I'm having a little bit of post-vacation depression today. On Thursday morning, my friends and I left for Denver, Colorado to celebrate a 30th birthday. It was my first trip to Colorado and, actually, the farthest west I've ever traveled. Despite the almost 12-hour drive there and then back, it was one of the best trips I've taken so far in my life.

We stayed in the cutest little Airbnb cottage in the West Highland neighborhood, which was close to all sorts of shops and restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, I actually got to try TWO that were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. We stopped at a place called California Tacos in Omaha, Nebraska on the way to Colorado, and then we had Sunday brunch at Highland Tavern in Denver. Check out the deliciousness:

We also ate at El Camino, Cafe Zuri, Baker St. Pub & Grill, Stoney's Bar & Grill, and Three Dogs Tavern. You can check out some more photos HERE.

Don't worry, I did more in Denver than just eat! Saturday we climbed Chief Mountain in Evergreen, which is right near Idaho Springs. We chose that particular mountain because it was recommended to us as a very basic hike. It was only about 2.8 miles, which should have been easy, but it wasn't. We didn't realize that, even though it was sunny and 60 outside, the snow from early in the week had lingered on the mountain. I've never been to the Rocky Mountains before, so we had no idea what to expect. The paths were so icy at times that it was difficult to stay standing, and I managed to make it until the last 20-freaking-feet of the path before I landed very hard on my butt. It got to be bitterly cold at the top of the mountain, and the wind was so strong that I actually had windburn on my face the next day. It was the most challenging thing I've ever done, but it was also one of the coolest. My only regret was that I didn't have gloves and spiky shoes. The view from the top of Chief Mountain was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. Here are some of the pics:

While in Colorado we also went to downtown Denver for some drinks, did karaoke at Armida's, and visited the Denver Zoo.

Courtlin
Courtlin
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Overall, I don't think that this trip could've been any better (aside from the fact that I was sick the whole time). Colorado felt like home to me, and I cannot wait to go back and explore more of it!

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