There are SO many transatlantic routes direct from Dublin Airport now (at last count it was up to 22!) , so if you are wanting to get away from the usual New York, Orlando, Vegas, etc holiday hotspots why not consider a break to one of the newer destinations on offer?
And one such brand new destination is Denver in the State of Colorado. Aer Lingus operates seasonal flights (up to 6 times per week March to October) direct to Denver on their A330-200 aircraft – and of course flying direct from Dublin means you can preclear US immigration before stepping onboard the flight, meaning you arrive, go straight to pick up your bags and out to begin your adventure!
For this particular NInja trip, we had 3 main stops to make – Denver, Glenwood Springs and Aspen – all easily accessible with short enough drive times between each stop. So after a 9 hour flight – albeit a very relaxing and comfortable 9 hour flight – it was off to pick up our hire car and straight to Downtown Denver to see what Colorado could offer as a short (or longer) holiday destination ….
DENVER
Denver – The Mile High City! It’s precisely one mile above sea level – hence the moniker, it’s the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and (for all you 80s TV buffs) the show ‘Dynasty’ was set there.
Having driven the short 20min journey from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver, we parked the rental car and checked into the perfectly located Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown – Union Street. Nothing beats walking into your hotel room to be greeted with floor to ceiling windows giving a great view of the downtown skyline, especially at dusk with the lights twinkling. After a transatlantic flight, it was time to hit the sack and recharge for the following morning.
Up early the following morning, a hearty breakfast was essential. And there is nowhere better than ‘Fox and the Hen’, just across the South Platte River from Downtown into Highland. A menu packed with anything you could wish for, from their sausage mac muffin, avocado toast, or their take on Huevos rancheros, to French toast, omelettes or ham and cheese croissants. With seating inside and out, the perfect place to sip a morning cup of Jo, enjoy good food, and watch the neighbourhood come to life.
Once we had reached satiety, we set off for a walk along the South Platte River Trail, and made our way towards Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos in the NFL. The stadium offers tours and also an opportunity to visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. A short walk from the stadium and we had reached our first destination of the day, ‘Meow Wolf’. Now …. how do you explain Meow Wolf to someone who has never been?? Well here goes…. It is an immersive playground that transports audiences of all ages to fantastic realms of story and exploration. Psychedelic, mind-bending art greets you as you enter into a journey of surreal science-fiction. Set over four floors, let yourself get lost (both physically and mentally) as you walk from room to room, with secret doors leading to new rooms you wouldn’t even have known were there. In fact, I would say if you don’t get lost at least a couple of times then you’re not doing it right! It would be impossible for your child’s creativity not to be inspired by walking around Meow Wolf. But this isn’t just for children, even a NInja can walk through their doors and be blown away. I think it is difficult to truly portray in words what Meow Wolf is and what it offers, it really is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed.
Having had our minds blown for a few hours, it was time to refuel again and head for some lunch. And when it comes to choice, it is hard to beat ‘Avanti’. Again, located just across the river from downtown, Avanti is a modern-day food hall concept inspired by the European markets and local food truck roundups. Walk inside and take your pick – Knockabout Burgers, Ama Modern Mexican, Farang Thai Kitchen, The Pizza Bandit, Bowls by Ko, Eloise American Bistro or Quiero Arepas. You are literally spoilt for choice, and you could spend half your day reading the menus and walking from outlet to outlet trying to make that all important decision. One thing is certain though, no matter what you choose you will be well fed and top quality cuisine. With a bar on the first floor, you can sit inside or out on the terrace and enjoy the views over that Denver skyline again.
Suitably fed and raring to go, we headed downtown to see what else Denver had to offer. Unfortunately, there just weren’t enough hours in the day!
First up was Union Station, one of the iconic buildings in the city. Still a working station for commuters, Union Station also lends its name to the area in which it is located. A station was first opened on the site in 1881, but burned down in 1894. The current station was completed in 1914. As well as the station itself, there is also a hotel, restaurants and retailers located on site.
Next up was the Denver Convention Center, and in particular the Big Blue Bear. The 40ft bear, located on the 14th Street side of the building, is erected to appear like the bear is peering in through the windows of the centre. Installed in 2005, the Big Blue Bear quickly become an icon of the city, and is a bit of a local celebrity on social media these days #instafamous
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) certainly ticks the box for those slightly more cultured than this NInja! The design of the museum building itself catches the eye, all angles and points, and once inside you can view masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Pissaro to name but a few. From the European giants to a large collection of American Indian art, you quickly see how with over 70,000 diverse works from across the centuries and world, that DAM is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago.
From the art museum we dandered a few blocks to the Molly Brown House Museum. For those who know their history, or maybe just love the James Cameron movie, you may recognise that name as one of the Titanic’s most famous survivors. Known as the ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’, she lived in the home from 1894-1911, before then renting the property to tenants until her death in 1932. The museum is now a shrine to all things Molly Brown and Titanic. Filled with all sorts of artifacts and exhibits interpreting her life, Victorian Denver and historic preservation.
A short walk from the Molly Brown House is the Colorado State Capitol building, constructed in the 1890s and intentionally reminiscent of the United States Capitol building in Washington DC. Built from Colorado white granite, the distinctive gold dome, which consists of real golf leaf to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush, was added in 1908. The building is part of the city’s Civic Center Historic District, and overlooks the Civic Center Park.
From there we walked down 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian-friendly street packed with shopping, restaurants and attractions in downtown Denver. With 300 stores, 50 restaurants and the Denver Pavilions shopping mall, there is plenty to see and do in what is a fantastic use of urban space.
Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped off at the National Ballpark Museum – The best kept secret in baseball! The museum prides itself in one-of-a-kind treasures, including those from the original 14 classic ballparks. They are the only museum dedicated to ballparks, and their collection was recognised by Smithsonian Books as one of the top 20 finest private baseball collections in the world.
After an action-packed morning and afternoon, it was time to freshen up back at Hotel Indigo before heading for dinner. And just like breakfast and lunch, dinner did not disappoint. The venue this time was ‘Milk Market’, another food hall type establishment with so much to offer it’s hard to make that all important decision. Albina By The Sea, MoPoke, Green Huntsman, Bos Butcher and Deli, Fuso, Ghost Tortilla, Morning Jones, Fem Crepes, Bikers & Bakers and Cornicello. From steak frites to shrimp tacos, ice cream to crepes, you will not struggle to get something to tickle the taste buds.
From dinner, it was a short walk to Coors Field, home of Denver’s Major League Baseball team, the Colorado Rockies. And what a ballgame we were lucky enough to witness, with the struggling Rockies taking the game to the New York Mets, but unfortunately just missing out in the end. We can’t guarantee that you’ll be served up such a frenetic and entertaining game every time you visit Coors Field, but one thing you will get is that feeling of “everyday USA”. Sitting at a ballgame, enjoying a beer or soft drink, munching on a hotdog or peanuts, and of course singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch! It doesn’t get any better than that.
Day 1 in Denver complete and it ticked all the boxes. We were well and truly shattered after a thoroughly enjoyable day walking the city, and it was time to retire for the night before starting all over again in the morning.
Before leaving Denver, it was time for one last meal. Breakfast at ‘Olive & Finch’, located close to the hotel next to Union Station. Whether you want scrambled eggs or breakfast tacos, Shakshuka or overnight oats, you are guaranteed that everything is made 100% from scratch with real, whole ingredients. Their dessert display is also a thing of beauty, it’s hard to choose between the Black Forest Cake and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar, so you know what, you’re on your holiday – just buy both!!
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
You wont go on too many more scenic drives than the one from Denver to Glenwood Springs – approx. 2 hours 15 mins up and through mountain ranges and scenery that will take your breath away.
Arriving in Glenwood Springs, a warm welcome always awaits at the town’s iconic Hotel Colorado. Notable visitors to the hotel include that previously mentioned Unsinkable Molly Brown, as well as two former presidents, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and President William Howard Taft. There is a story that the teddy bear itself was invented at the hotel during President Roosevelt’s visit – however, this NInja believes that may be more fiction than fact!
The town centre was a quick walk across a pedestrian bridge and our first stop – ‘Glenwood Canyon Brewpub’ for lunch. A microbrewery located within the former historic Hotel Maxwell Anderson (Hotel Denver), it now brews 1,100 barrels annually and is one of the most award-winning brewpubs in Colorado. Their food ain’t too bad either – with Spicy Wisconsin Cheese Curds to start, a Bison Patty Burger for main, washed down by one of their 16oz Strawberry Daze beers.
Glenwood Springs, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is a haven for both families and adventure seekers alike. We made our way to Blue Sky Adventures and Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op, for a proper “Bucket List” experience …. Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado River through the Glenwood Canyon. It’s true what they say, “You’ll never forget the thrill of the ‘famous’ Shoshone Rapids”. The Class III section of the rapids are an adventure seeker’s dream, although there is an option to skip these and join the group for the mild and scenic section.
The adventure starts with a safety briefing before jumping on the minibus to be transported up river. Encompassing over 12 miles of river, the experience includes whitewater thrills, stunning scenery, and moments of relaxation believe it or not. Each raft has a guide at the rear, making sure you’re prepared and ready for each rapid.
NOTHING prepares you for that first rapid though, as you crash up and over the wave and the ice cold water hits you like a punch to the stomach! A combination of adrenaline and excitement gets you through that first rapid, and leaves you buzzing and craving the next one. A thrill like no other, truly a Holiday NInja recommendation of the highest order!
Once we were back on dry land, it was back to the hotel to get ourselves sorted before heading out for the evening. The main thoroughfare in Glenwood Springs is Grand Avenue, and this is where we headed to choose a restaurant for dinner. There is plenty of choice that’s for sure, with all the world’s cuisines at your fingertips. We opted for ‘Smoke Modern Barbeque’, and we weren’t disappointed.
Next up was something unique – a theme park located at the top of the mountain with access ONLY by gondola …. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, “America’s only mountaintop amusement park”. Situated 7,100ft above sea level and perched over the town, the gondola ride up is a great experience in itself.
Once in the park, there is a selection of roller coasters and thrill rides, including Defiance, Alpine, Cliffhanger and the Giant Canyon Swing. The swing launches you nearly vertical at 50mph over a 1,300ft cliff edge above the Colorado River. Petrifying isn’t the word! There’s also plenty to choose from to suit the less wild in your party. There are plenty of attractions that are perfect for every member of the family. These include the Wild West Express, Mine Wheel, Giddy Up and Adventurous Playground. Not to mention the Trolls, 4D Motion Theatre and Laser Tag.
The evening we attended was the opening night of “Music On The Mountain”, a series of free open air concerts in the park. The party mood was palpable as the singers belted out some 70’s Disco classics. People in their finest disco attire were singing and dancing the night away, with kids from 4 to 84 having the time of their lives.
We hopped back onto the gondola to bring us back down the mountain, and it was time to head back to Hotel Colorado after another non stop day!
The following morning, we grabbed a bagel and coffee at Wild Coffee on 7th Street before hiking to Doc Holliday’s Grave. Holliday, best known for his involvement in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, lived out his final days in Glenwood Springs before succumbing to tuberculosis at the age of 36. He is buried in Linwood Cemetery overlooking Glenwood Springs. From Grand Avenue, it is about a 45 minute hike there and back to visit his grave memorial.
After all the excitement of the previous few days, it was time to relax, and where better than the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. Rejuvenating mind and body since 1888, they are one of the original attractions in Colorado. The 15 minerals found in their water create a unique blendof natural spring water that relaxes, soothes and restores the body, mind and spirit. The water in the Grand Pool and Therapy Pool is filtered and purified 24 hours a day to ensure the cleanest and healthiest water possible.
You can experience a range of different temperatures as you make your way through the different pools on offer, from the Grand Pool to the various therapy pools. There are also a few cold water plunge pools if you want to shock your system back to life. After all the travelling and excitement this was the perfect conclusion to our time in Glenwood Springs. But there was no time to waste, Aspen was calling …..
ASPEN
Aspen is well-known as a ski destination and home of the X Games, but its silver mining history and Elk Mountains location offer so much more than just hitting the slopes. Speak to a ‘local’ and they’ll tell you “I came to Aspen for the winter, but stayed for the summer” – and only a 45 mins drive from Glenwood Springs
At the time of our visit, ski season was over but there was still plenty to see and do.
Smuggler Mine Tour gives you the opportunity to go down into a former silver mine and learn about the history of mining in Aspen. It also happens to be the location of where the largest nugget of silver was mined. The guide takes you deep into the mountain and explains what it would have been like for the miners back in the day. Talk about a hard way to make a living.
The John Denver Sanctuary is nestled in the heart of Aspen, next to the Rio Grande Park. Its peaceful and tranquil setting makes it the perfect place for a family picnic or for some quiet alone time, to sit and read a book or to enjoy some meditation. The Song Garden area features many of the singer’s lyrics etched into native river boulders and placed in a circle to represent the circle of life. Man-made wetlands and winding streams make their way through the sanctuary, and you’ll also find one of the largest perennial flower gardens open to the public.
Also check out Aspen Art Museum – a 30,000sq.ft building which catches the eye straightaway as you walk down E. Hyman Street. The non-collecting museum presents immersive and audience engaging experiences of art, culture and society.
After a walk through the town, we checked into our accommodation courtesy of Frias Properties of Aspen Snowmass. Chateau Roaring Fork was a delightful 2 bedroom condo with a wrap round balcony overlooking the Roaring Fork River. A massive regret was that we only had 1 night there as the sound of the river in the morning when you woke up was particularly soothing!
Dinner was at ‘Wild Fig’ in the centre of town. A local restaurant, but close your eyes and you’d be transported to the Mediterranean with the sounds and smells of the brasserie. The menu provided options from Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines. It was a hard call between the veal loin scaloppine and the filet mignon, but genuinely, the menu provided so much choice that if red meat isn’t your thing, then you needn’t worry. And if you thought the food menu was impressive, it was nothing compared to the drinks menu. Page after page of wines, cocktails and liquors.
Next door to the Wild Fig is Stranahan’s Whiskey Lounge. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is Colorado’s first legal whiskey distillery since prohibition. The story goes that volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a neighbour’s barn fire in 1998. The barn belonged to George Stranahan, a long-time brewery owner and whiskey connoisseur. The two men discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of whiskey. From this relationship, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was born. They released their first bottle in 2006. The whiskey lounge is a cool, dark bar, perfect to settle in and order a flight to sample four of the whiskeys they have to offer. Our flight contained Blue Peak, Original, Sherry Cask and Single Barrel. For an Irishman at high altitude, all that can be said is that whiskey really packed a punch!
The following morning we grabbed breakfast on the go at ‘Paradise Bakery’, before setting off for another truly mind-blowing experience.
The Maroon Bells, a series of distinctively bell-shaped, wine-coloured peaks rising to over 14,000 ft above sea level, tower above the pristine, glacial Maroon Creek Valley and offer some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. As the most photographed peaks in North America, the Maroon Bells promise premium views and amazing access to Aspen’s natural wilderness. This is truly one of the world’s most scenic and photogenic spots, and it’s hard in this modern world not to have your phone in your hand constantly to try and capture that perfect shot. But after all the photos, there’s something therapeutic about putting the phone in your pocket and wandering the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and taking in the natural beauty in all its glory …..a “STUNNING” description doesn’t even do it justice.
And with that, so our time in Aspen, and Colorado, had came to an end. We checked out, loaded up the car and set off for the airport. But one last tip – if you are driving from Aspen back to Denver International Airport, be sure to take the Independence Pass. A scenic byway, you are at 12,095 ft, so the scenic overlooks and 360 degree views are absolutely spectacular. We even stopped off at Tenderfoot Farm in Twin Lakes for one last Bison Hotdog on our way through the pass before returning the car at the airport and heading for home.
One of the two official state songs of Colorado is “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver. And a more fitting theme the state could not have. Denver offers that American city buzz, but is also the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Once you drive out of the city, in our case for Glenwood Springs and then Aspen, the Rocky Mountains are there in all their glory and offer truly spectacular views for hours on end. A remarkable trip – and one that this NInja highly recommends you all now go and experience for yourself!!
This was another thoroughly enjoyable trip across to the USA to visit a State that wouldn’t necessarily be top of the hitlist for a lot of people from the UK and Ireland – in very similar vein to previous NInja trips to Ohio and Michigan. But when you experience the warmth and charm of this part of the United States, you will quickly realise that Colorado is one of those places that you can’t believe you hadn’t thought of before.
Whether it be that BIG city feel of Denver, the friendliness and small town nature of a place like Glenwood Springs, or the opulence and prestige of Aspen, then Colorado can tick all your boxes for that holiday. AND a BIG factor is that I think it would be a completely different experience in the colder winter months when the snow is there ….. maybe a return trip early/late Winter should be on the cards?
You can check out the FULL highlights from this NInja trip over on the Instagram page – on the homepage under the COLORADO USA highlight tab – CLICK HERE
Why not visit your LOCAL NInja travel agency and ask them to plan your next NInja adventure to COLORADO USA you can contact them via Holiday NInja – CLICK HERE – and we can easily make that connection for you!!
EMAIL THE NINJA
THE HOLIDAY NINJA CLUB
He will drop kick ninja star holidays direct to your inbox
