colorado were great places to visit. We also had a blast in Denver. Check out my other blog posts on Family Fun in Denver and Adventures in Denver.
Whether it’s a couples trip, family or solo trip. I hope you have an amazing time! Safe travels!
XO, Christy
Tip-use discount sites for attractions & lodging
