Greetings from Denver! :D
Ben and I landed this morning and realized it’s been almost exactly a year since the last time we were here. Time sure flies!
We got in around 10am, swooped up a car and got down to business – exploring! We had nearly all day to spend doing whatever our heart’s desired and after visiting with one of Ben’s cousins, he suggested we go to Red Rocks!
Red Rocks Park is right outside of Denver and known for their CRAZY big, red sandstone rock formations that are over 300 million years old. 8O
A lot of the big rock formations are named…I forget what this one was called, but it was near “Frog Rock.” Ha.
Did I mention it’s in the 60s here? I hardly needed a jacket!
Every time Ben and I come to Colorado we’re all – “ugh, I could totally move here…”
With views like this, it’s not hard to see why. Everything has this peaceful, untouched feeling. We just love it. :)
Red Rocks Park is also home to one of the largest open-air amphitheaters in the world – the Red Rock Amphitheater!
This baby was built in the early 1900s between two humungous red rocks and holds 20,000 people. It’s held concerts for everyone from the Beatles to Blues Traveler!
Here’s the rock on the left…
and the one on the right!
When it’s not being used for concerts – it’s an outdoor exerciser’s dream come true. We saw dozens of people sprinting the endless rows of steps going up and down the length of the amphitheater.
Pushups too! ;)
Not going to lie, it really made me wish I had brought along my running shoes…
Ben and I made our way down to check out the view from the bottom.
As we ascended we were flanked by the spectacular red rocks, streaked with the layers of millions of years.
The view from the bottom (and the top, for that matter) was incredible! Pictures don’t do this place justice – it is HUGE!
Ok, here’s one – can you spot IGE?! ;)
We explored, climbed and took in the scenery, but before long we realized we were STARVING.
The Cherry Cricket was calling our name!!!!
Ben and I fell in love with TCC last year and have seriously been craving their food ever since.
They’re known and recognized for their killer burgers and fun atmosphere.
It was 1:30 on a Friday and PACKED!
Call me unadventurous, but I knew exactly what I was going to get without even looking at the menu.
The EXACT same thing I had last year – the Moroccan Salad!
Fork tender, spiced flank steak, zesty artichoke hearts and a Moroccan Salad Dressing I’d give up my left arm for the recipe! I should have asked…
Seriously – this flank steak was like BUTTER. Super rare (just the way I like it) and so. friggin’. juicy. Unforgettable. I just swallowed drool.
Oh, and we got some fries to share. Because they taste like Arby’s fries, and we’re on vacation. Whoop!!!
The wedding festivities are getting started in just a few hours and I am PUMPED! Ben’s cousin is getting married and their rehearsal dinner is at the Denver Aquarium. Cocktail hour includes a wine-led tour. I MEAN!!!
Talk to you later!
We were married at Red Rocks. Colorado is a pretty awesome place to live. :)
Just read through this post and loved it. I’m from Golden, CO, and grew up going to Red Rocks. Just watched Top Gun there this past summer. I’m an Iowa girl now, though, as I’ve lived here since I started college, which was (gulp!) 12 years ago. I am always searching for new recipes to make for my family, so I love your blog!! I have the crispy chocolate peanut butter cups chilling right now! I think they’re ready to be tested!
[…] From some tough hikes in the hills of Denver, […]
[…] couple weekends ago in Colorado I ordered some Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from a restaurant Ben’s parent’s took us […]
Random thought: Do you have a Starbucks mug from Seattle yet? I’m heading there on Tuesday for a week and thought I’d look out for one for you if you didn’t have on yet. Hope Denver is amazing! :D
aww fun! looks beautiful
That shot of Ben at the amphitheater looks super professional!
Great pics!! You inspired me to add Red Rocks to my list of places to visit!! =)
Next time you’re in Colorado check out the Royal Gorge. It’s breath taking beautiful.
I’m sure you are having a blast in Denver, but I just wanted to mention that Iowa IS GOING DOWN today. Go Buckeyes! O-H!
Have a wonderful time!
Every time I go to Colorado, I feel the same way – I just want to start house hunting right away! There’s such a peaceful feeling visiting there.
I dont know who you are, I got directed to your vaca photos from a BHG recipe for turkey day…. nice, i voted for ya. Rock on – nice photos, i love nature.
My puppy, Denver:
I particularly LOVE this post b/c my puppies name is Denver.
See the link for pictures of her!!
— It’s a beautiful place!!
I might give up being in IC for the last home game for 60 degree weather…I might!
Denver looks amazing! I’m considering going there after I graduate to do a four-week publishing class. It’s either there or in NYC, and I don’t think I could fit in with that crazy world.
Have fun at the wedding!
Great pictures! What a gorgeous place. I’ve said those words about CO before too. They have a great weather combo–snow and sunshine in the winter and sunshine and more sunshine in the summer! I’m going to pack my bags right now. ;)