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!

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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

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A lot of the big rock formations are named…I forget what this one was called, but it was near “Frog Rock.” Ha.

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Did I mention it’s in the 60s here? I hardly needed a jacket!

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Every time Ben and I come to Colorado we’re all – “ugh, I could totally move here…”

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With views like this, it’s not hard to see why. Everything has this peaceful, untouched feeling. We just love it. :)

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Red Rocks Park is also home to one of the largest open-air amphitheaters in the world – the Red Rock Amphitheater!

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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!

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Here’s the rock on the left…

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and the one on the right!

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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.

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Pushups too! ;)

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Not going to lie, it really made me wish I had brought along my running shoes…

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Ben and I made our way down to check out the view from the bottom.

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As we ascended we were flanked by the spectacular red rocks, streaked with the layers of millions of years.

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The view from the bottom (and the top, for that matter) was incredible! Pictures don’t do this place justice – it is HUGE!

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Ok, here’s one –  can you spot IGE?! ;)

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We explored, climbed and took in the scenery, but before long we realized we were STARVING.

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The Cherry Cricket was calling our name!!!!

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Ben and I fell in love with TCC last year and have seriously been craving their food ever since.

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They’re known and recognized for their killer burgers and fun atmosphere.

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It was 1:30 on a Friday and PACKED!

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Call me unadventurous, but I knew exactly what I was going to get without even looking at the menu.

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The EXACT same thing I had last year – the Moroccan Salad!

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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…

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Seriously – this flank steak was like BUTTER. Super rare (just the way I like it) and so. friggin’. juicy. Unforgettable. I just swallowed drool.

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Oh, and we got some fries to share. Because they taste like Arby’s fries, and we’re on vacation. Whoop!!!

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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!

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37 Comments

  1. Ryan says:

    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.

  2. Sara says:

    My puppy, Denver:

  3. Sara says:

    I particularly LOVE this post b/c my puppies name is Denver.
    See the link for pictures of her!!
    — It’s a beautiful place!!

  4. kate says:

    I might give up being in IC for the last home game for 60 degree weather…I might!

  5. Jenna @ readwriteandlive says:

    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!

  6. Bridget says:

    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. ;)

  7. PLSayrah says:

    I live here and I thank my lucky stars everyday for my beautiful home! I really hope you enjoy your time in Denver! :)

  8. Meredith says:

    Gorgeous! Seriously, I can’t wait to get back to the US and travel there. As weird as it is, I have traveled more in Europe now than I have in America. Colorado is at the top of our list for places to “retire”.

  9. sandra mc combs says:

    I love it when you and Ben travel!!! I get a mini vacation for free. Gotta love it.

  10. Imwaytoobusy says:

    What a beautiful day! Looks like a blast :)

  11. Rachel @Balance and Blueberries says:

    I think similar thoughts whenever I go to CO. It’s just so different than the midwest…love it!

  12. Erin says:

    Nothing beats a concert at Red Rocks! If you ever get the chance, you and Ben should take one in. And, I’m off to the Cherry Cricket for lunch tomorrow. I haven’t been since July, and I’ve been pining. Enjoy your time in the Mile High City!!

  13. AmyLou says:

    Oooh, we just went to Boulder/Denver this summer for the first time, also for a wedding! And, we hit up Red Rocks!! ;) If you have time, you could check out the free candy factory tour near Downtown Denver at Hammond’s – it’s cool to see them pulling candy the old-fashioned way! :)

    Have a blast!