Colorado provides a refined retreat where majestic mountain vistas, world-class skiing, and serene hot springs combine with a vibrant culinary scene to create the ultimate luxury escape
Colorado is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, and exploring cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Vail, Aspen, Golden, and Fort Collins gives you a taste of everything this beautiful state has to offer. Denver is where the Mile High City combines urban sophistication with a laid-back vibe.
Colorado Springs is great for outdoor adventure and stunning landscapes. Garden of the Gods is a brilliant area, with its dramatic red rock formations. It’s always been perfect for stunning photos.
When it’s time to hit the mountains, Vail, Breckenridge and Aspen are iconic for a reason. These world-class ski towns offer incredible slopes in winter and scenic trails in summer, with a dash of charm.
Golden, on the other hand, has small-town charm and a slice of Colorado history—don’t skip a tour of the Coors Brewery or a hike up Lookout Mountain. Plus, it’s a great place to stay if you’re going to a show at Red Rocks.
Finally, Fort Collins offers a relaxed college-town atmosphere, known for its bike-friendly streets and craft beer scene.
Together, these destinations create a Colorado road trip that’s as diverse as the state itself, blending urban, outdoor, and cultural adventures into one unforgettable journey.
Here’s a collection of my experiences in Colorado.
Stay
Four Seasons Vail Staying at the Four Seasons Vail Resort and skiing Vail Mountain was the person pairing for my snowy stay in Vail, Colorado
Highline Vail – a DoubleTree by Hilton Highline Vail - a DoubleTree by Hilton was the perfect one night stay getaway in Vail, Colorado
Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel Alpenrock is a stylish, cozy retreat located at the base of Peak 9 in Breckenridge, Colorado
Hotel Clio, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek Hotel Clio, A Luxury Collection Hotel, combines sophisticated accommodations and elegant design in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, Colorado
Kimpton Claret The Kimpton Claret in Denver’s Belleview Station offers an upscale stay with sweeping Rocky Mountain views from its rooftop lounge
The Dove Inn The Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado, is a charming, boutique bed-and-breakfast offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with vintage-inspired décor. 
The Hoffmann Hotel Basalt Aspen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton My stay at the The Hoffmann Hotel Basalt Aspen was well designed, just outside of Aspen and priced right in Basalt, Colorado. 
Thompson Denver The Thompson Hotel in Denver, Colorado, is a stylish boutique hotel that blends modern luxury with a nod to the city's historic charm.Experiences
Adult Beginner Half Day Group Ski Lesson with Vail Mountain My ski Lesson at Vail Mountain combined expert instruction with a supportive group setting
Adult Group Snowboarding Lesson at Breckenridge Resort Breckenridge Ski Resort, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, boasts North America's highest chairlift and great snowboarding lessons
Butterfly Pavillion Butterfly Pavillion has always been my favorite place to admire and be in awe of butterflies in their natural habitat, in Westminster, Colorado
Coors Brewery Tour and Taproom Time at Coors Brewery has always provided me a fun, interesting experience - and diverse beer tastings from the brand - in Golden, Colorado
Denver Botanic Garden The Denver Botanic Garden is a modern, lush landscape full of delightful flora, fauna and pollinators galore
Evening Snowshoeing Tour with the Walking Mountains Nature Discovery Center A evening snowshoeing experience with a Naturalist from Walking Mountains was an incredible exploration of the winter wonderland of Vail, Colorado
Garden of the Gods Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a stunning natural landmark, known for its towering red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. 
Great San Dunes National Park and Preserve Great San Dunes National Park and Preserve was a lesson in patience, practicality of night shooting and the quiet wonder of nighttime in a national park.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs Iron Mountain Hot Springs, with its natural mineral-rich hot springs and stunning views, offers a rejuvenating experience in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Maroon Bells Scenic Area Often called the most photographed mountains in North America, the striking 14,000-foot peaks of the Maroon Bells are a must-see for anyone exploring the Rockies.
Meow Wolf – Convergence Station Meow Wolf's Convergence Station installation in Denver was a visually overwhelming experience of art, creativity and presence
Mesa Verde National Park Mesa Verde National Park in Southwestern Colorado is a cornucopia of beautiful vistas and Ancestral Pueblo dwellings. 
New Belgium Brewery Tour & Tap Room New Belgium Brewery, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is renowned for its innovative and high-quality craft beers, including the iconic Fat Tire Amber Ale. 
River Tubing the Clear Creek River with Adventure West River tubing on Clear Creek with Adventure West in Golden, Colorado, was an exhilarating ride filled with exciting rapids and beautiful vistas
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an expansive wide open wilderness on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park Visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park was a brilliant, beautiful time into a luscious winter gateway in Estes Park, ColoradoEat
A5 Steakhouse – Denver A5 Steakhouse in Denver delivers a great dining experience with stunning ambiance and highlights like Japanese A5 Wagyu beef
Alpenrose Vail Alpenrose Vail is my go to favorite dinner spot for delicious Alpine and Switzerland inspired cuisine in Vail, Colorado
Avanti Food & Beverage Avanti Food & Beverage in Denver is a trendy, collective eatery housed in a modern space with a variety of chef-driven food concepts.
Avery Brewing Tap Room and Restaurant Dinner at Avery Brewing Tap Room and Restaurant was a great way to end the day - with good food and great beer - in Boulder, Colorado
Babe’s Tea Room – Denver Babe's Tea Room in Denver, Colorado, offers a charming and upscale experience reminiscent of a classic British tea house, complete with elegant décor and a variety of fine teas. 
Beckon Beckon in Denver, Colorado, is an intimate, chef-driven restaurant offering a seasonal tasting menu that highlights meticulously crafted dishes. 
Bird Bakery Bird Bakery in Greenwood Village offers made from scratch baked goods and cozy comforts in a in a warm setting
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a beautifully ornate venue, featuring a diverse global tea selection and international cuisine in a unique cultural setting.
Breckenridge Distillery Breckenridge Distillery, the world's highest distillery, produces whiskey, vodka and more and offers engaging tours and tastings - in Breckenridge, Colorado
Cafe 13 Cafe 13 in Golden, Colorado, is a popular spot known for its vibrant, eclectic menu that features both classic comfort foods and inventive dishes.
Chez Maggy Chez Maggy at the Thompson Denver offers a refreshing selection of breakfast items to start the day off right
ChoLon Downtown ChoLon's location in Lower Downtown Denver is s a mouthwatering spot to enjoy creative Asian fusion dishes among friends
Clark’s Oyster Bar Clark's Oyster Bar in Aspen, Colorado, is a chic seafood spot known for its fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and stylish ambiance.
Cohesion Brewing Co. Cohesion Brewing Company crafts Czech-style lagers using traditional methods for an unique taproom experience
Denver Biscuit Company Denver Biscuit Company at Atomic Cowboy in Golden, Colorado, is known for its oversized, fluffy biscuits served in creative dishes
Flame Restaurant Breakfast at Flame at the Four Seasons Vail was a delicious experience of some of my favorite breakfast dishes, in Vail Colorado
Four Friends Kitchen Four Friends Kitchen was a tummy warming and delicious foray into Southern comfort breakfast in Denver, Colorado
Higher Grounds Cafe Higher Grounds Cafe in Golden, Colorado, is a cozy, community-focused coffee shop known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent coffee.
Honor Farm Haunted Spirit House Honor Farm Haunted Spirit House is a cute, spooky themed bar in Lower Downtown area of Denver. But, double check the calendar before you arrive.
Matsuhisa – Apsen Matsuhisa served me outstanding sushi with a distinct creative flair in Aspen, Colorado. 
Nosu Ramen Nosu Ramen in Golden, Colorado, is a popular spot for flavorful ramen dishes served in a casual, welcoming environment. 
Paradise Bakery & Cafe My morning coffee and pastries at Paradise Bakery & Cafe was a warm introduction to the delights of mountain life in Aspen, Colorado
Reynard Social A drink at Reynard Social is a lovely way to top off your evening at the Thompson Denver
Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen is the best place to get New York style bagels in Denver, Colorado
Saverina Saverina, at the Kimpton Claret Hotel, serves up mouthwatering Italian-inspired modern American dishes, in an upscale setting
T/aco T/aco in Boulder, Colorado, is a vibrant urban taqueria known for its inventive tacos, cocktails, and house-made tortillas
Terminal Bar Located in Denver's Union Station, Terminal Bar blends historic charm with a wide selection of drinks
The Golden Mill The Golden Mill in Golden, Colorado, is a lively food hall featuring a variety of local eateries, craft beer, and self-serve taps. 
The Remedy Bar at The Four Seasons Vail The Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons Vail offers decadent hot chocolate and brilliantly crafted cocktails by the fire in Vail, Colorado
Uchi – Denver Uchi in Denver delivers an innovative Japanese dining experience with exceptional sushi, creative dishes, and a stylish, welcoming atmosphere
Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar in Denver serves authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale yet comfortable setting
