GETTING OFF TO A ROCKIES START

Monday, July 27, 2015
Denver, Colorado, United States
Denver was our first Colorado destination, and it was a beaut. The city is very lively and progressive, It reminded us of Toronto in many ways. We started the day by going to a community fair downtown. We like going to these events when we travel because it gives us a sense of the people who live there. Well, within 1 hour of arriving in Denver, we met and chatted with its Mayor Hancock. He said that he had some people visiting Toronto (for the Pan Am Games, we assumed), and we gave him a souvenir Toronto keychain. 

And from what we saw, this guy has a lot to be proud of . Downtown Denver is the site of much development, with groundbreaking architecture, amazing museums, stadiums, skyscrapers, gorgeous legislative buildings, and so on. There are some really cool neighborhoods which are filled with places you want to eat in, drink in, and shop in. For instance, like Toronto, Denver has a Union Station . However, in Denver, they transformed this from a humdrum rail terminal to an exciting people place, bustling with outdoor cafes, upscale restos, music, fountains -a destination for partiers. We had fun there, and it was a Sunday night!

One night, we were on a tram and passed a street concert packed with revelers. We left the tram, enquired, and though we didn't have tickets, we were ushered in. Here, we saw two excellent bands, one of which, "Capital Cities" (check them out on YouTube), had the crowd (including us) in their hands, While there, we met some local millennials who were so friendly and loved the trip we were taking, and offered to share their MJ with us .

As you probably know, it’s legal and readily available here in Colorado. However, what you may not know is that there are many retail stores where you go in, and they have every variation you can think of, from traditional forms to edibles such as cookies, gummy bears, key lime pie (!), and more. Out of curiosity, I got a “menu” from one of these shops. You would be shocked at the number of varieties offered by their sales staff (called budtenders!). I even talked to one, and it was like having a discussion with a sommelier.

While in Denver, we took a side trip to a suburb called Golden for a few good reasons. First was an annual festival they have, called Buffalo Bill Days. It was a downhome good time, with bluegrass music, hippies, families of beautiful blond haired children, craft booths, duck pond races, organic junk food (tofurky tacos?), From the things being offered and the people there, you knew that you were in alternative lifestyles Colorado.

The other major attraction to Golden was the Coors brewery, the largest in the world. A bus takes you there, and after a self-guided tour where you learn everything beer, you are led to the sampling room, a pseudo-pub, where you are free to indulge. Given the heatwave Denver was experiencing, it was a welcome treat.

The “Mile High City” was a great welcome to Colorado, and we anticipate more good things to come.

Comments

Vicki
2015-08-10

I have been reading every blog and just love where you have been, seen and done. Thanks for the blog. As for the MJ now that sounded interesting to see and listen to the guy. As for buying it, nah. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your travels.

The Sunnies
2015-08-10

Wow....you made it to Denver and it sounds every bit as fabulous as we've heard it is! You are both certainly having yet another memorable adventure filled with everything you enjoy and love most! Loving your blogs and will miss them once your travels come to a close....be safe and continue to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Love you two...

cissie.retired
2015-08-10

Hi from Port Hood, Cape Breton Island. We arrived in rain, but today is lovely. We're right on the Northhumberland Strait connected to the Atlantic. A beautiful spot. This morning, the males went fishing. The females are enjoying some peace and quiet! Yay!
I love the Art Gallery in Denver: very modern. You both look relaxed and happy, very important. Keep enjoying yourselves. As long as I get WiFi I'll keep answering. Drive safely.

Hope Springman
2015-08-10

Looks like Denver's nickname of "Mile High City" is accurate, in more ways than one! Loved the photos, especially of you schmoozing with the mayor. I hope he hangs that picture prominently in his office! Enjoy your amazing road trip and wishing you continued safe travels. I look forward to more great blogs from you! Xox

2025-02-08

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